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25 Topics for an Informative Speech

3-minute read

20th November 2023

Have you been asked to give an informative speech, or do you simply want to practice your public speaking skills ? If the answer to either question is yes, then the first thing you need to do is choose a topic for your speech. But with so many potential topics, how can you pick just one? In this post, we’ve narrowed down 25 topics for an informative speech to help you find the one that works best for you.

Choosing a Topic

Informative speeches aim to educate the audience on a particular subject or industry. Unlike persuasive speeches , informative ones are not meant to convince the listener to believe or act a certain way; they are meant to be purely descriptive and explanatory.

The best topics for informative speeches are engaging, interesting, valuable, and relevant to the target audience . Choose a topic about which you have a comprehensive understanding or one you intend to research substantially. After all, it’s easy to deliver an engaging presentation and educate your audience when you’re extremely knowledgeable about the topic! Next, let’s take a look at 25 interesting topics for an informative speech, organized by subject.

Science and Technology

● The impact of artificial intelligence on society

● Recent advancements in space exploration

● Recent breakthroughs in medical research

● The science behind climate change and its effects

● The evolution of social media

● What is 3D printing?

Health and Wellness

● The effect of regular exercise on overall health

● How sleep impacts brain functioning

● Understanding stress and stress management techniques

● How does sugar impact the body?

● Key figures in the Civil Rights movement

● Significant women in history

● Sculpture of the Renaissance

● A history of fashion in the Victorian era

● An exploration of the Olympics from their beginning

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● The history and impact of open-access education

● An exploration of virtual learning over the past 25 years

● How high schools differ around the world

● A look back at education in 19th-century America and the way it compares to current methods

● The history of homework

The Environment and Sustainability

● How to reduce your carbon footprint

● What is zero-waste living?

● The significance of global water conservation

● The impact of air pollution on public health

● The impact of oil spills on the environment

Tips for Giving an Informative Speech

If you’re giving an informative speech, remember to:

● Do your research! Gather information from credible, authoritative sources when composing your speech. Avoid sources that discuss strictly the opinion of the author and look for solid, factual evidence to support your topic.

● Consider your audience. Do they have at least a baseline knowledge of the topic? The answer to this question will help determine how deep you should go in your explanations and what kind of language to use.

● Organize your ideas . Before you begin writing, create a comprehensive outline that includes the introduction, main ideas, and conclusion.

● Use anecdotes or examples to make your content more engaging and relevant to your audience.

● Anticipate potential questions and jot down notes you can easily refer to.

Here’s one last essential speech writing tip: to ensure a smooth delivery and enhance your writing, have your speech professionally proofread and edited. Our editors can make sure your informative speech effectively conveys your message and engages your audience. Send in your free sample today to get started.

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100+ Informative Speech Topics & Ideas for All Students

Post category: Uncategorized
Reading time: 30 mins read

As a student tasked with delivering an informative speech, finding the right topic can be a difficult first step. The challenge doesn’t just end with selecting a topic; it extends to researching, preparing, and effectively presenting it. We’ve got you covered.

Our selection of informative speech topics is filled with captivating and relevant ideas to keep your audience engaged while educating them. You can choose any of these topics as a starting point for an informative and memorable speech.

List of Informative Speech Topics for Students

When selecting informative speech topics for students, the aim is to find subjects that are educational, engaging, and relevant to their interests and experiences. Here are some diverse and thought-provoking informative topic ideas that college students can explore for their informative speeches:

Good Informative Speech Topics for Students

First Aid Basics and Their Importance
Cold and Flu: Symptoms and Prevention
Pediatric Nursing: Caring for Children
Mental Health Awareness in Adolescence
Essentials of Nutritional Health
The Science and Importance of Vaccines
Hygiene Practices to Prevent Illness
The Role of Sleep in Maintaining Health
Understanding and Managing Allergies
An Introduction to Human Anatomy
Special Considerations in Geriatric Nursing
Effective Stress Management Techniques
The Health Benefits of Regular Exercise
Ethical Considerations in Nursing
Managing and Understanding Diabetes
Fundamentals of Wound Care
Common Skin Conditions and Treatments
The Diverse Role of Nurses in Healthcare
Basics of Pain Management
Promoting Cardiovascular Health

Best Informative Speech Topics for College

Advanced First Aid and Crisis Management
In-depth Analysis of Mental Health Disorders
Pediatric Oncology: Challenges and Care
Lifestyle’s Impact on Chronic Diseases
Nutritional Therapy in Healthcare Settings
Vaccine Development and Effectiveness
Infection Control Techniques in Hospitals
Sleep Psychology and Related Disorders
Comprehensive Allergy Management
Detailed Study of Human Physiology
Geriatric Nursing and Age-Related Diseases
Advanced Stress and Anxiety Management
Exercise Physiology in Disease Prevention
Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing
In-depth Look at Diabetes and Endocrine Health
Advanced Techniques in Wound Healing
Dermatology from a Nursing Perspective
Leadership and Management in Nursing
Comprehensive Approaches to Pain Management
Cardiac Care and Rehabilitation Techniques

Easy Informative Speech Topics

Basic First Aid Techniques Everyone Should Know
The Importance of Hand Hygiene in Preventing Infections
Understanding Common Cold: Symptoms and Treatment
Introduction to Healthy Eating and Nutrition
Basic Steps for Blood Pressure Monitoring
Sleep Hygiene: Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep
Stress Management: Simple Relaxation Techniques
Basics of Diabetes: Types and Management
Understanding and Preventing Seasonal Allergies
Basic Wound Care: Do’s and Don’ts
The Role of Vaccinations in Public Health
The Impact of Smoking on Health
Introduction to Mental Health and Well-being
Basic Skin Care and Sun Protection
The Importance of Regular Exercise
Understanding Asthma: Basics and Management
Principles of Healthy Weight Management
Dehydration: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Introduction to Geriatric Health Issues
Pediatric Health: Common Childhood Illnesses

Short Informative Speech Topics

Handwashing: The Best Way to Prevent Germs
Quick Tips for a Healthy Heart
Introduction to CPR: Basic Steps
The Dangers of Antibiotic Resistance
Understanding Migraines and Headache Management
Basic Nutrition: Vitamins and Minerals Essentials
The Significance of Breast Cancer Awareness
Recognizing and Responding to a Stroke
Basic Eye Care and Common Eye Problems
Importance of Vaccines in Disease Prevention
Ear Health and Preventing Hearing Loss
Simple Techniques for Anxiety Relief
Oral Hygiene and Dental Health Basics
Foot Care for Diabetics
Dealing with Common Digestive Disorders
Bone Health: Preventing Osteoporosis
Overview of Common Respiratory Diseases
Basic Understanding of Arthritis
Skin Cancer Awareness and Prevention
Basics of Maternal and Child Health

Interesting/ Fun Informative Speech Topics

The Evolution of Nursing Throughout History
Fascinating Medical Discoveries and Innovations
The Role of Pets and Animals in Healing
Bizarre but True: Unusual Medical Conditions
Medical Miracles: Remarkable Recovery Stories
How Laughter Benefits Physical Health
Exploring the Power of the Placebo Effect
Myths and Facts About the Human Brain
Pioneering Women in the Field of Nursing
The Science Behind Love and Its Health Benefits
Unique Traditional Healing Practices Around the World
The Future of Telemedicine and Virtual Healthcare
The Psychology of Pain: Perception vs. Reality
The Weird World of Rare Genetic Conditions
How Music Therapy Enhances Health and Well-being
The History and Significance of World Health Day
Famous Medical Experiments in History
The Impact of Space Travel on Human Health
The Influence of Social Media on Health Trends
Nursing in War: Stories from the Frontline

Unique Informative Speech Topics

The Link Between Climate Change and Public Health
The Future of Genetic Engineering in Medicine
Exploring the World of Rare Diseases
Nursing Practices in Different Cultures
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
The Psychology of Color in Healing Environments
The Impact of Globalization on Healthcare
Revolutionary Medical Treatments Under Development
The Ethical Dilemmas of Modern Medicine
The Role of Nutrition in Chronic Disease Management
Virtual Reality and its Application in Healthcare
The Evolution of Surgical Techniques
The Role of Nurses in Disaster Response
Breakthroughs in Brain-Computer Interfaces
The Connection Between Art and Healing
The Growing Field of Gerontechnology
The Science of Sleep Disorders
The Challenges of Healthcare in Remote Areas
The Effects of Social Isolation on Mental Health
The Role of Robotics in Modern Surgery

Informative Speech Topics – 2024 Ideas

The Role of Nursing in Global Health Initiatives
Advances in Stem Cell Research and Therapy
The Future of Personalized Medicine
The Ethics of Assisted Reproductive Technologies
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Patient Care
The Growing Trend of Plant-Based Diets and Health
The Use of Big Data in Healthcare
The Challenges of Providing Healthcare in Conflict Zones
The Role of Mental Health First Aid
The Impact of Climate Change on Infectious Diseases
Innovations in Wound Care and Healing
The Future of Nursing Education
The Role of Nurses in Palliative and End-of-Life Care
The Effects of Pollution on Respiratory Health
The Importance of Global Vaccine Equity
The Challenges of Rural Healthcare Delivery
Emerging Trends in Healthcare Technology
The Psychology Behind Chronic Pain Management
The Importance of Cultural Competence in Nursing
The Growing Field of Nursing Informatics

Creative Informative Speech Topics

The Art and Science of Nursing
The Role of Storytelling in Patient Care
Innovative Approaches to Patient Education
The Impact of Urban Design on Public Health
The Intersection of Fashion and Medical Wearables
Creative Therapies in Mental Health Care
The Use of Gamification in Health Education
The Role of Nurses in Health Policy Development
Exploring the World of Holistic Nursing
The Future of 3D Printing in Medicine
The Importance of Empathy in Healthcare
The Use of Augmented Reality in Surgical Training
The Role of Nutrition in Cancer Prevention
Innovations in Home Health Care Technology
The History and Future of Epidemics and Pandemics
The Role of Nurses in Climate Change Advocacy
The Use of Social Media in Health Awareness Campaigns
The Evolution of Maternal and Neonatal Care
Exploring the Benefits of Alternative Medicine
The Role of Nurses in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

What Is An Informative Speech?

An informative speech is a type of speech that aims to educate the audience on a specific topic, providing them with facts, insights, and information in a clear and understandable manner. Its main objective is to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the listeners about the subject being discussed.

What are the 4 Types of Informative Speeches?

Informative speeches are a cornerstone of effective communication, especially in educational and professional settings. They serve the crucial purpose of educating and enlightening audiences on various topics. Broadly categorized, there are four distinct types of informative speeches, each serving a unique role in conveying information.

The four types of informative speeches are:

Descriptive Speeches: These speeches aim to provide a detailed, vivid, and clear picture of a person, place, object, or event. The goal is to make the audience feel as if they are familiar with the subject through the use of descriptive language.

Explanatory Speeches: These focus on explaining a concept, idea, or phenomenon. The objective is to clarify the subject matter and help the audience understand it better, often involving the breaking down of complex ideas into simpler parts.

Demonstrative Speeches: These speeches are about showing or demonstrating how to do something. They are often accompanied by visual aids and step-by-step instructions, making them particularly useful for teaching processes or procedures.

Definition Speeches: This type involves explaining the meaning, context, or background of a specific term, concept, or issue. It’s about providing a clear and precise definition that enhances the audience’s understanding of a subject that might be abstract or complex.

Choosing Informative Speech Ideas

When writing an informative speech, one of the most critical steps is selecting a compelling and appropriate topic. Choose an informative speech topic that is interesting and can captivate your audience and ensure your message is conveyed and understood. Here’s how to choose a topic using the Five W’s – Who, What, When, Where, and Why – approach:

Who: Consider your audience. Who are they? What are their interests, age group, and educational background? Selecting an interesting topic that resonates with the specific demographics of your audience will make your speech more impactful.

What: Determine the subject of your information speech. What topic do you want to address? Ensure it’s informative, interesting, and something you’re passionate about. The ‘what’ should also align with the purpose of your speech – are you aiming to educate, explain, demonstrate, or define?

When: Timing can be crucial. When is the best time to talk about these essay topics? Choose a subject that is timely and relevant. For instance, discussing technological advancements would be more engaging if aligned with recent breakthroughs.

Where: The setting or context where your professional speech will be delivered can influence your choice. Where will you be speaking? In a classroom, a business meeting, or a community event? The environment and occasion can dictate the appropriateness and tone of your topic.

Why: Finally, consider why this topic is essential. Why should your audience care about it? The ‘why’ is crucial for creating a compelling speech that informs and connects with the audience on a deeper level.

How to Write a Killer Informative Speech

Writing a good informative speech involves several key steps, each designed to ensure that your speech is engaging, informative, and memorable. Here’s a guide to help you craft an effective informative speech:

Choose a Topic

When selecting a topic for an informative speech essay, choose one that aligns with your interests and expertise, ensuring a passionate and knowledgeable presentation that resonates with your audience. The topic should be engaging, offering new insights or a deeper understanding of a subject, and appropriately scoped to be thoroughly covered within the time allotted for your speech. This balance ensures that your speech is informative, interesting, relevant, and impactful to those listening.

Understand Your Audience

Understanding your audience is a crucial aspect of preparing an informative speech. This involves analyzing their interests, background knowledge, and expectations to tailor your presentation for maximum engagement and relevance. For instance, a speech aimed at industry professionals should differ in complexity and terminology compared to one intended for high school students.

Knowing the audience’s baseline understanding of the topic helps avoid oversimplification or excessive complexity. Additionally, understanding their interests can guide you in choosing which aspects of the topic to emphasize, making the speech more appealing and relatable. A well-tailored speech, cognizant of its audience, delivers information effectively and ensures that the audience remains engaged and interested throughout the presentation.

Gather Evidence and Facts From Credible Scholarly Sources

Gathering evidence and facts from credible scholarly sources is fundamental in preparing an informative speech. This process involves extensive research to ensure the information you present is accurate, current, and authoritative. Utilizing sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable online databases adds depth and credibility to your speech. It’s important to critically evaluate these sources for their reliability and relevance to your topic.

Incorporating well-researched facts and evidence strengthens your arguments and enhances your speech’s overall quality. It demonstrates to your audience that you thoroughly understand the subject and are committed to providing them with trustworthy and informative information. This careful attention to source selection and fact verification is key to delivering a speech that is engaging and intellectually robust.

Deconstruct the Topic to Select the Best Ideas

Deconstructing the topic involves brainstorming and breaking down the overarching subject into its constituent components or key ideas. By identifying these core elements, you can structure your speech in a logical and organized manner.

This ensures you cover all relevant aspects of the topic and enables you to prioritize and emphasize the most significant and compelling ideas. Through this deconstruction and selection process, you can create a clear, focused, and engaging speech, providing your audience with a well-structured and informative presentation.

Write a Thesis Statement for Your Informative Speech

A thesis statement serves as the compass that guides the entire public speaking presentation. It encapsulates the main message you aim to convey and provides a roadmap for both you as the speaker and your audience.

A well-constructed thesis statement should state the topic and indicate the specific angle, perspective, or key points you plan to cover. It’s the nucleus around your informative essay speech, ensuring your content remains focused and relevant. Moreover, a strong thesis statement provides your audience with a clear understanding of what to expect, enhancing their comprehension and engagement throughout your speech.

Inform Rather Than Persuade the Audience

Here, the primary objective is to inform and educate the audience rather than to persuade or convince them. This key distinction underlines the importance of objectively presenting facts, data, and information without bias or attempting to sway opinions. The aim is to give the audience a well-rounded understanding of the topic, enabling them to form opinions and make informed decisions.

While persuasive speeches focus on advocating for a particular viewpoint, informative speeches prioritize clarity, objectivity, and the dissemination of knowledge. By adhering to this principle of informing rather than persuading, speakers can build trust with their audience and ensure that their message is received as credible and unbiased.

Write the First Draft of Your Speech

Here, you transform your research, unique ideas, and thesis statement into a cohesive and structured narrative. Focusing on getting your ideas down on paper without being overly concerned about perfection is important. Start with a strong introduction that grabs the audience’s attention and presents your thesis statement. In the body of the speech, present your key points or ideas logically, providing supporting evidence and examples.

Finally, craft a conclusion summarizing the main points and leaving a lasting impression. While the first draft may be rough around the edges, it serves as the foundation for refining and improving your speech in subsequent revisions. It’s a critical step in turning your knowledge and insights into an informative and engaging presentation.

Start Writing Your Essay with Power Words

Power words can include compelling statistics, vivid anecdotes, thought-provoking questions, or impactful quotations. The goal is to grab your audience’s attention immediately, piquing their curiosity and drawing them into your speech. They set the tone for your presentation and create an initial impression that can linger throughout the speech.

They also serve as hooks, enticing the audience to listen attentively and setting the stage for the valuable information you are about to impart. Starting your speech with such impactful words creates an engaging opening that sets the tone for the rest of your presentation.

Develop the Body of the Speech

The body of your informative speech is where you delve into the core content, presenting your key points, supporting evidence, and explanations. Each key point should be organized logically, and transitions between them should be smooth to maintain the flow of your speech. To ensure clarity, providing examples, statistics, and relevant facts that bolster your main ideas is essential. Visual aids, if applicable, can enhance comprehension and engagement.

Remember to maintain an objective and informative tone, steering clear of persuasion or bias. By developing the body of your speech with a clear structure and comprehensive content, you enable your audience to follow along easily and gain a deep understanding of the topic. This is where the substance of your speech lies, and a well-structured body ensures that your informative message is effectively conveyed to your audience.

End Your Informative Speech with a Bang

Concluding your informative speech with impact is essential to leave a lasting impression on your audience. This closing section is where you summarize your main points, reinforcing the key takeaways for your listeners. It’s also an opportunity to make a final statement or leave the audience with something to ponder.

An effective conclusion can involve a powerful quote, a thought-provoking question, or a call to action, depending on the nature of your speech. By ending your speech with a “bang,” you ensure that your audience departs with a clear understanding of the topic and a sense of closure, making your presentation memorable and impactful.

Proofread and Edit, Then Present

Proofreading and editing your informative speech is the final critical step before the presentation. Carefully review your speech for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy. Check for any factual inaccuracies or inconsistencies in your content. Ensure that your speech flows smoothly, with logical transitions between ideas. Pay attention to your pacing and tone to ensure a natural and engaging delivery.

If using visual aids, ensure they are well-prepared and integrated seamlessly into your presentation. You must practice your speech multiple times to refine your delivery and become comfortable with the content. Effective proofreading and editing, followed by diligent rehearsal, contribute to a polished and confident presentation that will effectively inform and engage your audience.

Bottom Line

Selecting topics for an informative speech requires thoughtful consideration to ensure the audience is engaged, informed, and enlightened. The key is to choose subjects that are not only interesting and relevant but also rich in content, allowing for a deep dive into facts, data, and insights. A compelling informative speech topic should entertain and cater to the audience’s interests and knowledge level while offering new perspectives or information.

Balancing complexity with clarity is crucial, ensuring the topic is neither too esoteric nor overly simplistic. Whether the speech aims to educate, raise awareness, or provide a fresh outlook on a familiar subject, the topic should spark curiosity and invite further exploration. Ultimately, the success of an informative speech lies in its ability to convey knowledge in a compelling and accessible manner.

Assessing community health care needs, soap note of diabetes mellitus, observing providers health and medicine homework help.

50 Interesting Informative Speech Topics for College

26 September, 2020

15 minutes read

Author: Mathieu Johnson

Informative speeches grant speakers a responsible mission of educating people about significant ideas and themes. They’re also about sharing thoughts and opinions on this or that topic, aimed at expanding understanding and providing listeners with relevant insights for further deliberation. Therefore, it’s a particular type of speeches given to put things into sharp focus and offer food for thought. Read up to know which informative speech topics have the most impact.

What is an informative speech?

As mentioned above, it’s a kind of speech that, well, informs the audience about your topic. Sounds simple enough, but simplicity is deceptive, and there are enough secrets behind this science. Specifically, not all people are fully aware of the fact that the “what” question is a key element that needs to be answered, for with informative speeches, you want to choose a topic most likely to be well received.

Of course, you can speak about something you already know, but you can also talk about the topic which is absolutely new to you. In this case, however, you must make sure that the theme will be relatively easy to research and studied before speech delivery. Another important point worth noticing is that organizational requirements and type of information for informative speech usually intertwines with those for an informative essay, for the latter is often an extension of the first.

How to write an informative speech?

So, now it’s time to move from theory to practice and write an informative speech. But where do you start from?

Although there are many different processes involved in the process, we’ll narrow them to essentials to help you better grasp the idea of how a perfect speech should be tailored.

Stage 1. Research and Brainstorming

Think about the topic.

The first and most crucial step is about choosing the right topic. We’ve mentioned before that it’s vital to select the issue you feel free to talk about. However, there are also cases when professors assign a specific task for you. Either way, the point here is to conduct thorough research based on the given or chosen topic.

If you want to explain the history of some company, band or event, for example, make sure to deliver the message clearly, without going here and there. For this, consider talking about particular points which will cover the whole speech and help the audience quickly digest it. Otherwise, your speech will depart from the topic, and listeners will find it challenging to follow your thoughts.

Gather Evidence

Every scholarly work proves its credibility by the inclusion of relevant sources to show both the audience and the instructor that you’ve put enough effort into the work to sound authoritative. This is a great chance to get a good mark, but more importantly, earn trust from listeners. To cite the evidence correctly, you can search for some facts, stats, or numbers in a variety of sources. These include textbooks, books, and encyclopedias (online ones work as well), scholarly articles, reputable news bureaus, and government documents. If these are hard to find for you, think of alternatives, like online journals and magazines. But be careful and don’t use sources from there if they are not credible and reputable. As an example, use The New York Times, The Guardian, Harvard Business Review, SAJE journals, Forbes, etc.

Also, keep in mind that the evidence you’ll use should depend on the subject of your talk. If it’s about science, check scientific publications. If it’s about medicine – embark upon texts on this specific sphere. Finally, don’t forget to create a works cited page at the end of your speech and put all your sources there. Even if your instructor does not specify such a requirement, create a list anyways. This will help you keep references organized, and you will be able to pick a suitable one from the list.

Generate a Nice Thesis

A thesis is the core of impactful speech that tells listeners about its focal points. It also reveals the purpose of your speech and provides the audience with an insight into what the speech is all about. Notably, your thesis should not exceed the length of one-two sentences and be as precise as possible. More so, thesis, like the speech itself, is not about convincing people to take your topic stance immediately. Rather, it’s about informing listeners about significant events or cases which they could analyze and make relevant conclusions themselves. No need to push them or force to change the perspective, just try to be genuine and honest with people you’re talking to. Considering that it’s a scholarly piece of work, there’s no room for appealing to emotions or subjective claims. So in informative speeches, objectivity is the key player.

How to Start Informative Speech Writing?

Informative speech outline

The outline is a skeleton of your speech that briefly explains each of your points. This is basically a list of short sentences which reveal the meaning of your main speech ideas. Remember that this list is not for the audience; it’s for your own use. So the task here is to write about every point in a way you’ll understand. You can also use notecards instead of paper so that it’ll be much easier for you not to get lost in a sea of ideas and organize the speech properly. Tip: include numbers and capital letters for headings, and bullet points or other figures to mark subheadings.

If you are still unsure on whether you can cope with your task – you are in the right place to get help. Our essay writers will easily answer the to the question “Who can write my speech?”

Stage 2. Writing

Once the sketches are ready and you have a clear understanding of what to speak about, move on straight to writing.

Craft an Engaging Intro

What does engaging stand for in this case? It denotes some speech elements which will be enticing for listeners from the first sentence. It’s a common practice to start speeches with different hooks to call for more people’s attention. There are a plethora of techniques you can use to make an unforgettable first impression: jokes, anecdotes, examples from personal life, interesting statistics, rhetorical questions, quotes of famous people. You can even invent your own attention-grabber which will help you knock down listeners.

Give More Detail in the Main Body

Once you managed to create impact by the introduction and made sure everyone will be eager to listen to you further, you need to expand the explanation of key speech ideas in a well-structured, organized manner. Like in regular life, you start a story from the beginning to the end, while gradually moving from one idea to another. The same goes for informative speech – you need to ensure that the flow of your narration is logical and concise, fully elaborated, and precise. Also, don’t forget about making transitions between sentences. They will make your speech flow naturally, helping the audience to process the information much easier and effortlessly.

Wrap Everything Up in Conclusion

The ending of your informative speech should restate the main idea and the thesis you’ve mentioned in the introduction. There’s no need to say new things that will only confuse your audience. Instead, all the conclusion needs is a nice wrapping of the already stated claims.

So basically you want to review your main points and thereby deliver listeners a message which they will perceive as a major takeaway from what you’ve just told them. However, the introductory part should by no means repeat previous information word by word. It’s just a short restatement that covers up the main points.

Proofread and Edit the Final Version

Once the text is written entirely, it’s a must for you to double check it to avoid possible mistakes. If your informative speech turns out not as informative as expected due to grammatical or lexical errors, you’ll not be taken seriously, which we bet is not the purpose of delivering your talk. So, to prevent casualties from happening, you’ll need to use reliable editing and proofreading tools. Grammarly is an excellent source for this. Its accurate algorithm detects all kinds of mistakes and fixes them on the fly in a matter of seconds. And you can also check the text for plagiarism to make sure that it has no analogs anywhere on the web.

The Writing Process of Informative Speech

Stage 3. Perfecting Speech Delivery

Memorize your speech.

Half work is done – you have a writing piece. Now it’s time to learn it. Of course, it’ll take you time to do this, but with a little patience and enough time, you can memorize it even faster than expected. Besides, it’s not recommended to learn the speech from A to Z, inside out and upside down by heart. If your instructor is indulgent enough, feel free to memorize your talk in a way that allows you to explain your ideas clearly and consistently. To facilitate the process of learning, you can memorize sentence by sentence until you’re confident. And even if you forget something during delivery, you can always count on the outline that’ll give you a hint on what to talk about next.

Practice Reading Speech Aloud

When the final product is finally ready and polished, you need to concentrate on reading it.

Practice the speech in a mirror, to a friend/relative/pet, or record yourself to trace the tone and intonation. This way, you’ll make sure that your informative speech is brilliant and you deliver it just the way you wanted. Besides, this practice can help you critically evaluate the flaws and correct them before the actual delivery. Have enough time for this, because even experienced speakers always rehearse their speeches. Finally, focus on the way you use gestures, the way you stand and look at the audience, and facial expressions.

List of informative speech topics

There are lots of easy informative speech topics to choose from, but we offer you to review our topics list with some of the most alluring ones to get you started. Let’s examine pro informative topics that’ll help you write a memorable speech.

Topics for informative speech about music

Frank Sinatra – a beloved father of music
The drastic evolution of french music
Deep house – the most popular music style among youngsters
Why did rock and roll became an epitome of popular dance music
Why does reggae music most known under the name of Bob Marley
The psychological and physical benefits of listening to music
Chill, lounge and electronica has market the era of progressive sound
The impact of rap music on society at large
The art of playing the violin
The evolution of jazz music and its connection to historical movements

Informative speech topics about animals

Why are so many animals under extinction today and how do we fix it?
Why dogs are considered as humans best friend?
The history and evolution of polar bears
Why does rhinos horn trimming in South Africa still allowed
How to properly raise chinchillas
The most dangerous types of dogs on the planet
Staggering intellectual abilities of elephants baffle even scientists
How to keep snakes away and save your life
Different types of butterflies
The history of bees and their role in the world

Topics for informative speech about global warming

Patterns in climate change: rising temperatures and flooding
What Effects does Climate Change have on the Earth and its Inhabitants?
What are the practical solutions to global warming
What is global warming and what causes it?
The future of global warming: dismal predictions and statistics
Controversial opinions about global warming
The greenhouse effect as the top one reason of climate change
The global issue of global warming: what’s next?
Humans are responsible for the emergence and progress of global warming
Sanctions against generation of greenhouses: will they ever take place?

Informative speech ideas about sports

How sports improve human physical and psychological health
Is golf the game of the past?
The real life of sport teams: from trainings to furious games
Can roller skating be considered a kind of sport?
What’s more dangerous: white water rafting or ice diving?
The history of sports: whom do we owe respect?
Hockey 101: gear, playing techniques, team spirit
Why is boxing the most dangerous type of sports
The most unusual kinds of sports humans have invented
The importance and potential threat of football for the world

Interesting speech topics about food and drinks

How to bake a cake and not put on weight
Why does alcohol bring so much trouble to contemporary youth?
There are no superfoods, the study shows
Does fast food really cause addiction?
The secret ingredient of Coca Cola and why you’ll never want to drink it again
If the fruit diet useful for health?
Why bananas can save the world
Eating vegetables and olive oil is a golden ticket to rejuvenation
What’s the difference between natural and processed foods?
Why eating pizza is the worst way to get away with cooking

As you can see from the list of topics for speeches, informative speech is a perfect occasion to explore interesting themes in depth and share your knowledge with people who are most likely to learn new things with you. Discovering a variety of topics and writing them on paper is perhaps the most engaging task your instructor has ever assigned you. And if you find it challenging to come with the right idea for a good topic, just send a “ write my speech ” request, and we’ll complete your order in no time.

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Informative Speech Topics and Ideas: The Ultimate Guide

Before proceeding to the main topic, let us get some idea on Informative speech. Well, it is the type of speech that gives information about a particular subject to audiences.

Its main goal is to help audiences to recognize the information presented by you. Additionally, it makes a complex topic simple to understand providing different opinions and perspectives.

It also provides engaging information which is unique and desired by the audience.

Besides, informative speech can include objects, procedures, events, and other innovative ideas. This does not include the limited list as it is the topic plan that every useful speech contains. Speech can only be handy if it delivers genuine and informative information.

Informative speech describes the topic of your interest. For an instance, if you are giving an informative speech on coffee, focus on the topic.

Think about, what does coffee do, why do you love coffee, and how does it affect your health.

Also, to get rid of the health effect how much coffee do you need to drink per day. You can also conclude by summarizing all these things in a creative way. This makes your speech more interesting.

When you present, you might like to expand some topics or reduce the others. Here, you should be sensitive to your audience and think too much like this can distract the topic.

So focus on your plan and subject. Keep in mind, informative speech just to inform audiences. Do not pick up the topic based on your view as it is a convincing speech.

Remember, too much argumentative speech attempting to influence might take your audiences away.

These kinds of speech are polemical and are wrongly argumentative. You can also find places and time to make an appropriate polemical speech. But, it is not good to include it in the middle of the speech.

You can mention like “Coffee encourages me to work, giving me company during the work. I start my day with a cup of coffee.

It also inspires me to carry out research well. Yet, it can affect my health as well. So, I need to be conscious and drink coffee to the limit”. You can add more here describing different circumstances.

