Oral Communication in Context

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Types of Speeches

Types of Speeches

This module is the culmination of what you learned from the previous
chapters. In this chapter you will be applying the orals communications
skills you have learned previously to reach the goal of this subject This
module aims that you:
1. Distinguish types of speeches;
2. Use principles of effective speech delivery in different
situations;
3. Use principles of effective speech writing; and
4. Use principles of effective speech delivery.

According to purpose
Expository/Informative Speech
This kind of speech is meant to inform and enlighten an audience about a
topic they do not know. The goal of the speaker is to impart knowledge and
help make the audience understand the topic.
An expository speech can be about an object, process, event, or concept.
Speeches about an object focus on the tangible instead of abstract. Topics can
be anything that our senses can experience. Examples are speeches about
beaches in Palawan, the new perfume from a celebrity, your favorite food,
etc.
A speech about incidents, experiences, historical or personal is called a
speech about events. Events discussed can be something from the past or a
current one. This kind of speech aims to bring the audience’s consciousness
to things that happened, happening or about to happen in our world. The
President’s inaugural address is an example of this speech. Another example
can be about the time a baby was born during a calamity or even simple
things like your first time to attend a Chinese wedding.
The next kind of informative speech is about a process. The content of this
speech is focused on the steps taken or actions needed to make something
like pesto pasta or how to play basketball. The last kind of speech is about
concept.
Speech about concept talks about the abstract or simply what we cannot
perceive using our senses. Philosophies and theories or views on world
peace, or racial discrimination or gender politics are some examples of
speeches about concepts.

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 Persuasive Speech
Persuasive speech is all about pushing people into action, whether to do or
not do something. It is created in such a way to arouse favor against or for a
policy, person, or plan. Persuasion is all about making people believe or do
something. It is important for the speaker to influence the object to agree
with him/her on his/her points. The goal of this speech is to make the
listeners feel good about the lecture and not feel coerced or forced but not
just informed.
Persuasive speeches can be categorized either according to purpose or topic.
Persuasive speeches according to purpose are speeches to actuate, to
convince and to inspire. On the other hand, persuasive speeches according to
topic consist of factual persuasive speech, policy persuasive speech, and value
persuasive speech.
Factual persuasive speech’s core basis is to answer the question “is it true?”
This speech uses evidence to back up his/her points in convincing the
audience to determine the truth. This speech is used to convince listeners
whether Pluto is a planet or if vaccines cause autism in children.
In value persuasive speech, the argument is about ethics or morality, if
something is actually right. An example of this speech can be whether or not
same sex marriage should be allowed in the Philippines.
The last kind of persuasive speech is the policy persuasive speech. This is to
influence the audience whether to reject or support a rule, regulation or
dogma. It is to persuade them to go against or maintain the status quo. An
example of this speech can be about adopting Federalism in our country or
having a constitutional change.
Speech to actuate involves convincing people to act. This speech is created to
influence the behavior of the audience. A miting de avance is a perfect sample
of this kind of speech. A speech to convince, on the other hand, is to establish
conviction. An example of this kind of speech can be a conclusion that
women are better than men. Lastly, a speech that is meant to change the
feelings of listeners is a speech to inspire. Eulogies, commencement speeches,
even New Year messages are some examples.
Entertainment Speech
A speech for entertainment purpose is to make the listeners enjoy, smile or
relax. Maintaining the attention and focus of the audience is important and
the speaker can do that by telling a joke, or dramatizing an anecdote or story,
or tell a scary story, etc.

Methods of Delivery
Reading from a manuscript – this is delivering a speech from a text
written word-for-word. This is a good for speaker who would want to
practice beforehand the speech they will be delivering. This is to ensure that
they will not forget their words. Congressional hearings, educational paper
presentation are places where this can be done.
The weakness of this method is that the speaker may at times be more
focused on reading the manuscript rather than connecting with the audience.
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Types of Speeches

