SPC1024 - BC Online

Use this guide to learn how to research and cite sources for your speeches.

An informative speech gives us unbiased, factual information on a topic, person, event, or concept. The goal is to educate the audience without an opinion, judgment, or intent to change the audience's attitude. The informative speech should enlighten listeners on a subject that is non-controversial. Types of informative speeches include:

• Demonstrating to an audience how to do something such as changing a tire, or attaching a file to an email.
• Describing a particular activity, object, person, or place. Examples would be a piece of artwork, the Great Wall of China, or First Lady Michelle Obama.
• Concept speeches which focus on a belief, idea, or theory. Topics such as Christianity, the Big Bang Theory, or non-violent protesting would be appropriate.

A persuasive speech proposes to change your beliefs or actions on a particular issue. The presenter takes a side and gives his/her opinion on why something is good/bad, right/wrong, moral/immoral, or justified/unjustified. The topics tend to be debatable and the speech itself should have a convincing tone. While the objective is to sway your audience, it is important to have factual evidence to support your argument. Common examples of persuasive public speaking include:

• A politican running for office or re-election
• A lawyer or prosecutor trying to influence a jury
• A doctor persuading a patient to stop smoking
• A salesclerk encouraging a customer to open a credit card