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What is the difference between informative and persuasive speeches?

The average audience member listening to a speech probably doesn’t spend much time thinking about the type of speech they’re hearing. After all, a speech is a speech is a speech, right? Actually, speeches come in many types and each type has a different purpose. Just because a speaker is proficient at one type of speech does not mean that they are equally effective at another type.

The most common type of speech given in the United States is informational speech. The speaker conveys information to an audience in a business, civic, or social situation. On the other hand, persuasive speech is one of the most difficult types of speeches to give. The speaker must have polished public speaking skills, but must also be able to capture the attention of an audience that may not agree with the speaker’s main premise. The speaker’s job is to change the mind of the audience. It is not a simple task. Often it is not even possible.

Let’s look at the purpose of each of these two speeches:

informative speech: In an informative speech, you usually tell the audience about a process, an object, an idea, or an event. Its purpose is to transmit information. It could be explaining how to do a particular thing, describing something, or instructing.

In an informative speech, you are presenting information to an audience that is generally willing to listen. Your information is not controversial and your goal is to provide information, not try to change anyone’s opinion. People expect to gain knowledge or insight as a result of listening to your speech.

A major problem with writing and presenting an informational speech is the potential for information overload. When you’re trying to talk about a particular topic, it’s hard to know when to stop. When you really like your topic and are knowledgeable about it, it’s natural to try to spread as much information as possible. However, this has the opposite effect of what you intend. Your audience can only absorb a certain amount of information and when you keep adding more and more, it becomes frustrating for the audience and they shut down. It is much better to have 3 or 4 points on the topic you are talking about in more detail. It will never cover everything anyway and it is better to keep in mind that “less is more”.

For each of the points you choose to cover, have examples of each, preferably a story that will grab the audience’s attention and help personalize the topic.

persuasive speech: Persuasive speeches often deal with a controversial topic. Your goal is to change a belief or behavior or at least create a willingness to consider your point of view.

When giving a persuasive speech, it’s important that you don’t patronize or put down your audience for their beliefs. If you are a representative of Planned Parenthood, referring to audience members who oppose abortions as “doctor killers” will not convince any of them that your point of view is legitimate. Do not yell, use slurs or inflammatory language. His goal is to show them that those who are part of Planned Parenthood are rational, knowledgeable, believable and likeable.

Your speaking style should be conversational, as if you were discussing your problem with a friend. Make sure you have facts and statistics to back up what he says. If the images will help the audience to visualize your message, then use them. Include a call to action at the end of your speech. In the Planned Parenthood example, you might be inviting this audience to attend an open house tour of the facility, followed by a question and answer session. If you can convince audience members to take this first step, your speech will be a success.

Persuasive speeches must be extremely well prepared. Don’t think for a minute that you can give an effective persuasive speech off the top of your head. It requires a lot of practice and preparation. If you don’t come off as honest, informed, likeable, and rational, the chances of changing someone’s mind are nil.

Here are some tips to help you write an effective informative or persuasive speech:

Tips for Informational Speeches

• Don’t cover too much information. Pick 3-4 ideas. It is always better to cover less information in more depth than to simply rattle off a long list of information that your audience won’t remember.
• Give examples for each point.
• Summarize your points at the end to increase retention.
• Try to use stories to illustrate your points when possible.
• Use simple, familiar words and be very clear, especially if you are discussing complicated information.

Tips for persuasive speeches:

• Your job is to convince your audience to share your point of view and take action as a result.
• Be very clear in giving your position and why it is correct.
• Be nice. Likeability is a big issue when you’re giving a persuasive speech. If the audience doesn’t like you or can’t relate to you, they may not listen to what you have to say.
• Be passionate, rational, and credible when presenting your argument. Shouting, ranting and raving will not encourage anyone to listen to you.
• Realize that changing someone’s mind through a short speech is not a realistic goal. Your goal should be to get the audience to agree to consider your point of view enough to be open to more information.

When you are asked to give a speech, make sure you know the specific intent of the speech. The first key to an effective speech is making sure you know exactly what your audience is expecting. If you are asked to give an informational speech, your expectation is to learn new information of some kind. If you are asked to give a persuasive speech, you are expected to be convincing in your support of your point of view. As with any speech, the key is preparation and practice!