Table of Contents

Informative Speech Topics in History:

Informative speech topics in health and medicine:, informative speech topics in teaching, education, and students:, informative speech topics in music:, informative speech topics in food:, informative speech topics on environment:, informative speech topics in technology:, informative speech topics on economy:, informative speech topics in life:, other informative speech topics, 1. introduction, body, and conclusion, 2. clear, influential, and grabbing introduction, 3. seamless transitions, 4. do not forget to summarize at last, sample of informative speech, a) note list of wide-ranging subject area corresponding your knowledge and expertise, b) focus on the subject area relevant you don’t know yet but would love to, c) pick up the particular purpose of your speech, d) from the list of your topics, pick the one you can express clearly, a) carry out the initial research, b) think about how your research might change your topic, a) think about your audiences earlier than writing the speech, b) summarize your speech, c) elaborate the key points to make it interesting, d) write an introduction, e) write conclusion, a) make sufficient time to practice your speech, b) practice slowing down, c) if possible practice your speech with your friends, 1) make sure you do not speak fast, 2) practice speaking clearly and comprehensibly, 3) speak with your parents and friends, 4) get help from the internet, 5) carry out the outline properly, 6) understand the difference between persuasive and informative speech, 1) the audiences, 2) languages, 4) try to become clear and concise, 5) use audio or visuals if possible, informative speech topics.

The Great Depression
Famous riots
The British Royal Family
Women in the military
Unique funeral customs across the world
The origin of alphabets
The history of tobacco use
The evolution of marriage
Top secret government experiments
The most fascinating accidental inventions
History of witchcraft
The history of language
History of beauty products
The Industrial Revolution
The Middle Ages
How did the Olympics come to be?
Albert Einstein’s Contributions to Science
Helen Keller’s Life
History of art and expression
Civil disobedience
Why do we celebrate Valentine’s day?
Where did fortune cookies come from
A look into World wars
Understanding cults
Evolution of comic books
Most exciting prison breaks of history
Why have street gangs been so prevalent?
Life and Works of Mahatma Gandhi
Most shocking murders the world has seen
Evolution of immigration in the US
Life and Works of Mother Teresa
People Who Changed the World
How the Earth was formed
How antibiotics came to be
The history of greyhound dogs
Different philosophical perspectives
Evolution of movies
How Modern art came to be
Understanding Millenials and Gen-Z
History of Superstitions
History of Genocide
Indian Culture
Haitian Music
The trucking industry
The 80’s: more than just denim and hairdos
The funniest inventions ever
An analysis of smoking in movies through the years
Women in space
World’s most wanted criminals
Most ridiculous laws throughout history
Medicines from nature
Memory loss
How the brain works
Mental illnesses
Fast food culture
Basic first aid
Lucid dreams
Organ donation
Medicinal properties of ginger
Why I am better than you: A look into Narcissistic Disorder
Are home remedies actually worth it?
How DNA testing changed the world
How vitamins can enrich your everyday life
Why you need to stretch before your workout
Different personality disorders
The true horror of chemical warfare
How makeup affects your skin
Birth control and its negative effects
Leaps made by stem cell research
Signs of early on-set Alzheimers
How vaccines work
How to avoid wrinkles
Understanding insomnia
Understanding addiction
How nicotine deteriorates your life
Herbs as medicine
Life as a child of a drug addict
Why do we itch?
Botox: the good and the bad
Human cadavers – history of, uses of
How to have a better memory
DNA evidence.
The intelligence of dolphins
Is dark chocolate healthy?
Importance of vitamins and minerals
Pros and cons of LASIK surgery
Weight Issues.
Teen pregnancy
How stress can cripple your health
How a vegan diet can better your life
Why understanding health is vital to your weight loss journey
Unique medical conditions
Crazy things people have done on an adrenaline rush
Why does our body crave danger?
How to make an income while a student
How to survive freshman year
How to take the GRE
How to get a student job on campus
How to save money while in college
Virtual learning and its impact on Modern Education
Education and its role in unemployment
Great vacation bargains for students
Ethnic diversity for a more open learning experience
What to do in your senior year
Why do you need a college degree?
Moving out of the dorm to an apartment off-campus
Freebies and discounts for students
How to pay off your student loans in 10 years
Graduation checklist
How to pick a major you care about
The evolution of testing
The basics of financial aid
How to get that great internship
Current issues in education and what we can do about them
Basics of getting a fellowship
Learning disabilities teachers should be aware of
Banned books
Why travel is beneficial to education.
Diploma mills
Poverty and its impact on students
A look at the different testing methods
Online learning: A breakthrough in Modern Education
What to do on spring break?
Is homeschooling an effective learning method?
The history of your favorite musical group
How music has changed the world
What music has been to society
Classical and Modern Music: A comparison
The benefits of Music Therapy
Music and its effects on mood
Music and its effects on plant growth
Music and its effects on the psychological response of infants
The impact your favorite artist has had in the music world
The evolution of music
How different genres of music promote empowerment through self-expression
Modern earphones and tinnitus
Music and devotion explained through the life of an artist
How our brain reacts to music
How music can be used in rehabilitation
Does our music tastes define our personality?
What really makes a rockstar?
Strangest musical instruments across the world
Food additives: What are they and how they affect us
Food etiquettes across different countries
The food crisis
We are what we eat
Culinary modernism
The most exotic foods you can eat
Different types of coffee
Can peanut butter and jelly get any better than it is?
Understanding the food chain
Understanding food allergies
Understanding nutrition
Playing matchmaker: Condiments in foods
Baking your own bread
Wedding cakes: The bigger the better?
How to plan a diet that works
How to make the perfect cocktail
A quick guide to wine tasting
Junk food: More than just a packet of chips
Food disorders: What we can do to help
What is better than sliced bread?
How branding is shaping our perception of food
Cereal, soda, and obesity
Eggs: the most versatile food
How to go green in our eating habits
A practical guide to balanced eating
Are superfoods all that they claim to be?
How to master herbs and spices
How to make your own pasta
How to pair your wine with your food?
How to plan a culinary itinerary?
Ocean pollution and how serious the issue has become
Organic agriculture: Why the switch is worth it
The true impact of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Pollution laws and who it is actually protecting
Is it over for coal?
Plant species that have gone extinct
Animal species that have gone extinct
Our environment is dying and here’s why
Water shortage across the globe
How much of what we eat is pesticides and insecticides?
Domestic wastes and how to better manage it
What we can do to protect our environment?
COVID-19 as a blessing to Mother Nature
How a meat-based diest impacts the environment
How to preserve finite resources?
How we are contributing to global pollution
How Global Warming is coming for us
How corporations are destroying our environment
Are rainforests going extinct?
Genetically modified crops: Boon or curse?
How would life adjust without electricity?
3D printers have been a game-changer
Evolution of computer programming
Gadgets I love most
Useful websites
The internet as a boon or curse for human interaction
How Google became the widespread power that is is
Choosing a digital camera
New technologies
Biometrics: New development or a threat to biological data?
Pros and cons of going electric
How do 3D glasses work?
Violence and Video Games: Is this still a thing?
Evolution of content consumption
How to stay safe online?
How the content we consume makes us
How to start a good personal inventory
How search engines work
Social Networking
The Evolution of video games
VR gaming: Blurring the line of reality
The downside of smartphones
Pros and Cons of Smartphones
Is freedom of speech real over the Internet?
How technology has compromised our safety
Are blogs the new diaries?
How to build better credit
What you need to know about online banking security
Is your money safe?
Taxing the rich: Is that the solution?
The best investment tactics
How to beat the market
How to get a credit card
Price hike in the agricultural field
Where does our currency come from?
The ever-increasing cost of education
How education affects economy
Economic impacts of people growing their own foods
Why you need to save money
How to eat well on just $5 a day?
The budgeting secret you’ve needed all your life
How to get along with your roommate
Some inexpensive places to take your date
What to do when your roommate moves out
Being Confident.
Believing in Yourself.
Breaking Bad Habits.
Being Optimistic in Life.
Being a Positive Talker.
Types of birth control
How to fall for the right person
Choosing the right tires for your car
How to perform a magic trick
How a single parent upbringing affects the child
How to build your own brand?
How to achieve Goals
How Does Self-motivation Work?
Different leadership styles and how they help employee productivity
Handling Responsibility
Importance of Discipline
Importance of Meditation
Powerful Communication
The most dangerous jobs
Should assisted suicide be legalized?
The secret for a lasting marriage
How to grow your own home garden
How to retain good employees
How to recognize toxic behaviors
How to master negotiations
Become a more persuasive speaker
The benefits of reading every day
Differences in male and female communication
Muscle cars
Antique collecting
Dog training
My first job
Overcoming conflict
Favorite place
My favorite food
Prohibition
Airplane stunts
Model railroading
Roadside attractions
Multi-Level marketing
Why are smiles contagious
Is it love or simply a habit?
Interesting world records
Favorite TV Shows
The Welfare system
City planning
Reality TV shows
Coin collecting
Ice cream making
Reality of a dream
What winners do to win?
Near-death experiences
The beauty of wolves
Funeral oration
Pesticide use in agriculture
How to change a flat tire
How to drive a stick shift

What to include in informative speech?

Know what to include in an informative speech.

Usually, an informative speech contains an introduction, an informative body, and a meaningful and convincing conclusion. You have to follow the format one after another.

While working on the introduction part, you have to be clean to draw the attention of the audience. Generally, an introduction is a gateway to the key points.

The way you present the introduction part of the speech can influence the audience. It should have a clear relationship between the presenter and the topic.

Add some interesting example that attracts them and does not get bored. Focusing more on the body, develop the speech. Make sure your audiences will listen with an interest from the start.

While delivering an informative speech, the body should harmonize the main points. It must also present the information. Better follow the given time limit and convey information in an understandable way. This makes the audience convenient to engage and understand.

You need to think about a comfortable and natural way of presenting the speech. This way your speech gets appreciated by the audience. Here, the presenter should reveal a vibrant interest or desire for the topic. Keep the correct eye contact. The advancement from one point to another should not look uncomfortable.

In the conclusion part, do not forget to summarize your previous points. The main goal of the conclusion is to end with the main points of the speech. This will set your information in the mind of audiences. The ending should be the medium speaker signals the speech is heading towards an end.

Besides, analyze and repeat the most projecting ideas, innovations, or features of the speech. You should conclude the speech in a similar flow used during the speech. The essential thing to note down is that ending the speech is important. It needs to take the attention of the audience until the last hour.

For your ease, here are some samples that can be helpful for efficient informative speech.

How to write informative speech?

1) pick up the the topic.

The informative speech should cover all the procedures and ideas focusing on the topic. Better to start with a larger image and convincing points that you are confident to speak on.

For an instance, work on the subjects that you usually do or love to do. You can also include the activities that you have been practicing for years. The more you understand the topic, the easier it will be to carry out the useful speech.

Spend some time on the speech that builds up the confidence to deliver the speech. Prepare and come with a long-tail list. This benefits you with more choices to improve the speech that you love to present.

For example, if you like traveling, you might have lots of interesting travel experiences. You will feel comfortable speaking on that topic. Also, you love researching more on the topic of your interest.

Better include these kinds of topics in the list of your subject area. For an instance, you can say that you want to become a tech blogger. But you might not know much about the subject.

You can show it, saying you need to research more on the topic to pursue your aim. This makes your speech and subject influential.

First of all, find out the time you take to cover the topic and focus on completing the speech within the allocated time.

Pick up the particular purpose of the speech to direct the attention of your audience.

Think about making your speech influential. Only delivering the important speech is not going to help to attract your audiences.

Delivering the thing that your audiences already know might bore them. So make it interesting including the practical things and add your experience as well.

Be precise with the topic, do not move away from the topic. Suppose, you are speaking on the National animal of a country.

Focus on the topic of national animals, do not divert your speech explaining more about the country. Your speech may look meaningless.

Deep research and understanding of the topic make your speech more remarkable and appealing.

Better focus on a particular topic that you can express without too much work. If you try to speak about an unfamiliar topic, you might be in trouble later. Better pick up the topic workable for you to speak.

2) Research on the topic

One of the rules to write an informative speech is -Know your subject. Carry out your research with proper understanding and honesty. You can do this by utilizing trustworthy resources to write the notes.

While gathering research elements, divide the resources that you will use in the speech. Also, try to learn more about the subject area related to the topic. You may have to respond to the queries about the speech topic. Better learn the things that are helpful to answer the queries.

For an instance, you are speaking about European culture. If the audience asks about it, you should be smart enough to answer to the query.

Once you complete your research, find something new that makes your speech more effective. Instead of ignoring it, take some time to prepare it.

When preparing an informative speech on social media, you understand different things during the research. You may find the research on Social media Myth more interesting. If you have more confidence to speak on the social media myths, you can pursue it. You have done lots of research that makes you able to deliver the speech in an interesting way.

3) About writing the speech

It is ideal to expect your audiences are a little familiar with your topic. Keeping in mind, you may still deliver the background information of the related topic. Beware of the shortcuts you use while explaining the topic. Until your task says otherwise, do not rush to clarify anything.

Nobody desires to know about the actors and actresses when you are giving a speech in the movie. You do not need to provide lots of background information as they are already familiar with the topic.

List out the information you are willing to include and keep it in logical order. To carry out how to informative speech, including the reason for what you are doing and how you do it will be fine.

For example, if your speech is on preparing hamburgers, you should explain every step you carry out. Additionally, do not forget to explain how you use the ingredient for the perfect result. This makes your speech interesting.

Better elaborate on the main points to make your informative speech more interesting and informative. The common method to carry out the speech is to emerge with the key points. These key points for a speech should be in sequential order or spatial order.

This procedure helps to give a useful, informative, and engaging speech. For an instance, start the speech on My trip to Lumbini with a short introduction of Lumbini. Then, your experience while visiting Lumbini and conclude with summarizing them.

The introduction is the main gateway to your speech. It should take the attention of audiences and let them understand what you are talking about. Usually, if your speech is long or complicated, make sure to provide the points you aim to cover.

Better start the speech with interesting jokes or quotes related to your topic. Make sure you will not speak out of the topic. This will be useful to build a strong connection between your speech and the audience. Yet, it might go wrong if you prefer unpleasant statements or meaningless jokes.

For an instance, starting the speech as “I just came from the universe” might sound weird. This can make your speech boring and unimpressive. Better try some relevant sentences and speech.

The conclusion should sum up the key points of your speech. Better conclude the speech with your opinion. The audience usually remembers the first and last things they hear.

Thus, be sure, you are in the right sequence to deliver your message to your audiences. It will help to start and conclude your speech with some essential memorizing messages.

Attempt to put your conclusion into the introduction. Emerging with a complete circle provides will make your speech in the heart of your audience.

For an instance, you used some precise jokes or quotes making the speech impressive. If your movie speech started with a story about an actor struggling to make his career.

It might sound useless and inappropriate with the topic. So, talk about the thing that is necessary and appropriate.

4) Practicing your speech

Practice makes us perfect so make enough time to practice your speech. Include or cut off the points as necessary.

Try completing your speech in the precise time. Even if you are not assigned the time limitation, do not make the speech long and boring. You might not know this while delivering the speech. Better think about it earlier than you give the speech.

If you are speaking for some event, be sure that it does not cross the time limitation. Audiences might get your speech boring if you take a too long time or you may have to end with an incomplete speech. So, be sure that it works according to the time.

While presenting in a mass of people, you might f try to end the speech instantly. You may also speak quickly and in that way, audiences might not understand you.

To be sure the audiences enjoy what you present, attempt to slow down. Better use, video recorder while practicing. This way you can analyze your speech by yourself. It will be effective if you point out the mistakes and work to fix that.

Try to include dramatic pauses to make your speech more attractive. Dramatic pauses can strike a particular bit of information providing the audience time to reflect.

Best speakers use them carefully with great consequence. You have to be alert about the list of information. Make some time to practice after you list out the information.

You might be nervous to present in front of a huge mass of people. So, try practicing in front of your friend. This makes you able to build confidence.

Being nervous will mess up your speech. Better prepare well by working with your friends. Get feedback from them as an audience and work on the drawbacks. If you go with the wrong plan then recover from the mistake. This gives you the strength to deliver an interesting speech.

So, these are some effective ways to write informative speeches. Following these points will help to deliver an interesting speech.

Tips for Informative Speech

Now, let us proceed towards the tips to make your informative speech more efficient

While presenting in front of lots of people, it is likely to get nervous. When you get nervous, you try to complete the speech by talking quickly.

This might make the speech confusing and unimpressive. Think about it, while practicing try to slow down and make your speech clear and loud.

Even if you are good at writing the speech, it will not be effective unless you speak clearly. If you mumble while speaking, it might sound unclear. So, practice more and more until you speak clearly and comprehensibly.

You are most likely good at informative speech but you might not realize that. You can speak with your parents and friends about different topics of your interest. This builds up your confidence to speak in public.

If you are having a problem deciding on the topic of your speech, get help from the internet. There, you can find lots of websites with a list of prospective and interesting topics.

Or else, you can also think about the time you spend the most. For an instance, you spend most of your time cooking. Talk about cooking the dishes that you are proficient at.

Your outline plays a significant role to help you take your speech in an organized way. Yet, you should not take it lightly.

When you work on the speech, you might get that some points mentioned in the outline is unnecessary. You can add essential points and remove the points which you do not need. As outline helps to find necessary points, do it properly.

Persuasive and informative speeches are two different things. You should know that. Persuasive speech is convincing while informative speech gives information about a particular topic.

Simple ways to approach an informative speech

Think about your audience. This is the most challenging as the speaking circumstances, forums, and topics can vary. Before presenting the speech, analyze who your audiences are? Why are they present in your speech? Focusing on these details, you can explore the best ways to present your speech.

If you are speaking about lung cancer, you should know its basics as well. Some audiences might not understand the depth.

So start your speech from the basics. Do not presume that audiences are familiar with the background of your topic. Again, do not assume they do not know. This is the main reason, knowing the audience is essential. Besides, it depends on the situation of the speech.

Use proper language. Speak the language that audiences desire to listen to. You deliver the speech with the goal to provide useful information to the audience.

If audiences do not understand what you speak, the speech becomes useless. The main target of an informative speech is to give knowledge about a particular topic.

If you can explain well the topic in simple language better use it. Try to make the speech simple and understandable.

Do not rush to complete the speech quickly. Instead, think about educating your audiences with your speech. Explain the term if necessary.

Understanding the time flow of the speech will be helpful to make your speech effective. Speakers should create a link between their topic and the interest of audiences.

Here describe the significance of the topic. Also, express the main points with some interesting examples and quotes.

A speaker confessing their own experience encourages the audiences to share the same interest.

To become a good speaker, you have to be clear and concise at first. Spend lots of time on simple concepts instead of the harder ones.

Since giving many examples to prove a single point might not work well. This way your audiences may find your speech boring.

Better, explore some new ideas and prepare the topic well. Try to provide detailed information. Most of the audience gets influenced by details and descriptive presentation.

Try practicing using audio or visuals if possible. They help to find out your mistake. You can improve after you know where the mistake is.

Additionally, informative speech can be effective with demo presentation and visual support. So, using them properly helps to deliver your speech in a proper way.

The above-mentioned topics and tips for informative speech should help you prepare and deliver a powerful informative speech. If you have any suggestions or feedback, please let me know in the comment below.

April 9, 2024

100+ Ideas for informative speech topics

Easy, fun, and educational ideas and inspiration for your next informative speech. Check out these starter topics and example presentations

Co-founder, CEO

An informative speech topic should captivate and educate your viewers. Likewise, you should take pleasure in delivering and discussing the subject matter.

However, choosing a subject that resonates with your audience and aligns with your interests at the same time can be overwhelming.

To give you some inspiration, we’ve done the legwork and compiled 110 ideas for informative speech topics. The first 100 are categorized by difficulty, while the last 10 are more on the entertaining side (though with plenty of educational value).

For your convenience, we’ve even given you hints on how to structure your speech and presentation for each of the topics below, along with a topic selection guide and advice for making an effective presentation.

25 Ideas for easy informative speech topics

These ideas are for simple yet educational and thought-provoking topics you can use for speeches in middle school, or high school, or to practice public speaking at your Toastmasters club. These topics don’t demand exhaustive research, but you’ll want to spruce your slides up with exciting visuals and keep the speaking points short to engage your audience.

1. How electric cars work

Electric cars are in higher demand and more accessible than ever before, but how they work remains a mystery to many — especially to your middle or high school peers. Load your slide deck with images of these cars’ key components. Explain how they work using short bullets, then compare and contrast their operation with that of their gas-fueled counterparts.

2. Most popular sports around the world

Most of us view baseball as a distinctly American pastime, but did you know that it’s the most popular sport in Japan, Taiwan, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic? There are plenty of such surprises in the world of sports, so this topic is bound to excite and inform in a school setting. Organize the deck by sport for a short, impactful presentation, and pack each slide with relevant statistics.

3. Tips for healthy eating

Inspire your audience to pursue a better diet with basic, practical advice on healthy foods and meal plans. You’ll have to do a bit of research, and the nutrition guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) are a credible — source of information. Beyond focusing on the nutritious value of different foods, be sure to include sample recipes and meal plans anyone can follow. And don’t forget to enliven the presentation with colorful images!

4. Healthiest desserts you can make

Show your viewers some healthy alternatives to the sugar-laden and ultra-processed treats that occupy most supermarket shelves. Dig up some recipes (lots are available online) and ensure that each slide has an appetizing image of the treat along with ingredients and truncated preparation steps. Be ready to explain why each of your chosen desserts is healthy — for example, is it made without sugar, with wholewheat flour, or using a notably nutritious ingredient?

5. How to improve your sleep

Advice on improving the length and quality of sleep is a helpful topic for almost any audience — sleep is a vital part of healthy living, and most of us don’t get enough of it. Dedicate each of your slides to a specific habit that enhances sleep hygiene and use images that show the behavior in action. Share some statistics on how each habit impacts sleep quality.

6. Mac vs PC comparison: what’s the best computer?

Mac and PC users often clash over which computer and operating system is best, so use your speech to present factual arguments for and against each contender. Slides with screenshots showing the best and worst features of each machine will serve as an effective visual aid. To engage your audience further, build a discussion section into your presentation and let your viewers present and debate their opinions.

7. iOS vs Android: which smartphone operating system is best?

Comparing two of the world’s most prominent mobile operating systems is bound to stir some debate among your viewers — each likely has one of these devices in their pocket and is probably ready to opine on its superiority. Your job is to educate your audience on the capabilities and known shortfalls of each system so that they can make an informed opinion. Leave some room for discussion as you conclude the presentation to keep your audience absorbed until the end.

8. Basics of personal finance

Learning (or brushing up on) healthy financial habits is a useful exercise for anyone, including you — the presenter. The subject matter may be a bit dry for younger viewers, so equip your slide deck with visual content that’s relevant and captivating. Instead of using piggy bank stock images, find YouTube videos of people sharing their experience with a specific money habit. A quick Q&A session at the end of your speech will also give younger viewers ask you questions about concepts they didn’t grasp.

9. Worldwide weather patterns and their causes

An informative speech about the earth’s weather patterns and their causes will fascinate viewers of all ages. After all, weather is a topic that permeates our daily lives, but few of us understand the forces that shape it. Focus your speech on meteorological trends that change with seasons and explain what drives them. Maps that show changing weather conditions are effective visuals to use in your speech.

10. Types of weather phenomena

Hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, and atmospheric rivers are weather phenomena worth learning about as their pace and intensity quickens due to climate change. An informative speech on these meteorological events should discuss their characteristics, causes, any relevant statistics, and resilience tips for the populations they affect.

11. The greatest natural disasters of all time

Humans have an innate interest in catastrophes, so an educational speech on the world’s greatest natural disasters is bound to captivate your audience. However, to make your presentation informative, don’t rely on the shock value of disaster photographs alone. Focus on facts — causes, characteristics, casualties, and resilience measures being taken to mitigate the impact of natural calamities in the future.

12. How to prepare a 72-hour survival kit

Floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and earthquakes can displace entire cities at a moment’s notice, so knowing how to pack a survival kit is an essential life skill — and an excellent speech topic. Base your presentation on FEMA’s guidelines for gathering an emergency preparedness kit. Go beyond listing items and teach your audience how to use them through images and instructional videos embedded in your slides.

13. First aid skills everyone should know

First aid saves lives, so basic first responder techniques are an excellent educational speech topic for any audience. At the very minimum, let your speech cover the fundamentals of CPR, choking aid, and wound care, but feel free to expand the topicality if you’re experienced in the subject matter. Instructional videos are the most handy visual aid since they show the steps for performing various life-saving procedures.

14. How to live off the grid

Living off the grid is a fun and informative speech topic that centers on a popular ongoing trend. Teach your audience how to live off the land with slides that explain how to meet basic necessities like food, shelter, water, and heat without relying on modern facilities. Images and videos (or even interviews) of successful off-grid dwellers will serve as effective visual aids.

15. Basics of home gardening

Teach the aspiring gardeners in your audience the basic skills of growing plants at home. An informative speech on the fundamentals of home gardening should discuss vital elements such as lighting, irrigation, humidity, ambient air temperatures, and ways of preventing and controlling plant diseases. If you spell out specific gardening techniques, demonstrate them to your viewers by embedding relevant instructional videos in your slides.

16. Best plants to decorate your home

Show your viewers the ideal plants for incorporating into a home’s decor. This should be a largely visual presentation, with slides depicting different plant species and their integration into a home’s interior design. Getting these visuals right may take some time, effort, and even Photoshop skills if available stock images don’t show the right plant in the right setting. Prepare good notes to explain why you’ve chosen these plants.

17. Wonders of architecture: world’s most unusual buildings

The world’s most unusual buildings make for an educational and visually intriguing speech topic. While your audience will marvel at the images depicting these peaks of human achievement, be sure your slide content conveys the most essential relevant facts. These include the building architect, date of completion, and materials used in construction.

18. What is a smart city?

Educate your audience on the “smart city” concept by explaining the various systems that work in unison to gather, analyze, and utilize data in an urban environment. Since this functionality differs between municipalities, focus your speech on one smart city example (such as Singapore or Amsterdam), and explain each of its intelligent features slide-by-slide.

19. World’s longest bridges

Your speech on the world’s longest bridges should educate viewers about vital facts, such as the bridges’ geographic location, span, support system, purpose, and construction timeframes. You can also add interesting bits of history about each bridge to make the subject matter more exciting. For a more impactful presentation, find high-quality images of each bridge and leave the longest span for the last slide.

20. 10 best gap year trips

Help viewers make an informed decision about their gap year destinations with slides that highlight vital information about each location. Here are some facts to include in each destination slide: best attractions, places to stay, estimated daily spending, local currency and languages, ideal time to visit, and any hazards to be aware of.

21. How to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling

Inform your audience of the best tips for staying green while on the go. These may include choosing rail over flights for short trips, switching off electronics in the hotel room, or avoiding frequent room cleanings on long hotel stays. Dedicate a slide to each of these strategies and explain how and why they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions with relevant statistics.

22. World’s best universities for engineering

Guide prospective engineering students through their best university options around the world with a presentation that features each school’s most vital information. Dedicate each slide to a specific school and list available programs, average tuition fees, most common employers of the graduates, and basic info about the location. To avoid boring viewers with the same dry facts, include each school’s most unique and intriguing feature in the slide deck.

23. Best countries to study abroad

Create an informative presentation that ranks the world’s best countries for international students. Each slide should feature one of the nations and list information such as the top local universities and programs, cost of living, student visa requirements, and crucially — the reason this nation made your list.

24. How to make your resume stand out

Show an audience of job seekers tips and tricks for standing out amidst a sea of other applicants’ resumes. Each of your slides should feature a specific tip with a screenshot of an example in the resume (don’t bother with generic stock images). Ideally, find a video featuring an interview with an HR professional who discusses these resume-crafting strategies and why they work.

25. How to use body language in an interview

A speech exploring the use of body language during job interviews should inform viewers via images and (if possible) videos of the do’s and don'ts. Video clips with a body language expert discussing and demonstrating different postures will add credibility to your presentation and keep the audience immersed in the material.

25 Ideas for intermediate informative speech topics

The 25 speech topics below are a bit more involved but not quite scholarly, so they’re suitable for high school students in their senior year and their peers in college. You’ll need to research each of the topics thoroughly to convey as much information as possible to educate the viewers and promote critical thought. That said, note that the more data you stuffed into your slide decks, the higher your chances of boring your viewers and losing their attention. So, keep the content info-rich but succinct, and rely heavily on captivating images and videos to tell your story.

26. How screen time affects children and teens

Present the relationship between screen time and childrens’ well-being through slides featuring recent study findings. Base your presentation on more than a single study, and reinforce the evidence with videos showing interviews of child psychologists, parents, and children discussing their experience. Since the subject matter is a bit controversial, keep your presentation objective and informative — your viewers can draw their own conclusions.

27. Why are adults in love with superheroes?

Explore our fascination with superheroes and discuss theories that explain its causes. Start by highlighting the theme’s prevalence in Western culture, then move on to the innate human attitudes that shape it — escapism, optimism, hope, and others. Use credible scientific sources to back up your presentation and give the audience a chance to share their thoughts as you conclude.

28. A look at the four key parenting styles

Walk your viewers through the four distinct parenting techniques — authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and neglectful. You’ll need several slides for each parenting type; use them to address the style’s methods and characteristics, prevalence in modern society, advantages, and disadvantages. Find a video of a child psychologist weighing each style’s effectiveness.

29. What is pop psychology and why are we obsessed with it?

Discuss the popularization of psychology in modern culture and overview the primary ideologies. Start with a timeline showing the rise of pop psychology, and dedicate slides to specific theories and notable individuals. Crucially, present theories that attempt to explain this cultural phenomenon.

30. What are “blue zones”?

Take your audience on a tour of the world’s blue zones — regions known for the longevity of their populations. Overview each region, give its life expectancy statistics, prevalence of chronic illnesses, and lifestyle factors thought to promote longer lifespans. Pay particular attention to factors like diet, exercise, socialization patterns, and work-life balance. If possible, include videos with interviews of blue zone residents and their perspective on longevity.

31. A look at the centenarian diet

Overview the known, identified dietary patterns among blue zone inhabitants. These may vary by region, but all have certain commonalities in terms of the most prevalent food and nutrient groups. Include a dish or recipe that embodies each dietary pattern you discuss in your presentation. Crucially, explain why scholars believe these eating habits contribute to longevity and good health.

32. Diet trends across generations

Discuss how diet trends have changed between generations. The simplest way to organize your speech is by generation — start with the Lost Generation and work your way to Alpha. Overview each cohort’s typical regimen and favorite dishes, and try to rationalize the contributing factors behind each culinary shift. To get your viewers thinking critically, leave time for an interactive session at the end of your speech and discuss whether the dietary changes are beneficial for health and the environment.

33. Why cuisine is a cultural shaping force

Explain how cultural values and ideals are embodied in recipes and culinary traditions. Organize your speech by cuisines, with each slide showing either prominent dishes that reflect aspects of the nation’s culture, or customs surrounding food preparation and service.

34. How alcohol consumption has changed over time

This speech should highlight the shifts in alcohol consumption across all of the world’s regions. You may not be able to find enough data (or have sufficient time) to discuss drinking statistics from every nation on earth, but show the most prominent examples of changing attitudes — i.e. which nations and regions drink more, and which have curbed their consumption over time. Accompany each finding with factors that may have driven changes in alcohol use.