This speech may also be too formal at times and may make the audience
uncomfortable specially if the speaker rigidly follows the script. Reading to
quickly is also a possibility when using this method of delivery.
Memorized Speech – this method entails a word-for-word delivery. Before
this speech is delivered, the speech is written by the speaker. During the
delivery of the speech no note cards or manuscripts are used. The advantage
of this method is that the speaker can move freely while speaking.
Connecting with the audience and gauging the increase or decrease of
attention can also be done with this method. There are, however, also
disadvantages when using this method. Blanking out while speaking or
forgetting the words can be quite an alarming experience for the speaker and
cause discomfort to the listeners. Another weakness of this method is that
the speaker can sound robotic or may rush when speaking. The room for no
adlibs in this method can sometimes feel rigid and stiff specially when the
speaker does not use correct emotions or emphasis on the right parts and
would always lack spontaneity. This method of delivery can still be
beneficial.
Impromptu Speech
This method is used when you speak at the spur of the moment. Recitations
or speaking during a meeting are some instances where you use this method.
This method relies on stock knowledge on the subject and requires you to
organize your ideas while speaking. This method’s strength is that is
spontaneous and sounds natural; however, this may also result in the lack of
filtering of words or ideas. Thinking on your feet is a skill that complements
this method because of the lack of time for preparation. For this kind of
delivery one must always remember to keep it short and simple. Avoid
rambling, mumbling or flitting from one idea to another. Focusing on your
central idea is key.
Extemporaneous Speech
Extemporaneous speaking is when you only use an outline as a guide when
delivering your speech. This is like a middle ground between memorized
delivery and impromptu delivery. This method still requires preparation
however it only uses an outline, keywords or phrases that you can put on
memory cards or power point presentations. The outline of this speech is
carefully crafted. When this method is used carelessly, it will sound like a
bad impromptu speech. Executing this method properly will result to an
almost memorized speech with the flexibility to move about and adlib here
and there, thus, sounding more natural.

Principles of Speech Writing

Parts of the speech
As with any kind of speech, except of course the impromptu method,

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you will need to learn these basic parts

I. Introduction
A. Attention Getter
B. Significance
C. Credibility
D. Thesis Statement
E. Preview
F. Transition into your first main point

II. The Main Body

A. First main point
1. First sub-point and supporting material
2. Transition closing off main point one and
opening main point two
B. Second main point
1. First sub-point of this section and supporting
material
2. Second sub-point and supporting material
3. Transition closing off main point two and
opening main point three
C. Third main point
1. First sub-point of this section and supporting
material
2. Transition into closing

III. Conclusion
A. Review of main points
B. Final statement – should also link back to Intro.

Choosing the Topic

As with anything where results are expected, choosing a topic means
knowing what your goal is. What is the purpose of this speech? Choose
something that you are interested in or know about to make it less tedious on
your part. It may be difficult to zero in on just one topic, so to help you
choose: write the general topics first then narrow it down to more specific
topics.
Analyzing the Audience
Part of speech preparation is knowing who will be your listeners. You would
need to adapt to their age range, interests, needs, and expectations. You have
gauge their educational level, race, religion, geographic uniqueness, income,
gender, and language. This information will help you adjust necessary
details. Remember to be careful with your use of words as this will greatly
affect your influence on people. An example of this unfortunate mistake is
Senator Sotto’s “na ano” statement
(http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/05/03/1696362/sotto-draws-
flak-belittling-taguiwalos-single-parenthood-na-ano-lang).
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Types of Speeches

Sourcing the Information

Speech preparation must also include gathering information about the topic.
Select the materials according to its relevance, depth, a breadth to the topic
and your audience. You can use anecdotes, or humorous, unique or
interesting stories to make your speech richer and to illustrate points. Be
careful of the quality of your research. You will be sharing this to an
audience so be very careful when using resources as they will affect your
credibility.

