You are asked to go on stage and present a speech. Your audience is eagerly looking at you. They are ready to give you their complete attention for the time you are on that stage.

You, as a speaker, have received the most expensive present in this modern world, the attention of the audience.

Having received this precious gift, how are you planning to use this valuable time?

If your audience is able to connect with your speech and leave with a clear takeaway message, you win. Your speech wins.

Are you going to give a meaningful takeaway as a return gift? Is your speech scripted in an organized way to deliver the message you truly intend to share?

Before scripting, you must understand the intention of your speech.

• Is it information that you wish to share?
• Do you want to motivate your audience to take action?
• Are you trying to persuade them?
• Is the speech purely for entertainment?
• Are you demonstrating something?
• Or is it for a special occasion like a celebration?

When you are clear about the purpose, then start working on your script.

I am starting a blog series where each post will explore a different type of speech and how to deliver it effectively.

In this blog, let us understand Informational Speech.

Informational Speech

The intention of an informational speech is simple. It is to give information.

For example, you have learned something new about a concept, and you want your audience to understand it clearly.

Informational speeches are commonly used in classrooms or when you want to share something important.

As a speaker, your role is to grab attention, activate the audience’s prior knowledge, and connect that prior knowledge with the new information you are sharing.

It is like connecting a new network of wires to existing ones. The more meaningful connections you create, the better your speech serves its purpose.

What is the learning outcome I want my audience to leave with?

Know Your Audience

Before scripting, understand your audience.

• Who is your target audience?
• Are they students or working professionals?
• Why are they attending your session?
• What might be their prior knowledge about the topic?

The answers to these questions form the foundation of your speech.

Do’s and Don’ts of an Informational Speech

Do’s

• Keep your speech simple.
• Break concepts into short, clear sentences.
• Use facts and evidence.
• Focus on educating, not convincing.
• Build credibility with statistics.
• Mention your sources.
• Ensure every sentence stays on the topic.

Don’ts

• Do not overload your speech with too much data.
• Avoid dramatic exaggeration.
• Do not include personal opinions.

Hook of an Informational Speech

Start from what your audience already knows.

Your hook can be:

• A shocking statistic
• A powerful fact
• A thought provoking question
• A short relevant anecdote
• A visualization
• A historical reference

These work very well in informational speeches.

 

Body of an Informational Speech

The body is the heart of your speech. Clarity, logical flow, and simple language make it effective.

You can structure it in different ways:

• Chronological order
• Cause and effect
• Problem and explanation
• Process and how it works

Each paragraph should have:

• A clear topic sentence
• Supporting sentences with facts or data
• A concluding sentence

You may also use mind maps or charts to explain concepts clearly.

Conclusion of the Speech

The purpose of an informational speech is to update the audience with new knowledge.

End with:

• A brief summary of key points
• A restatement of why the information is important
• A reflective thought
• A strong closing statement

That gives your speech a clear and complete closure.

In the next blog we shall discuss more about Motivational Speech.