35. Factors contributing to the mental health crisis

Present the findings of academic studies on possible triggers behind the ongoing mental health crisis. Use statistics to compare the effects of different factors, and back up your statements with authoritative quotes from clinical psychiatrists. Given the significance and thorniness of the subject matter, keep your speech professional and respectful, and stay objective while presenting.

36. How social media affects our mental health

Use your speech to educate the audience on the observed mental health effects of social media and their mechanisms. Include positive and negative impacts in your presentation. For each one (for example, loss of sleep quality), include research-based evidence and hypotheses as to why the effect takes place. To keep your viewers’ attention, intersperse video clips of interviews with psychiatrists involved in this research or their test subjects.

37. What is an LLM?

Inform the audience about Large Language Models (LLM) by explaining the processes that enable their functionality. Dedicate several slides to addressing common questions about LLMs. For example:

Can LLMs reason?
Are LLMs conscious beings?
Can LLMs evolve into Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)?

38. What are the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence?

Discuss the various ethical dilemmas that emerge as artificial intelligence gains a foothold in our daily lives. These may include inherent bias, workforce disruption, and AI-powered lethal decision-making in warfare. This speech should stimulate critical thought as much as it informs, so discuss each dilemma you present with your audience.

39. What is blockchain technology?

Educate your viewers on the basics of blockchain technology. Use relevant visuals and give concrete examples of how each aspect of this technology works. For example, you can show how a Bitcoin transaction happens, with each slide illustrating one of its phases. Be sure to discuss all blockchain applications (not just cryptocurrency), and review its pros and cons.

40. Can cryptocurrencies replace traditional finance?

Cryptocurrencies’ ability to replace traditional finance are up for debate, so use your speech to inform the audience of the arguments for and against such an event. To start, explain how crypto differs from conventional currencies, list its benefits and shortfalls, and describe government efforts to control its proliferation. Then, dive into credible evidence that backs crypto as the currency of the future, and proof of the contrary. At the end of the presentation, let your viewers opine on the subject matter.

41. What is the future of transportation?

Explore transportation technologies that are currently being designed, developed, or have recently entered service. Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, new supersonic jets, the hyperloop, or even innovative micromobility vehicles are all intriguing examples. Apart from listing these transportation modes’ capabilities, explain the driving forces behind their invention. What problem are these new technologies striving to solve?

42. What is causing climate change and how to combat it

Educate viewers on the scientifically accepted climate change triggers and walk through viable strategies for slowing the pace of global warming. As you analyze the causes, use statistics to show which human activities are most harmful. Likewise, include models to illustrate all the potential progression paths of global warming relative to the mitigation strategies we deploy. Touch on new climate strategies, such as geoengineering, and discuss their pros and cons.

43. These cities will sink by 2050 if we don’t reduce carbon emissions

List cities that are expected to sink below the sea level by 2050 if the world does not reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Tie these predictions to specific emission targets, temperature benchmarks, and sea level changes. Explain whether each of the doomed cities has a chance of either staying above water by natural or artificial means. Likewise, note any preparations to move government infrastructure and populations out of affected cities (as is the case with Jakarta). Finally, touch on the obstacles in the way of these cities’ survival. These may include positive feedback loops accelerating sea level rise, ineffective climate policies, and denialist propaganda.

44. How to identify propaganda

Propaganda techniques vary widely, so start by discussing the characteristics common to all propaganda forms: the agenda, the target audience, and the manipulated message. Show concrete samples of these “red flags” in the media (just be careful to stay clear of political battle lines!) Then, use the rest of your slides to analyze different propaganda techniques and their real-life manifestations.

45. How populism has shaped politics over time

Educate your viewers on the effect populism has had on politics and governments throughout history. Start by defining the concept, explain its methods and characteristics, and pinpoint its historical origins. Then, walk your audience through historical populist movements and their consequences. Unless you plan to stoke a heated debate with your speech, stay objective and use examples from both sides of the political divide.

46. How the electoral college works in the United States

Discuss the processes behind the US electoral college within the broader framework of a presidential election. To properly illustrate the institution’s function, explain what happens from the moment the nation casts its ballots to the confirmation of the US president in the Senate. Finally, give examples of US presidents who won elections despite losing the plurality of the popular vote — and the role the electoral college played in these events.

47. A look at modern monarchies

Inform the audience about the role monarchies continue to play in today’s world. List the reigning monarchs, discuss their powers within government, then touch on their networth and popularity among subjects. To promote critical thinking among your viewers, leave some time to debate monarchies’ relevance and utility in the modern world.

48. Exploring systems of government

Teach your viewers about various systems of government that operate in modern nations. Use countries as specific examples of the different government systems. Explain how these governments are formed or elected, how they pass and execute laws, and historical factors that led to their creation. Crucially, list each system’s pros and cons.

49. The state of democracy around the world

Use your speech to summarize the state of democratic power across different regions. Use maps and statistics to list nations where democratic norms are seeing improvement, and those slipping into totalitarianism. Address the contributing factors behind shifts in the quality of democracy.

50. Bloodiest conflicts throughout history

Present a compilation of the world’s bloodiest conflicts. Include both domestic and international confrontations, and rank them by the number of casualties. Discuss the root causes of each conflict you present, and aggravating factors (such as weapons of mass destruction use, famines, or oppressive political regimes). As you conclude, ask your audience to brainstorm ways to avoid such conflicts in the future.

25 Ideas for complex informative speech topics

The following 25 suggestions are for informative speech topics geared at a university-level audience. These topics delve into sophisticated theories and technologies at the forefront of scientific research. Your viewers may know the subject well, especially if they are your peers. However, do your best to break up the monotony of fact-rich, scholarly content with suitable graphics, videos, and discussion sessions.

51. Gene therapy: definition, applications, and future development

Explain how gene therapy works and give a brief overview of its history. Discuss the various delivery methods for gene therapy along with their suitability and pros and cons. Use available statistics to shine a light on the effectiveness of this treatment for different diseases, and touch on the therapy’s ongoing research and development.

52. What is CRISPR gene editing?

Define the CRISPR initialism (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), and describe the mechanism behind this gene editing technique. Use effective visuals to illustrate the processes and help your viewers grasp the subject matter. Crucially, list practical examples of CRISPR applications and address the controversy surrounding this method.

53. How RNA vaccines work

Show your viewers the workings of RNA vaccines with slides that graphically depict each step, from vaccine formulation to the host’s immune response. Examine RNA vaccines’ suitability for protecting against various diseases, touch on their development history, and compare their effectiveness against other common vaccine types.

54. Current and future role of AI in healthcare

Create an informative presentation showing AI’s current applications in healthcare, new AI-based technologies under development, and AI’s long-term future potential in the field. Your slides should describe how AI algorithms enhance various tasks (for example, diagnostic imaging), with statistics that show their efficacy. As you contemplate AI’s future potential in healthcare, ask your viewers to weigh in with their opinions.

55. How nanotechnology continues to advance and change our world

Describe the origins and history of nanotechnology, along with current uses, ongoing research, and possible implications. Your slide deck should have graphic representations of how nanotechnology powers various processes and consumer items, and the tools used in its production. Leave some time in your speech to debate the potential of nanotechnology and address concerns.

56. How does the James Webb Telescope work?

Your speech should illustrate how each of the James Webb Space Telescope components work in unison to capture images of faraway celestial bodies and transmit them to earth. Dedicate a slide to each of the elements, then show some of the telescope’s latest available images. Compare Webb’s mechanism and output to Hubble's.

57. What is the future of space exploration?

The future of space exploration is a conjectural topic, so your speech should give your audience all the necessary information to make an educated guess. Start off by analyzing past space missions, the reasons behind them, the technology used, and the limitations they faced. Then, consider the same factors in the context of the future. What will motivate humans to continue space exploration? What technology will be available, and what constraints will we continue to face? Allow some time for debate before you conclude the speech.

58. Can we make Mars inhabitable?

Our ability to inhabit Mars is a speculative topic, so approach it with these facts:

How suitable is Mars’s surface for habitation
Technology needed to make Mars inhabitable
Current technical constraints and potential for their resolution
Implications for humans on Mars-bound missions

After presenting the facts above, describe current plans for human Mars missions. Explain their current status, what they plan to accomplish, and what obstacles they currently face. Finally, get viewers to opine on the viability of Mars inhabitation.

59. Future of supersonic commercial air travel

Overview the current commercial supersonic projects (Boom and Quesst), and contrast them against the Concorde and Tu-144. List the challenges these original supersonic airliners faced, and explain why they ceased operating. Discuss whether Boom and Quesst will be able to overcome these same obstacles and make supersonic air travel possible again.

60. How much of a threat is technological singularity?

Discuss the concept of technological singularity and overview contending theories on its potential, mechanisms, and timelines. Crucially, explain why some scholars believe that singularity is inevitable. Finally, address the possible implications of singularity and the threats humanity might face as a result.

61. Exploring the causes of political polarization

Guide your audience through the innate causes and triggers behind polarization in politics. Explain why some degree of polarization may be inherent in al democratic systems, especially where parties have widely differing ideologies. Then, talk about specific events that exacerbate polarization, such as gerrymandering or social media algorithms. Conclude with a debate on the subject matter, but steer the conversation clear of political flashpoints.

62. How gerrymandering amplifies political polarization

Gerrymandering is a redistricting technique that redraws borders in favor of a political party and ratchets up polarization among the voters. To illustrate the process, present instances where redistricting is believed to have fomented political divide. Stay objective and find examples from both sides of the political divide to avoid causing tension among your audience.

63. What is dark matter?

You may not be able to define dark matter, but you can overview the current, widely accepted hypotheses about its composition and place in the observable universe. Explain what we do know about dark matter (such as its interaction or lack thereof with light, the electromagnetic field, and gravity), present evidence of its existence, and list constraints that keep us from learning more about this mysterious phenomenon.

64. How does the Placebo effect work?

Explain the neurophysiological process in the brain that helps the patient to feel better without actually treating the underlying cause of the symptoms. Discuss the various applications of placebos in medical practice and research. Supplement your speech with graphics that show the neural processes behind the effect and make it easier for your audience to grasp.

65. How intelligent are animals?

Educate your viewers on the cognitive abilities of different animals. Consider ranking the animals in your presentation by intellect, with the most intelligent species appearing last (this will help your speech build momentum). For each animal, explain how its intelligence was assessed, whether it manifests in observable behavior, and how it helps the species excel in its environment. Videos of these behaviors could make your speech more intriguing.

66. Plant and animal species on the brink of extinction

Walk your viewers through a list of fauna and flora species that are either critically endangered or already extinct in the wild. For each species, detail the present populations, habitat, and crucially, the factors pushing it to extinction. Also, list conservation efforts underway to protect any of the threatened species and discuss their efficacy.

67. Are there habitable earth-like exoplanets?

Use your speech to present the exoplanets currently thought to have habitable, earth-like conditions. Explain how and when each planet was discovered, where it’s located in the Universe, how far it is from earth, and why scientists believe it may be inhabitable. List factors that determine whether a planet may be a host for lifeforms.

68. The search for extraterrestrial life

Outline the past and present efforts to find life beyond our planet. Talk about the different methods that have been used to look for extraterrestrial life and explain their outcomes. Likewise, list UFO sightings and purported alien encounters and discuss whether they are credible evidence of life on other planets. Finally, inform your audience about developing technologies that will enable us to find signs of life deep in the universe in the future.

69. How our microbiome connects the gut to the brain

Explain the gut-to-brain connection that exists thanks to our microbiome. Use explanatory visuals to show the different types of beneficial and harmful bacteria that exist in the gut, and how these microbes influence our physical and mental well-being. Be sure to clearly illustrate the neurological processes through which the microbiome connects to and affects the human brain.

70. Exploring the current climate change models and predictions

Educate your viewers about the scientifically accepted climate change predictions and the models on which they’re based. Outline predictions for the next 50-100 years, with models showing how outcomes differ relative to the average temperature increase. Include consequences such as changing coastlines, population displacement, extinction and endangerment of plant and animal species, and effects on the economy.

71. Superbugs: the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Discuss the emergence of bacteria that can resist antibiotics and the root causes of their evolution. Cite specific medical cases where antibiotics were unable to treat previously treatable conditions. Explain what hazards such pathogens pose to humanity, and what (if any) measures are being taken to contain their spread and development.

72. How to mitigate the effects of the next pandemic

Each pandemic humanity has lived through taught us invaluable lessons about disease prevention and control. Share these lessons in a speech that features key strategies for reducing the human and economic toll of inevitable future pandemics. Discuss how differences in virility and transmissibility affect the tactics used to contain their spread. Finally, tell your audience which pandemics are most and least likely to occur, and how prepared we are to handle them.

73. What is quantum cryptography?

Explain the concept of quantum cryptography, its origins, and the reasons for its inception. Cover the processes through which cryptographic activities occur in the quantum state, how they differ from non-quantum ciphering, and what advantages they offer. Spell out distinct examples of quantum cryptographic applications, and potential for further development of these technologies. Since the topic requires at least intermediate knowledge of quantum mechanics, clearly cover the relevant fundamental concepts of this field and leave some time for a Q&A session in case your viewers have questions.

74. What is the Modern Monetary Theory (MMT)?

Inform your viewers about the fundamentals of Modern Monetary Theory and how they play out in practice. Explain MMT’s five key tenets, and illustrate each of these with a real-life example. Compare MMT against Keynesian economic principles and list its benefits and shortfalls.

75. Inflation, recession, and stagflation

Describe each of the three economic states, their causes, and their inter-relationship. Outline the factors that trigger each state and the policies designed to rectify them. Give real-life examples of inflation, recession, and stagflation, and the effects they’ve had on people’s everyday lives.

25 Debate-worthy informative speech topic ideas

The 25 topic ideas below have no place at the dinner table. However, their controversial subject matter demands debate and thoughtful action and they’re quite suitable for a mature, adult audience.

Since these topics are meant to inspire discussion, your job is to supply relevant facts and stay objective while you present. Credible statistics presented with clear, impactful visuals are most effective. With hard facts laid out clearly in front of them, your audience has the best chance of thinking critically, being willing to see multiple perspectives, and engaging in constructive dialogue.

76. Is gentle parenting effective?

Present evidence confirming and disputing the efficacy of gentle parenting (also known as “passive parenting.”) Find relevant statistics or expert opinions from child psychologists, educators, and parenting coaches to reinforce your speech. Finally, let your audience — the parents in particular — opine on the matter.

77. Are video games an acceptable pastime for children?

Showcase statistics on the effects of video games on children’s cognitive abilities, school performance, behavior, and personality. Rely solely on expert evidence — study results, clinical research, and opinions of child psychologists. Then, conclude your speech by inviting audience members to speak their minds.

78. Individualism vs collectivism: which social system works best?

Describe the characteristics of individualism and collectivism, and offer examples of societies where one of the systems is considerably more prevalent. Compare these societies across metrics such as education levels, GDP, life satisfaction, human rights, and the state of democracy. Likewise, explore societies that balance individual and collective needs. After this analysis, allow your viewers to express their views on the topic.

79. What are acceptable limits on free speech?

Guide your audience through the various laws that protect and restrict free speech in the US and abroad. Find examples of positive and negative outcomes of such laws. Finally, ask your viewers what “freedom of speech” means to them, and how much of it they’re willing to sacrifice for the common good.

80. What is net neutrality and how does it affect us?

Explain what net neutrality means and cite specific laws that strive to make the internet “neutral.” Present examples of such laws in action, and ask the audience to consider their benefits and shortfalls.

81. Is the world warming naturally or due to human activity?

Start by describing the causes of ice ages and interglacial periods in the past and the feedback loops that exacerbated these climatic shifts. Next, present scientific evidence that pinpoints current shifts in the earth’s climate that wouldn’t have taken place without human activities. Examine how and why current climate change differs from glacial and interglacial cycles of the past.

82. Pros and cons of AI use in an educational setting

List the various capabilities that AI products like ChatGPT afford students, and analyze their pros and cons from an educator’s perspective. For example, you may conclude that AI-generated essays impede academic progress, while AI-enhanced slide presentations let students focus their brainpower on the slide content by automating tedious tasks like slide design and formatting.

83. Is AI disruptive or a force for the good?

Outline the human activities AI has automated already, and those it will potentially take on in the future. Consider whether this automation will disrupt or enhance the quality of our lives. Examine factors that may contribute to either of the outcomes — for example, effective regulatory policies or powerful AI technology falling into the wrong hands. Give your viewers time to share their thoughts on the matter before you conclude.

84. Does AI dehumanize us?

Share examples of AI art and compare it to pieces produced by humans. Let your audience compare samples of human-written text with AI-generated content that now permeates the web. Inform your viewers of any art activities AI can now perform. Then, ask them whether these creative tasks — formerly firmly in the human domain — can still elicit the same emotional response from us even if they’re automated. There are no right or wrong answers, and the debate you inspire with your speech will be as informative as the facts you’ve presented in your slides.

85. What are deepfakes and how do we handle them?

Define deepfakes, explain how they’re made, and list their uses. Include videos with first-hand examples of people affected by deepfakes, and discuss what strategies should be in place to protect us from their harm.

86. How to solve the addiction and mental health crises

There are many proposals to address ongoing addiction and mental health crises, and you can summarize them in your speech. Describe each action plan in detail and include potential benefits and drawbacks. Show real-life examples of these strategies in action if you find them, along with reported outcomes. With the facts before them, your audience should be able to debate the efficacy of each proposed solution.

87. Advantages and disadvantages of harm reduction

Review the positive and negative effects of harm reduction policies on the addiction crisis, and try to establish whether the pros outweigh the cons. Ask your audience whether saving the life of a drug user is worth the possible proliferation of drugs within the community and the subsequent new addictions. These are tough moral questions, so moderate the debate to keep the discussion from getting heated.

88. Arguments for and against the death penalty

Educate your audience on the key arguments for and against the death penalty. For example, consider its efficacy as a deterrent and use crime statistics to back up your assertions. Likewise, discuss the punishment’s irreversibility and thus the chances of innocent people being executed. Get your viewers to opine on whether or not governments have the moral authority to kill their citizens.

89. Thought experiments in ethics and morality

Engage your viewers with a series of ethical thought experiments. Consider using experiments such as the Heinz dilemma, survival lottery, the trolley problem, or any others that challenge participants to make tough moral decisions.

90. Gun violence in the US: causes and potential solutions

Present the latest gun violence statistics across the US and consider their causes and possible solutions. Discuss any preventative strategies that are currently in place and analyze their efficacy. Compare statistics across other developed nations, then ask your viewers to opine on what makes the US such a hotbed of gun crime.

91. Is there a way to be an ethical billionaire?

Using simple math, show your viewers how much one has to earn — and for how long — to make a billion dollars. Include real-life examples of billionaires and describe their journeys. Consider the special privileges they may have had that helped them attain their wealth and compare their efforts to those of the many employees that help them amass fortunes. At the same time, outline each of these folks’ charitable contributions, annual tax payments, and the number of jobs they create. At the end of your presentation, hold a debate to establish whether it’s possible to be an ethical billionaire.

92. Pros and cons of genetic engineering

Inform your viewers of the current genetic engineering practices, their applications, benefits, and shortfalls. Discuss any ethical implications of genetic engineering, and how these can be resolved.

93. Risks and benefits of nuclear power

Educate your viewers on the known risks and benefits of nuclear power. Explain nuclear plants’ capacity to produce clean energy with no greenhouse gas emissions, and compare their outputs against those of renewable generation methods, such as solar farms. At the same time, discuss the risk of accidents and their consequences for health and environment. Do some high-level calculations to establish how the world’s electricity needs can be met without nuclear power as the world shifts away from fossil fuels.

94. Drawing the line between cultural appropriation and appreciation

Define “cultural appropriation” and explain how it differs from appreciating other cultures. Give specific examples of both practices to illustrate the distinction for your viewers. Ask your audience if they’ve ever unwittingly participated in cultural appropriation, and if they see the practice as offensive or innocent.

95. Does “cancel culture” work?

Cancel culture is a form of boycott meant to promote social justice and give a voice to the vulnerable. Whether it always works as intended is up for debate. So, focus your presentation on real-life examples of cancel culture at work, and try to establish (together with your audience) whether justice was served in each case.

96. Is armed intervention ever justified?

Analyze the reasons behind the world's many conflicts and reconcile them with the outcomes. For example, how does US involvement in WWII compare to the war in Vietnam? In which of these cases was the use of force on foreign soil justified, and can the same ethical formula apply to future conflicts?

97. How social media algorithms distort our perception of reality

Use examples to demonstrate how social media algorithms create “filter bubbles” — feedback loops that expose us to more of the same content in which we’ve shown interest. Explain how these filter bubbles have the potential to misinform viewers, sway them emotionally, and even radicalize them. Together with your viewers, discuss possible strategies for containing this phenomenon and mitigating its effects.

98. Assisted suicide laws across the world

Prepare an analysis of euthanasia laws worldwide. Explain how these laws differ in each nation, and what the outcomes have been so far. Be sure to delineate between active and passive euthanasia and current laws. Likewise, discuss the controversies surrounding assisted death. For example, Canada plans to expand eligibility to the mentally ill, while other nations let minors access the option even without a terminal disease.

99. How do we measure happiness?

The World Happiness Report measures happiness by polling populations using metrics such as GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, and personal freedoms, among others. Meanwhile, the nation of Bhutan has a Gross National Happiness Index, which quantifies happiness on a broader spectrum that includes 33 indicators. Present these tools to your audience and discuss their efficacy. Finally, let your viewers pitch their own criteria for measuring happiness levels.

100. Different visions for the future of humanity

The future of humanity is a highly conjectural topic. The best you can do during your speech is inform the audience of the critical factors currently shaping our civilization’s path (think climate change, weapons of mass destruction, and the rise of AI), then ask for opinions. Let your viewers speak and share their vision for our future.

10 Fun informative speech topic ideas

The next 10 topics are light and fun but educational nonetheless. If you do your research and deliver the findings in an engaging presentation, your viewers will walk away entertained and know more about the world. (Whether this new knowledge is useful is up for debate).

101. How cults indoctrinate and control their members

Outline the methods cults typically use to recruit, indoctrinate, and control their members. Explain which people are most likely to respond to a cult’s messaging, and why. Give examples of notable cults and the techniques they used to recruit and brainwash adherents.

102. Most bizarre and disturbing conspiracy theories

Compile the world’s most prominent conspiracy theories for an intriguing and informative speech. From Paul Is Dead to Lizard People, conspiracy theories show how fringe ideas gain mainstream acceptance. They may be entertaining, but remind your audience not to dismiss these theories as trivial — these phenomena often have very real consequences, like legitimization of violence and endangerment of public safety.

103. Why some people believe in conspiracy theories

Explore why some people are more susceptible to beliefs in conspiracy theories. Walk your audience through contributing factors, such as mistrust of authority, social isolation, major life changes, and others. If possible, include video clips of interviews with former and current conspiracists in which they explain their path down the rabbit hole.

104. Are UFOs real?

Overview the world’s most notable UFO and alien encounter reports, with witness accounts and images (if possible). For each encounter, supply the official explanation and debate it with your viewers. Be sure to cover the most recent US government revelations on secret military tests that may have been mistaken for UFOs.

105. Most mind-boggling mysteries that are still unsolved

Fascinate the audience with a list of the strangest and most unsettling mysteries that remain unsolved to this day. If you can, equip each of your slides with relevant images and clips of interviews of parties involved. Provide currently accepted interpretations of the events, and invite your viewers to opine.

106. Secret government experiments revealed

Compile a list of the most intriguing government experiments that have been revealed to the public. Describe the purpose of each experiment, the process, and the outcome. Any official interviews or declassified documents will help you bolster the credibility of your speech.

107. Strangest laws in each US state

There’s no shortage of bizarre state laws, so pick the most outlandish one from each state. Explain what each piece of legislation tried to accomplish at the time of its passage, and tell your viewers whether it still gets enforced.

108. Most ridiculous sports in the world

Walk your audience through the world’s most absurd organized sports. From ferret legging to extreme ironing, there is no lack of ridiculous activities for humans with too much time on their hands. Overview each of your chosen sports’ origins, basic rules, and popularity across the world.

109. How different cultures celebrate life’s milestones

Explain how major life events like births, deaths and weddings are celebrated around the world. Discuss each tradition’s particulars, symbology, cultural roots, and significance to the people who observe it. Get your viewers to share their respective cultures’ customs as you conclude the speech.

110. Breakfasts around the world: How different cultures start their day

Take your viewers on a culinary journey through different nations’ favorite breakfast meals. Present the origins, unique flavors, and key ingredients of each dish. Then, ask your audience to share their cultures’ quintessential breakfast items.

How to choose a speech topic

Your speech topic should be relevant, educational, and thought-provoking, yet easily comprehensible by the viewers. To this end, use the five steps below to find the most suitable subject matter for your speech.

Consider the purpose.
Understand the audience.
Factor in your knowledge and interest.
Adapt to the setting.
Account for the availability of visuals.

1. Consider the purpose

Establish the objective of your presentation and choose the speech type accordingly. There are five common speech types, all of which convey different kinds of information:

Definitional: Explains the meaning of the topic’s subject. Topic example: “What is net neutrality and how does it affect us?”
Descriptive: Depicts in detail the subject of the topic. Topic example: “Breakfasts around the world: How different cultures start their day.”
Explanatory: Overviews the functions behind a specific process. Topic example: “How our microbiome connects the gut to the brain.”
Demonstrative: Lists steps to perform a task. Topic example: “How to mitigate the effects of the next pandemic.”
Comparative: Compares and contrasts two items, with a thorough analysis of the similarities and differences. Topic example: “Individualism vs collectivism: which social system works best?”

2. Understand the audience

Once you’ve narrowed down your preferred speech type, consider how different topics within this category will resonate with your audience. Think about the viewers’ knowledge level, and choose subject matter that is challenging but graspable at the same time. Likewise, gauge their interest in your potential topics — the last thing you want is a crowd that’s dozing off as you speak.

3. Factor in your knowledge and interest

Choose a topic that interests you — at least to some degree. Otherwise, your speech may turn out lifeless and you’ll struggle to deliver the information in a captivating way. You viewers will respond by tuning you out.

4. Adapt to the setting

Make sure you can present your chosen speech topic in your setting. For example, subject matter that’s best conveyed with lots of images or audio requires the facilities to run a slideshow. If the speech venue doesn’t have a screen, projector, and speakers, stick with topics where your words and your interactions with the audience can do all the work.

5. Account for the availability of visuals.

Some subjects are best taught through visuals. If your preferred topic falls under this category, make sure that you can source relevant images and videos — don’t fill your slides with generic stock images.

How to prepare your informative speech presentation

Now that you’ve chosen your speech topic, it’s time to prepare the presentation that will accompany you on the stage as you speak. By following the following five steps, you’ll make a presentation that effectively guides both you and your viewers through the key points of your speech.

Research thoroughly
Adhere to the 6 C’s of informative speaking
Find a suitable platform for creating your presentation
Ask for a peer review

1. Research thoroughly

Your task is to compose a speech that informs, so to start, research your topic until you know it like the back of your hand. Use credible sources, not just random blogs you find on Google (Google Scholar is an excellent choice). As you study the subject matter, note all the pertinent data, and create an outline that presents information in smooth, contextual flow.

2. Adhere to the 6 C’s of informative speaking

The 6 C’s of informative speaking help you deliver (and your audience absorb) the message effectively. A speech that adheres to the 6 C’s is:

Clear: Use clear phrasing that everyone understands.
Colorful: Enliven your speech with color to keep the viewers’ attention.
Concrete: Eliminate ambiguities and deliver concrete information that leaves no room for misinterpretation.
Correct: If you present something as a fact, make sure you’ve triple-checked its accuracy. Leave no room for factually incorrect information in your presentation.
Concise: Keep the written content in your slides and your speaking notes as short as possible.
Courteous: Remain respectful and courteous throughout your speech, especially if the topic is controversial.

3. Find a suitable platform for creating your presentation

Find a presentation maker to help you tackle your slides quickly and without excessive manual effort. For example, Plus AI does all the heavy lifting and lets you generate professional Google Slides presentations from a prompt , then helps you edit and format the slides quickly. With these tedious tasks out of the way, you can focus your efforts on the content of the speech.

4. Ask for a peer review

Get your fellow student or coworker to review your presentation and give you their notes. You can even rehearse the speech with them to get some feedback on the delivery. Such a rehearsal should help you refine your speech (and slides) before the big day.

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235+ Ideas for persuasive speech topics

How to choose a great persuasive speech topic, inspiration and ideas, and example presentations for you to get started

630 Informative Speech Topics & Unique Ideas

Icon Calendar 23 April 2024
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Informative speech topics cover diverse subjects meant to educate the audience by providing relevant data and unique insights. They can range from scientific themes to historical subjects. Topics can also encompass health matters, discussing breakthroughs in mental health therapy, or decoding the complexity of modern nutrition. Technology is another rich area, highlighting advancements in artificial intelligence or space exploration. Cultural and social topics, like the global influence of pop culture or the impact of social media, offer engaging perspectives. All speech topics should captivate, inform, and stir curiosity, ultimately enabling listeners to gain a greater understanding of the world.

