Public Speaking and

Reports in the
Information Age
In this chapter, we will be more specific in
dealing with communicating and reporting
in the age of information. Here, we will be
discussing both theory and practice, with
the help of model essays and tasks
assigned for you.
You will learn the history of public
speaking. It is important to be able to
locate oneself in the different traditions of
public speaking around the world and to
be able to learn from those who have
come before us.
Public speaking
It is a process of speaking in a
structured, deliberate manner to inform,
influence or entertain an audience.
Public speaking
The importance of public speaking cannot be
denied. Great speeches have moved nations to
war and revolution, but had also turned war into
peace because they inspire and move people to
act.
Public speaking

Public speaking is the process of

communicating information to an
audience. It is usually done before a
large audience.
Speech
It is the term used to refer to the body spoken
expressions of information and ideas. It may be
delivered in any of the following modes: read
from a manuscript, memorized and delivered
extemporaneous or impromptu.
Speech
The choice of mode of speech delivery is determined by
factors such as length of preparation, complexity of
message, purpose and occasion.
We look at the speeches in three different ways:
 Types of Speeches According to Delivery
 Types of Speeches According to Purpose
 Types of Speeches According to Special Occasion
Types of Speeches
According to
Delivery
Reading from a Manuscript/Manuscript
Speaking

It is appropriate when the speech is long and

when details are complicated and essential such
as that they need to be given completely
through word for word iteration.
Reading from a Manuscript/Manuscript
Speaking

Reading is also appropriate when one is asked

to deliver a prepared speech on behalf of
another speaker. Reading is the easiest type of
public speaking, but not as effective as others.
Reading from a Manuscript/Manuscript
Speaking

Audience may lose interest when a message is

delivered through reading – the force,
naturalness and eye contact may be diminished
because the eyes may have to travel from page
to the audience and vice versa.
Reading from a Manuscript/Manuscript
Speaking

Audience may lose interest when a message is

delivered through reading – the force,
naturalness and eye contact may be diminished
because the eyes may have to travel from page
to the audience and vice versa.
 Memorized speech
requires a speaker to commit everything to
memory. This method is excellent for short
messages although it is also used for long
pieces in oratorical, declamation and other
literary contests.
 Memorized speech
Memorized speech also poses a challenge in
naturalness. The worst experience one could
have in delivering a memorized speech is to
forget the lines and fail to shift smoothly to
another mode of delivery.
 Extemporaneous speaking

It may have a short or long preparation. The

speaker may use an outline to guide him
through his speech to achieve better
organization and to avoid leaving out details.
Extemporaneous speaking

It is planned, well-prepared and rehearsed

properly. But unlike reading, extemporaneous
speaking necessitates the speaker to formulate
his sentences while he is speaking.
 Extemporaneous speaking

Extemporaneous speaking is a method that

most lecturers and teachers use. A good
extemporaneous speaker must be
spontaneous.
 Impromptu speaking
It is the opposite of extemporaneous speaking. It
means speaking at the spur of the moment. Since
there is very minimal or no time for preparation
given for impromptu, the content and organization
may suffer.
 Impromptu speaking

Impromptu may not deliver the best

thought in the best way, but it brings out
the most natural thing to say at the
moment.
 TYPES OF
SPEECHES
ACCORDING TO
PURPOSE
 Informative Speeches
are a type of speech in which the speaker tries
to inform the audience about a particular
subject or topic. It provides useful information
and knowledge that makes the particular
subject easy to understand.
 Persuasive Speech
is a speech wherein the speaker attempts to persuade
the audience with his personal beliefs. The speaker
tries to reinforce or change the audience’s
perspective, beliefs, values or feelings about a
particular subject.
 Entertaining Speeches
are intended to entertain the audience. The
basic purpose of this is to provide pleasure and
enjoyment that make the audience laugh and
enjoy the occasion.
 
 Demonstrative Speech
describes how a specific action needs to be
performed. It is a kind of step-by-step
guide of how to do something. It is usually
known as “how-to-speech”.
TYPES OF SPEECHES
ACCORDING TO
SPECIAL OCCASION
 Introduction
speeches are given to introduce the
speaker who is going to give a speech.
It persuades audience to listen to that
speaker.
 
 Presentation
speeches are usually given at award
ceremonies where an individual
presents an award or prize to a person.
 
 Toast
is a brief tribute to a particular
person or event. It is given to
express best wishes to someone for
the future.
 Roast
is a kind of toast where the speaker praises
and humorously poke the person being
honored. It might be given to a person who
has achieved noteworthy success or
moving away.
 Acceptance
speeches are given by the person
who has just received a price or an
award.
 Commemorative
speeches are given at
conventions, conferences or
graduation ceremonies.
 Farewell
speeches are like keynote
addresses. Usually given at
graduations or when someone
leaves an organization.
 Eulogy
is given at funeral and memorial
ceremonies to praise the person
who has just died.
 Eulogy
is given at funeral and memorial
ceremonies to praise the person
who has just died.