Principles of Speech Delivery

Voice
1. Rate or speed
The speed or rate varies and will depend on the mood or thought
that you would like to communicate. It is important to determine
which parts of your speech should you slow down or when to be
fast.
2. Pause
Pauses in speeches are important so that the listeners are given
some time to let the information or emotions sink in. A pause may
be used to elicit anticipation, kill boredom or emphasize a word.
3. Duration
The type of speech dictates the duration of the speech. Each
occasion will call for different lengths. Fast speakers can talk at 160
words a minute, on the other hand, a slower one uses 100 words
per minute.
4. Rhythm
Speech rhythm is how spoken words are arranged, alternating from the
stressed and unstressed elements. It is also the rising and falling of the voice
that adds cadence and regularity during speech delivery.
a. Pitch – refers to how high or low your tone is perceived. This
element usually conveys emotions when used in speaking.
b. Volume – this is the loudness or softness of a sound. This
element shows the energy behind the speaker. A good
speaker must always speak in a modulated voice, one that is
neither too loud nor too soft.
c. Enunciation
This is the correct articulation or pronunciation of words.
Pronunciation focuses on rhythm, stress, and intonation of
syllables. Articulation, on the other hand, is about the
individual sound created. To be able to create a more
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 meaningful, clearer and more accurate speech, the speaker
must always enunciate words properly.
d. Fluency
This if frequently observed when engaged in an impromptu
speech. This is the ability to express and speak smoothly
without difficulty in utilizing the appropriate words. Fluency
or good diction adds the value of smoothness of flow in
communication. Absence of fluency can result to
misinformation and may lessen one’s persuasiveness leading
the audience to lose focus on what you are saying.

Body
1. Shoulders
Movement and position of shoulders convey the behavior of the
speaker. Relaxed shoulders are always a must to communicate
integrity and maintain your influence. Hunched shoulders projects
doubt and uncertainty on the speaker’s part which results to your
listeners doubting you.
2. Arms and hands
The movement of the hands and arms signals purpose and grace. If
not used to express something, let them rest at the side. Be careful
with gestures. Too big gestures may look to theatrical and no hand
or arm movements tend to make you look stiff and awkward.
3. Eyes
Maintaining eye contact with your audience conveys confidence and
encourages connection with them. How you move your eyes also
affect the message you are sending. Rolling your eyes may convey
disregard while giving them the side eye may send a message that
you were offended in some way by a member of the audience.
4. Posture
Good posture, specially when speaking, signals control, courage,
authority and belief. Stand straight with your feet apart and
shoulders squared facing the audience. Do not lean or slouch as it
may convey anxiety or disinterest.
5. Walking
Movements attract attention when delivering a speech. Every once
in a while, a speaker must move away from the lectern to be visibly
available to the listeners. This movement provides a mental
connection where in you show that you want your audience to
connect and empathize with you. Too much movement; however,
may become too distracting and work against you.
6. Facial expressions
The face can give a lot of information to the receiver of the message.
The face unconsciously communicates fear, joy, sadness, or doubt. So
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Types of Speeches

a speaker must always be mindful of his reactions. The brain is

programmed to make sense of even the slightest ticks or micro ticks
of the face. Practice in front of the mirror or record yourself
speaking so you can observe how your face moves when speaking.
7. Appearance
Like the old adage, first impressions last, it is important for a
speaker to also take extra care of her or his appearance. This means
you have to be aware of how you dress up. Each occasion entails
different dress codes, and as a speaker you must always dress
accordingly to convey integrity, confidence, and authority. Good
grooming is a basic element to always practice. Remember that you
must always be mindful of how you project yourself as to avoid
distracting your audience from your message.

References
Diaz, Rafaela Hernandez. (2014). Speech and Oral Communication for College
Students, Revised Edition. Quezon City: National Bookstore
Baraceros, Esther L. and Lintao, Rachelle, B. (2010). English 4: Oral
Communication in Context (First Edition). Quezon City: Rex
Bookstore, Inc.
Dapat, Jose Rizal O., Sadorra, Bryan Eli B., and Lumabi, Bethany Marie C.
(2016). Oral Communication in Focus. Quezon City: Lormar
Publishing, Inc.
Flores, C.and Lopez E. (2008). Effective Speech Communication 5 th Edition.
National Bookstore: Philippines.
Galero-Tejero, E. (2008) Doorways to English Language Proficiency: A self-
improvement program. National Bookstore: Philippines
Effective Communication (n.d). Management Training Australia. Retrieved
from http://fhs.fms.k12.nm.us/Teachers/MBrown/06B3A21F-
00757F35.1/expository-speech
http://www.westada.org/Page/29033

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