How to write an informational speech
Informational speech introduces listeners to a process, event or idea. Whether you need to explain the principles of gardening or describe a historical event, informational speech should be clear and intelligible. It is very important to know the topic inside and out, so start with a thorough study of the issue. Use a logical structure of speech and understandable words so that the audience can follow your thought. Speeches are spoken out loud, so be sure to rehearse the finished speech.
Explore Theme
Get a task or choose an interesting topic. If you haven't been assigned a specific speech topic, make a list of topics that interest you. Choose an area of expertise that you already know a lot about or want to explore. Then, narrow down your choices to a specific topic and make sure your choice meets the requirements.
Let's say you need to inform listeners about hobbies or hobbies. In this case, make a list of sections, sports or other activities and choose the option that interests you the most. Focus your speech on a specific aspect or process.
For example, if you like tennis, then you simply won’t be able to discuss all aspects of this sport in one speech, but you can focus on the serving technique.
Use a variety of reliable sources to support your claims. In a speech, you can refer to personal experience, but you also need to conduct research based on reliable sources. The choice of sources depends on the specific topic, but textbooks, sites like this https://writingassignment.net/, encyclopedias, scientific articles, reputable media outlets, and government documents should usually be used.
For example, if the speech is about a historical event, then look for primary sources such as letters and newspaper articles published at the time of the event. Also use secondary sources such as scholarly articles by experts prior to the question.
If you want to inform listeners about a disease, then look for information in medical encyclopedias, scientific journals and government websites.
List all sources on a separate page. Even if the list of references is not specified in the requirements, it will make it easier for you to work with sources.
Get a clear idea of the process or concept. Study the issue inside and out to clearly and concisely convey the information to the audience. In addition to research, you can also discuss the topic with friends and relatives.
For example, the speech touches on the issue of growing seedlings from seeds. Explain the whole process to a friend or relative step by step. Ask how clear your words were.
Use simple terms, especially when speaking to audiences who are not yet familiar with the topic. Think about how you would explain the question to your grandfather or younger sister. If you cannot do without jargon, then use the simplest and most understandable terms.
Formulate a thesis that summarizes the purpose of your speech. It should communicate the main idea and be as specific as possible. The format of the thesis should be clarified with your teacher or supervisor. In some cases, you can refer to yourself, but for a strict business style, phrases like "the purpose of my speech" or "I want to explain" are not allowed.
The purpose of informational speech is not in easily provable statements, but the thesis must be quite specific. Thus, the phrase: "I want to talk about engines" sounds too broad, while: "I want to talk about the repair of diesel engines" is formulated more specifically.
Inform, not convince listeners. Remember that informational speech is not intended to convince listeners that you are right. No need to build evidence and appeal to emotions. You need to give an objective speech and clearly state the essence of the topic. The structure and language of such speech should be gradual, not debatable.
For example, when tasked with persuading listeners to support a particular political party, the speech is likely to include bombastic statements or persuasive tricks and appeal to emotions.
On the other hand, an informative speech about growing grapes will contain clear and objective steps, and not prove that it is a very exciting or rewarding process.
How to write an opening speech
The opening speech sets the tone and mood for the entire event, program or conference. A good speech can motivate and unite those present. The speaker has a great responsibility, but a good speech can inspire and awaken listeners. If you need to write a good opening speech, you first need to understand the purpose and target audience of the speech. This will make it easier for you to compose engaging text with good structure. Also, don't forget to proofread your speech for impeccable style and clarity.
Ponder ideas
Define the goal and task. Think: “Why am I going to give this speech?”, “What do I want to convey to the audience?”. Often the main purpose of the opening speech is the need to repeat or address the main theme of the event, program or conference. Perhaps you want to share your knowledge on this topic.
If you have a theme for the event, you can use it as a goal or inspiration. For example, the topic “Social Responsibility” allows you to explore your own experience of social responsibility on a personal and professional level.
Determine the interests of the audience. Think: “To whom am I speaking?”, “To whom is my speech intended?”. Consider the age range, social status and level of knowledge of the listeners. Write a speech with these facts in mind.