Good Informative Speech Topics

Revolutionizing Medicine With 3D Printing
Understanding the Mechanism Behind Dreams
Mysteries of Dark Matter and Dark Energy
The Powerful Impact of Blockchain Technology
Climbing the Ladder: The Evolution of Video Games
Unearthing the Hidden Treasures of the Ocean
Delving Into the Science of Happiness
Biodiversity Loss: Implications for Our Planet
Exploring the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci
Grasping the Complexities of Artificial Intelligence
Impactful Women in History and Their Contributions
Journey into the Mind: Unraveling Mental Health
Effects of Climate Change on Polar Ice Caps
Advancements in the Field of Nanotechnology
Dismantling the Myths Around Vaccines
Food Security Challenges in the 21st Century
Fascinating Mysteries of the Universe Yet to be Solved
The Intricate Relationship Between Diet and Health
Encountering the Wonders of Bioluminescence
Unmasking the Reality of Cybersecurity Threats
The Legacy of Ancient Greek Philosophy
Bridging the Gap: Understanding Cultural Diversity
Pioneers in Space: The Achievements of NASA
Influential Social Movements of the 20th Century

Informative Speech Topics & Unique Ideas

Easy Informative Speech Topics

Decoding the Language of Body Expression
The Role of Microplastics in Environmental Pollution
Music’s Influence on Cognitive Development
Understanding Animal Behavior and Intelligence
Revealing the Magic of Magnetic Levitation
The Global Impact of Cryptocurrencies
Fossil Fuels vs. Renewable Energy: A Comparative Analysis
The History and Evolution of Comic Books
Unfolding the Story of Human Evolution
Tracing the Roots of Yoga: From Ancient Times to Modern Practice
Neuroplasticity: The Brain’s Remarkable Ability to Change
Tackling the Consequences of Deforestation
Discovering the Depth of Marine Biodiversity
Harnessing the Power of Wind Energy
The Fight Against Cancer: Modern Treatment Methods
Life on Mars: What Science Tells Us
Navigating the Complexities of Global Immigration
The Evolution and Impact of Social Media
Drones and Their Multifaceted Applications
Digging Into the History of Archaeology
Learning from Past Pandemics: Lessons and Precautions
The Sublime World of Quantum Physics
The Intertwined History of Mathematics and Astronomy
Revealing the True Impact of Fast Fashion
Analyzing the Causes of Youth Unemployment
The Influence of Classical Literature on Modern Society

Interesting Informative Speech Topics

Understanding Genetic Engineering and Its Potential
Delving Into the World of Performance Arts
The Power of Meditation and Mindfulness
Investigating the Effects of Noise Pollution
The Art and Science of Winemaking
The Fascinating Journey of Language Evolution
Advances in Electric Vehicle Technology: A Step Toward Sustainable Future
Exploring the Depths of the Mariana Trench
Immortality through Science: The Promise of Biogerontology
Dissecting the Socioeconomic Impact of Sports
Myths and Truths About Human Memory
The Role of Robotics in Modern Healthcare
The Science and Art of Coffee Brewing
Interplay of Climate Change and Global Food Production
The Stunning Architectural Wonders of Ancient Rome
Magic of Algorithms: The Backbone of Modern Computing
The Impact of Colonization on Modern Societies
Harnessing Solar Energy: Advances and Challenges
Understanding the Complex World of Tax Laws
Coral Reefs: Underwater Ecosystems at Risk
Gravitational Waves: Probing the Universe’s Violent Events
The Influence of AI on the Job Market
The Intricate Art of Origami and Its Mathematical Connections
The Marvel of Bioluminescent Organisms in the Deep Sea
Modern Architecture: Blending Aesthetics and Sustainability

Informative Speech Topics for Fun

Unraveling the Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle
Evolution of Video Games: A Walk Through History
Decoding the Art of Brewing the Perfect Coffee
The Fascinating Science Behind Dreams
The Adventurous Journey of Space Exploration
Impressive Architectural Wonders of the Ancient World
The Secret World of Animal Communication
Unlocking the Powers of Mindfulness and Meditation
Exploring the Underwater Kingdom: Marine Life and Its Wonders
Demystifying the Intriguing World of Magic Tricks
A Glimpse into the Mysterious Lives of Spies
Chocolates and Happiness: A Delicious Connection
Journey Through the Genres of Music: An Auditory Delight
The Enthralling Evolution of Animation in the Film Industry
Unearthing the Secrets of the Egyptian Pyramids
Robots and Their Influence on Future Society
The Thrilling World of Extreme Sports: Not for the Faint-Hearted
The Peculiarities and Beauty of Bioluminescent Creatures
The Influence of Comic Books on Popular Culture
Discover the Intriguing Origins of Internet Memes
The Art and Science Behind Making Perfect Sushi
Dive Into the History of the World’s Most Famous Landmarks

Informative Speech Topics for High School

Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Society
Climate Change: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
Renewable Energy Sources: Exploring Sustainable Options
Effective Study Techniques for College Students
Exploring the Benefits of Yoga and Meditation
Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Personal Information Online
The Role of Women in Leadership Positions
Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting Food Security
The Influence of Music on Mood and Emotions
Exploring Different Cultural Perspectives on Marriage
The Health Benefits of Regular Exercise and Fitness
The Future of Space Exploration and Colonization
Strategies for Stress Management in School Life
The Evolution and Impact of Social Networking Sites
Understanding and Addressing Food Waste in Society
Artificial Intelligence: Enhancing Healthcare Innovations
The Psychology of Persuasion: Understanding Influential Techniques
Exploring Alternative Medicine and Its Efficacy
The Role of Robotics in Manufacturing Industries
Sustainable Tourism: Preserving Natural Resources and Cultures
The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

Informative Speech Topics for College Students

Renewable Energy Sources: Harnessing the Power of the Sun, Wind, and Water
Genetic Engineering: Advancements in Agriculture and Medicine
Artificial Intelligence: Exploring the Future of Technology
Climate Change: Understanding the Impact on Our Planet
Space Exploration: Journeying Into the Unknown
Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma and Seeking Help
Sustainable Living: Eco-Friendly Practices for a Better Future
The Importance of Voting: Exercising Your Civic Duty
Human Rights: Advocating for Equality and Justice
The Influence of Social Media: Impacts on Communication and Society
Healthy Eating Habits: Nourishing Your Body and Mind
Renewable Energy: Transitioning to a Greener World
Effects of Bullying: Building a Safe and Inclusive Community
Robotics and Automation: Transforming Industries and the Workforce
Animal Conservation: Preserving Biodiversity for Future Generations
Mental Resilience: Strategies for Coping With Life’s Challenges
The History and Impact of the Internet: Connecting the World
Financial Literacy: Managing Money and Building a Secure Future
Climate Action: Individual and Collective Efforts for a Sustainable Planet
The Significance of Cultural Diversity: Celebrating Differences
Drug Abuse Prevention: Educating for a Drug-Free Society
Gender Equality: Promoting Fairness and Empowerment

Informative Speech Topics for University

Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Digital Assets in the Modern Era
Renewable Energy: Harnessing Sustainable Power Sources
Genetic Engineering: Advancements and Ethical Considerations
Artificial Intelligence: Revolutionizing Industries and Human Lives
Climate Change: Understanding the Impact and Solutions
Space Exploration: Unveiling the Mysteries of the Universe
The Human Brain: Unlocking Its Potential and Limitations
Sustainable Agriculture: Feeding the World While Protecting the Environment
Blockchain Technology: Revolutionizing Industries and Enhancing Security
Virtual Reality: Expanding Possibilities in Entertainment and Beyond
Mental Health Awareness: Breaking Stigma and Promoting Well-Being
Autonomous Vehicles: Transforming Transportation and Road Safety
The Power of Social Media: Impact on Communication and Society
Globalization: Effects on Economics, Culture, and Politics
Robotics: Advancements and Applications in Various Industries
The Importance of Financial Literacy in the Modern World
Sustainable Fashion: Balancing Style and Environmental Responsibility
Biotechnology: Innovations and Contributions to Health and Agriculture
Green Building: Designing Sustainable Structures for a Greener Future
The History and Impact of Feminism on Society
Ocean Conservation: Preserving Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity
The Future of Work: Automation, AI, and Job Market Trends
Food Security: Addressing Hunger and Nutrition Challenges
The Psychology of Motivation: Understanding Drivers of Human Behavior

Presentation Informative Speech Topics

Artificial Intelligence: Revolutionizing Modern Industries
Climate Change: The Global Challenge We Must Address
Renewable Energy: Powering a Sustainable Future
Space Exploration: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe
Cybersecurity: Protecting Data in the Digital Age
Blockchain Technology: Transforming Business and Finance
Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma
Genetic Engineering: Advancements in Biotechnology
The Importance of Early Childhood Education
Sustainable Agriculture: Feeding the World Responsibly
The Future of Work: Automation and Job Market Trends
Alternative Medicine: Holistic Approaches to Health
Ocean Conservation: Preserving Marine Ecosystems
Robotics: Enhancing Efficiency and Productivity
The Art of Public Speaking: Effective Communication Skills
Urbanization: Challenges and Opportunities in Cities
The Power of Storytelling: Connecting People and Ideas
Financial Literacy: Building a Strong Foundation
The Science Behind Meditation and Mindfulness
Exploring Cultural Diversity: Celebrating Differences
The Evolution of Transportation: From Horse Carriages to Electric Vehicles
The Impact of Advertising on Consumer Behavior

Informative Speech Topics for Public Speaking

The Power of Positive Thinking in Achieving Personal Success
Understanding the Influence of Advertising on Consumer Behavior
Analyzing the Impact of Social Media Influencers on Youth Culture
Exploring the Science of Happiness and Well-Being
Investigating the History and Significance of Human Rights Movements
Unveiling the Mysteries of the Universe: Black Holes and Dark Matter
Examining the Effects of Climate Change on Wildlife and Biodiversity
Discovering the Benefits of Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques
Evaluating the Role of Education in Empowering Individuals and Communities
Unraveling the Secrets of Effective Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
Investigating the Evolution and Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Robotics
Analyzing the Psychological Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness
Exploring the Benefits of Meditation and Yoga for Mental and Physical Health
Understanding the Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Personal and Professional Life
Delving into the History and Influence of Ancient Civilizations
Examining the Implications of Genetic Engineering on Agriculture and Food Production
Investigating the Role of Mass Media in Shaping Political Discourse
Discovering the Health Benefits of Regular Exercise and Physical Activity
Unveiling the History and Cultural Significance of Traditional Festivals
Exploring the Impact of Technology on Work-Life Balance

Informative Speech Topics on Important Days & Events

World Environment Day: Preserving Our Planet’s Future
International Women’s Day: Celebrating Achievements and Empowering Women
World AIDS Day: Promoting Awareness and Support for Those Affected
World Mental Health Day: Breaking the Stigma and Promoting Well-Being
International Day of Peace: Building a Harmonious Global Society
World Water Day: Ensuring Access to Clean Water for All
International Day of Education: Empowering Individuals Through Learning
World Cancer Day: Spreading Awareness and Supporting Research
World Refugee Day: Understanding the Plight and Supporting Refugees
International Day of Forests: Preserving and Restoring Our Woodlands
World Humanitarian Day: Recognizing and Honoring Humanitarian Work
International Day of Happiness: Promoting Well-Being and Joy
World Food Day: Addressing Hunger and Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
World Diabetes Day: Raising Awareness and Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles
World Wildlife Day: Protecting Biodiversity and Endangered Species
World Hepatitis Day: Promoting Prevention and Treatment of Hepatitis
International Day of Families: Celebrating the Importance of Family Bonds
World Autism Awareness Day: Increasing Understanding and Acceptance
International Day of Older Persons: Honoring the Contributions and Challenges of Seniors
World Blood Donor Day: Encouraging Life-Saving Blood Donations
International Day of Democracy: Nurturing Democratic Values and Participation
World Tuberculosis Day: Combating Tuberculosis and Promoting Treatment

Science & Technology Informative Speech Topics

Augmented Reality Technology: Advantages and Challenges
Genetic Editing: The Potential for Disease Cures
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: The Science Behind
Machine Learning in Personalized Medicine
Evolution of Smartphones and Mobile Technology
Energy Storage and Batteries: Future Innovations
Virtual Assistants and Natural Language Processing: The Science Behind
Gene Therapy: Benefits and Risks
Quantum Cryptography: Ensuring Data Security
Brain-Computer Interfaces: Advancements in Communication and Control
Innovations in Sustainable Energy: Harnessing Renewable Resources
The Role of Robotics in Healthcare and Medicine
Ethics of Gene Editing and Genetic Manipulation
Breakthroughs in Quantum Computing: Unleashing Computing Power
The Evolution of Cybersecurity: Protecting Digital Assets
Biometrics in Modern Society: Balancing Convenience and Privacy
Cloud Computing: Transforming Business Operations
The Science of Nanomaterials and Their Applications
Advancements in Virtual Reality Gaming and Entertainment
The Power of Data Analytics in Business Decision Making

Informative Speech Topics About Animals

The Evolution of Primates: A Journey Through Time
Endangered Species Conservation Efforts: Making a Difference
Incredible Adaptations: How Do Animals Survive in Extreme Environments?
The Mysterious World of Marine Life: Exploring the Depths
Animal Intelligence: Unveiling the Secrets of the Animal Mind
The Role of Bees in Pollination: Nature’s Unsung Heroes
Wildlife Trafficking: Combating Illegal Trade and Protecting Species
The Importance of Conservation: Preserving Biodiversity for Future Generations
Animal-Assisted Therapy: The Healing Power of Animals
Animal Camouflage: Nature’s Master Disguises
The Plight of Sea Turtles: Challenges and Conservation Efforts
Animal Migration: A Phenomenon of Epic Proportions
The Fascinating World of Insects: Diversity and Adaptations
Animal Agriculture: Balancing Food Production and Animal Welfare
Endangered Big Cats: Protecting Lions, Tigers, and Leopards
The Incredible Journey of Monarch Butterflies: Migration and Conservation
Animal Communication: Unlocking the Language of the Wild
The Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef: A World Heritage Site Under Threat
The Surprising Social Lives of Elephants: Complex Family Structures
The Intricate Web of Coral Reefs: Sustaining Marine Ecosystems

Informative Speech Topics for Sports

The Evolution of Basketball: From Naismith to the NBA
The Impact of Sports on Promoting Gender Equality
Sports Nutrition: Fueling Your Performance
Exploring the Science of Sports Injuries and Recovery
The History and Cultural Significance of Soccer
Mental Toughness in Sports: Strategies for Success
The Importance of Teamwork in Competitive Sports
Exploring the Psychology of Sports Fandom
The Role of Technology in Enhancing Sports Performance
Sports and Social Media: A Powerful Partnership
The Economics of Professional Sports: Money and Beyond
The Olympic Games: A Symbol of Unity and Excellence
Sports and Youth Development: Building Character and Skills
The Health Benefits of Regular Physical Activity
Sports Diplomacy: Building Bridges Through Athletics
The Rise of E-Sports: A New Frontier in Competitive Gaming
The History and Traditions of American Football
Exploring the Psychology of Winning and Losing in Sports
The Evolution of Sports Broadcasting: From Radio to Live Streaming
Sports and Ethical Dilemmas: Fair Play and Sportsmanship
The Rise of Extreme Sports: Pushing the Limits of Human Potential

Health Informative Speech Topics

The Role of Nutrition in Promoting Heart Health
Preventing Chronic Diseases Through Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Exploring Alternative Medicine: Benefits and Risks
Understanding the Effects of Stress on the Immune System
Managing and Preventing Obesity in Modern Society
Promoting Mental Wellness: Strategies for Stress Reduction
The Benefits of Regular Physical Activity for Aging Adults
Improving Digestive Health through Diet and Lifestyle Modifications
Unveiling the Truth About Popular Diets and Weight Loss Programs
Exploring the Dangers of Sedentary Lifestyles
Effects of Smoking on Respiratory Health
Understanding and Managing Food Allergies and Intolerances
Mental Health Stigma: Breaking the Silence and Seeking Support
The Importance of Regular Health Check-Ups and Screenings
Promoting Healthy Habits for Children and Adolescents
Understanding the Connection between Gut Health and the Immune System
The Impact of Technology on Sleep Quality and Sleep Disorders
Exploring the Link between Nutrition and Brain Function
The Benefits of Regular Physical Activity for Mental Health
Preventing Burnout: Strategies for Maintaining Work-Life Balance

Informative Speech Topics for Literature & History

The Impact of Shakespeare’s Tragedies on Modern Theater
The Influence of Charles Dickens on Social Reform
The Symbolism of Colors in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Analyzing the Historical Accuracy of the Arthurian Legends
The Evolution of the Hero’s Journey in Literature
Examining the Themes of War in Ernest Hemingway’s Novels
The Significance of the Harlem Renaissance in African American Literature
The Origins and Legacy of the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
Unraveling the Secrets of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”
Exploring the Mythology and Folklore of Native American Tribes
The Influence of Ancient Greek Philosophy on Western Literature
Analyzing the Historical Context of Jane Austen’s Novels
The Power of Satire in Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels”
Investigating the Historical Events Behind William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
The Evolution of Gothic Literature From Horace Walpole to Edgar Allan Poe
Understanding the Political Allegories in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”
Examining the Historical Significance of the Renaissance Period
The Influence of Greek Tragedies on Modern Drama
The Symbolism of Nature in William Wordsworth’s Romantic Poetry
The Cultural Impact of Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote”
Analyzing the Historical Accuracy of Shakespeare’s Historical Plays
The Role of Religion in Colonial American Literature

Music Informative Speech Topics

The Impact of Classical Music on Brain Development
Exploring the Influence of Hip-Hop Culture on Contemporary Society
The Rise of Electronic Dance Music and its Global Phenomenon
Unveiling the Power of Music Therapy for Mental Health
How Music Shapes Cultural Identity: A Comparative Study
Examining the Life and Legacy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
The Role of Music in Historical Movements: Protest Songs and Social Change
The Science Behind Musical Instruments: Acoustics and Engineering
Decoding the Secrets of Film Scores: Enhancing Emotion in Cinema
The Cultural Significance of Indigenous Music Traditions
The Art of Musical Improvisation: Techniques and Styles
Exploring the World of Opera: From Aria to Libretto
The Revolutionary Sound of Rock and Roll: Icons and Innovations
The Healing Power of Rhythm: Drumming and Percussion Therapy
Impacts of Music Streaming Services on the Music Industry
The Intersection of Music and Fashion: Styles and Subcultures
Examining the Legacy of Ludwig van Beethoven: Genius and Innovation
The Psychology of Music: How Does Sound Affect Human Emotion and Behavior?
The Power of Lyrics: Poetry and Storytelling in Songwriting
Uncovering the Origins of Blues Music: African Roots and American Heritage
Music and Memory: Exploring the Relationship Between Sound and Recall

Environment Informative Speech Topics

Advancements in Renewable Energy Technologies
Protecting Endangered Species: Conservation Efforts and Success Stories
The Role of Wetlands in Ecosystem Health
Sustainable Agriculture: Methods for Preserving Soil Quality
Ocean Acidification: Threats to Marine Life
The Importance of Recycling: Reducing Waste and Environmental Impact
Climate Change and Its Effects on Global Weather Patterns
Water Scarcity: Challenges and Solutions for a Thirsty Planet
Urbanization and Its Impact on Natural Habitats
Sustainable Fishing Practices: Balancing Human Needs and Marine Ecosystems
Ecotourism: Promoting Conservation and Local Economies
Natural Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Strategies
The Significance of National Parks: Preserving Natural Beauty
Restoring Degraded Landscapes: Reforestation and Ecological Rehabilitation
The Benefits of Green Spaces in Urban Environments
Renewable Energy Sources: Exploring Solar, Wind, and Hydroelectric Power
The Effects of Pesticides on Wildlife and Ecosystems
Sustainable Transportation: Promoting Alternatives to Reduce Carbon Footprint
The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Environmental Stewardship
Coral Reef Conservation: Protecting Biodiversity Hotspots

Informative Speech Topics on Education

Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills in the Classroom
Implementing Technology in Education: Trends and Benefits
Promoting Inclusive Education for Students With Disabilities
Addressing the Achievement Gap in Education
Effective Strategies for Classroom Management
Understanding Different Learning Styles and Tailoring Instruction
The Role of Arts Education in Developing Well-Rounded Individuals
Advantages of Bilingual Education in a Globalized World
Fostering Creativity and Innovation in Education
Exploring Project-Based Learning: Engaging Students in Real-World Applications
Teaching Financial Literacy: Preparing Students for Economic Independence
Benefits of Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence in Schools
Assessing the Impact of Standardized Curriculum on Education Quality
The Role of School Counseling in Supporting Students’ Mental Health
Examining the Effects of Homework on Student Achievement
The Power of Teacher-Student Relationships in Academic Success
Promoting Gender Equality in Education: Breaking Stereotypes and Barriers
The Importance of Multicultural Education in a Diverse Society
Examining the Benefits and Challenges of Online Education

Informative Speech Topics About Society & Sociology

The Role of Gender Stereotypes in Society
Exploring the Effects of Income Inequality on Social Mobility
Analyzing the Influence of Media on Body Image Perception
Understanding the Rise of Online Activism in Modern Society
Examining the Causes and Consequences of Bullying in Schools
The Evolution of Family Structures and Its Impact on Society
Unraveling the Psychological Effects of Loneliness in the Digital Age
Investigating the Relationship between Education and Social Equality
The Power of Language: Exploring the Impact of Rhetoric on Society
Analyzing the Socioeconomic Factors Contributing to Crime Rates
The Significance of Cultural Diversity in Building Stronger Communities
Exploring the Effects of Social Class on Access to Healthcare
Understanding the Impact of Mass Incarceration on Communities
Examining the Relationship Between Religion and Society
Analyzing the Factors Contributing to Political Polarization
The Impact of Technology on Socialization and Human Interaction
Unveiling the Dynamics of Power and Authority in Societies
Investigating the Roots and Consequences of Prejudice and Discrimination
The Role of Social Movements in Promoting Social Change
Analyzing the Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity
Understanding the Psychology of Social Conformity in Groups
Effects of Urbanization on Social Structures and Quality of Life

Business & Finance Informative Speech Topics

Global Economic Trends: Opportunities and Challenges
Sustainable Business Practices: Enhancing Profitability and Environmental Responsibility
The Rise of E-Commerce: Transforming the Retail Industry
Effective Strategies for Personal Financial Management
Entrepreneurship: Navigating Risks and Achieving Success
Mergers and Acquisitions: Examining the Impacts on Companies and the Economy
Financial Literacy: Empowering Individuals for a Secure Future
The Gig Economy: Adapting to the Changing Nature of Work
The Importance of Business Ethics in Today’s Corporate World
The Role of Central Banks in Managing Monetary Policy
Green Investments: Promoting Environmental and Financial Returns
Innovation and Disruption: Key Drivers of Business Growth
Understanding the Stock Market: Basics and Investment Strategies
The Future of Banking: Digital Transformation and Fintech Innovations
Corporate Governance: Ensuring Accountability and Transparency
The Impact of Global Trade Policies on Businesses and Economies
Financial Planning for Retirement: Building a Secure Future
Effective Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses
Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers and Driving Change in Business
The Economics of Climate Change: Addressing Environmental Challenges Through Business Initiatives

Informative Speech Topics on Banking & Economics

The Role of Central Banks in Economic Stability
Investment Strategies for Wealth Accumulation
The Evolution of Online Banking and Its Benefits
Analyzing the Causes and Consequences of Economic Recessions
Understanding the Stock Market: Key Concepts and Terminology
Exploring the Effects of Global Trade on Local Economies
The Importance of Financial Literacy in Personal Finance
The Influence of Government Policies on Economic Growth
Exploring Cryptocurrencies: Advantages and Risks
Analyzing the Impact of Interest Rates on Borrowing and Saving
The Economic Effects of Taxation Policies
Exploring the Concept of Supply and Demand in Economics
The Rise of Fintech: Disruption and Innovation in Banking
Understanding the Role of Credit Rating Agencies in Financial Markets
Exploring the Relationship Between Unemployment and Economic Growth
The Impact of Economic Inequality on Society
Analyzing the Causes and Consequences of Stock Market Crashes
Exploring the Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
The Influence of Economic Factors on Consumer Behavior
Analyzing the Role of Banks in Financing Small Businesses

Family Informative Speech Topics

Importance of Communication Within the Family
Benefits of Shared Family Meals
Roles of Parenting Styles in Child Development
Significance of Family Traditions and Rituals
Impacts of Technology on Family Dynamics
Strategies for Resolving Family Conflicts
Effects of Divorce on Children’s Well-Being
Exploring the Concept of Unconditional Love in Families
Understanding Sibling Relationships and Their Influence
Promoting Emotional Intelligence Within the Family
Exploring Multigenerational Family Dynamics
Nurturing a Healthy and Supportive Family Environment
Challenges and Rewards of Blended Families
Exploring Cultural Diversity within Families
Impacts of Social Media on Family Relationships
Exploring the Benefits of Family Therapy
Balancing Work and Family Life
Importance of Family Bonding Activities
Strategies for Building Strong Family Connections
Exploring the Role of Extended Family in Childrearing
Understanding the Effects of Substance Abuse on Family Units

Informative Speech Topics on Politics

The Importance of Media in Political Communication
Gender Equality in Politics: Breaking Barriers and Shifting Paradigms
The Art of Diplomacy: Negotiating Peace in Conflict Zones
The Impact of Globalization on Political Structures
Political Corruption: Unveiling the Dark Side of Governance
Environmental Policies: Balancing Economic Growth and Sustainability
Populism in Politics: Understanding Its Rise and Implications
Human Rights: Striving for Equality and Justice in Political Systems
The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Shaping Political Agendas
Political Leadership: Characteristics and Challenges in a Changing World
The Importance of Education in Fostering Political Engagement
Immigration Policies: Balancing National Security and Humanitarianism
Technological Advancements: Transforming Political Landscapes
The Role of Lobbying in Influencing Political Decision-Making
Political Ideologies: From Conservatism to Liberalism and Beyond
Nationalism and Patriotism: Navigating the Boundaries in Politics
Political Violence: Understanding Its Causes and Consequences
The Role of Religion in Politics: Examining the Intersection
Freedom of Speech: Protecting Democracy’s Fundamental Right

Informative Speech Topics for History & Culture

The Renaissance Era: Artistic Revival and Cultural Transformation
Industrial Revolution: Societal and Economic Evolution
Ancient Civilizations: Egypt, Greece, and Mesopotamia
American Revolution: Birth of a Nation’s Independence
Harlem Renaissance: Cultural Resurgence and African-American Contributions
World War II: Global Conflict and Its Lasting Impacts
Maya Civilization: Achievements, Culture, and Ancient Mysteries
French Revolution: From Monarchy to Republic
Civil Rights Movement: Striving for Equality and Social Justice
Ancient China: Dynasties, Inventions, and Cultural Heritage
Age of Exploration: Discovery, Trade, and New Horizons
Aztec Empire: Society, Religion, and Military Power
Russian Revolution: Overthrowing the Tsar and Soviet Union’s Formation
Roaring Twenties: Jazz Age, Cultural Shifts, and Prohibition
Civil War: Divided Nation, Abolition of Slavery, and Reconstruction
Vikings: Exploration, Conquests, and Norse Culture
Cultural Revolution in China: Mao’s Socio-Political Movement
Inca Empire: Engineering Feats, Social Organization, and Andean Civilization
Holocaust: Genocide, Nazi Regime, and Lessons From History
Age of Enlightenment: Intellectual Awakening and Philosophical Ideas

Law Informative Speech Topics

Analyzing the Effects of Mandatory Sentencing Laws
Exploring the Complexities of Intellectual Property Rights
Implications of Privacy Laws in the Age of Technology
Evaluating the Role of International Law in Global Governance
Unveiling the Truth Behind Wrongful Convictions
Understanding the Dynamics of Family Law and Child Custody
Investigating the Impact of Hate Crime Legislation
The Influence of Media on Public Perception of Legal Issues
Delving Into the Controversies of Capital Punishment
Analyzing the Impacts of Immigration Laws on Society
Possible Challenges and Benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution
Exploring the Legal Framework of Environmental Protection
Unraveling the Intricacies of Corporate Law and Ethics
The Rights and Limitations of Free Speech in the Digital Era
Examining the Intersection of Technology and Privacy Laws
The Consequences of Drug Policy on Public Health
Analyzing the Role of Criminal Profiling in Investigations
Understanding the Implications of Gun Control Laws
The Rights and Protections of Workers in Employment Law
The Challenges of Intellectual Property Theft in the Digital Age

Short Informative Speech Topics

Climate Change and Its Impact on Biodiversity
Sustainable Fashion: Reducing the Environmental Footprint
Exploring the Importance of Financial Literacy
Renewable Energy Sources and Their Advantages
Understanding the Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health
Delving into the World of Virtual Reality
The Rise of Electric Vehicles in Transportation
The Science Behind Vaccinations and Their Importance
Examining the Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life
The Evolution and Advancements in Video Games
Harnessing the Power of Solar Energy for Sustainability
Emphasizing the Significance of Early Childhood Education
The Growing Trend of Remote Work and Its Implications
The Influence of Technology on Modern Communication Channels
Analyzing the Effects of Globalization on Culture and Society
Promoting Mental Health Awareness and its Importance
Embracing Sustainable Tourism for a Greener Future
Enhancing Education with the Integration of Artificial Intelligence
The Role of Nonprofits in Addressing Social Issues
Exploring the Future of Robotics and Automation
History and Significance of Human Rights
The Role of Technology in Enhancing Education
Exploring the Wonders of the Deep Sea
Benefits of Meditation for Stress Reduction

1-3 Minutes Informative Speech Topics

Exploring the Mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle
Understanding the Intricacies of Quantum Physics
Debunking Myths About the Human Brain
Unveiling the Truth about Genetically Modified Organisms
Dissecting the Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife
Analyzing the Causes and Effects of Cyberbullying
Discovering the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Encountering the Benefits of Renewable Energy Sources
Navigating the History of the Silk Road
Appreciating the Beauty of the Fibonacci Sequence in Nature
Grasping the Concept of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
Probing the Influence of Social Media on Youth
Observing the Evolution of Feminism Through History
Pursuing the Concept of Dark Matter in Cosmology
Revealing the Truth about Animal Testing in Cosmetics Industry
Contemplating the Impact of Meditation on Mental Health
Recognizing the Role of Microplastics in Ocean Pollution
Investigating the Science Behind Aeroponics and Hydroponics
Unraveling the Power of Vaccination in Disease Prevention
Delving into the Mysteries of Black Holes
Comprehending the Functioning of Autonomous Vehicles
Admiring the Wonders of Bio-Luminescence in Deep Sea Creatures

4-6 Minutes Informative Speech Topics

Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Health
The Influence of Social Media on Society’s Perception of Beauty
Financial Literacy and its Importance for Young Adults
The History and Advancement of Electric Vehicles
Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Functioning
The Significance of Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future
Women’s Empowerment in Business Leadership
Psychological Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity
Understanding Climate Change and Global Warming
The Power of Storytelling in Effective Communication
Exploring Virtual Reality and Its Various Applications
The Influence of Advertising on Consumer Decision-Making
Early Childhood Education and its Impact on Cognitive Development
The Role of Technology in Transforming Education
Effects of Social Media on Mental Well-Being
The Value of Volunteerism for Building Stronger Communities
Overcoming Addiction: The Path to Recovery and Healing
Science Behind Human Nutrition and Its Impact on Health
Emotional Intelligence: A Key to Personal and Professional Success
Harnessing Renewable Energy Sources for a Sustainable Future
The Evolution and Cultural Significance of Music
Mass Media and Its Influence on Shaping Public Opinion
Early Detection and Prevention of Chronic Diseases

7-10 Minutes Informative Speech Topics

Renewable Energy Sources: A Sustainable Future
Artificial Intelligence and Its Role in Modern Industries
Benefits of Exercise for Overall Well-Being
Exploring the Evolution of Technology in Education
Understanding Space Exploration and Its Wonders
The Significance of Cultural Diversity in a Globalized World
Exploring the History and Impact of the Civil Rights Movement
Understanding Climate Change and its Consequences
Women in Leadership Positions: Their Role and Significance
The Power of Effective Communication in Relationships
Exploring the Influence of Media on Body Image Perception
The Pros and Cons of Online Shopping
Exploring the World of Virtual Reality
The Significance of Financial Literacy in Personal Finance
Understanding the Importance of Cybersecurity in the Digital Age
Exploring the History and Significance of Human Rights Movements
The Impact of Globalization on Local Economies
Education’s Roles in Empowering Individuals and Societies
Understanding the Science Behind Climate Change
Exploring the Influence of Advertising on Consumer Behavior
The Evolution of Transportation Technology

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15 Informative Speech Examples to Inspire Your Next Talk

The Speaker Lab
May 13, 2024

A good informative speech is one of the most effective tools in a speaker’s arsenal. But with so many potential topics out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled 15 informative speech examples to help you find your perfect subject. Whether you’re unearthing secrets from history for your listeners or delving into future technologies, informative speeches can prove to be the recipe for the perfect talk.

