Page 305 - Essentials of Human Communication

284 ChaPtEr 13 The Informative Speech

Summary of Concepts and Skills Study and Review materials for this chapter
are at MyCommunicationLab

Listen to the Audio Chapter Summary three types of Informative speeches
at MyCommunicationLab
This chapter covered the nature of the informative speech and 4. Speeches of description focus on or explain an object, per-
son, event, or process.
the ways you can most effectively communicate information.
5. Speeches of definition define important concepts and per-
Guidelines for Informative speaking haps similarities and differences between concepts.
6. Speeches of demonstration explain how something oper-
1. When preparing informative speeches, observe the guide- ates or how to do something.
lines for informative speaking: center the information on
the audience, limit the amount of information, adjust the Effective public speakers need to master a variety of in-
level of complexity, stress the information’s relevance and forming skills. Place a check mark next to those skills you
usefulness, relate new information to information the audi- most want to work on.
ence already knows, and make the information easy to
remember. 1. In my informative speeches I follow the principles
of informative speaking: I stress the information’s
supporting Materials usefulness, relate new information to information
the audience already knows, present information
2. To make your ideas clear to your audience, use amplifying through several senses, adjust the level of com-
materials such as examples, illustrations, and narratives; plexity, limit the amount of information I present,
testimony; numerical data; definitions; and presentation and recognize cultural variations.
aids. 2. For my informative speeches I select a variety of
amplifying materials; examples, illustrations, and
presentation aids narratives; testimony; definitions; numerical data;
3. Presentation aids include a wide variety of audio and visual and visual aids.
means to help you communicate your ideas. Especially 3. When developing a speech of information, I fol-
important are computer assisted aids such as PowerPoint low the suggestions for constructing speeches of
and Prezi. description, definition, and demonstration.

key Word Quiz

the Language of Informative speaking g. testimony (266)

Match the terms about informative speaking with their h. restatement (268)
definitions. Record the number of the definition next to the i. narrative (265)
appropriate term. j. illustration (265)
a. speech of description (276) 1. An expert’s opinion or a witness’s account.
b. guide phrases (264) 2. A relatively brief specific instance.
c. operational definition (267) 3. A means of defining a term by tracing its historical or lin-
d. speech of demonstration (282) guistic development.
e. example (265) 4. A speech in which you explain an object, person, event,
f. etymology (267) or process.