For example, if your listeners are socially responsible people in their 20s or 30s, the speech might be light, casual, and full of technical terms that the audience will understand.
Make up to three main points. A good opening speech includes at least one or two key points or points that will be of interest to the audience. Write one to three key points to reveal the main purpose of the speech. So, you can use ideas or terms that you want to explore in detail.
For example, in a speech on the topic of social responsibility, you can focus on three main points: the history, the current state, and the future of social responsibility.
Check out the examples. Find good opening speech examples on the internet to better capture the style, tone, and language of such a text. Find lists of the best opening speeches or visit dedicated public speaking websites.
Make up a speech
Start with a compelling story. One of the best ways to grab the audience's attention is to tell a short, compelling story. Use events from personal experience in this area. Current events can become a source of plot related to the purpose of your speech. You can use a bulleted list to highlight key points in just a few sentences.
For example, if your speech is about ethnic diversity in school, talk about a time you have been a class leader with people from different ethnic groups.
You can watch the news and find material about a student from another country who spoke about difficulties during his studies (it is advisable to choose news that relate to your region or country).
Start with an interesting fact. Consider another option for an interesting and exciting start to a speech. Choose a little-known and unexpected fact. Use facts that relate to the purpose of your speech, from your own research or reliable sources.
For example, if you want to look at social responsibility in a corporate setting, first point out that customers often choose brands that are known for being socially responsible.
State the purpose of your speech. At the beginning of the speech, you should briefly and clearly state your goal. For example, you can state the purpose immediately after the opening story or fact. Say “Today I would like to discuss with you…” or “Today I want to tell you…”.
For example, formulate the goal as follows: “Today we will discuss social responsibility with you, which is the topic of this conference and my professional activity.”
Use humor to add casualness. Humor is a great tool when working on speech. Jokes help keep the audience interested and make the speech memorable. You can use humor and a casual tone of voice, but try to balance the funny moments with the serious aspects of the chosen topic.
For example, come up with a funny, self-deprecating insert: “I wasn't always the best teacher. Sometimes I was called a merry fellow, and sometimes angry and strict, but not always the best.”
Repeat key terms and words. Repetitions are a great way to convey ideas and recall key points of a speech. Revisit key terms over and over again so listeners don't lose the thread. Return to the previously voiced thought and remind those present of the purpose of your speech.
For example, you can highlight the terms "unity", "interaction" and "social consciousness" in your speech with the help of repeated repetitions. Use these words at the beginning and in the middle of your speech.
Use your own style. No need to use a strict formal style, especially if you find it difficult and awkward. Imagine that you are talking to a colleague or friend. Use your everyday language and stick to your own style. Only in this way your words will interest the listeners and sound convincing.
For example, use a funny proverb that you often say to students in class. The fewer official turns and terms, the closer your style will be to colloquial speech.
End your speech with a call to action. At the end, motivate the participants to take some action: think about an idea they have not yet considered, or pay more attention to a group of people with special needs. The call to action at the end of the speech will be a clear expression of your main idea. For example, the call may be about a story or fact that you mentioned at the very beginning of your speech: “I ask you to become vulnerable, like my student who extended a helping hand to a fellow student. Start helping people if they need your help.”
Write a draft
Write a draft to make corrections and remember the speech. A full draft is similar to scientific articles and should include all sentences of a future speech. This is a manuscript that contains an introduction, body and conclusion, allowing you to make changes, as well as memorize speech.
The speech is usually not read verbatim. Most often, the speaker memorizes the speech and uses a dry presentation plan so as not to go astray.
Use the bait, thesis, and a short description of the speech in the introduction. Very often, a speech begins with a device that allows you to attract attention - a story, a rhetorical question or a quote. Next, you should state the thesis and first acquaint the listeners with the key points of the speech.
Some people find it more convenient to write the body of the speech before working on the introduction. For some, the introduction allows you to choose the structure of the rest of the text.
