Understanding the Differences Between Informative Speech and Persuasive Speech
Public speaking is an essential aspect of communication, and different speaking habits serve different purposes. Two of the most common types of speeches are informative speeches and persuasive speeches. Even though they both sound similar, they remain unique from each other. In this blog, we will explore the distinctiveness of informative speeches and persuasive speeches.
What is an Informative Speech?
An informative speech is a presentation of factual information with the purpose of educating or providing knowledge to the audience about a specific topic. The objective is to provide the audience with new insights, teach them new things, and present information in a visual or engaging way. The speaker creates a speech with the intent to reveal information not previously known to the audience.
What is a Persuasive Speech?
A persuasive speech, on the other hand, involves the speaker attempting to persuade or convince the audience to take specific action, change their belief about something, or adopt a particular opinion/viewpoint. The speaker creates a persuasive speech with the intent to convince an audience to agree with them or take a particular course of action. In most cases, persuasive speeches appeal to the audience’s emotions, ethics, or logic.
Distinguishing the Two Speech Types
One way to differentiate between an informative and persuasive speech is by examining the speaker’s purpose. Informative speeches aim to educate an audience or provide new information about a topic. In contrast, persuasive speeches aim to persuade an audience to take a specific course of action or adopt a particular belief or viewpoint.
Another difference between the two is the tone. An informative speech is usually neutral and unbiased, while a persuasive speech is often biased, with the speaker expressing their opinion through their words to sway the audience.
Examples of Informative Speeches
Informative speeches are common in academic settings, conferences, and seminars. Below are some examples of informative speeches:
1. A lecture on the history of the internet
2. A presentation on the benefits of meditation
3. A talk about the life of Nelson Mandela
Examples of Persuasive Speeches
Persuasive speeches are often used in political or advocacy settings to effect change. Below are some examples of persuasive speeches:
1. A speech on why we should switch to renewable energy
2. A presentation on the importance of banning plastic bags
3. A talk on why we should legalise marijuana
Conclusion
In conclusion, both informative speeches and persuasive speeches play a significant role in public speaking. Informative speeches focus on providing factual information to an audience, while persuasive speeches aim to persuade the audience to take specific action or adopt a particular viewpoint. When preparing a speech, it’s essential to understand the objective of the speech and choose an appropriate speech type to communicate your message effectively.