But crafting an effective informative speech is about more than just picking a topic. You have to research topics, put your thoughts in order, and speak up clearly and confidently. In this post, we’ll explore strategies for each step of the process, so you can create a speech that informs, engages, and makes a lasting impact on your listeners. Let’s get started.

15 Informative Speech Examples

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next informative speech, look no further. Below are 15 examples of informative speech topics that are sure to engage and educate your audience.

The history and evolution of social media platforms
The benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources
The impact of sleep deprivation on mental and physical health
The role of emotional intelligence in personal and professional success
The science behind climate change and its potential consequences
The importance of financial literacy for young adults
The influence of artificial intelligence on various industries
The benefits of regular exercise and a balanced diet
The history and cultural significance of a specific art form or genre
The impact of technology on interpersonal communication
The psychology behind procrastination and effective strategies to overcome it
The role of diversity and inclusion in fostering innovation and creativity
The importance of mental health awareness and resources for students
The future of space exploration and its potential benefits for humanity
The impact of globalization on local economies and cultures

These topics cover a wide range of subjects, from technology and science to psychology and culture. By choosing one of these informative speech examples, you’ll have plenty of material to work with to create an engaging and educational presentation.

Remember, the key to a successful informative speech is to choose a topic that you’re passionate about and that will resonate with your audience. Do your research, organize your thoughts, and practice your delivery to ensure that your message comes across loud and clear.

What Is an Informative Speech?

If you’ve ever been to a conference or seminar, chances are you’ve heard an informative speech. But what exactly is an informative speech? Simply put, it’s a type of speech designed to educate the audience on a particular topic. The goal is to provide interesting and useful information, ensuring the audience walks away with new knowledge or insights. Unlike persuasive speeches that aim to convince the audience of a viewpoint, informative speeches focus on explaining a subject clearly and objectively.

Types of Informative Speeches

Informative speeches come in various forms, each with its own purpose. The most common types are definition, explanation, description, and demonstration speeches. Depending on the objective, an informative speech can take on different structures and styles.

For example, a definition speech aims to explain a concept or term, while a demonstration speech shows the audience how to perform a task or process. An explanatory speech, on the other hand, provides a detailed account of a complex subject, breaking it down into digestible parts.

Purpose of Informative Speeches

At its core, the purpose of an informative speech is to share knowledge with the audience. These speeches are characterized by their fact-based, non-persuasive nature. The focus is on delivering information in an engaging and accessible way.

A well-crafted informative speech not only educates but also sparks curiosity and encourages further learning. By dedicating yourself to providing valuable information and appealing to your audience’s interests, you can succeed as an informative speaker.

Strategies for Selecting an Informative Speech Topic

Choosing the right topic is crucial for an effective informative speech. You want a subject that is not only interesting to you but also relevant and engaging for your audience. Consider their knowledge level, background, and expectations when selecting your topic.

One strategy is to focus on a subject you’re passionate about or have expertise in. This allows you to speak with authority and enthusiasm, making your speech more compelling. Another approach is to address current events or trending topics that are on people’s minds.

When brainstorming potential topics, consider your speech’s purpose and the type of informative speech you want to deliver. Is your goal to define a concept, explain a process, describe an event, or demonstrate a skill? Answering these questions will help guide your topic selection.

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How to Write an Informative Speech

Now that you’ve selected your topic, it’s time to start writing your informative speech. The key to a successful speech is thorough preparation and a clear, organized structure. Let’s break down the steps involved in crafting an engaging and informative presentation.

Researching Your Topic

Before you start writing, it’s essential to conduct thorough research on your topic. Gather facts, statistics, examples, and other supporting information for your informative speech. These things will help you explain and clarify the subject matter to your audience.

As you research, use reliable sources such as academic journals, reputable websites, and expert opinions to ensure the accuracy and credibility of your information. Take notes and organize your findings in a way that makes sense for your speech’s structure.

Structuring Your Speech

A typical informative speech structure includes three main parts, namely, an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should grab the audience’s attention, establish your credibility , and preview the main points you’ll cover.

The body of your speech is where you’ll present your main points and supporting evidence. Use clear transitions between each point to maintain a logical flow. The conclusion should summarize your key takeaways and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Outlining Your Speech

Creating an outline is a crucial step in organizing your thoughts and ensuring a coherent flow of information. Start by listing your main points and then add subpoints and supporting details for each section.

A well-structured outline will serve as a roadmap for your speech, keeping you on track and helping you stay focused on your key messages. It also makes the writing process more efficient and less overwhelming.

Writing Your Draft

With your outline in hand, it’s time to start writing your draft. Focus on presenting information clearly and concisely, using simple language and avoiding jargon. Provide examples and analogies throughout your informative speech in order to illustrate complex ideas and make them more relatable to your audience.

As you write, keep your audience in mind and tailor your language and examples to their level of understanding. Use transitions to link your ideas and maintain a smooth flow throughout the speech.

Editing and Revising

Once you’ve completed your draft, take the time to edit and revise your speech. First, check for clarity, accuracy, and logical organization. Then, eliminate unnecessary details, repetition, and filler words.

Read your speech aloud to identify any awkward phrasing or unclear passages. Lastly, seek feedback from others and be open to making changes based on their suggestions. Remember, the goal is to create a polished and effective informative speech.

Delivering an Informative Speech

You’ve written a fantastic informative speech, but now comes the real challenge: delivering it effectively. The way you present your speech can make all the difference in engaging your audience and ensuring they retain the information you’re sharing.

Practicing Your Speech

Practice makes perfect, and this couldn’t be more true when it comes to public speaking. Rehearse your speech multiple times to build confidence and familiarity with the content. Practice in front of a mirror, family members, or friends to get comfortable with your delivery.

As you practice, focus on your pacing, intonation, and body language. Aim for a conversational tone and maintain eye contact with your audience. The more you practice, the more natural and engaging your delivery will become.

Using Visual Aids

Visual aids such as slides, charts, or props can enhance your informative speech by making complex information more accessible and engaging. When utilized in your informative speech, they can help illustrate key points, provide visual examples, and break up the monotony of a purely verbal presentation.

Of course, it’s important to ensure your visuals are clear, relevant, and easy to understand. Otherwise, they may end up obscuring your points instead of clarifying them. In light of this, avoid cluttering your slides with too much text or overwhelming your audience with too many visuals. Use them strategically to support your message, not distract from it.

Engaging Your Audience

Engaging your audience is crucial for a successful informative speech. Use rhetorical questions, anecdotes, or interactive elements to keep them involved and attentive. Encourage participation, if appropriate, and maintain a conversational tone to create a connection with your listeners.

Pay attention to your audience’s reactions and adapt your delivery accordingly. If you sense confusion or disinterest, try rephrasing your points or providing additional examples to clarify your message. Remember, your goal is to educate and inspire your audience, so keep them at the forefront of your mind throughout your speech.

Handling Nerves

It’s normal to feel nervous before and during a speech, but there are strategies to help you manage those nerves . Take deep breaths, visualize success, and focus on your message rather than your anxiety. Remember, your audience wants you to succeed, and a little nervousness can actually enhance your performance by showing enthusiasm and authenticity.

If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, take a moment to pause, collect your thoughts, and regain your composure. Smile, make eye contact, and remind yourself that you’ve prepared thoroughly and have valuable information to share.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To deliver an effective informative speech, it’s important to be aware of common pitfalls and mistakes. One of the biggest errors is overloading your audience with too much information. Remember, less is often more when it comes to public speaking.

Another mistake is failing to organize your content logically or using complex jargon without explanation. Make sure your speech has a clear structure and that you’re explaining any technical terms or concepts in a way that your audience can understand.

Finally, don’t neglect the importance of practice and preparation. Winging it or relying too heavily on notes can lead to a disjointed and unengaging speech. Take the time to rehearse, refine your delivery, and internalize your key points.

By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on the strategies we’ve discussed, you’ll be well on your way to delivering an informative speech that educates, engages, and inspires your audience.

Tips for Delivering a Compelling Informative Speech

Once you’ve chosen your topic and done your research, it’s time to focus on delivering a compelling speech. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Start with a strong attention-grabbing opening that draws your audience in and sets the tone for your speech.
Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon or technical terms that your audience may not understand.
Incorporate storytelling, examples, and anecdotes to make your points more relatable and memorable.
Use visual aids , such as slides or props, to enhance your message and keep your audience engaged.
Practice your delivery and timing to ensure that you stay within your allotted time and maintain a natural, conversational tone.

By following these tips and choosing a topic that you’re passionate about, you’ll be well on your way to delivering an informative speech that educates and inspires your audience.

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20 Bonus Topics for Informative Speeches

In case the informative speech examples above didn’t pique your interest, we have several more for you to consider. Ranging from topics like science and technology to history and education, these 20 topics are perfect for your next presentation.

The history and development of virtual reality technology
The benefits and challenges of remote work
The science behind the formation of hurricanes and tornadoes
The impact of social media on political campaigns and elections
The importance of sustainable fashion and its environmental benefits
The role of emotional support animals in mental health treatment
The history and cultural significance of a specific cuisine or dish
The impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems
The benefits and risks of gene editing technology
The psychology behind conspiracy theories and their spread online
The importance of digital privacy and data security in the modern age
The role of music therapy in healthcare and wellness
The impact of deforestation on biodiversity and climate change
The history and evolution of a specific sport or athletic event
The benefits and challenges of alternative education models
The science behind the human immune system and how vaccines work
The impact of mass incarceration on communities and families
The role of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage and traditions
The importance of financial planning for retirement and old age
The impact of urban agriculture on food security and community development

Choosing a Topic That Resonates With Your Audience

When selecting a topic for your informative speech, it’s important to consider your audience and what will resonate with them. Think about their interests, backgrounds, and knowledge levels, and choose a topic that will be both informative and engaging.

For example, if you’re speaking to a group of high school students, you may want to choose a topic that relates to their experiences or concerns, such as the impact of social media on mental health or the importance of financial literacy for young adults. If you’re speaking to a group of business professionals, you may want to focus on topics related to industry trends, leadership strategies, or emerging technologies.

By choosing a topic that resonates with your audience, you’ll be more likely to capture their attention and keep them engaged throughout your speech. And remember, even if you’re not an expert on the topic, you can still deliver an informative and engaging speech by doing your research and presenting the information in a clear and accessible way.

FAQs on Informative Speech Examples

What is an example of informative speech.

An example includes breaking down the impacts of climate change, detailing causes, effects, and potential solutions.

What are the 3 types of informative speeches?

The three main types are explanatory (breaks down complex topics), descriptive (paints a picture with words), and demonstrative (shows how to do something).

What are the 5 useful topics of an informative speech?

Top picks include technology advances, mental health awareness, environmental conservation efforts, cultural diversity appreciation, and breakthroughs in medical research.

What is an effective informative speech?

An effective one delivers clear info on a specific topic that educates listeners without overwhelming them. It’s well-researched and engaging.

Informative speech examples are everywhere, if you know where to look. From TED Talks to classroom lectures, there’s no shortage of inspiration for your next presentation. All you have to do is find a topic that lights your fire while engaging your audience.

Remember, a great informative speech is all about clarity, organization, and engagement. By following the tips and examples we’ve covered, you’ll be well on your way to delivering an informative speech that educates, enlightens, and leaves a lasting impression. So go ahead, pick your topic, and start crafting your own informative speech today!

Last Updated: May 9, 2024

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Informative speech examples

4 types of informative speeches: topics and outlines

By: Susan Dugdale | Last modified: 08-05-2023

The primary purpose of an informative speech is to share useful and interesting, factual, and accurate information with the audience on a particular topic (issue), or subject.

Find out more about how to do that effectively here.

What's on this page

The four different types of informative speeches, each with specific topic suggestions and an example informative speech outline:

description
demonstration
explanation

What is informative speech?

The 7 key characteristics of an informative speech

Image - Label: 4 Informative speech example outlines: definition, description, explanation, demonstration

We all speak to share information. We communicate knowledge of infinite variety all day, every day, in multiple settings.

Teachers in classrooms world-wide share information with their students.

Call centers problem solve for their callers.

News outlets (on and offline) issue reports on local, national and international events and issues, people of interest, weather, traffic flow around cities...

Health care professionals explain the treatment of addictive behaviors, the many impacts of long Covid, the development of new treatments...

Specialist research scientists share their findings with colleagues at conferences.

A pastry chef demonstrates how to make perfect classic croissants.

The range of informative public speaking is vast! Some of us do it well. Some of us not so well - largely because we don't fully understand what's needed to present what we're sharing effectively.

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The key characteristics of an informative speech

So, what are the key characteristics or essential elements, of this type of speech? There are seven.

1. Objectivity

The information you give is factual, neutral and objective. You make no attempt to persuade or push (advocate) a particular viewpoint.

Your personal opinions: feelings thoughts, or concerns about the topic you're presenting are not given. This is not a persuasive speech.

As an example, here's an excerpt from a Statistics Department report on teenage births in New Zealand - the country I live in.

Although it's a potentially a firecracker subject: one arousing all sorts of emotional responses from outright condemnation of the girls and their babies to compassionate practical support, the article sticks to the facts.

The headline reads: "Teenage births halved over last decade"

"The number of teenage women in New Zealand giving birth has more than halved over the last decade, Stats NZ said today.

There were 1,719 births registered to teenage women (those aged under 20 years) in 2022, accounting for around 1 in every 34 births that year. In 2012, there were 3,786 births registered to teenage mothers, accounting for around 1 in every 16 births that year."

For more see: Statistics Department NZ - Teenage births halved over last decade

You present your information clearly and concisely, avoiding jargon or complex language that may confuse your audience.

The candidate gave a rousing stump speech , which included a couple of potentially inflammatory statements on known wedge issues .

If the audience is familiar with political jargon that sentence would be fine. If they're not, it would bewilder them. What is a 'stump speech' or a 'wedge issue' ?

Stump speech: a candidate's prepared speech or pitch that explains their core platform.

Wedge issue: a controversial political issue that divides members of opposing political parties or the same party.

For more see: political jargon examples

3. Relevance

The content shared in your speech should be relevant and valuable. It should meet your audience's needs or spark their curiosity.

If the audience members are vegetarians, they're highly unlikely to want to know anything about the varying cuts of beef and what they are used for.

However, the same audience might be very interested in finding out more about plant protein and readily available sources of it.

4. Organizational pattern

The speech should have a logical sequential structure with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

If I am giving a demonstration speech on how to bake chocolate chip cookies, to be effective it needs to move through each of the necessary steps in the correct order.

Beginning with how to spoon the mixture on to the tray, or how to cool the cookies on a wire rack when you've taken them out of the oven, is confusing.

5. Research and credibility

Informative speeches are based on thorough research and reliable sources to ensure accuracy and credibility. And sources need to be properly cited.

My friend told me, my mother says, or I saw it on Face Book is neither authoritative nor enough. ☺

Example: My speech is on literacy rates in USA. To be credible I need to quote and cite reputable sources.

https://www.apmresearchlab.org/10x-adult-literacy
https://www.thinkimpact.com/literacy-statistics/

6. Visual aids

Slides, charts, graphs, or props are frequently used to help the audience fully understand what they're being told.

For example, an informative speech on the rise and fall of a currency's daily exchange rate is made a great deal easier to follow and understand with graphs or charts illustrating the key points.

Or for a biographical speech, photos of the person being talked about will help hold the attention of your audience.

7. Effective delivery

To be effective your speech needs to be delivered in a way that captures and hold the audience's attention. That means all aspects of it have been rehearsed or practiced.

If you're demonstrating, you've gone through every step to ensure you have the flow of material right.

If you're using props (visual aids) of any sort you've made sure they work. Can they be seen easily? Do they clearly illustrate the point you're making?

Is your use of the stage (or your speaking space) good? Does your body language align with your material? Can your voice be heard? Are you speaking clearly?

Pulling together a script and the props you're going to use is only part of the task of giving a speech. Working on and refining delivery completes it.

To give a successful speech each of these seven aspects needs to be fine-tuned: to hook your audience's interest, to match their knowledge level, your topic, your speech purpose and, fit within the time constraints you've been given.

Types of informative speeches

There are four types of informative speeches: definition, description, explanation and demonstration. A speech may use one, or a mix of them.

1. Informing through definition

An informative speech based on definition clearly, and concisely, explains a concept * , theory, or philosophy. The principal purpose is to inform the audience, so they understand the main aspects of the particular subject being talked about.

* Definition of concept from the Cambridge dictionary - an abstract principle or idea

Examples of topics for definition or concept speeches

A good topic could be:

What is global warming?
What are organics?
What are the core beliefs of Christianity?
What is loyalty?
What is mental health?
What is modern art?
What is freedom?
What is beauty?
What is education?
What are economics?
What is popular culture?

These are very broad topic areas- each containing multiple subtopics, any of which could become the subject of a speech in its own right.

Example outline for a definition or concept informative speech

Speech title:.

What is modern art?

- people who want an introductory overview of modern art to help them understand a little more about what they're looking at - to place artists and their work in context

Specific purpose:

- to provide a broad outline/definition of modern art

Image: The Scream - Edvard Munch Text: What is modern art? An example outline for a concept or definition informative speech

Modern art refers to a broad and diverse artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and continued to develop throughout the 20th century.

It is characterized by a radical departure from traditional artistic styles and conventions and encompasses a wide range of artistic styles, techniques, and media, reflecting the cultural, social, and technological changes of the time.

Key characteristics or main points include:

Experimentation and innovation : Modern artists sought to break away from established norms and explore new ways of representing the world. They experimented with different materials, techniques, and subjects, challenging the boundaries of traditional art forms.
Abstraction : Modern art often features abstract and non-representational elements, moving away from realistic depictions. Artists like Wassily Kandinsky and Piet Mondrian explored pure abstraction, using shapes, lines, and colors to convey emotions and ideas.
Expression of the inner self : Many modern artists aimed to convey their inner emotions, thoughts, and experiences through their work. This led to the development of various movements like Expressionism (See work of Evard Munch) and Surrealism (See work of Salvador Dali).
Rejection of academic conventions : Artists sought to break free from the rigid rules of academic art and embrace more individualistic and avant-garde approaches. For example: Claude Monet, (1840 -1926) Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Édouard Manet
Influence of industrialization and urbanization : The rapid changes brought about by industrialization and urbanization in the 19th and 20th centuries influenced modern art. Artists were inspired by the dynamics of the modern world and its impact, often negative, on human life.
Multiple art movements : Modern art encompasses a wide array of movements and styles, for example Cubism, Futurism, Dadaism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art... Each movement brought its own unique perspective on art and society.
Focus on concept and process : Modern artists began to emphasize the underlying ideas and concepts behind their work, giving greater importance to the creative process itself.

Modern art should not be confused with contemporary art. While modern art refers specifically to the artistic developments of the early to mid-20th century, contemporary art encompasses art created by artists living and working in the present day. The transition from modern art to contemporary art happened around the late 20th century- 1950s onward.

References:

mymodernmet.com/abstract artists
differencess.com/expressionism vs surrealism
lorimcnee.com/artists who died without recognition
industrial revolution the influence on art
mymodernmet.com/important art movements
theartstory.org/conceptual-art
Image: The Scream, Edvard Munch

2. Informing through description

Informing through description means creating detailed, vivid verbal pictures for your audience to make what you're talking about come to life in the minds of those listening which in turn, will make your subject matter memorable.

Examples of good informative speech topics that could be used for descriptive speeches

How I celebrate Christmas
My first day at school
My home town
A time I feared for my life
A time when I felt contented and happy

My first car

An object I find fascinating: lotus shoes, bustles, corsets, panniers (These are historical items of women's clothing.)
Working from home: the joys, the hazards
My dream home, job, or holiday
An event I'll never forget
The most valuable or interesting thing I own
Martin Luther King, Benjamin Franklin, President Lincoln... a notable person from the past or present, including someone you may know: a family member, friend or yourself, or a public figure (an artist, singer, dancer, writer, entrepreneur, inventor...)

Example outline for a descriptive informative speech

- to take the audience with me back to the time when we bought our first car and have them appreciate that car's impact on our lives

Central idea:

Our Austin A50 was a much-loved car

Image: Austin A50 advertising picture Text: Austin A50 Cambridge - the car that gives you more

About the car:

- English, Austin A50, 1950ish model - curvy, solid, a matron of cars

Background to purchase:

1974 - we were 20 and 21 - young and broke
The car cost $200 - a lot of money for me at that time. I raided my piggy bank to buy it.
It was a trade up from the back of the motorbike - now I could sit side by side and talk, rather than sit behind and poke my husband, when I wanted to say important things like, 'Slow down', or 'I'm cold'. The romance of a motorbike is short-lived in winter. It diminishes in direct proportion to the mountain of clothes needing to be put on before going anywhere - coats, scarf, boots, helmet... And this particular winter was bitter: characterized by almost impenetrable grey fog and heavy frosts. It was so cold the insides of windows of the old house we lived in iced up.
It was tri-colored - none of them dominating - bright orange on the bonnet, sky blue on the rear doors and the roof, and matt black on the front doors and the boot. (Bonus - no one would ever steal it - far too easily identified!)
The chrome flying A proudly rode the bonnet.
The boot, (trunk lid) was detachable. It came off - why I can't remember. But it needed to be opened to fill the tank, so it meant lifting it off at the petrol station and leaning it up against the boot while the tank filled, and then replacing it when done.
There were bench seats upholstered in grey leather (dry and cracked) front and back with wide arm rests that folded down.
The windows wound up and down manually and, in the rear, there were triangle shaped opening quarter-windows.
The mouse-colored lining that had been on the doors and roof was worn, torn and in some patches completely missing. Dust poured in through the crevices when we drove on the metal roads that were common where we lived.
It had a column gear change - 4 gears, a heater that didn't function, proper old-school semaphore trafficators indicators that flicked out from the top of the door pillars and blinked orange, a clutch that needed a strong push to get it down, an accelerator pedal that was slow to pick up and a top speed of around 50 mph.

Impact/benefits:

We called her Prudence. We loved, and remember, her fondly because:

I was taught to drive in her - an unforgettable experience. I won the bunny hopping record learning to coordinate releasing the clutch and pressing down on the accelerator. Additionally, on metal roads, I found you needed to slow before taking corners. Sliding on two wheels felt precarious. The bump back down to four was a relief.
We did not arrive places having to disrobe - take off layers of protective clobber.
We could talk to each without shouting and NOW our road trips had a soundtrack - a large black portable battery driven tape player sat on the back parcel shelf blasting out a curious mix of Ry Cooder, Bach, Mozart's Flute Concerto, Janice Joplin... His choice. My choice. Bliss.
My father-in-law suggested we park it down the street rather than directly outside his house when we visited. To him Prudence was one eccentricity too many! An embarrassment in front of the neighbors. ☺
austinmemories.com/styled-33/styled-39/index.html
wikipedia.org/Austin_Cambridge
archive.org/1956-advertisement-for-austin-a-50

3. Informing through demonstration

Informing through demonstration means sharing verbal directions about how to do a specific task: fix, or make, something while also physically showing the steps, in a specific chronological order.

These are the classic 'show-n-tell', 'how to' or process speeches.

Examples of process speech topics:

How to bake chocolate chip cookies
How to use CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) correctly
How to prepare and plant a tub of vegetables or flowers
How to read a topographic map
How to make a tik-tok reel
How to knit a hat

How to brainstorm material for a speech

For literally 100s more demonstration topic ideas

A demonstrative informative speech outline example

To demonstrate the brainstorming process and to provide practical strategies (helpful tips) for freeing and speeding up the generation of ideas

Main ideas:

Understanding brainstorming - explanation of what brainstorming is and its benefits

Preparing for brainstorming - the starting point - stating the problem or topic that needs brainstorming, working in a comfortable place free from distractions, encouraging open-mindedness and suspension of judgment.

Techniques for brainstorming : (Show and tell on either white board or with large sheets of paper that everyone can see) mind mapping, and free writing. Take topic ideas from audience to use.

Example : notes for maid of honor speech for sister

Example of brainstorming notes - free writing - ideas for a maid of honor speech for my sister

Benefits : Demonstrate how mind maps can help visually organize thoughts and connections, how free writing allows ideas to flow without stopping to judge them

Encourages quantity over quality - lots of ideas - more to choose from. May generate something you'd never have thought of otherwise.

Select, refine, develop (show and tell)

For more see: brainstorm examples

4. Informing through explanation

Informing through explanation is explaining or sharing how something works, came to be, or why something happened, for example historical events like the Civil War in the United States. The speech is made stronger through the use of visuals - images, charts of data and/or statistics.

Examples of explanatory informative speech topics

How did the 1919 Treaty of Versailles contribute to the outbreak of World War Two?
What led to The American Civil War (April 12, 1861 – May 26, 1865)?
Why is there an increase in type two diabetes and problems associated with obesity in first world countries, for example, in UK and USA?
How do lungs work?
What causes heart disease?
How electric vehicles work?
What caused the Salem witch trials?
How does gravitation work?
How are rainbows formed?
Why do we pay taxes?
What is cyberbullying? Why is it increasing?

Example explanatory informative speech outline

The Treaty of Versailles: how did it contribute to the outbreak of World War Two

Image: Signing The Treaty of Versailles 1919 - dignitaries gather in the Hall of Mirrors, Palace of Versailles to sign the treaty, June 28, 1919

- to explain how the Treaty of Versailles (1919) was a significant causal factor leading up World War two

Central ideas:

Historical context : World War One, 'the war to end all wars' ended in 1918. The Allied Powers: USA, UK, France, Italy and Japan, met in Paris at the Paris Peace Conference 1919 to work out the details and consequences of the Treaty of Versailles, which would impact the defeated Central Powers, principally Germany.

These included:

territorial boundary changes which stripped Germany of land in Europe, and established new nations - e.g. Poland and Czechoslovakia
military restrictions - the disarmament of the German military, restrictions on weapons and technology, demilitarization of the Rhineland
reparations - demands that they were unable to meet, plus being forced to accept a "war guilt" clause (Article 231) had an enormous impact, economically and psychologically. The country plunged into deep recession - albeit along with many other countries. (The Great Depression 1929-1939 which ended with the beginning of World War Two.)

The League of Nations - The League of Nations was an international diplomatic group developed after World War I as a way to solve disputes between countries before they erupted into open warfare. Despite being active in its set up, USA refused to join it - a stance that weakened its effectiveness.

Controversies within Germany: Public anger and resentment, plus political instability as result of reparations, territory loss and economic hardships

Controversies with Treaty partners: The Treaty's perceived fairness and effectiveness: Italy and Japan felt their settlements were inadequate compared to what had been taken by UK, USA and France.

The rise of 'isms' Simmering discontent eventually emerged as the rise of Fascism in Italy, Nazism in Germany and Statism (a mix of nationalism, militarism and “state capitalism”) in Japan.

Expansionist Nationalism Spread of expansionist nationalism - a state's right to increase its borders because it is superior in all ways. Therefore, Hitler was 'right' to take back what had previously been regarded as German territory (Czechoslovakia and Austria), and to go after more, all the while goading the Allied Powers to act. When his armies went into Poland, Britain declared war against Germany - 21 years after the end of the last.

history.com/treaty-of-versailles-world-war-ii-guilt-effects
tinyurl.com/Treaty-of-Versailles
Image: tinyurl.com/signing-Treaty-of-Versailles

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Planning and Presenting an Informative Speech

In this guide, you can learn about the purposes and types of informative speeches, about writing and delivering informative speeches, and about the parts of informative speeches.

Purposes of Informative Speaking

Informative speaking offers you an opportunity to practice your researching, writing, organizing, and speaking skills. You will learn how to discover and present information clearly. If you take the time to thoroughly research and understand your topic, to create a clearly organized speech, and to practice an enthusiastic, dynamic style of delivery, you can be an effective "teacher" during your informative speech. Finally, you will get a chance to practice a type of speaking you will undoubtedly use later in your professional career.

The purpose of the informative speech is to provide interesting, useful, and unique information to your audience. By dedicating yourself to the goals of providing information and appealing to your audience, you can take a positive step toward succeeding in your efforts as an informative speaker.

Major Types of Informative Speeches

In this guide, we focus on informative speeches about:

These categories provide an effective method of organizing and evaluating informative speeches. Although they are not absolute, these categories provide a useful starting point for work on your speech.

In general, you will use four major types of informative speeches. While you can classify informative speeches many ways, the speech you deliver will fit into one of four major categories.

Speeches about Objects

Speeches about objects focus on things existing in the world. Objects include, among other things, people, places, animals, or products.

Because you are speaking under time constraints, you cannot discuss any topic in its entirety. Instead, limit your speech to a focused discussion of some aspect of your topic.

Some example topics for speeches about objects include: the Central Intelligence Agency, tombstones, surgical lasers, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the pituitary gland, and lemmings.

To focus these topics, you could give a speech about Franklin Delano Roosevelt and efforts to conceal how he suffered from polio while he was in office. Or, a speech about tombstones could focus on the creation and original designs of grave markers.

Speeches about Processes

Speeches about processes focus on patterns of action. One type of speech about processes, the demonstration speech, teaches people "how-to" perform a process. More frequently, however, you will use process speeches to explain a process in broader terms. This way, the audience is more likely to understand the importance or the context of the process.

A speech about how milk is pasteurized would not teach the audience how to milk cows. Rather, this speech could help audience members understand the process by making explicit connections between patterns of action (the pasteurization process) and outcomes (a safe milk supply).

Other examples of speeches about processes include: how the Internet works (not "how to work the Internet"), how to construct a good informative speech, and how to research the job market. As with any speech, be sure to limit your discussion to information you can explain clearly and completely within time constraints.

Speeches about Events

Speeches about events focus on things that happened, are happening, or will happen. When speaking about an event, remember to relate the topic to your audience. A speech chronicling history is informative, but you should adapt the information to your audience and provide them with some way to use the information. As always, limit your focus to those aspects of an event that can be adequately discussed within the time limitations of your assignment.

Examples of speeches about events include: the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington, Groundhog's Day, the Battle of the Bulge, the World Series, and the 2000 Presidential Elections.

Speeches about Concepts

Speeches about concepts focus on beliefs, ideas, and theories. While speeches about objects, processes, and events are fairly concrete, speeches about concepts are more abstract. Take care to be clear and understandable when creating and presenting a speech about a concept. When selecting a concept, remember you are crafting an informative speech. Often, speeches about concepts take on a persuasive tone. Focus your efforts toward providing unbiased information and refrain from making arguments. Because concepts can be vague and involved, limit your speech to aspects that can be readily explained and understood within the time limits.

Some examples of topics for concept speeches include: democracy, Taoism, principles of feminism, the philosophy of non-violent protest, and the Big Bang theory.

