Unit 14: Speaking to Inform and Entertain
In this unit, you will review and focus more directly on the purposes of informing and entertaining when giving speeches. Even though the topics of this unit often stand on their own as significant sections, in this course they are shorter because most of the guidance that might be necessary to develop both informative and entertaining speeches has already been covered. Unlike the theory-driven language and approaches you will discover are associated with persuasive speaking, the language and approach you take to inform or entertain is driven by you, the speaker, and your relationship to your audience, your topic, and your purpose – each of which have been the subject of entire units in this course already. As a result, rather than review those subjects, the material in this unit focuses on the characteristics which make these two types of speeches distinct.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- identify specific strategies that make information clearer and/or more interesting;
- identify several common topic categories that may be used in informative speeches;
- identify the four ingredients of a good entertaining speech: preparation, adaptation to the occasion, adaptation to the audience, and mindfulness about the time;
- identify the eight types of ceremonial speeches: introductions, presentations, acceptances, dedications, toasts, roasts, eulogies, and farewells;
- identify the two types of inspirational speeches: speeches of goodwill and speeches of commencement; and
- contrast the distinguishing traits of speeches to inform and entertain.
14.1: Informative Speaking
Read the introduction to Chapter 16 to learn about when we use informative speaking in everyday interactions. Being balanced, honest, and fair are all qualities of informative speaking. This is an opportunity to share information and educate our audience.
Read chapter 15, which covers the functions of informative speech, the speaker's responsibilities, types of informative speeches, and their organizational patterns. It also gives tips for improving your language and creating presentation aids.
This video gives examples of informative speaking and discusses suitable topics and common organizational patterns.
This video discusses how to develop content for an informative speech. It also gives examples of famous speeches and typical speech assignments.
14.2: Informative Speaking Goals
Your speech should do more than just provide information. The advice in this section will increase the likelihood that your audience will absorb your information, retain it, and act on it. Complete the exercises at the end of the section.
Watch this example of an informative speech. Pay attention to the speech's structure, how it forecasts main points, and how the speaker cites their sources. Using what you have learned, evaluate the successes and flaws of this presentation.
14.3: Types of Informative Speeches
This section discusses the categories of topics in informative speaking and several approaches to developing topics for a speech. The most common informative speeches are descriptive and demonstration speeches. Complete the exercises at the end of the section.
Watch this overview of the types of informative speeches. It discusses descriptive and demonstration speeches and common organizational patterns.
Watch this informative speech presented by a professional. As you watch, pay attention to the speech structure, how it uses language, and the presentation aids. Using what you have learned, evaluate the successes and flaws in the presentation.
14.4: Speaking to Entertain
Read the introduction to chapter 18 and Section 18.1, which discuss giving a speech for entertainment and explore the four ingredients of a good entertaining speech.
Starting at 4:09, watch the humorous speech "Growing Up Oakey". Using what you have learned, evaluate the successes and flaws in the presentation.
This is an example of a speech to entertain and inspire. Using what you have learned, evaluate the successes and flaws in the presentation.
14.5: Special Occasion Speeches
This section discusses several types of special occasion speeches, which are divided into two categories: ceremonial and inspirational. Special occasion speeches, such as wedding toasts and eulogies, are the most common speeches in everyday life.
Read this chapter. Four tips to consider when delivering a special occasion speech are to keep the speech short, acknowledge the obvious, stay positive, and use humor.
Watch this example of an award acceptance speech. This short uses a genuine approach, a little humor, and a structure you should find familiar. Take note of her use of language, repetition, and awareness of her audience.
14.6: Keynote Speaking
This section reviews two broad types of keynote speeches: after-dinner and motivational. What kind of humor can you use in your speeches? Not all keynote speeches are humorous, as you will see here.
Watch this example of a keynote speech at a technology conference. Using what you have learned, evaluate this presentation in light of its purpose.
14.7: Unit 14 Exercises
After you finish this unit, respond to the questions in sections 16.3 and 18.4. If you get any incorrect, review that material from the chapter.