Types of Speeches

JAWARIA SAMIYA SIDDIQUI

“Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to
convert, to compel.” 

–Ralph Waldo Emerson

 Categories of Speeches
The three main categories of speeches are:
 Informative: An informative speech educates the audience about its
topic.

 Persuasive: A persuasive speech makes a convincing case for its position

or viewpoint.

 Argumentative: An argumentative speech persuades the audience to

take the side of the speaker, and the speaker generally discusses a topic
he or she feels strongly about.
 Approaches to Frame Speeches
 Cause and Effect

 Compare and Contrast

 Categorical

 Chronological

 Biographical
 Persuasive Vs. Argumentative

Persuasion relies on emotions and is opinion based. It

may ignore opposing points of view.
Argumentation relies on facts and logic. It accounts for
opposing points of view.
 Argumentative Speeches
Arguments are claims backed by reasons and supported
with evidence.
It is a reasoned, logical way of asserting the soundness
of a position, belief, or conclusion.
It takes a stand—supported by evidence—and urges
people to share the speaker’s perspective and insights.
 Function of Argumentative Speeches

To clarify thinking as individuals and groups

To explain or defend actions or beliefs
To solve problems or make judgments
For intellectual stimulation
 Argumentative Technique

Cite relevant reasons and credible data to show that

your argument is valid
This includes facts, observations, examples, cases,
testimony, experimental findings, survey data, statistics
 Structuring a Speech

Introduce your topic

Make your claim (thesis statement)
Give supporting arguments
Address possible counterarguments and negate them
Conclude by reinforcing your message
 Strategies

Appeal to reason
Ask rhetorical questions
Call to action
 Caution!

Argumentative speeches are NOT screaming matches.

Don’t raise your voice. Improve your argument.
 Persuasive Speeches
A persuasive speech is a presentation that aims to
change others by prompting them to think, feel, or act
differently.
• Change people’s attitudes,
• Change the strength towards or against people, policies, or
ideas
• Change how people act
 Characteristics of Persuasive Speeches

1) Persuasive speaking is “interactive.”

an engagement between a speaker and a listener
2) Persuasion is NOT the same as coercion, or force.
not force them to do  be artistic
3) Persuasive impact is usually gradual, or incremental.
 Principles of Speech Organization
Introduction should capture audience’s attention,
provide clear thesis statement, preview what you will
cover.
Smooth transitions between points and parts of a
speech are needed.
Body should be organized to reinforce thesis and show
unity of ideas.
Conclusion should summarize main points and end with
strong closing statements.
 Motivated Sequence Pattern
Attention – “Pay attention. This is important to you.”

Need – “Something is wrong and something must be done about it.”

Satisfaction – “What I have to offer is the way to solve the problem.”

Visualization – “This is how my plan will work to solve the problem; and
if you accept my solution, things will be much better.”

Action – “Take action!”

 Persuasive Speech Outline
I. Begin with an Attention Step that is an
- Opening statement of interest
(use one or more of the following):
A rhetorical question
A startling statement
A quotation
An illustration or story
A reference to the subject
A reference to the occasion
 Persuasive Speech Outline

II. Show there is a need,

III. Present a solution,
IV. Help your audience visualize the future,
V. Conclude with the Action Step
 Informative Speech

An informative speech communicates knowledge and

understanding about a process, an event, a person or
place, an object, or a concept.

Informative speakers share what they know or have

researched to familiarize an audience with a topic an
audience wants or needs to understand.
 Types of Informative Speeches

Expository Speech – gives information about a specific

topic
Process speech – explains how to do something, how
to make something, or how something works
 Introduction of the Speech

1. Capture your audience’s attention with an interesting

statement or question.
2. Gain the listener’s interest by relating the topic to
their experiences/life
3. State the goal or purpose of your speech (Thesis)
 Body of Speech
There are three main ways you can organize the main points
of your speech:
1. Chronological Order: presenting a sequence of
something.
2. Logical Order: ordering information in groups or
categories.
3. Spatial Order: describing an arrangement.
 Conclusion of Speech

Two main functions of a good conclusion:

1. Refer to your introduction and summarize your main
points; this kind of overview is an especially
important way to reinforce your message for listeners
2. End with a quotation, an anecdote, or thought-
provoking final statement