Strategies for Selecting a Topic

In many cases, circumstances will dictate the topic of your speech. However, if the topic has not been assigned or if you are having difficulty figuring out how to frame your topic as an informative speech,the following may be useful.

Begin by thinking of your interests. If you have always loved art, contemplate possible topics dealing with famous artists, art works, or different types of art. If you are employed, think of aspects of your job or aspects of your employer's business that would be interesting to talk about. While you cannot substitute personal experience for detailed research, your own experience can supplement your research and add vitality to your presentation. Choose one of the items below to learn more about selecting a topic.

Learn More about an Unfamiliar Topic

You may benefit more by selecting an unfamiliar topic that interests you. You can challenge yourself by choosing a topic you'd like to learn about and to help others understand it. If the Buddhist religion has always been an interesting and mysterious topic to you, research the topic and create a speech that offers an understandable introduction to the religion. Remember to adapt Buddhism to your audience and tell them why you think this information is useful to them. By taking this approach, you can learn something new and learn how to synthesize new information for your audience.

Think about Previous Classes

You might find a topic by thinking of classes you have taken. Think back to concepts covered in those classes and consider whether they would serve as unique, interesting, and enlightening topics for the informative speech. In astronomy, you learned about red giants. In history, you learned about Napoleon. In political science, you learned about The Federalist Papers. Past classes serve as rich resources for informative speech topics. If you make this choice, use your class notes and textbook as a starting point. To fully develop the content, you will need to do extensive research and perhaps even a few interviews.

Talk to Others

Topic selection does not have to be an individual effort. Spend time talking about potential topics with classmates or friends. This method can be extremely effective because other people can stimulate further ideas when you get stuck. When you use this method, always keep the basic requirements and the audience in mind. Just because you and your friend think home-brew is a great topic does not mean it will enthrall your audience or impress your instructor. While you talk with your classmates or friends, jot notes about potential topics and create a master list when you exhaust the possibilities. From this list, choose a topic with intellectual merit, originality, and potential to entertain while informing.

Framing a Thesis Statement

Once you settle on a topic, you need to frame a thesis statement. Framing a thesis statement allows you to narrow your topic, and in turns allows you to focus your research in this specific area, saving you time and trouble in the process.

Selecting a topic and focusing it into a thesis statement can be a difficult process. Fortunately, a number of useful strategies are available to you.

Thesis Statement Purpose

The thesis statement is crucial for clearly communicating your topic and purpose to the audience. Be sure to make the statement clear, concise, and easy to remember. Deliver it to the audience and use verbal and nonverbal illustrations to make it stand out.

Strategies For Framing a Thesis Statement

Focus on a specific aspect of your topic and phrase the thesis statement in one clear, concise, complete sentence, focusing on the audience. This sentence sets a goal for the speech. For example, in a speech about art, the thesis statement might be: "The purpose of this speech is to inform my audience about the early works of Vincent van Gogh." This statement establishes that the speech will inform the audience about the early works of one great artist. The thesis statement is worded conversationally and included in the delivery of the speech.

Thesis Statement and Audience

The thesis appears in the introduction of the speech so that the audience immediately realizes the speaker's topic and goal. Whatever the topic may be, you should attempt to create a clear, focused thesis statement that stands out and could be repeated by every member of your audience. It is important to refer to the audience in the thesis statement; when you look back at the thesis for direction, or when the audience hears the thesis, it should be clear that the most important goal of your speech is to inform the audience about your topic. While the focus and pressure will be on you as a speaker, you should always remember that the audience is the reason for presenting a public speech.

Avoid being too trivial or basic for the average audience member. At the same time, avoid being too technical for the average audience member. Be sure to use specific, concrete terms that clearly establish the focus of your speech.

Thesis Statement and Delivery

When creating the thesis statement, be sure to use a full sentence and frame that sentence as a statement, not as a question. The full sentence, "The purpose of this speech is to inform my audience about the early works of Vincent van Gogh," provides clear direction for the speech, whereas the fragment "van Gogh" says very little about the purpose of the speech. Similarly, the question "Who was Vincent van Gogh?" does not adequately indicate the direction the speech will take or what the speaker hopes to accomplish.

If you limit your thesis statement to one distinct aspect of the larger topic, you are more likely to be understood and to meet the time constraints.

Researching Your Topic

As you begin to work on your informative speech, you will find that you need to gather additional information. Your instructor will most likely require that you locate relevant materials in the library and cite those materials in your speech. In this section, we discuss the process of researching your topic and thesis.

Conducting research for a major informative speech can be a daunting task. In this section, we discuss a number of strategies and techniques that you can use to gather and organize source materials for your speech.

Gathering Materials

Gathering materials can be a daunting task. You may want to do some research before you choose a topic. Once you have a topic, you have many options for finding information. You can conduct interviews, write or call for information from a clearinghouse or public relations office, and consult books, magazines, journals, newspapers, television and radio programs, and government documents. The library will probably be your primary source of information. You can use many of the libraries databases or talk to a reference librarian to learn how to conduct efficient research.

Taking Notes

While doing your research, you may want to carry notecards. When you come across a useful passage, copy the source and the information onto the notecard or copy and paste the information. You should maintain a working bibliography as you research so you always know which sources you have consulted and so the process of writing citations into the speech and creating the bibliography will be easier. You'll need to determine what information-recording strategies work best for you. Talk to other students, instructors, and librarians to get tips on conducting efficient research. Spend time refining your system and you will soon be able to focus on the information instead of the record-keeping tasks.

Citing Sources Within Your Speech

Consult with your instructor to determine how much research/source information should be included in your speech. Realize that a source citation within your speech is defined as a reference to or quotation from material you have gathered during your research and an acknowledgement of the source. For example, within your speech you might say: "As John W. Bobbitt said in the December 22, 1993, edition of the Denver Post , 'Ouch!'" In this case, you have included a direct quotation and provided the source of the quotation. If you do not quote someone, you might say: "After the first week of the 1995 baseball season, attendance was down 13.5% from 1994. This statistic appeared in the May 7, 1995, edition of the Denver Post ." Whatever the case, whenever you use someone else's ideas, thoughts, or words, you must provide a source citation to give proper credit to the creator of the information. Failure to cite sources can be interpreted as plagiarism which is a serious offense. Upon review of the specific case, plagiarism can result in failure of the assignment, the course, or even dismissal from the University. Take care to cite your sources and give credit where it is due.

Creating Your Bibliography

As with all aspects of your speech, be sure to check with your instructor to get specific details about the assignment.

Generally, the bibliography includes only those sources you cited during the speech. Don't pad the bibliography with every source you read, saw on the shelf, or heard of from friends. When you create the bibliography, you should simply go through your complete sentence outline and list each source you cite. This is also a good way to check if you have included enough reference material within the speech. You will need to alphabetize the bibiography by authors last name and include the following information: author's name, article title, publication title, volume, date, page number(s). You may need to include additional information; you need to talk with your instructor to confirm the required bibliographical format.

Some Cautions

When doing research, use caution in choosing your sources. You need to determine which sources are more credible than others and attempt to use a wide variety of materials. The broader the scope of your research, the more impressive and believable your information. You should draw from different sources (e.g., a variety of magazines-- Time, Newsweek, US News & World Report, National Review, Mother Jones ) as well as different types of sources (i.e., use interviews, newspapers, periodicals, and books instead of just newspapers). The greater your variety, the more apparent your hard work and effort will be. Solid research skills result in increased credibility and effectiveness for the speaker.

Structuring an Informative Speech

Typically, informative speeches have three parts:

Introduction

In this section, we discuss the three parts of an informative speech, calling attention to specific elements that can enhance the effectiveness of your speech. As a speaker, you will want to create a clear structure for your speech. In this section, you will find discussions of the major parts of the informative speech.

The introduction sets the tone of the entire speech. The introduction should be brief and to-the-point as it accomplishes these several important tasks. Typically, there are six main components of an effective introduction:

Attention Getters

Thesis statement, audience adaptation, credibility statement, transition to the body.

As in any social situation, your audience makes strong assumptions about you during the first eight or ten seconds of your speech. For this reason, you need to start solidly and launch the topic clearly. Focus your efforts on completing these tasks and moving on to the real information (the body) of the speech. Typically, there are six main components of an effective introduction. These tasks do not have to be handled in this order, but this layout often yields the best results.

The attention-getter is designed to intrigue the audience members and to motivate them to listen attentively for the next several minutes. There are infinite possibilities for attention-getting devices. Some of the more common devices include using a story, a rhetorical question, or a quotation. While any of these devices can be effective, it is important for you to spend time strategizing, creating, and practicing the attention-getter.

Most importantly, an attention-getter should create curiosity in the minds of your listeners and convince them that the speech will be interesting and useful. The wording of your attention-getter should be refined and practiced. Be sure to consider the mood/tone of your speech; determine the appropriateness of humor, emotion, aggressiveness, etc. Not only should the words get the audiences attention, but your delivery should be smooth and confident to let the audience know that you are a skilled speaker who is prepared for this speech.

The crowd was wild. The music was booming. The sun was shining. The cash registers were ringing.

This story-like re-creation of the scene at a Farm Aid concert serves to engage the audience and causes them to think about the situation you are describing. Touching stories or stories that make audience members feel involved with the topic serve as good attention-getters. You should tell a story with feeling and deliver it directly to the audience instead of reading it off your notecards.

Example Text : One dark summer night in 1849, a young woman in her 20's left Bucktown, Maryland, and followed the North Star. What was her name? Harriet Tubman. She went back some 19 times to rescue her fellow slaves. And as James Blockson relates in a 1984 issue of National Geographic , by the end of her career, she had a $40,000.00 price on her head. This was quite a compliment from her enemies (Blockson 22).

Rhetorical Question

Rhetorical questions are questions designed to arouse curiosity without requiring an answer. Either the answer will be obvious, or if it isn't apparent, the question will arouse curiosity until the presentation provides the answer.

An example of a rhetorical question to gain the audiences attention for a speech about fly-fishing is, "Have you ever stood in a freezing river at 5 o'clock in the morning by choice?"

Example Text: Have you ever heard of a railroad with no tracks, with secret stations, and whose conductors were considered criminals?

A quotation from a famous person or from an expert on your topic can gain the attention of the audience. The use of a quotation immediately launches you into the speech and focuses the audience on your topic area. If it is from a well-known source, cite the author first. If the source is obscure, begin with the quote itself.

Example Text : "No day dawns for the slave, nor is it looked for. It is all night--night forever . . . ." (Pause) This quote was taken from Jermain Loguen, a fugitive who was the son of his Tennessee master and a slave woman.

Unusual Statement

Making a statement that is unusual to the ears of your listeners is another possibility for gaining their attention.

Example Text : "Follow the drinking gourd. That's what I said, friend, follow the drinking gourd." This phrase was used by slaves as a coded message to mean the Big Dipper, which revealed the North Star, and pointed toward freedom.

You might chose to use tasteful humor which relates to the topic as an effective way to attract the audience both to you and the subject at hand.

Example Text : "I'm feeling boxed in." [PAUSE] I'm not sure, but these may have been Henry "Box" Brown's very words after being placed on his head inside a box which measured 3 feet by 2 feet by 2 1\2 feet for what seemed to him like "an hour and a half." He was shipped by Adams Express to freedom in Philadelphia (Brown 60,92; Still 10).

Shocking Statistic

Another possibility to consider is the use of a factual statistic intended to grab your listener's attention. As you research the topic you've picked, keep your eyes open for statistics that will have impact.

Example Text : Today, John Elway's talents are worth millions, but in 1840 the price of a human life, a slave, was worth $1,000.00.

Example Text : Today I'd like to tell you about the Underground Railroad.

In your introduction, you need to adapt your speech to your audience. To keep audience members interested, tell them why your topic is important to them. To accomplish this task, you need to undertake audience analysis prior to creating the speech. Figure out who your audience members are, what things are important to them, what their biases may be, and what types of subjects/issues appeal to them. In the context of this class, some of your audience analysis is provided for you--most of your listeners are college students, so it is likely that they place some value on education, most of them are probably not bathing in money, and they live in Colorado. Consider these traits when you determine how to adapt to your audience.

As you research and write your speech, take note of references to issues that should be important to your audience. Include statements about aspects of your speech that you think will be of special interest to the audience in the introduction. By accomplishing this task, you give your listeners specific things with which they can identify. Audience adaptation will be included throughout the speech, but an effective introduction requires meaningful adaptation of the topic to the audience.

You need to find ways to get the members of your audience involved early in the speech. The following are some possible options to connect your speech to your audience:

Reference to the Occasion

Consider how the occasion itself might present an opportunity to heighten audience receptivity. Remind your listeners of an important date just passed or coming soon.

Example Text : This January will mark the 130th anniversary of a "giant interracial rally" organized by William Still which helped to end streetcar segregation in the city of Philadelphia (Katz i).

Reference to the Previous Speaker

Another possibility is to refer to a previous speaker to capitalize on the good will which already has been established or to build on the information presented.

Example Text : As Alice pointed out last week in her speech on the Olympic games of the ancient world, history can provide us with fascinating lessons.

The credibility statement establishes your qualifications as a speaker. You should come up with reasons why you are someone to listen to on this topic. Why do you have special knowledge or understanding of this topic? What can the audience learn from you that they couldn't learn from someone else? Credibility statements can refer to your extensive research on a topic, your life-long interest in an issue, your personal experience with a thing, or your desire to better the lives of your listeners by sifting through the topic and providing the crucial information.

Remember that Aristotle said that credibility, or ethos, consists of good sense, goodwill, and good moral character. Create the feeling that you possess these qualities by creatively stating that you are well-educated about the topic (good sense), that you want to help each member of the audience (goodwill), and that you are a decent person who can be trusted (good moral character). Once you establish your credibility, the audience is more likely to listen to you as something of an expert and to consider what you say to be the truth. It is often effective to include further references to your credibility throughout the speech by subtly referring to the traits mentioned above.

Show your listeners that you are qualified to speak by making a specific reference to a helpful resource. This is one way to demonstrate competence.

Example Text : In doing research for this topic, I came across an account written by one of these heroes that has deepened my understanding of the institution of slavery. Frederick Douglass', My Bondage and My Freedom, is the account of a man whose master's kindness made his slavery only more unbearable.

Your listeners want to believe that you have their best interests in mind. In the case of an informative speech, it is enough to assure them that this will be an interesting speech and that you, yourself, are enthusiastic about the topic.

Example Text : I hope you'll enjoy hearing about the heroism of the Underground Railroad as much as I have enjoyed preparing for this speech.

Preview the Main Points

The preview informs the audience about the speech's main points. You should preview every main body point and identify each as a separate piece of the body. The purpose of this preview is to let the audience members prepare themselves for the flow of the speech; therefore, you should word the preview clearly and concisely. Attempt to use parallel structure for each part of the preview and avoid delving into the main point; simply tell the audience what the main point will be about in general.

Use the preview to briefly establish your structure and then move on. Let the audience get a taste of how you will divide the topic and fulfill the thesis and then move on. This important tool will reinforce the information in the minds of your listeners. Here are two examples of a preview:

Simply identify the main points of the speech. Cover them in the same order that they will appear in the body of the presentation.

For example, the preview for a speech about kites organized topically might take this form: "First, I will inform you about the invention of the kite. Then, I will explain the evolution of the kite. Third, I will introduce you to the different types of kites. Finally, I will inform you about various uses for kites." Notice that this preview avoids digressions (e.g., listing the various uses for kites); you will take care of the deeper information within the body of the speech.

Example Text : I'll tell you about motivations and means of escape employed by fugitive slaves.

Chronological

For example, the preview for a speech about the Pony Express organized chronologically might take this form: "I'll talk about the Pony Express in three parts. First, its origins, second, its heyday, and third, how it came to an end." Notice that this preview avoids digressions (e.g., listing the reasons why the Pony Express came to an end); you will cover the deeper information within the body of the speech.

Example Text : I'll talk about it in three parts. First, its origins, second, its heyday, and third, how it came to an end.

After you accomplish the first five components of the introduction, you should make a clean transition to the body of the speech. Use this transition to signal a change and prepare the audience to begin processing specific topical information. You should round out the introduction, reinforce the excitement and interest that you created in the audience during the introduction, and slide into the first main body point.

Strategic organization helps increase the clarity and effectiveness of your speech. Four key issues are discussed in this section:

Organizational Patterns

Connective devices, references to outside research.

The body contains the bulk of information in your speech and needs to be clearly organized. Without clear organization, the audience will probably forget your information, main points, perhaps even your thesis. Some simple strategies will help you create a clear, memorable speech. Below are the four key issues used in organizing a speech.

Once you settle on a topic, you should decide which aspects of that topic are of greatest importance for your speech. These aspects become your main points. While there is no rule about how many main points should appear in the body of the speech, most students go with three main points. You must have at least two main points; aside from that rule, you should select your main points based on the importance of the information and the time limitations. Be sure to include whatever information is necessary for the audience to understand your topic. Also, be sure to synthesize the information so it fits into the assigned time frame. As you choose your main points, try to give each point equal attention within the speech. If you pick three main points, each point should take up roughly one-third of the body section of your speech.

There are four basic patterns of organization for an informative speech.

Chronological order
Spatial order
Causal order
Topical order

There are four basic patterns of organization for an informative speech. You can choose any of these patterns based on which pattern serves the needs of your speech.

Chronological Order

A speech organized chronologically has main points oriented toward time. For example, a speech about the Farm Aid benefit concert could have main points organized chronologically. The first main point focuses on the creation of the event; the second main point focuses on the planning stages; the third point focuses on the actual performance/concert; and the fourth point focuses on donations and assistance that resulted from the entire process. In this format, you discuss main points in an order that could be followed on a calendar or a clock.

Spatial Order

A speech organized spatially has main points oriented toward space or a directional pattern. The Farm Aid speech's body could be organized in spatial order. The first main point discusses the New York branch of the organization; the second main point discusses the Midwest branch; the third main point discusses the California branch of Farm Aid. In this format, you discuss main points in an order that could be traced on a map.

Causal Order

A speech organized causally has main points oriented toward cause and effect. The main points of a Farm Aid speech organized causally could look like this: the first main point informs about problems on farms and the need for monetary assistance; the second main point discusses the creation and implementation of the Farm Aid program. In this format, you discuss main points in an order that alerts the audience to a problem or circumstance and then tells the audience what action resulted from the original circumstance.

Topical Order

A speech organized topically has main points organized more randomly by sub-topics. The Farm Aid speech could be organized topically: the first main point discusses Farm Aid administrators; the second main point discusses performers; the third main point discusses sponsors; the fourth main point discusses audiences. In this format, you discuss main points in a more random order that labels specific aspects of the topic and addresses them in separate categories. Most speeches that are not organized chronologically, spatially, or causally are organized topically.

Within the body of your speech, you need clear internal structure. Connectives are devices used to create a clear flow between ideas and points within the body of your speech--they serve to tie the speech together. There are four main types of connective devices:

Transitions

Internal previews, internal summaries.

Within the body of your speech, you need clear internal structure. Think of connectives as hooks and ladders for the audience to use when moving from point-to-point within the body of your speech. These devices help re-focus the minds of audience members and remind them of which main point your information is supporting. The four main types of connective devices are:

Transitions are brief statements that tell the audience to shift gears between ideas. Transitions serve as the glue that holds the speech together and allow the audience to predict where the next portion of the speech will go. For example, once you have previewed your main points and you want to move from the introduction to the body of the Farm Aid speech, you might say: "To gain an adequate understanding of the intricacies of this philanthropic group, we need to look at some specific information about Farm Aid. We'll begin by looking at the administrative branch of this massive fund-raising organization."

Internal previews are used to preview the parts of a main point. Internal previews are more focused than, but serve the same purpose as, the preview you will use in the introduction of the speech. For example, you might create an internal preview for the complex main point dealing with Farm Aid performers: "In examining the Farm Aid performers, we must acknowledge the presence of entertainers from different genres of music--country and western, rhythm and blues, rock, and pop." The internal preview provides specific information for the audience if a main point is complex or potentially confusing.

Internal summaries are the reverse of internal previews. Internal summaries restate specific parts of a main point. To internally summarize the main point dealing with Farm Aid performers, you might say: "You now know what types of people perform at the Farm Aid benefit concerts. The entertainers come from a wide range of musical genres--country and western, rhythm and blues, rock, and pop." When using both internal previews and internal summaries, be sure to stylize the language in each so you do not become redundant.

Signposts are brief statements that remind the audience where you are within the speech. If you have a long point, you may want to remind the audience of what main point you are on: "Continuing my discussion of Farm Aid performers . . . "

When organizing the body of your speech, you will integrate several references to your research. The purpose of the informative speech is to allow you and the audience to learn something new about a topic. Additionally, source citations add credibility to your ideas. If you know a lot about rock climbing and you cite several sources who confirm your knowledge, the audience is likely to see you as a credible speaker who provides ample support for ideas.

Without these references, your speech is more like a story or a chance for you to say a few things you know. To complete this assignment satisfactorily, you must use source citations. Consult your textbook and instructor for specific information on how much supporting material you should use and about the appropriate style for source citations.

While the conclusion should be brief and tight, it has a few specific tasks to accomplish:

Re-assert/Reinforce the Thesis

Review the main points, close effectively.

Take a deep breath! If you made it to the conclusion, you are on the brink of finishing. Below are the tasks you should complete in your conclusion:

When making the transition to the conclusion, attempt to make clear distinctions (verbally and nonverbally) that you are now wrapping up the information and providing final comments about the topic. Refer back to the thesis from the introduction with wording that calls the original thesis into memory. Assert that you have accomplished the goals of your thesis statement and create the feeling that audience members who actively considered your information are now equipped with an understanding of your topic. Reinforce whatever mood/tone you chose for the speech and attempt to create a big picture of the speech.

Within the conclusion, re-state the main points of the speech. Since you have used parallel wording for your main points in the introduction and body, don't break that consistency in the conclusion. Frame the review so the audience will be reminded of the preview and the developed discussion of each main point. After the review, you may want to create a statement about why those main points fulfilled the goals of the speech.

Finish strongly. When you close your speech, craft statements that reinforce the message and leave the audience with a clear feeling about what was accomplished with your speech. You might finalize the adaptation by discussing the benefits of listening to the speech and explaining what you think audience members can do with the information.

Remember to maintain an informative tone for this speech. You should not persuade about beliefs or positions; rather, you should persuade the audience that the speech was worthwhile and useful. For greatest effect, create a closing line or paragraph that is artistic and effective. Much like the attention-getter, the closing line needs to be refined and practiced. Your close should stick with the audience and leave them interested in your topic. Take time to work on writing the close well and attempt to memorize it so you can directly address the audience and leave them thinking of you as a well-prepared, confident speaker.

Outlining an Informative Speech

Two types of outlines can help you prepare to deliver your speech. The complete sentence outline provides a useful means of checking the organization and content of your speech. The speaking outline is an essential aid for delivering your speech. In this section, we discuss both types of outlines.

The Complete Sentence Outline

A complete sentence outline may not be required for your presentation. The following information is useful, however, in helping you prepare your speech.

The complete sentence outline helps you organize your material and thoughts and it serves as an excellent copy for editing the speech. The complete sentence outline is just what it sounds like: an outline format including every complete sentence (not fragments or keywords) that will be delivered during your speech.

Writing the Outline

You should create headings for the introduction, body, and conclusion and clearly signal shifts between these main speech parts on the outline. Use standard outline format. For instance, you can use Roman numerals, letters, and numbers to label the parts of the outline. Organize the information so the major headings contain general information and the sub-headings become more specific as they descend. Think of the outline as a funnel: you should make broad, general claims at the top of each part of the outline and then tighten the information until you have exhausted the point. Do this with each section of the outline. Be sure to consult with your instructor about specific aspects of the outline and refer to your course book for further information and examples.

Using the Outline

If you use this outline as it is designed to be used, you will benefit from it. You should start the outline well before your speech day and give yourself plenty of time to revise it. Attempt to have the final, clean copies ready two or three days ahead of time, so you can spend a day or two before your speech working on delivery. Prepare the outline as if it were a final term paper.

The Speaking Outline

Depending upon the assignment and the instructor, you may use a speaking outline during your presentation. The following information will be helpful in preparing your speech through the use of a speaking outline.

This outline should be on notecards and should be a bare bones outline taken from the complete sentence outline. Think of the speaking outline as train tracks to guide you through the speech.

Many speakers find it helpful to highlight certain words/passages or to use different colors for different parts of the speech. You will probably want to write out long or cumbersome quotations along with your source citation. Many times, the hardest passages to learn are those you did not write but were spoken by someone else. Avoid the temptation to over-do the speaking outline; many speakers write too much on the cards and their grades suffer because they read from the cards.

The best strategy for becoming comfortable with a speaking outline is preparation. You should prepare well ahead of time and spend time working with the notecards and memorizing key sections of your speech (the introduction and conclusion, in particular). Try to become comfortable with the extemporaneous style of speaking. You should be able to look at a few keywords on your outline and deliver eloquent sentences because you are so familiar with your material. You should spend approximately 80% of your speech making eye-contact with your audience.

Delivering an Informative Speech

For many speakers, delivery is the most intimidating aspect of public speaking. Although there is no known cure for nervousness, you can make yourself much more comfortable by following a few basic delivery guidelines. In this section, we discuss those guidelines.

The Five-Step Method for Improving Delivery

Read aloud your full-sentence outline. Listen to what you are saying and adjust your language to achieve a good, clear, simple sentence structure.
Practice the speech repeatedly from the speaking outline. Become comfortable with your keywords to the point that what you say takes the form of an easy, natural conversation.
Practice the speech aloud...rehearse it until you are confident you have mastered the ideas you want to present. Do not be concerned about "getting it just right." Once you know the content, you will find the way that is most comfortable for you.
Practice in front of a mirror, tape record your practice, and/or present your speech to a friend. You are looking for feedback on rate of delivery, volume, pitch, non-verbal cues (gestures, card-usage, etc.), and eye-contact.
Do a dress rehearsal of the speech under conditions as close as possible to those of the actual speech. Practice the speech a day or two before in a classroom. Be sure to incorporate as many elements as possible in the dress rehearsal...especially visual aids.

It should be clear that coping with anxiety over delivering a speech requires significant advanced preparation. The speech needs to be completed several days beforehand so that you can effectively employ this five-step plan.

Anderson, Thad, & Ron Tajchman. (1994). Informative Speaking. Writing@CSU . Colorado State University. https://writing.colostate.edu/guides/guide.cfm?guideid=52

150+ Informative Speech Topics Proven to Entertain a Curious Mind

Delivering an engaging speech doesn’t require professional expertise. But when your audience consists of peers and professors, the pressure can mount. Overthinking the topic and content can leave you unsure about what to include and what to omit. In this blog, our experts have curated 150+ informative speech topics proven to spark curiosity.

Table of Contents

Informative Speech overview

An informative speech is a fun way to teach people about a specific topic. Its main goal is to share knowledge, explain tricky ideas, or give fresh insights on an issue. These speeches are perfect for anyone who wants to share their love for a subject in an exciting and easy-to-understand way.

Key Elements of an Informative Speech:

Clarity and organization
Engaging delivery
Accurate and reliable information

Though these key elements may seem straightforward, they can still make choosing the perfect informative speech topic a challenge. Students sometimes need help finding a topic that ticks all the important boxes.

But don’t worry; the world is brimming with fascinating subjects, ranging from science and technology to history and culture. With such a diverse array of informative speech topics, there’s bound to be one that sparks your interest.

In the upcoming section, we’ll provide a list of fascinating, informative speech topics to help you make your choice. By the end of this blog post, you’ll discover how to select the ideal topic that showcases your knowledge and keeps your audience engaged and entertained. So, get ready to dive into a world of wit and wisdom!

List of Inspiring Informative Speech Topics

Informative speeches are a powerful tool for sharing knowledge and inspiring others to learn more about a specific topic. Choosing a relevant and engaging subject and conducting thorough research can lay the foundation for a memorable and informative speech.

Presenting the information in a clear and accessible manner will leave a lasting impact on your audience, ensuring your speech resonates with them. So, pick a topic that interests you, and start crafting your informative speech today!

Easy Informative Speech Topics for College Student

Explore the diverse range of good informative speech topics that are engaging and suitable for college students. Whether you’re interested in discussing the latest technological advancements, exploring intriguing historical events, or shedding light on social issues, we’ve got you covered.

Deepfake: Is this technological blessing a curse for the youngsters of Gen-Z?
How to pick a college degree that you can excel in?
Exploring positive psychology and practices for a fulfilling college experience.
Importance of modernism in literature in understanding impacts of the great wars.
Navigating intergenerational communication and understanding in the modern world.
How to launch your startups while studying at college?
How to keep your passion for studying alive throughout the college degree?
Are self-help books helpful for college students?
Incorporating important nutritional food into the dorm routine
How to manage to focus on your personal growth and maintain good grades?
Can availing nursing paper writing service benefit future nurses’ overall learning?
How to adopt sustainable living and eco-friendly practices in dorm life?
Building meaningful connections for career success in the digital age.
Developing critical thinking skills to navigate misinformation in the media.
Examining the impact of creativity and innovation on student engagement, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Best ways to embrace diversity on campus.
Navigating the gig economy: Opportunities and challenges for college students
The Role of virtual reality in revolutionizing education and learning experiences
The rise of artificial intelligence and its implications for the future workforce
Is AI going to eliminate major working fields for students?
Volunteering and community service in personal growth and career development
The benefits and drawbacks of remote learning in higher education
The power of mindfulness and meditation in reducing stress and improving focus
The Influence of Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology on the global economy
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on mental health and coping strategies for college students
The Importance of financial literacy and money management skills for college students
Impact of cancel culture on freedom of speech and intellectual discourse on a college campus.
The role of entrepreneurship and innovation in addressing global challenges and creating opportunities for college students

Best Informative Speech Topics for School Students

Understanding the causes, consequences, and solutions for climate change on our planet
The digital footprint : managing and protecting your online identity
Nurturing mental health: Importance of therapy in school-going children
Fact or fiction: How to spot fake news on social media.
Encouraging open dialogue on personal safety in schools
Why do most elementary school students pick space traveling as their dream career
Social activism: Inspiring change through youth-led movements and advocacy.
Cybersecurity: Protecting your digital footprint in the age of technology.
Digital citizenship: navigating the online world responsibly and safely.
Benefits of learning a foreign language
Importance of going through book review before picking your next read
Importance of equipping students with strategies to support peers in unsafe situations
Importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle for physical and mental health in school
Contribution of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
How to empower students with physical and verbal skills to protect themselves?
How can students build support networks to foster trusting relationships with peers and adults?
The role of creative writing and storytelling in enhancing critical thinking and communication skills.
How to enhance your listening and speaking skills for success in school.
The dark side of social media: Online predators and tips for staying safe.
How can students identify and respond to inappropriate touch and harassment
How to encourage students with coursework writing help from an early grade?
Exploring the world of robotics and its applications in modern education
Benefits of learning coding and computer programming as part of the school curriculum

Inspirational Informative Speech Topics Related to Medicine

Delve into the fascinating world of medicine, medical advancements, and psychology with these 15 best informative speech topics. From exploring innovative treatments to understanding the intricacies of the human mind, these topics are perfect for captivating your audience and shedding light on important healthcare-related subjects.