State the main ideas in a logically structured body of text. When familiarizing yourself with the process, state the steps in order of execution. Otherwise, structure ideas clearly and logically in order of importance or in a causal chain.
In conclusion, repeat the main ideas. It is required to summarize your thesis and key ideas, but not repeat them word for word. You can also relate the topic of the speech to everyday life to connect with the audience and emphasize the importance of the issue.
Write a dry outline for your speech. When you've completed your draft speech, don't forget to condense the text down to a short outline. Such a "backbone" should consist of short words and parts of sentences. You can write down points on cards to use as reference.
It is better to pronounce speech from memory, rather than read it from a sheet. Your short presentation plan might look like this:
III. Youth health improvement program
A. Healthy mind in a healthy body
B. Implementation in practice
1. Annual Children's Day
2. Sports grounds
3. Sections and group classes
Get ready for the show
Record key ideas and hints on cards. It is convenient for some people to memorize the introduction, body and conclusion, but this is not at all necessary if there is no corresponding requirement from the leader. A speech like this can sound dry and monotonous, so just memorize the content of the speech so that you can clearly explain all the ideas in your own words.
Slightly different wording is allowed, but try to stick to the plan and structure of the text. If you veer too far off course and add a lot of unnecessary words, it is easy to exceed the allowable time limit.
Remember a short speech plan so as not to get confused. All quotes and statistics are best written on cards.
Divide the speech into smaller parts for convenience and study the passages one by one. Gradually add sentence by sentence. Memorize and pronounce longer and longer passages until you know the speech like the back of your hand.
Express confidence through eye contact, gestures, and posture. Gesture to emphasize words and ideas, and maintain eye contact with your audience. Move your gaze every 5-10 seconds so as not to look at one point.
Do not slouch, stand straight and straighten your shoulders. In addition to confidence, good posture will help you breathe deeper and speak with a smoother voice.
Practice speaking in front of a mirror or a friend. When you memorize the text, work on making the speech sound as engaging as possible. Look at yourself in the mirror, record on video or a voice recorder to evaluate the result. It also does not hurt to get the opinion of a friend or relative.
Ask a friend to point out lengthy or incomprehensible points in the speech, to assess the tone of voice and body language, as well as the volume and tempo.
Try to keep within the allotted time. Use a stopwatch or watch on your smartphone to measure time. Speak clearly and take your time, but make sure you meet the allotted time.
If you exceed the specified time, then review the text of the speech. Get rid of unnecessary words and simplify complex phrases. If the speech is too short, then add a couple of paragraphs with useful information.
Make sure the material is relevant to the topic.
Surely the informational speech will turn out better than you expect! If you've ever told your parents about a day at school or explained a recipe for pea soup to a friend, then you already have the experience!
When working on the text of a speech, always keep your audience in mind and formulate sentences with the listeners in mind.
If you suddenly start to worry, try to relax, take deep breaths and visualize a calm place. Nothing to worry about. Working with text and practice will be the key to your confidence and successful performance.
Eliminate all imperfections
Read the speech aloud. When the draft is complete, read the speech aloud to yourself or in front of others. Pay attention to the fluency of phrases. Watch out for harsh language. Make changes to sound natural.
As you read the speech aloud, pay attention to the words you want to skip. They can be removed to make speech smoother.
Read the speech to your friends and get their opinion. Find out which parts of speech seemed boring or difficult to understand. Consider constructive comments and improve your speech.
Correct the mistakes. Make sure that there are no spelling, grammatical or punctuation errors in the text. Read the speech backwards to check every word. You can then mark all punctuation marks and make sure they are appropriate.
Proper punctuation is important as the speech will need to be read aloud. It is punctuation marks that will tell you when to pause and take a breath. Often commas signal short pauses, and after a period you can take a breath.
Check the clarity of phrases and word count. It is important to make sure that each paragraph will be understandable to the listener. Often, brevity is better than verbosity, so revisit overloaded phrases and add conciseness to them. Remove unnecessary words or terms.
If the speech has a certain time frame, then make sure you can meet the allotted time.
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