

We live in a world where communication is king.
With social media and all the digital stuff, we're bombarded with information constantly, and everyone is fighting for our attention.
Research shows that our attention spans have declined from 12 seconds to just 8.25 seconds in the past 15 years, even shorter than a goldfish's attention span.
So, the point is being able to get your point across quickly and effectively is a big deal. That’s where the invaluable skill of public speaking comes in handy.
But being a great speaker goes beyond just having confidence. It's about understanding different kinds of speeches and knowing which one works best for your audience and purpose.
In this blog, we will explore four main types of speeches (or types of public speaking), each with its own purpose and impact. By understanding these types, you can connect with your audience, cater to their needs, and deliver a message that resonates.
So, let’s dive right in:
💡 A speech is a formal or informal presentation in which a person communicates their thoughts, ideas, or information to an audience. It is a spoken expression of thoughts, often delivered in a structured and organized manner.
Speeches can be delivered to serve various purposes, such as to persuade, educate, motivate, or entertain the audience.
People usually give speeches in public places, like meetings, conferences, classrooms, or special events, aiming to connect with and influence the listeners through their words.
A public speech may involve the use of supporting materials, such as visual aids, slides, or props, to enhance understanding and engagement.
The delivery of a speech encompasses not only the words spoken but also factors like the tone of voice, body language, and timing, which can greatly impact the overall effectiveness and reception of the message.
You may want to check out our short video on how to speak without hesitation.
Public speaking is a superpower that transforms your life in more ways than you can imagine.
Here are 7 reasons why Public speaking is an invaluable skill:
💡 Public speaking is a vital tool for social change.
History has shown us how influential speeches have shaped the world we live in. From Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech to Malala Yousafzai's advocacy for girls' education, public speaking has been at the forefront of inspiring change.
Your words have the power to challenge beliefs, ignite passion, and rally others around a cause.
So, if you have a message you want to share or a mission you want to pursue, mastering the art of public speaking is essential.
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💡 An informative speech is a type of public speaking that aims to educate or provide information to the audience about a specific topic. The main purpose of this speech is to present facts, concepts, or ideas in a clear and understandable manner.
Delivering an Informative Speech
In an informative speech, the speaker's objective is to provide knowledge, increase awareness, or explain a subject in detail.
To be informative, you need to structure your content in a way that's clear and easy to follow. The structure of an informative speech typically includes:
Informative speech could be formal or informal speech, depending on the context. However, it is helpful to maintain a conversational tone.
Use relatable examples, anecdotes, or even a touch of humor to keep your audience engaged and interested. Think of it as having a friendly chat with a group of curious friends.
Examples of Informative Speeches:
An Example of Informative Speech
The beauty of informative speeches is their versatility; they can be adapted to different settings and tailored to suit the needs and interests of the audience.
💡 In a demonstrative speech, the main goal is to show how to do something or how something works. It is like giving a step-by-step guide or providing practical instructions.
The purpose of a demonstrative speech is to educate or inform the audience about a specific process, task, or concept.
It can be about anything that requires a demonstration, such as cooking a recipe, performing a science experiment, using a software program, or even tying a tie.
The key to a successful demonstrative speech is to be organized and concise.
When preparing for a demonstrative speech, you need to break down the process or technique into clear and easy-to-follow steps.
You need to make sure that your audience can grasp the concepts and replicate the actions themselves. Visual aids like props, slides, or even live demonstrations are incredibly helpful in illustrating your points.
A great demonstrative speech not only teaches but also inspires.
You need to ignite a sense of enthusiasm and curiosity in your audience. Encourage them to try it out themselves and apply what they've learned in their own lives.
Examples of Demonstrative Speeches:
An Example of Demonstrative Speech
Overall, a demonstrative speech is a practical and hands-on type of speech that aims to educate, inform, and empower the audience by teaching them how to perform a particular task or skill.