The role of genetics in personalized medicine
Mental health stigma and the importance of promoting psychological well-being
Impact of artificial intelligence in Healthcare: transforming patient care
Understanding the science behind addiction
Breakthroughs in cancer immunotherapy and the human immune system
Effects of sleep deprivation on mental and physical health
Exploring alternative medicine: myths, evidence, and integrative approaches
The power of mindfulness: enhancing mental resilience and well-being
Advancements in telemedicine: revolutionizing access to healthcare services
Connection between gut health and overall well-being: The Microbiome Revolution
Impact of social media on mental health: navigating the digital landscape
Exploring the factors that influence joy and well-being
Precision medicine: tailoring treatments based on genetic and molecular profiling
Understanding the psychological factors behind eating disorders and body image
Innovations in Neuroplasticity: the brain’s Potential for healing and Recovery

Interesting Informative Speech Topics About Our Planet

The importance of bees in an ecosystem
Effects of plastic waste and oil spills on marine life
How is the earth’s rotation causing days to grow longer?
Can Americans overcome their 25 trillion styrofoam cup trash record?
Exploring the Role of fungi in environmental equity
10 tips for taking care of pet animals in substantial ways
The role of cats in ancient Egyptian Culture
Deforestation and its consequences on planet earth
Domesticating Wolves: myths, realities and practices
What’s the relationship between humans and hermit crabs?
How did the supercontinent ( Rodinia ) break apart?
Great Pacific garbage patch: A liability of human civilization on mother earth
Explore why Earth’s gravity isn’t uniform
The environmental pollution and the butterfly effect.
What do plastic straws do to turtles?
Can the sun eventually vaporize Earth?
Tattoos are representative of different cultures and civilizations throughout ages

Informational Speech topics about Education

The impact of globalization on the educational Curriculum
Impact of class size and student-teacher ratios on learning outcomes
The importance of investing in education infrastructure and resources for student success
Importance of teacher retention and support in maintaining a strong education system
Importance of emotional intelligence in education
The benefits of outdoors education: learning beyond classroom walls
Importance of creative expression in academic development
Impact of standardized testing on Education
The decline of cursive letters in academia aesthetic
The impact of school choice and voucher programs on educational outcomes
The role of school funding and resource allocation in influencing educational quality
Importance of integrating life skills and character education in the education system
Benefits and challenges of EdTech integration
Addressing disparities in access and quality of education
Role of public-private partnerships in improving the education system
How is the digital age shaping a new educational system
How a supportive student-teacher relationship can lead to a better educational environment.
Impacts of socioeconomic factors on educational access and equity.

Topics for Informative Speeches to Spark Conversation

Are you looking for thought-provoking topics to initiate captivating conversations through informative speeches? We’ve curated a list of 20 engaging and diverse topics that will spark interest and curiosity. From exploring scientific breakthroughs to discussing social issues, these informative speech topics will captivate your audience.

Exploring the rise of Veganism in modern society
Unraveling the mysteries of dark matter in the universe
The influence of social media on mental health
Impact of climate change on global food security
Art of effective public speaking and presentation skills
Understanding the benefits of meditation for stress reduction
Analyzing the rise of online education and its impact
The history and significance of international human rights law
Investigating the impacts of single-use plastics on the environment
The evolution of artificial intelligence and its applications
The power of emotional intelligence in leadership
Unveiling the hidden world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology
Addressing the global water crisis: solutions and challenges
The role of women in shaping societal change throughout history
Exploring the origins and impact of fake news in the digital age
Analyzing the effects of video games on cognitive development
The impact of financial literacy on young adults
Investigating the rise of cybersecurity threats and countermeasures
Understanding the science behind climate change and its mitigation
Impact of mass media on body image and self-esteem.

Fun Informative Speech Topics

Are you a fan of pop culture, memes, and mainstream media? Get ready to entertain and inform your audience with these 15 fun and engaging informative speech topics. From analyzing viral trends to exploring the impact of popular TV shows, these topics will captivate your listeners and spark lively discussions.

The evolution of internet memes and their social influence
The psychology behind viral TikTok challenges
The rise and impact of streaming services on traditional television
Exploring the cultural phenomenon of K-Pop and Its global fanbase
Analyzing the influence of social media on celebrity culture
From page to screen: The success of book-to-movie adaptations
Decoding the language and meaning of emoji in digital communication
The history and impact of superhero movies in pop culture
Investigating the memetic power of catchphrases and slogans
The cultural significance of gaming communities and e-sports
Exploring the role of satire and comedy in political commentary
Influence of reality TV shows on society and entertainment
From VHS to streaming: The evolution of home entertainment
Unveiling the secrets of viral dance challenges on social media
Analyzing the impact of social media influencers on consumer behavior

Controversial Yet Interesting Informative Speech Topics

The Coriolis Effect: does the pilot’s illusion actually exist?
Legalization of cannabis and interesting reasons behind it
Effects and Controversies of dress codes in educational institutes
The disappearance of Malaysian Flight 370
The new age of censorship is making people more prone to offense
The Bermuda Triangle conspiracy
What is “Panda blood”?
Focus Shift of NASA from ocean to space
Why is voting such a big debate?
Artificial Intelligence and potential disruption to the workplace
Performance-enhancing drugs in Athletes
Age of criminal responsibility and school violence
The US invasion of different countries throughout ages
Schools are against paper writing help for the wrong reasons
Anesthesia is not as safe as you might have thought
Right to life versus right to choose
Weighing the benefits and risks of nuclear power as an energy source.

How to Pick Topics for an Informative Speech

Finding good informative speech topics can be a breeze if you follow these simple steps:

Understand your audience : Consider your listeners’ interests, age group, and background. This will help you choose a topic that resonates with them.
Keep in mind your interests : Select a subject that you are passionate about. Your enthusiasm will shine through in your speech, making it more engaging and enjoyable for your audience.
Focus on the length requirement : Ensure your chosen topic can be adequately covered within the given time frame. Too much or too little information can lead to an unbalanced speech.
Research potential topics : Spend time browsing the internet, reading books, or watching documentaries to find informative speech topics that spark your curiosity and align with your interests.
Consider relevance and timeliness : Pick a topic that is relevant to current events or has a significant impact on society. This will make your speech more interesting and relatable to your audience.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect informative speech topics that will captivate and educate your audience.

In conclusion, we’ve crafted this blog on informative speech topics in response to the numerous requests from students like you, who are eager to make an impact with their speeches. The insights and guidance provided here will help you choose a topic that sparks your interest and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

We understand that crafting the perfect speech can be daunting, so we encourage you to take advantage of our top-notch writing services. Our experienced writers are well-versed in creating engaging and informative speeches catering to your specific needs.

By choosing our services, you’ll receive a meticulously crafted speech that will captivate your audience and further your academic career. So, don’t miss the opportunity to stand out and make a difference with your informative speech.

How do I choose the right informative speech topic for my college presentation?

Can i use personal experiences and anecdotes in my informative speech, are there any tips for delivering an effective informative speech, how can i ensure my informative speech is well-researched and credible, can i modify the suggested informative speech topics to suit my interests.

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Informative Speeches — Types, Topics, and Examples

What is an informative speech?

An informative speech uses descriptions, demonstrations, and strong detail to explain a person, place, or subject. An informative speech makes a complex topic easier to understand and focuses on delivering information, rather than providing a persuasive argument.

Types of informative speeches

The most common types of informative speeches are definition, explanation, description, and demonstration.

A definition speech explains a concept, theory, or philosophy about which the audience knows little. The purpose of the speech is to inform the audience so they understand the main aspects of the subject matter.

An explanatory speech presents information on the state of a given topic. The purpose is to provide a specific viewpoint on the chosen subject. Speakers typically incorporate a visual of data and/or statistics.

The speaker of a descriptive speech provides audiences with a detailed and vivid description of an activity, person, place, or object using elaborate imagery to make the subject matter memorable.

A demonstrative speech explains how to perform a particular task or carry out a process. These speeches often demonstrate the following:

How to do something

How to make something

How to fix something

How something works

How to write an informative speech

Regardless of the type, every informative speech should include an introduction, a hook, background information, a thesis, the main points, and a conclusion.

Introduction

An attention grabber or hook draws in the audience and sets the tone for the speech. The technique the speaker uses should reflect the subject matter in some way (i.e., if the topic is serious in nature, do not open with a joke). Therefore, when choosing an attention grabber, consider the following:

What’s the topic of the speech?

What’s the occasion?

Who’s the audience?

What’s the purpose of the speech?

Common Attention Grabbers (Hooks)

Ask a question that allows the audience to respond in a non-verbal way (e.g., a poll question where they can simply raise their hands) or ask a rhetorical question that makes the audience think of the topic in a certain way yet requires no response.

Incorporate a well-known quote that introduces the topic. Using the words of a celebrated individual gives credibility and authority to the information in the speech.

Offer a startling statement or information about the topic, which is typically done using data or statistics. The statement should surprise the audience in some way.

Provide a brief anecdote that relates to the topic in some way.

Present a “what if” scenario that connects to the subject matter of the speech.

Identify the importance of the speech’s topic.

Starting a speech with a humorous statement often makes the audience more comfortable with the speaker.

Include any background information pertinent to the topic that the audience needs to know to understand the speech in its entirety.

The thesis statement shares the central purpose of the speech.

Demonstrate

Include background information and a thesis statement

Preview the main ideas that will help accomplish the central purpose. Typically, informational speeches will have an average of three main ideas.

Body paragraphs

Apply the following to each main idea (body) :

Identify the main idea ( NOTE: The main points of a demonstration speech would be the individual steps.)

Provide evidence to support the main idea

Explain how the evidence supports the main idea/central purpose

Transition to the next main idea

Review or restate the thesis and the main points presented throughout the speech.

Much like the attention grabber, the closing statement should interest the audience. Some of the more common techniques include a challenge, a rhetorical question, or restating relevant information:

Provide the audience with a challenge or call to action to apply the presented information to real life.

Detail the benefit of the information.

Close with an anecdote or brief story that illustrates the main points.

Leave the audience with a rhetorical question to ponder after the speech has concluded.

Detail the relevance of the presented information.

Before speech writing, brainstorm a list of informative speech topic ideas. The right topic depends on the type of speech, but good topics can range from video games to disabilities and electric cars to healthcare and mental health.

Informative speech topics

Some common informative essay topics for each type of informational speech include the following:

Informative speech examples

The following list identifies famous informational speeches:

“Duties of American Citizenship” by Theodore Roosevelt

“Duty, Honor, Country” by General Douglas MacArthur

“Strength and Dignity” by Theodore Roosevelt

Explanation

“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” by Patrick Henry

“The Decision to Go to the Moon” by John F. Kennedy

“We Shall Fight on the Beaches” by Winston Churchill

Description

“I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Pearl Harbor Address” by Franklin Delano Roosevelt

“Luckiest Man” by Lou Gehrig

Demonstration

The Way to Cook with Julia Child

This Old House with Bob Vila

Bill Nye the Science Guy with Bill Nye

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11.1 Informative Speeches

Learning objectives.

Identify common topic categories for informative speeches.
Identify strategies for researching and supporting informative speeches.
Explain the different methods of informing.
Employ strategies for effective informative speaking, including avoiding persuasion, avoiding information overload, and engaging the audience.

Many people would rather go see an impassioned political speech or a comedic monologue than a lecture. Although informative speaking may not be the most exciting form of public speaking, it is the most common. Reports, lectures, training seminars, and demonstrations are all examples of informative speaking. That means you are more likely to give and listen to informative speeches in a variety of contexts. Some organizations, like consulting firms, and career fields, like training and development, are solely aimed at conveying information. College alumni have reported that out of many different speech skills, informative speaking is most important (Verderber, 1991). Since your exposure to informative speaking is inevitable, why not learn how to be a better producer and consumer of informative messages?

Creating an Informative Speech

As you’ll recall from Chapter 9 “Preparing a Speech” , speaking to inform is one of the three possible general purposes for public speaking. The goal of informative speaking is to teach an audience something using objective factual information. Interestingly, informative speaking is a newcomer in the world of public speaking theorizing and instruction, which began thousands of years ago with the ancient Greeks (Olbricht, 1968). Ancient philosophers and statesmen like Aristotle, Cicero, and Quintilian conceived of public speaking as rhetoric, which is inherently persuasive. During that time, and until the 1800s, almost all speaking was argumentative. Teaching and instruction were performed as debates, and even fields like science and medicine relied on argumentative reasoning instead of factual claims.

Until the 1800s, even scientific fields and medicine relied on teaching that was based on debate and argument rather than the informative-based instruction that is used today.

Monash University – Surgery Workshop 2012 – CC BY-NC 2.0.

While most instruction is now verbal, for most of modern history, people learned by doing rather than listening, as apprenticeships were much more common than classroom-based instruction. So what facilitated the change from argumentative and demonstrative teaching to verbal and informative teaching? One reason for this change was the democratization of information. Technical information used to be jealously protected by individuals, families, or guilds. Now society generally believes that information should be shared and made available to all. The increasing complexity of fields of knowledge and professions also increased the need for informative speaking. Now one must learn a history or backstory before actually engaging with a subject or trade. Finally, much of the information that has built up over time has become commonly accepted; therefore much of the history or background information isn’t disputed and can now be shared in an informative rather than argumentative way.

Choosing an Informative Speech Topic

Being a successful informative speaker starts with choosing a topic that can engage and educate the audience. Your topic choices may be influenced by the level at which you are speaking. Informative speaking usually happens at one of three levels: formal, vocational, and impromptu (Verderber, 1991). Formal informative speeches occur when an audience has assembled specifically to hear what you have to say. Being invited to speak to a group during a professional meeting, a civic gathering, or a celebration gala brings with it high expectations. Only people who have accomplished or achieved much are asked to serve as keynote speakers, and they usually speak about these experiences. Many more people deliver informative speeches at the vocational level, as part of their careers. Teachers like me spend many hours lecturing, which is a common form of informative speaking. In addition, human resources professionals give presentations about changes in policy and provide training for new employees, technicians in factories convey machine specifications and safety procedures, and servers describe how a dish is prepared in their restaurant. Last, we all convey information daily in our regular interactions. When we give a freshman directions to a campus building, summarize the latest episode of American Idol for our friend who missed it, or explain a local custom to an international student, we are engaging in impromptu informative speaking.

Whether at the formal, vocational, or impromptu level, informative speeches can emerge from a range of categories, which include objects, people, events, processes, concepts, and issues. An extended speech at the formal level may include subject matter from several of these categories, while a speech at the vocational level may convey detailed information about a process, concept, or issue relevant to a specific career.

Subjects of informative speaking at the vocational level usually relate to a speaker’s professional experience or expertise.

Peter Long – Business Meeting – CC BY 2.0.

Since we don’t have time to research or organize content for impromptu informative speaking, these speeches may provide a less detailed summary of a topic within one of these categories. A broad informative speech topic could be tailored to fit any of these categories. As you draft your specific purpose and thesis statements, think about which category or categories will help you achieve your speech goals, and then use it or them to guide your research. Table 11.1 “Sample Informative Speech Topics by Category” includes an example of how a broad informative subject area like renewable energy can be adapted to each category as well as additional sample topics.

Table 11.1 Sample Informative Speech Topics by Category

Speeches about objects convey information about any nonhuman material things. Mechanical objects, animals, plants, and fictional objects are all suitable topics of investigation. Given that this is such a broad category, strive to pick an object that your audience may not be familiar with or highlight novel relevant and interesting facts about a familiar object.

Speeches about people focus on real or fictional individuals who are living or dead. These speeches require in-depth biographical research; an encyclopedia entry is not sufficient. Introduce a new person to the audience or share little-known or surprising information about a person we already know. Although we may already be familiar with the accomplishments of historical figures and leaders, audiences often enjoy learning the “personal side” of their lives.

Speeches about concepts are less concrete than speeches about objects or people, as they focus on ideas or notions that may be abstract or multifaceted. A concept can be familiar to us, like equality, or could literally be a foreign concept like qi (or chi ), which is the Chinese conception of the energy that flows through our bodies. Use the strategies discussed in this book for making content relevant and proxemic to your audience to help make abstract concepts more concrete.

Speeches about events focus on past occasions or ongoing occurrences. A particular day in history, an annual observation, or a seldom occurring event can each serve as interesting informative topics. As with speeches about people, it’s important to provide a backstory for the event, but avoid rehashing commonly known information.

Informative speeches about processes provide a step-by-step account of a procedure or natural occurrence. Speakers may walk an audience through, or demonstrate, a series of actions that take place to complete a procedure, such as making homemade cheese. Speakers can also present information about naturally occurring processes like cell division or fermentation.

Informative speeches about processes provide steps of a procedure, such as how to make homemade cheese.

Joel Kramer – curdle – CC BY 2.0.

Last, informative speeches about issues provide objective and balanced information about a disputed subject or a matter of concern for society. It is important that speakers view themselves as objective reporters rather than commentators to avoid tipping the balance of the speech from informative to persuasive. Rather than advocating for a particular position, the speaker should seek to teach or raise the awareness of the audience.

Researching an Informative Speech Topic

Having sharp research skills is a fundamental part of being a good informative speaker. Since informative speaking is supposed to convey factual information, speakers should take care to find sources that are objective, balanced, and credible. Periodicals, books, newspapers, and credible websites can all be useful sources for informative speeches, and you can use the guidelines for evaluating supporting materials discussed in Chapter 9 “Preparing a Speech” to determine the best information to include in your speech. Aside from finding credible and objective sources, informative speakers also need to take time to find engaging information. This is where sharp research skills are needed to cut through all the typical information that comes up in the research process to find novel information. Novel information is atypical or unexpected, but it takes more skill and effort to locate. Even seemingly boring informative speech topics like the history of coupons can be brought to life with information that defies the audience’s expectations. A student recently delivered an engaging speech about coupons by informing us that coupons have been around for 125 years, are most frequently used by wealthier and more educated households, and that a coupon fraud committed by an Italian American businessman named Charles Ponzi was the basis for the term Ponzi scheme , which is still commonly used today.

As a teacher, I can attest to the challenges of keeping an audience engaged during an informative presentation. While it’s frustrating to look out at my audience of students and see glazed-over eyes peering back at me, I also know that it is my responsibility to choose interesting information and convey it in a way that’s engaging. Even though the core content of what I teach hasn’t change dramatically over the years, I constantly challenge myself to bring that core information to life through application and example. As we learned earlier, finding proxemic and relevant information and examples is typically a good way to be engaging. The basic information may not change quickly, but the way people use it and the way it relates to our lives changes. Finding current, relevant examples and finding novel information are both difficult, since you, as the researcher, probably don’t know this information exists.

Here is where good research skills become necessary to be a good informative speaker. Using advice from Chapter 9 “Preparing a Speech” should help you begin to navigate through the seas of information to find hidden treasure that excites you and will in turn excite your audience.

To avoid boring an audience, effective informative speakers possess good research skills and the ability to translate information to be engaging and relevant for an audience.

Niall Kennedy – Sleep – CC BY-NC 2.0.

As was mentioned earlier, the goal for informative speaking is to teach your audience. An audience is much more likely to remain engaged when they are actively learning. This is like a balancing act. You want your audience to be challenged enough by the information you are presenting to be interested, but not so challenged that they become overwhelmed and shut down. You should take care to consider how much information your audience already knows about a topic. Be aware that speakers who are very familiar with their speech topic tend to overestimate their audience’s knowledge about the topic. It’s better to engage your topic at a level slightly below your audience’s knowledge level than above. Most people won’t be bored by a brief review, but many people become lost and give up listening if they can’t connect to the information right away or feel it’s over their heads.

A good informative speech leaves the audience thinking long after the speech is done. Try to include some practical “takeaways” in your speech. I’ve learned many interesting and useful things from the informative speeches my students have done. Some of the takeaways are more like trivia information that is interesting to share—for example, how prohibition led to the creation of NASCAR. Other takeaways are more practical and useful—for example, how to get wine stains out of clothing and carpet or explanations of various types of student financial aid.

Organizing and Supporting an Informative Speech

You can already see that informing isn’t as easy as we may initially think. To effectively teach, a speaker must present quality information in an organized and accessible way. Once you have chosen an informative speech topic and put your research skills to the test in order to locate novel and engaging information, it’s time to organize and support your speech.

Organizational Patterns

Three organizational patterns that are particularly useful for informative speaking are topical, chronological, and spatial. As you’ll recall, to organize a speech topically, you break a larger topic down into logical subdivisions. An informative speech about labor unions could focus on unions in three different areas of employment, three historically significant strikes, or three significant legal/legislative decisions. Speeches organized chronologically trace the development of a topic or overview the steps in a process. An informative speech could trace the rise of the economic crisis in Greece or explain the steps in creating a home compost pile. Speeches organized spatially convey the layout or physical characteristics of a location or concept. An informative speech about the layout of a fire station or an astrology wheel would follow a spatial organization pattern.

Methods of Informing

Types of and strategies for incorporating supporting material into speeches are discussed in Chapter 9 “Preparing a Speech” , but there are some specific ways to go about developing ideas within informative speeches. Speakers often inform an audience using definitions, descriptions, demonstrations, and explanations. It is likely that a speaker will combine these methods of informing within one speech, but a speech can also be primarily organized using one of these methods.

Informing through Definition

Informing through definition entails defining concepts clearly and concisely and is an important skill for informative speaking. There are several ways a speaker can inform through definition: synonyms and antonyms, use or function, example, and etymology (Verderber, 1991). Defining a concept using a synonym or an antonym is a short and effective way to convey meaning. Synonyms are words that have the same or similar meanings, and antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. In a speech about how to effectively inform an audience, I would claim that using concrete words helps keep an audience engaged. I could enhance your understanding of what concrete means by defining it with synonyms like tangible and relatable . Or I could define concrete using antonyms like abstract and theoretical .

Identifying the use or function of an object, item, or idea is also a short way of defining. We may think we already know the use and function of most of the things we interact with regularly. This is true in obvious cases like cars, elevators, and smartphones. But there are many objects and ideas that we may rely on and interact with but not know the use or function. For example, QR codes (or quick response codes) are popping up in magazines, at airports, and even on t-shirts (Vuong, 2011). Many people may notice them but not know what they do. As a speaker, you could define QR codes by their function by informing the audience that QR codes allow businesses, organizations, and individuals to get information to consumers/receivers through a barcode-like format that can be easily scanned by most smartphones.

An informative speaker could teach audience members about QR codes by defining them based on their use or function.

Douglas Muth – My QR Code – CC BY-SA 2.0.

A speaker can also define a topic using examples, which are cited cases that are representative of a larger concept. In an informative speech about anachronisms in movies and literature, a speaker might provide the following examples: the film Titanic shows people on lifeboats using flashlights to look for survivors from the sunken ship (such flashlights weren’t invented until two years later) (The Past in Pictures, 2012); Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar includes a reference to a clock, even though no mechanical clocks existed during Caesar’s time (Scholasticus K., 2012). Examples are a good way to repackage information that’s already been presented to help an audience retain and understand the content of a speech. Later we’ll learn more about how repackaging information enhances informative speaking.

Etymology refers to the history of a word. Defining by etymology entails providing an overview of how a word came to its current meaning. The Oxford English Dictionary is the best source for finding etymology and often contains interesting facts that can be presented as novel information to better engage your audience. For example, the word assassin , which refers to a person who intentionally murders another, literally means “hashish-eater” and comes from the Arabic word hashshashin . The current meaning emerged during the Crusades as a result of the practices of a sect of Muslims who would get high on hashish before killing Christian leaders—in essence, assassinating them (Oxford English Dictionary Online, 2012).

Informing through Description

As the saying goes, “Pictures are worth a thousand words.” Informing through description entails creating verbal pictures for your audience. Description is also an important part of informative speeches that use a spatial organizational pattern, since you need to convey the layout of a space or concept. Good descriptions are based on good observations, as they convey what is taken in through the senses and answer these type of questions: What did that look like? Smell like? Sound like? Feel like? Taste like? If descriptions are vivid and well written, they can actually invoke a sensory reaction in your audience. Just as your mouth probably begins to salivate when I suggest that you imagine biting into a fresh, bright yellow, freshly cut, juicy lemon wedge, so can your audience be transported to a setting or situation through your descriptions. I once had a student set up his speech about the history of streaking by using the following description: “Imagine that you are walking across campus to your evening class. You look up to see a parade of hundreds upon hundreds of your naked peers jogging by wearing little more than shoes.”

Informing through Demonstration

When informing through demonstration , a speaker gives verbal directions about how to do something while also physically demonstrating the steps. Early morning infomercials are good examples of demonstrative speaking, even though they are also trying to persuade us to buy their “miracle product.” Whether straightforward or complex, it’s crucial that a speaker be familiar with the content of their speech and the physical steps necessary for the demonstration. Speaking while completing a task requires advanced psycho-motor skills that most people can’t wing and therefore need to practice. Tasks suddenly become much more difficult than we expect when we have an audience. Have you ever had to type while people are reading along with you? Even though we type all the time, even one extra set of eyes seems to make our fingers more clumsy than usual.

Television chefs are excellent examples of speakers who frequently inform through demonstration. While many of them make the process of speaking while cooking look effortless, it took much practice over many years to make viewers think it is effortless.

Television chefs inform through demonstration. Although they make it seem easy, it is complex and difficult.

Gordonramsaysubmissions – gordon ramsay 7 – CC BY 2.0.

Part of this practice also involves meeting time limits. Since television segments are limited and chefs may be demonstrating and speaking live, they have to be able to adapt as needed. Demonstration speeches are notorious for going over time, especially if speakers haven’t practiced with their visual aids / props. Be prepared to condense or edit as needed to meet your time limit. The reality competition show The Next Food Network Star captures these difficulties, as many experienced cooks who have the content knowledge and know how to physically complete their tasks fall apart when faced with a camera challenge because they just assumed they could speak and cook at the same time.

Tips for Demonstration Speeches

Include personal stories and connections to the topic, in addition to the “how-to” information, to help engage your audience.
Ask for audience volunteers (if appropriate) to make the demonstration more interactive.
Include a question-and-answer period at the end (if possible) so audience members can ask questions and seek clarification.
Follow an orderly progression. Do not skip around or backtrack when reviewing the steps.
Use clear signposts like first , second , and third .
Use orienting material like internal previews and reviews, and transitions.
Group steps together in categories, if needed, to help make the information more digestible.
Assess the nonverbal feedback of your audience. Review or slow down if audience members look lost or confused.
Practice with your visual aids / props many times. Things suddenly become more difficult and complicated than you expect when an audience is present.
Practice for time and have contingency plans if you need to edit some information out to avoid going over your time limit.

Informing through Explanation

Informing through explanation entails sharing how something works, how something came to be, or why something happened. This method of informing may be useful when a topic is too complex or abstract to demonstrate. When presenting complex information make sure to break the topic up into manageable units, avoid information overload, and include examples that make the content relevant to the audience. Informing through explanation works well with speeches about processes, events, and issues. For example, a speaker could explain the context surrounding the Lincoln-Douglas debates or the process that takes place during presidential primaries.

“Getting Plugged In”

TED Talks as a Model of Effective Informative Speaking

Over the past few years, I have heard more and more public speaking teachers mention their use of TED speeches in their classes. What started in 1984 as a conference to gather people involved in Technology, Entertainment, and Design has now turned into a worldwide phenomenon that is known for its excellent speeches and presentations, many of which are informative in nature. [1] The motto of TED is “Ideas worth spreading,” which is in keeping with the role that we should occupy as informative speakers. We should choose topics that are worth speaking about and then work to present them in such a way that audience members leave with “take-away” information that is informative and useful. TED fits in with the purpose of the “Getting Plugged In” feature in this book because it has been technology focused from the start. For example, Andrew Blum’s speech focuses on the infrastructure of the Internet, and Pranav Mistry’s speech focuses on a new technology he developed that allows for more interaction between the physical world and the world of data. Even speakers who don’t focus on technology still skillfully use technology in their presentations, as is the case with David Gallo’s speech about exotic underwater life. Here are links to all these speeches:

Andrew Blum’s speech: What Is the Internet, Really? http://www.ted.com/talks/andrew_blum_what_is_the_internet_really.html
Pranav Mistry’s speech: The Thrilling Potential of Sixth Sense Technology. http://www.ted.com/talks/pranav_mistry_the_thrilling_potential_of_sixthsense_technology.html
David Gallo’s speech: Underwater Astonishments. http://www.ted.com/talks/david_gallo_shows_underwater_astonishments.html
What can you learn from the TED model and/or TED speakers that will help you be a better informative speaker?
In what innovative and/or informative ways do the speakers reference or incorporate technology in their speeches?

Effective Informative Speaking

There are several challenges to overcome to be an effective informative speaker. They include avoiding persuasion, avoiding information overload, and engaging your audience.

Avoiding Persuasion

We should avoid thinking of informing and persuading as dichotomous, meaning that it’s either one or the other. It’s more accurate to think of informing and persuading as two poles on a continuum, as in Figure 11.1 “Continuum of Informing and Persuading” (Olbricht, 1968). Most persuasive speeches rely on some degree of informing to substantiate the reasoning. And informative speeches, although meant to secure the understanding of an audience, may influence audience members’ beliefs, attitudes, values, or behaviors.

Figure 11.1 Continuum of Informing and Persuading

Speakers can look to three areas to help determine if their speech is more informative or persuasive: speaker purpose, function of information, and audience perception (Verderber, 1991). First, for informative speaking, a speaker’s purpose should be to create understanding by sharing objective, factual information. Specific purpose and thesis statements help establish a speaker’s goal and purpose and can serve as useful reference points to keep a speech on track. When reviewing your specific purpose and thesis statement, look for words like should / shouldn’t , good / bad , and right / wrong , as these often indicate a persuasive slant in the speech.

Second, information should function to clarify and explain in an informative speech. Supporting materials shouldn’t function to prove a thesis or to provide reasons for an audience to accept the thesis, as they do in persuasive speeches. Although informative messages can end up influencing the thoughts or behaviors of audience members, that shouldn’t be the goal.

Third, an audience’s perception of the information and the speaker helps determine whether a speech is classified as informative or persuasive. The audience must perceive that the information being presented is not controversial or disputed, which will lead audience members to view the information as factual. The audience must also accept the speaker as a credible source of information. Being prepared, citing credible sources, and engaging the audience help establish a speaker’s credibility. Last, an audience must perceive the speaker to be trustworthy and not have a hidden agenda. Avoiding persuasion is a common challenge for informative speakers, but it is something to consider, as violating the speaking occasion may be perceived as unethical by the audience. Be aware of the overall tone of your speech by reviewing your specific purpose and thesis to make sure your speech isn’t tipping from informative to persuasive.

Words like should / shouldn’t , good / bad , and right / wrong in a specific purpose and/or thesis statement often indicate that the speaker’s purpose is tipping from informative to persuasive.

Hans Splinter – balance – CC BY-ND 2.0.

