Learning Objectives

1.

Define informative speaking. The goal of the informative speaker is to offer audience members more information than they presently have about a topic. The information speaker aims to update and add knowledge, refine understanding, or provide background.

2.

Distinguish between three types of informative discourse. There are three kinds of informative speaking with which you need to be familiar: (1) messages of explanation (speeches of demonstration that explain the what or how to of a subject, (2) messages of description (speeches that describe what a person, object, or event is like), and (3) messages of definition (speeches that define what something is).

3.

Explain how to create "information hunger" and increase listeners' comprehension. A primary goal of the informative speech is to increase each listener's "need to know" and "hunger" to receive a message. To do this, speakers need to analyze the audience, and use appropriate attention-
getting devices to generate receiver interest in their topics. At the same time that speakers work to create interest in receivers, they also need to avoid overloading or underloading receivers with information.

4.

Develop and present an informative speech. Being able to design and deliver an effective informative speech has important implications for both your career and life. An effective informative speech makes listeners want to learn more about the topic, communicates information clearly, involves audience members, and delivers information in a way that makes the speech memorable.

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