Chapter 13

Informative Speaking

Understanding Human Communication, Tenth Edition, Adler/Rodman

Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Informative Speaking

TYPES OF
INFORMATIVE SPEAKING
Understanding Human Communication, Tenth Edition, Adler/Rodman
Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

The Age of Information

How does informative speaking occur in our
lives, even in ways we dont realize?
What are some examples of information
overload in our personal and professional
lives?
What does it mean when information
overload transitions into information
anxiety?
Understanding Human Communication, Tenth Edition, Adler/Rodman
Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Types of Informative Speaking

By content

Speeches about objects

Speeches about processes
Speeches about events
Speeches about concepts

Understanding Human Communication, Tenth Edition, Adler/Rodman

Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Types of Informative Speaking

By purpose
Descriptions
Explanations
Instructions

Understanding Human Communication, Tenth Edition, Adler/Rodman

Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Informative Versus
Persuasive Topics
Informative speeches are
Non-controversial
Interesting without engendering conflict
Not intended to change audience attitudes or
feelings about the topic

Understanding Human Communication, Tenth Edition, Adler/Rodman

Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Informative Speaking

TECHNIQUES OF INFORMATIVE
SPEAKING
Understanding Human Communication, Tenth Edition, Adler/Rodman
Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Define a Specific
Informative Purpose
Help the audience understand and care
about your speech
Define a specific informative purpose
Stress audience knowledge or ability, or both
After listening to my speech, my audience will be
able to recall the three most important questions
to answer when shopping for a digital video
recorder.
Understanding Human Communication, Tenth Edition, Adler/Rodman
Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Key Verbs for Informative Purpose

Statements

Accomplish
Analyze
Apply
Choose
Contrast
Describe
Explain
Integrate

List
Name
Operate
Perform
Recognize
Review
Summarize
Understanding Human Communication, Tenth Edition, Adler/Rodman
Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

A Clear Purpose Statement Leads to a

Clear Thesis Statement
Thesis statement previewing the central idea:
Digital video recorders, such as TiVo have so
many features that it is difficult for the
uninformed consumer to make a choice.

Understanding Human Communication, Tenth Edition, Adler/Rodman

Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

A Clear Purpose Statement Leads to a

Clear Thesis Statement
Thesis statement delineating the main points
of the speech:
When shopping for a digital video recorder,
the informed consumer seeks to balance
price, dependability, and user friendliness.

Understanding Human Communication, Tenth Edition, Adler/Rodman

Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Create Information Hunger

Give your audience a reason to listen to and
learn from your speech
Tap into physical needs
Tap into identity needs
Tap into social needs
Tap into practical needs

Understanding Human Communication, Tenth Edition, Adler/Rodman

Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Make it Easy to Listen

Limit the amount of information you present
Use familiar information to increase
understanding of the unfamiliar
Use simple information to build up
understanding of complex information

Understanding Human Communication, Tenth Edition, Adler/Rodman

Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Emphasize Important Points with

Repetition and Signposts
Repetition

Signposts

Learn to say the same thing

in more than one way
Redundancy is ineffective
When used with
obvious, trivial, or boring
points
When you have run an
important point into the
ground

Words or phrases that

emphasize the importance
of what you are about to
say
Examples:
The most important thing to
remember is
The three keys to this
situation are

Understanding Human Communication, Tenth Edition, Adler/Rodman

Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Use Clear Organization

and Structure
Limit your speech to 3-5 main points
Divide, coordinate, and order those main points
Use a strong introduction that previews your
ideas
Use a conclusion that reviews your ides and
makes them memorable
Use transitions, internal summaries, and internal
previews
Understanding Human Communication, Tenth Edition, Adler/Rodman
Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Use Supporting Material

Effectively
Support clarifies, makes material interesting and
memorable
Use visual aids to grab your audiences attention
Briefly explain where your supporting material
came from via vocal citations

Understanding Human Communication, Tenth Edition, Adler/Rodman

Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Use Clear and Simple Language

Dont forget about dictionaries and thesauri
Use familiar words
Use simple syntax

Understanding Human Communication, Tenth Edition, Adler/Rodman

Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Generate Audience Involvement

Create level of commitment and attention for
your listeners
Personalize your speech
Use audience participation
Use volunteers
Have a Q & A period

Understanding Human Communication, Tenth Edition, Adler/Rodman

Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

But Have an Effective

Q & A Period
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Encourage your audience to ask questions

Be patient waiting for the first one
Listen to the substance of the question
Paraphrase confusing questions
Avoid defensive reactions to questions.
Answer the question as briefly as possible

Understanding Human Communication, Tenth Edition, Adler/Rodman

Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press, Inc.