Tips for Presenting an Information Based Speech
At some stage in your life, you will be required to pass on
information to other people. For some of you, this may be in the
form of a speech. In this scenario, you will be presenting an
information-based speech. There are many types of speeches but with
an information-based speech you are there to deliver information,
not sway opinion (as in a persuasive speech). That doesn’t mean your
informative speech will be boring – on the contrary, it can be as
entertaining or as humorous as you like, as long as it is relevant
to the topic. An informative speech will either give a definition of
something, explain how to do a particular job or action or describe
how a certain process works. Here are some tips for presenting your
information-based speech:
1. If possible, select a topic you know something about or are
comfortable with and one that is appropriate for the audience you
are presenting to. Why do you need to make this speech? Think about
what information you will be presenting to give a balanced view of
the topic.
2. As the speaker, keep in mind that your job is to make the topic
easy for the audience to understand. Your aim is to expand on what
the audience already knows and introduce new information.
3. Once you know your topic, state your thesis using words such as
“I will describe” or “I will demonstrate”.
4. List the main points you want to give to the audience and find
supporting arguments for each point. If you are giving a speech
demonstrating a new process you will need to outline the steps
involved in the process. If you are defining something you will need
approximately three main points that discuss what it is you are
defining. If your informative speech is describing something that
has already happened you will need to list the main points of
interest.
5. Use statistics, examples, personal stories, quotations and facts
to support your information.
6. Use repetition in your speech to emphasize your main point. This
will help the audience remember your speech.
7. Explain why this information is important and relevant to your
audience.
8. Use visual aids in your speech. These will support your
information and help clarify the main points.
9. Practice your speech before the presentation. Make sure you are
familiar with the topic and the facts you are going to present. As
an informative speaker you will want to present in a credible manner
so the audience will believe the information you are imparting to
them.