💡 A persuasive speech is when the speaker tries to convince the audience to adopt or support a particular point of view, belief, or action. In a persuasive speech, the speaker aims to influence the audience's opinions, attitudes, or behaviors.
You may present arguments and evidence to support your viewpoint and try to persuade the listeners to take specific actions or simply agree with you.
You have to use persuasive techniques such as logical reasoning, emotional appeals, and credibility to make your case.
Let me break it down for you.
Examples of Persuasive speeches:
An Example of Persuasive Speech
Effective persuasion helps you win over clients, close deals, and secure promotions.
💡 However, it's important to note that persuasion should always be used ethically and with integrity. It's not about manipulating people but rather about creating win-win situations.
💡 An entertaining speech is a type of public presentation that aims to captivate and amuse the audience while providing enjoyment and laughter. Unlike other types of speeches, entertaining speeches prioritize humor, storytelling, and engaging content to entertain and delight the listeners.
In an entertaining speech, the speaker uses various techniques such as jokes, anecdotes, funny stories, witty observations, humorous examples, and clever wordplay to engage the audience and elicit laughter.
The primary objective is to entertain and create a positive, lighthearted atmosphere.
An entertaining speech is a powerful tool for building a connection with the audience. It isn't just about cracking jokes. It's about using humor strategically to reinforce the main message.
When we're entertained, our guards come down, and we become more receptive to the speaker's message. It's like a spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down.
An entertaining speech can be particularly effective when the topic at hand is traditionally considered dull, serious, or sensitive. By infusing humor, you can bring life to the subject matter and help the audience connect with it on a deeper level.
With entertainment, you can make complex concepts more accessible. And also break down barriers that might otherwise discourage people from paying attention.
Delivery and timing are crucial elements in entertaining speeches.
The speaker's tone, facial expressions, gestures, and voice modulation play a significant role in enhancing the comedic effect.
Effective use of pauses, punchlines, and comedic timing can heighten the audience's anticipation and result in laughter and amusement.
Examples of Entertaining Speech:
An Example of Entertaining Speech
💡 The content and style of an entertaining speech should be tailored to the audience and the occasion.
While humor is subjective, the skilled entertaining speaker knows how to adapt their speech to suit the preferences and sensibilities of the specific audience.
By carefully selecting appropriate humor, you can transform a dull or serious setting into an enjoyable experience for the audience.
Beyond the four main types of public speeches we mentioned, there are a few other different types of speeches worth exploring.
No matter what kind of speech you are giving, pauses play a key role in making it captivating.
Check out our video on how pausing can transform your speeches.
Public speaking is a powerful skill that holds tremendous value in various aspects of our lives. Whether you're aiming to inform, demonstrate, persuade, or entertain, mastering the art of public speaking can open doors to new opportunities and personal growth.
Growth happens when you push beyond your comfort zones. Public speaking may seem daunting at first, but remember that every great speaker started somewhere. Embrace the challenge and take small steps forward.
Start with speaking in front of friends or family, join a local speaking club, or seek opportunities to present in a supportive environment. Each time you step out of your comfort zone, you grow stronger and more confident.
Seek resources like TED Talks, workshops, books, and podcasts to learn from experienced speakers and improve your skills.
Just like any skill, public speaking requires practice. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will become.
Seek opportunities to speak in public, such as volunteering for presentations or joining public speaking clubs. Embrace every chance to practice and refine your skills.
If you are looking for a supportive environment to practice and hone your public speaking skills, try out BBR English.
Our 1:1 live sessions with a corporate expert are designed to help you improve your communication skills. You'll gain the confidence and skills you need to communicate effectively in any situation.
Don't let fear or insecurity hold you back from achieving your goals.
Book your counseling session now and take the first step towards becoming a more confident and effective communicator.
Your future self will thank you!
To get a peek into our results, check out How A Farmer's Son Faced His Fear Of Public Speaking To Climb Up The Leadership Roles In An MNC.
Happy Speaking!
Team BBR English