PUBLIC SPEAKING

PUBLIC SPEAKING

THE THREE MAIN TYPES OF PUBLIC SPEAKING  

Some people seem to be able to stand before a group and talk about anything at any time.  Their speaking ease is due to a large extent to their understanding the different kinds of speaking tasks.  Such speakers are familiar with each type of speech and know how different speeches are organized and delivered.  You can learn this too.

 All speeches fall into one of three categories: speeches that inform, persuade, or entertain.  Speeches that inform explain, report, describe, clarify, define and demonstrate.  Such speeches can move an audience to action or belief.  Their primary purpose is to present facts, details, and examples

Speeches that persuade are designed to convince and the goal is to influence the audience’s beliefs or attitudes.  This can be accomplished by using your own credibility to strengthen your argument.  Or you can appeal to your audience’s emotions, reason, or sense of right and wrong.

Speeches that entertain use humor to influence an audience as in an after dinner speech.  Once the audience is warmed up, one main idea is presented, still on a light note.  Note: This is the most difficult of all presentations because it requires great ease and elegance and depends to a large degree on the charisma of the speaker.

The three types often overlap.  Therefore, it is important to isolate and understand the primary purpose of your talk before you start preparation