Avoiding Information Overload

Many informative speakers have a tendency to pack a ten-minute speech with as much information as possible. This can result in information overload , which is a barrier to effective listening that occurs when a speech contains more information than an audience can process. Editing can be a difficult task, but it’s an important skill to hone, because you will be editing more than you think. Whether it’s reading through an e-mail before you send it, condensing a report down to an executive summary, or figuring out how to fit a client’s message on the front page of a brochure, you will have to learn how to discern what information is best to keep and what can be thrown out. In speaking, being a discerning editor is useful because it helps avoid information overload. While a receiver may not be attracted to a brochure that’s covered in text, they could take the time to read it, and reread it, if necessary. Audience members cannot conduct their own review while listening to a speaker live. Unlike readers, audience members can’t review words over and over (Verderber, 1991). Therefore competent speakers, especially informative speakers who are trying to teach their audience something, should adapt their message to a listening audience. To help avoid information overload, adapt your message to make it more listenable.

Although the results vary, research shows that people only remember a portion of a message days or even hours after receiving it (Janusik, 2012). If you spend 100 percent of your speech introducing new information, you have wasted approximately 30 percent of your time and your audience’s time. Information overload is a barrier to effective listening, and as good speakers, we should be aware of the limitations of listening and compensate for that in our speech preparation and presentation. I recommend that my students follow a guideline that suggests spending no more than 30 percent of your speech introducing new material and 70 percent of your speech repackaging that information. I specifically use the word repackaging and not repeating . Simply repeating the same information would also be a barrier to effective listening, since people would just get bored. Repackaging will help ensure that your audience retains most of the key information in the speech. Even if they don’t remember every example, they will remember the main underlying point.

Avoiding information overload requires a speaker to be a good translator of information. To be a good translator, you can compare an unfamiliar concept with something familiar, give examples from real life, connect your information to current events or popular culture, or supplement supporting material like statistics with related translations of that information. These are just some of the strategies a good speaker can use. While translating information is important for any oral presentation, it is especially important when conveying technical information. Being able to translate complex or technical information for a lay audience leads to more effective informing, because the audience feels like they are being addressed on their level and don’t feel lost or “talked down to.” The History Channel show The Universe provides excellent examples of informative speakers who act as good translators. The scientists and experts featured on the show are masters of translating technical information, like physics, into concrete examples that most people can relate to based on their everyday experiences.

Comparing the turbulent formation of the solar system to the collisions of bumper bars and spinning rides at an amusement park makes the content more concrete.

Alexander Svensson – Ferris Wheel – CC BY 2.0.

Following the guidelines established in Chapter 9 “Preparing a Speech” for organizing a speech can also help a speaker avoid information overload. Good speakers build in repetition and redundancy to make their content more memorable and their speech more consumable. Preview statements, section transitions, and review statements are some examples of orienting material that helps focus an audience’s attention and facilitates the process of informing (Verderber, 1991).

Engaging Your Audience

As a speaker, you are competing for the attention of your audience against other internal and external stimuli. Getting an audience engaged and then keeping their attention is a challenge for any speaker, but it can be especially difficult when speaking to inform. As was discussed earlier, once you are in the professional world, you will most likely be speaking informatively about topics related to your experience and expertise. Some speakers fall into the trap of thinking that their content knowledge is enough to sustain them through an informative speech or that their position in an organization means that an audience will listen to them and appreciate their information despite their delivery. Content expertise is not enough to be an effective speaker. A person must also have speaking expertise (Verderber, 1991). Effective speakers, even renowned experts, must still translate their wealth of content knowledge into information that is suited for oral transmission, audience centered, and well organized. I’m sure we’re all familiar with the stereotype of the absentminded professor or the genius who thinks elegantly in his or her head but can’t convey that same elegance verbally. Having well-researched and organized supporting material is an important part of effective informative speaking, but having good content is not enough.

Audience members are more likely to stay engaged with a speaker they view as credible. So complementing good supporting material with a practiced and fluent delivery increases credibility and audience engagement. In addition, as we discussed earlier, good informative speakers act as translators of information. Repackaging information into concrete familiar examples is also a strategy for making your speech more engaging. Understanding relies on being able to apply incoming information to life experiences.

Repackaging information is also a good way to appeal to different learning styles, as you can present the same content in various ways, which helps reiterate a point. While this strategy is useful with any speech, since the goal of informing is teaching, it makes sense to include a focus on learning within your audience adaptation. There are three main learning styles that help determine how people most effectively receive and process information: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic (Fleming, 2012). Visual learners respond well to information presented via visual aids, so repackage information using text, graphics, charts and other media. Public speaking is a good way to present information for auditory learners who process information well when they hear it. Kinesthetic learners are tactile; they like to learn through movement and “doing.” Asking for volunteers to help with a demonstration, if appropriate, is a way to involve kinesthetic learners in your speech. You can also have an interactive review activity at the end of a speech, much like many teachers incorporate an activity after a lesson to reinforce the material.

“Getting Real”

Technical Speaking

People who work in technical fields, like engineers and information technology professionals, often think they will be spared the task of public speaking. This is not the case, however, and there is actually a branch of communication studies that addresses public speaking matters for “techies.” The field of technical communication focuses on how messages can be translated from expert to lay audiences. I actually taught a public speaking class for engineering students, and they basically had to deliver speeches about the things they were working on in a way that I could understand. I ended up learning a lot more about jet propulsion and hybrid car engines than I ever expected!

Have you ever been completely lost when reading an instruction manual for some new product you purchased? Have you ever had difficulty following the instructions of someone who was trying to help you with a technical matter? If so, you’ve experienced some of the challenges associated with technical speaking. There are many careers where technical speaking skills are needed. According to the Society for Technical Communication, communicating about specialized or technical topics, communicating by using technology, and providing instructions about how to do something are all examples of technical speaking (Society for Technical Communication, 2012). People with technical speaking skills offer much to organizations and businesses. They help make information more useable and accessible to customers, clients, and employees. They can help reduce costs to a business by reducing unnecessary work that results from misunderstandings of instructions, by providing clear information that allows customers to use products without training or technical support and by making general information put out by a company more user friendly. Technical speakers are dedicated to producing messages that are concise, clear, and coherent (Society for Technical Communication, 2012). Such skills are used in the following careers: technical writers and editors, technical illustrators, visual designers, web designers, customer service representatives, salespeople, spokespeople, and many more.

What communication skills that you’ve learned about in the book so far do you think would be important for a technical speaker?
Identify instances in which you have engaged in technical speaking or received information from a technical speaker. Based on what you have learned in this chapter, were the speakers effective or not, and why?

Sample Informative Speech

Title: Going Green in the World of Education

General purpose: To inform

Specific purpose: By the end of my speech, the audience will be able to describe some ways in which schools are going green.

Thesis statement: The green movement has transformed school buildings, how teachers teach, and the environment in which students learn.

Introduction

Attention getter: Did you know that attending or working at a green school can lead students and teachers to have less health problems? Did you know that allowing more daylight into school buildings increases academic performance and can lessen attention and concentration challenges? Well, the research I will cite in my speech supports both of these claims, and these are just two of the many reasons why more schools, both grade schools and colleges, are going green.

Introduction of topic: Today, I’m going to inform you about the green movement that is affecting many schools.

Credibility and relevance: Because of my own desire to go into the field of education, I decided to research how schools are going green in the United States. But it’s not just current and/or future teachers that will be affected by this trend. As students at Eastern Illinois University, you are already asked to make “greener” choices. Whether it’s the little signs in the dorm rooms that ask you to turn off your lights when you leave the room, the reusable water bottles that were given out on move-in day, or even our new Renewable Energy Center, the list goes on and on. Additionally, younger people in our lives, whether they be future children or younger siblings or relatives, will likely be affected by this continuing trend.

Preview statement: In order to better understand what makes a “green school,” we need to learn about how K–12 schools are going green, how college campuses are going green, and how these changes affect students and teachers.

Transition: I’ll begin with how K–12 schools are going green.

In order to garner support for green initiatives, the article recommends that local leaders like superintendents, mayors, and college administrators become involved in the green movement.
Once local leaders are involved, the community, students, parents, faculty, and staff can be involved by serving on a task force, hosting a summit or conference, and implementing lessons about sustainability into everyday conversations and school curriculum.
The US Green Building Council’s website also includes a tool kit with a lot of information about how to “green” existing schools.
For example, Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Collins, Colorado, was built in 2006 and received LEED certification because it has automatic light sensors to conserve electricity and uses wind energy to offset nonrenewable energy use.
To conserve water, the school uses a pond for irrigation, has artificial turf on athletic fields, and installed low-flow toilets and faucets.
According to the 2006 report by certified energy manager Gregory Kats titled “Greening America’s Schools,” a LEED certified school uses 30–50 percent less energy, 30 percent less water, and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent compared to a conventional school.
Many new building materials, carpeting, and furniture contain chemicals that are released into the air, which reduces indoor air quality.
So green schools purposefully purchase materials that are low in these chemicals.
Natural light and fresh air have also been shown to promote a healthier learning environment, so green buildings allow more daylight in and include functioning windows.

Transition: As you can see, K–12 schools are becoming greener; college campuses are also starting to go green.

According to the Sturm College of Law’s website, the building was designed to use 40 percent less energy than a conventional building through the use of movement-sensor lighting; high-performance insulation in the walls, floors, and roof; and infrared sensors on water faucets and toilets.
Electric car recharging stations were also included in the parking garage, and the building has extra bike racks and even showers that students and faculty can use to freshen up if they bike or walk to school or work.
Some of the dining halls on campus have gone “trayless,” which according to a 2009 article by Calder in the journal Independent School has the potential to dramatically reduce the amount of water and chemical use, since there are no longer trays to wash, and also helps reduce food waste since people take less food without a tray.
The Renewable Energy Center uses slow-burn technology to use wood chips that are a byproduct of the lumber industry that would normally be discarded.
This helps reduce our dependency on our old coal-fired power plant, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
The project was the first known power plant to be registered with the US Green Building Council and is on track to receive LEED certification.

Transition: All these efforts to go green in K–12 schools and on college campuses will obviously affect students and teachers at the schools.

Many schools are literally going green by including more green spaces such as recreation areas, gardens, and greenhouses, which according to a 2010 article in the Journal of Environmental Education by University of Colorado professor Susan Strife has been shown to benefit a child’s cognitive skills, especially in the areas of increased concentration and attention capacity.
Additionally, the report I cited earlier, “Greening America’s Schools,” states that the improved air quality in green schools can lead to a 38 percent reduction in asthma incidents and that students in “green schools” had 51 percent less chance of catching a cold or the flu compared to children in conventional schools.
The report “Greening America’s Schools” notes that a recent synthesis of fifty-three studies found that more daylight in the school building leads to higher academic achievement.
The report also provides data that show how the healthier environment in green schools leads to better attendance and that in Washington, DC, and Chicago, schools improved their performance on standardized tests by 3–4 percent.
According to the article in Education Week that I cited earlier, the Sustainability Education Clearinghouse is a free online tool that provides K–12 educators with the ability to share sustainability-oriented lesson ideas.
The Center for Green Schools also provides resources for all levels of teachers, from kindergarten to college, that can be used in the classroom.
The report “Greening America’s Schools” claims that the overall improved working environment that a green school provides leads to higher teacher retention and less teacher turnover.
Just as students see health benefits from green schools, so do teachers, as the same report shows that teachers in these schools get sick less, resulting in a decrease of sick days by 7 percent.

Transition to conclusion and summary of importance: In summary, the going-green era has impacted every aspect of education in our school systems.

Review of main points: From K–12 schools to college campuses like ours, to the students and teachers in the schools, the green movement is changing the way we think about education and our environment.

Closing statement: As Glenn Cook, the editor in chief of the American School Board Journal , states on the Center for Green Schools’s website, “The green schools movement is the biggest thing to happen to education since the introduction of technology to the classroom.”

Ash, K. (2011). “Green schools” benefit budgets and students, report says. Education Week , 30 (32), 10.

Calder, W. (2009). Go green, save green. Independent School , 68 (4), 90–93.

The Center for Green Schools. (n.d.). K–12: How. Retrieved from http://www.centerforgreenschools.org/main-nav/k-12/buildings.aspx

Eastern Illinois University. (n.d.). Renewable Energy Center. Retrieved from http://www.eiu.edu/sustainability/eiu_renewable.php

Kats, G. (2006). Greening America’s schools: Costs and benefits. A Capital E Report. Retrieved from http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=2908

Strife, S. (2010). Reflecting on environmental education: Where is our place in the green movement? Journal of Environmental Education , 41 (3), 179–191. doi:10.1080/00958960903295233

Sturm College of Law. (n.d.). About DU law: Building green. Retrieved from http://www.law.du.edu/index.php/about/building-green

USGBC. (n.d.). About us. US Green Building Council . Retrieved from https://new.usgbc.org/about

Key Takeaways

Getting integrated: Informative speaking is likely the type of public speaking we will most often deliver and be audience to in our lives. Informative speaking is an important part of academic, professional, personal, and civic contexts.
Informative speeches teach an audience through objective factual information and can emerge from one or more of the following categories: objects, people, concepts, events, processes, and issues.
Effective informative speaking requires good research skills, as speakers must include novel information, relevant and proxemic examples, and “take-away” information that audience members will find engaging and useful.

The four primary methods of informing are through definition, description, demonstration, or explanation.

Informing through definition entails defining concepts clearly and concisely using synonyms and antonyms, use or function, example, or etymology.
Informing through description entails creating detailed verbal pictures for your audience.
Informing through demonstration entails sharing verbal directions about how to do something while also physically demonstrating the steps.
Informing through explanation entails sharing how something works, how something came to be, or why something happened.
An effective informative speaker should avoid persuasion by reviewing the language used in the specific purpose and thesis statements, using objective supporting material, and appearing trustworthy to the audience.
An effective informative speaker should avoid information overload by repackaging information and building in repetition and orienting material like reviews and previews.
An effective informative speaker engages the audience by translating information into relevant and concrete examples that appeal to different learning styles.
Getting integrated: How might you use informative speaking in each of the following contexts: academic, professional, personal, and civic?
Brainstorm potential topics for your informative speech and identify which topic category each idea falls into. Are there any risks of persuading for the topics you listed? If so, how can you avoid persuasion if you choose that topic?
Of the four methods of informing (through definition, description, demonstration, or explanation), which do you think is most effective for you? Why?

Fleming, N., “The VARK Helpsheets,” accessed March 6, 2012, http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=helpsheets .

Janusik, L., “Listening Facts,” accessed March 6, 2012, http://d1025403.site.myhosting.com/files.listen.org/Facts.htm .

Olbricht, T. H., Informative Speaking (Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman, 1968), 1–12.

Oxford English Dictionary Online, accessed March 6, 2012, http://www.oed.com .

The Past in Pictures, “Teaching Using Movies: Anachronisms!” accessed March 6, 2012, http://www.thepastinthepictures.wildelearning.co.uk/Introductoryunit!.htm .

Scholasticus K, “Anachronism Examples in Literature,” February 2, 2012, accessed March 6, 2012, http://www.buzzle.com/articles/anachronism-examples-in-literature.html .

Society for Technical Communication, “Defining Technical Communication,” accessed March 6, 2012, http://www.stc.org/about-stc/the-profession-all-about-technical-communication/defining-tc .

Verderber, R., Essentials of Informative Speaking: Theory and Contexts (Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 1991), 3.

Vuong, A., “Wanna Read That QR Code? Get the Smartphone App,” The Denver Post , April 18, 2011, accessed March 6, 2012, http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_17868932 .

“About TED,” accessed October 23, 2012, http://www.ted.com/pages/about . ↵

Communication in the Real World Copyright © 2016 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

A List of 272 Informative Speech Topics: Pick Only Awesome Ideas! [2024]

Just when you think you’re way past the question “How to write an essay?” another one comes. That’s the thing students desperately Google: “What is an informative speech?” And our custom writing  experts are here to help you sort this out.

Informative speaking is a speech on a completely new issue. Tell your audience something they never knew!

Now that you know what informative speaking is, check out our great informative essay topics list – here you’ll find plenty of great ideas and issues to talk about! For more variety, try using a topic picker , in case nothing on our list caught your attention.

And remember to check your speech draft for vocabulary and grammar mistakes.

🔝 Top 10 Topics
👨⚕️ Healthcare and Medicine
🎼 Topics about Music
🤔 Psychology & Mental Health
🖥️ Topics for Presentations
ℹ️ Other Informative Topics
📃 Thesis Statement Samples

🗣️ How to Choose an Informative Speech Topic

✏️ Frequent Questions

🔝 Top 10 Informative Speech Topics 2024

Foster care system in the US
Lunar New Year in different countries
Social media impact on trends
What are seasonal strategies?
Winter and Summer Olympics cost difference
Disadvantages of student loans
Carbon footprint of cryptocurrency
Difference between affirmation and meditation
Are beauty pageants exploitive?
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the tourism industry?

👨‍⚕️ Health Informative Speech Topics

The impact of sport on mental health
Technology contribution to healthcare
Benefits of healthy eating
Side effects of paracetamol
Can nasal spray be addictive?
Is herbal medicine efficient?
The importance of first aid
What are the risks of using pain relievers?
Can chronic diseases be cured?
How harmful are antibiotics?
Lifestyle diseases : learning to avoid unhealthy behaviors
Evidence-based medicine: achieving measurable outcomes with medical interventions
Medical trials: why vaccines take ten years to develop
How do natural medicines become drugs?
Antibiotics: what they can and cannot cure
Can pain medication do more harm than good?
Palliative care: when all medicine can do is relieve suffering
Explain the health issues that develop with age
Research how one’s immune system develops
Demonstrate the principles of personal and environmental hygiene
The variety of healthy lifestyle choices : it is time to take care of yourself
The connection between health and happiness : playing the “glad” game
Modern health care: new issues, approaches, and technologies
Mental hygiene: taking proper care of your brain
Healthy eating vs. eating disorders: what causes anorexia and bulimia and how to fight both
Healthy habits and how to acquire them: be careful what you eat
Healthy child development: new trends and theories
Germs: health risks related to the lack of hygiene. Discuss the most common adverse outcomes of poor sanitation and what disorders it can cause.
Natural remedies for cold and cough: safe for adults and children. Focus on common products used to treat cold: honey, herbal tea, chicken soup, etc.
Birth control: types of emergency contraception. Talk about various forms of emergency contraception and its influence on the reproductive system.
Practice daily kindness to improve your psychological well-being: developing a grateful approach toward others. Explain how gratefulness and acceptance build compassion and enhance our perception of the world.

Dehydration : the role of water in our lives. The speech will help the audience understand why fresh water is crucial for our health and emphasize the importance of staying well-hydrated.
Older adults and depression : symptoms, risks, and prevention. Discuss what symptoms (e.g., mood swings, irritation) indicate a potential depression and how they can be handled (through conversations, counseling, etc.).
Chronic neck and back pain : what actions should be taken and when you need to see your doctor. Consider using your speech to present different types of neck and back pain and prove that prolonged pain almost always requires professional treatment.
Heatstroke: first aid, potential risks, and outcomes. Elaborate why heatstrokes are dangerous and how they can affect movement and coordination if untreated.

You’ll find more essay ideas in our health-related topics list .

🎼 Informative Speech Topics about Music

Is music therapy effective for ASD?
The effect of classical music on the brain
How has music technology evolved?
How does music separate generations?
4 elements of musical theatre
Why does music affect our mood?
How does cultural context define a music genre?
Why do movies have background music?
Health benefits of playing musical instruments
The similarities in traditional music around the world
Assess the importance of music in cinema
From Strauss to nu-metal: tracing the unexpected origins of a genre
When music is not “musical”: talk about deliberately dissonant or chaotic works
In what ways does a song change when translated for a different culture?
Timeless classics: discuss how a composition can hold up for centuries
Discuss how the electric guitar evolved from lyre
How is a child’s development affected by listening to music or playing an instrument?
Discuss songs that function as political statements
Explore how a subculture can form around a musical genre
In what ways are songs and art in general affected by copyright laws?
Musical instruments and character peculiarities: melancholics prefer violins
The role of music in society : a means to spur creativity or calm people down?
Music therapy and its effects: another panacea for humankind
Music as a mixture of art and industry: 21 st century pop culture
Musical theater as the most unforgettable experience: something you never knew
The most notable person in music history : changing the world in a moment
Tendencies in musical genre development in the 21 st century
Musical expression: definition and the modern interpretation
The influence of music on infants’ psychological response. Center you discourse around the use of classical and modern music during pregnancy.
Everybody hurts: how listening to sad music can enhance mood. Present different examples from the media that illustrate why sad music is helpful to our well-being.
Music, musicians, and brain plasticity. Use recent research on brain plasticity to discuss why early musical training can be beneficial.
Music is not just entertainment but also a tool for empowerment. Discuss how punk and other genres became tools of self-expression for marginalized groups.

Prolonged exposure to music via earphones can cause tinnitus and other adverse effects : a speech topic for students. Using various examples, explain how earphones affect hearing acuity in adolescents and adults.
Getting scientific: what EEG tells us about our brains during music listening. Explain what EEG is and present research that uses it to study human perception of music .
Music for stroke or brain trauma rehabilitation. With the help of media and research, illustrate how music used in patients undergoing recovery after stroke.
Classics, pop, and metal: how different types of music affect our mood. Elaborate whether the stereotype about “angry metalheads” is true; don’t forget to discuss pop as a “girly genre” as well.

You can also check out our music essay topics list for more ideas.

🤔 Psychology & Mental Health Informative Speech Topics

Reliability of personality tests
How can one learn empathy?
The mechanisms of social cognition
Dreams as a way of self-discovery
The concept of persona and shadow
Observation as a mental process
Role of genetics in developing ADHD
The difference between stress and anxiety
Why is group therapy effective for depression?
Cultural differences of nonverbal communication
Discuss intrinsic vs. external motivation. What makes people do the things they do?
Why are some things harder to turn into a habit?
Present the factors affecting the development of one’s personality
Discuss the biological processes influencing one’s psyche
What makes some people resist even positive changes?
Describe how the first impression forms and what influences it
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): its causes and treatments
What makes it difficult to escape abusive relationships?
Do opposites really attract? What qualities do people find attractive in others?
How does positive stress (eustress) help people grow?
The Mandela effect: explore the phenomenon of several people misremembering objects or events
Review the qualities that make strong leaders . Are these qualities innate or acquired?
Explore the motivations behind pathological greed and hoarding disorders
Discuss the adverse effects of prolonged stress on one’s mental health
Determine the role of one’s appearance during a job interview
How does trust form between individuals? Why can it be difficult to regain once it’s been lost?
Discuss how phobias develop and we can treat and manage them
Examine the causes and effects of peer pressure. Argue whether it needs to be prevented.
Assess the effectiveness of group therapy programs
Explore the sunk cost fallacy. Why can people be irrational in choosing not to abandon failing plans or endeavors?
Systems that classify personality types . In this speech, you can explain the history of such theories ranging from the four humors to Myers-Briggs personality types. Elaborate on their strengths, weaknesses, and applicability.
Douglas McGregor’s theories of human motivation. Explain what they mean and how they have come to affect practical management. Argue their validity and applicability in different situations
Learned helplessness: a psychological effect common to victims of abuse. In this demonstrative speech, you can explain the nature of the phenomenon. How is it acquired? What means of treatment are available? Elaborate on how it can affect one’s life.
Explore the psychology of perfectionism. How can this motivation lead to adverse outcomes?
Why are mean people popular? What psychological factors draw people to those who offend and alienate others? Explore the possible evolutionary or biological reasons for this attraction.
Examine the techniques companies use to make people buy their products. Discuss how it reflects in shop environments, pricing, etc.
The phenomenon of an online persona. People tend to act in different ways when interacting in-person and online. Describe the psychological reasons for this discrepancy. Focus on how people can respond differently to similar behaviors. How can it lead to misunderstandings? How damaging can these misunderstandings be?
Emotional and rational decisions. In this speech, discuss how the two can lead to different choices in the same situation. Can we create conditions that encourage one or the other kind of decision? Elaborate on the ethical issues with such manipulation.
The psychology of attention. Present how objects capture and retain one’s attention. Elaborate on how this knowledge is used for manipulation.
How altruism affects one’s behavior. In this persuasive speech, explain how cultures encouraged or discouraged selflessness. Discuss the way animals can act altruistically. In conclusion, present how such actions shaped human history.

Don’t forget to check out our list of psychology and communication topics !

🖥️ Informative Presentation Topics

Cut-up technique in poetry
The Chinese tea ceremony
An easy mindfulness technique
Prevention of California wildfires
COVID restrictions around the world
Charter schools: controversies
Phosphates and water quality
Wonder Woman as a feminist icon
Light pollution in the US
The stages of a business cycle
Impressive buildings from antiquity to modern day
Ethics in robotics: self-driving vehicles and robots
Explore how elements of the military organization are applied in business
Discuss the social and economic consequences of automation
Health benefits of yoga and similar practices
Explain how you can be environmentally conscious in your day-to-day life
Present the current plans to create an undersea infrastructure. What benefits would this have? What challenges must be overcome?
Discuss the positive and negative effects of criminalizing an activity
Review the issues of working across national and cultural borders
The emerging space tourism industry and its perspectives
Speak about the healthy balance of diet and exercise
Explore the use of statistics and analysis in political decision-making
What are the challenges in translating or adapting poetry?
News neutrality: discuss the issues with biased or partisan reporting
Discuss why some countries choose to import foods instead of producing their own
Examine the dangers of exposing personal information online. What can you do to avoid it?
Explain the process of launching a vehicle to Earth’s orbit
How is water reclaimed and purified? Why is access to clean water so important?
What are the perspectives of augmented reality in learning applications?
Discuss the applications of remote-controlled technology in a field of your choice
Medical basics: pathogens. In this informative speech, explain the differences between the common types of pathogens. Focus on critical differences in diagnosis and treatment, as well as common misconceptions.
The Space Race. Speak about the competitive space exploration by the Soviet Union and the US in the mid-20th century. Elaborate on the major events and their political and scientific consequences. You can also demonstrate the technologies that found use in daily life.
The air we breathe. Discuss the composition of the air and the elements we need to live. Focus on the effects of pollutants and the breathing mixtures used by divers or astronauts.
The Christmas truce. In this speech, describe the Christmas truce of 1914, when World War I soldiers left their trenches to exchange greetings and celebrate the holiday with their enemies. Determine the cultural and political significance of this event.
Service animals. In what ways do animals, besides dogs, help people in various tasks? Discuss both current and historical use of animals. Elaborate on the training and selection, as well as the ethical aspects.
Public transit vs. personal transport. Compare and contrast these two options. Elaborate on the city planning techniques required to encourage one or the other option.
City beautification . What’s the role of parks, recreational areas, and monuments in city planning? Focus on their less apparent benefits. Argue for or against preserving natural green spaces within cities.
The space business. How do individual entrepreneurs turn space exploration into private businesses? Demonstrate the advances made by private space companies. Explain the main legal and ethical issues of private spaceflight.
Space debris. Assess the danger posed by debris left behind by previous space missions. Demonstrate the measures taken to reduce the accumulation of debris. What are the plans to reduce it in the future?
Green energy . Discuss the perspectives of environmentally-friendly sources of power. Focus on the current plans for implementing renewable energy sources.

An informative presentation is like a speech with visuals. That’s why it makes sense to choose topics that you can illustrate with graphs and pictures. You can find more ideas in our presentation topics list.

ℹ️ Informative Speech Topics: Other Ideas

Informative speech topics on food and nutrition.

In case you’re looking for essay topics and ideas concerning nutrition , there are plenty of wonderful speeches for you to choose:

Do superfoods live up to their name? Explore misconceptions about the new trend
Free, added, and natural sugars: what’s the difference?
Flavor enhancers: more than MSG. How do they affect nutrition?
What basic principles do you need to consider when choosing a diet?
Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins: what they are and what they do
What do we need vitamins and minerals for?
How do ethical food choices affect one’s body and the environment?
Explain how one should eat to be healthy
Discuss the importance of each daily meal, such as breakfast and dinner
Explore the nutritional basis behind a traditional cuisine of your choice
The most exotic food ever: a snapshot of world culture
Food additives , their effects, and threats: be careful what you eat
Food chains: mechanisms, efficiency, and revenue
Providing food security : learning what meals consist of
Food habits in different countries : learning the peculiarities of etiquette
Food and nutrition: differences and similarities
Food resources in impoverished countries: solving the problem
Steak vs. Salad: how we should reach balance in the daily food intake. Discuss the pros and cons of vegetarian dieting or too frequent consumption of meat.
Junk food: advantages, risks, and relation to obesity. Talk about the influence of junk food, soda drinks, and sweets on the epidemic of obesity in the USA .
How corporations shape our food preferences. Explain why branding and marketing are important for shaping our perception of food value.
Undereating and overeating: how children and adults acquire eating disorders and what needs to be done to overcome them. Using research, discuss the prevalence of bulimia and anorexia in different demographic groups.

Cereals and soda: our favorite food can directly contribute to unstoppable obesity epidemic. In this speech, you can focus on the current obesity epidemic in the USA and explain how junk food affects our food preferences and health.
Mediterranean diet : advantages and disadvantages . Prepare a short speech about the Mediterranean diet, its history, and research.
Going green : how climate change affects food supply and global hunger. During this speech, you should talk to your audience about food shortages and famine caused by natural disasters.
Food allergies : types, causes, and actions to prevent adverse effects. Indicate different types of food allergies and outline their outcomes on individual health.

By the way, you can easily turn these speech ideas into informative essay writing topics!

A List of Informative Speech Topics: Teaching and Education Issues

In case you’re looking for a couple of informative topics for a presentation on an educational issue , consider the following suggestions:

Standardization in education: are equal programs and guidelines for everyone worthwhile?
How do you make changing schools easier?
Inverted classroom methodology: can pre-recorded lectures improve education?
Enumerate the developmental milestones associated with early childhood
Discuss how making students engaged influences their learning outcomes
Learn a new language early: how does a child benefit from it?
Pursuing further education after college: benefits and drawbacks
Describe the pros and cons of self-education
Studying abroad: what do you gain from it?
Discuss what important subjects are omitted from a standard curriculum
Education in America vs. education in Europe: differences and similarities
What makes education important: in praise of literacy
Education and unemployment: the reasonability of studying
The difference between education and personality development
Education helps reach the career goals … and shapes them
Technological advances in promoting a better quality of education
Current issues in education and the means to solve them
Education for groups of ESL speakers: challenges and solutions
Education and poverty: how poverty influences children’s health, performance, and social skills. Using the examples of poor districts and communities, discuss the performance and mental illness of students from these areas.
Inclusive education: current breakthroughs and challenges . Elaborate on new inclusion techniques that help students with disabilities. Use the examples of the USA and Canada.
The use of project-based learning to improve student’s performance. Focus your speech on classroom projects and their ability to enhance social skills of students .
Common Core standards : a 5-minute speech about goals and objectives. Provide a short lecture about the most known CC standards and how local teachers achieve the goals presented there.

The Common Core State Standards Initiative.

Humorous education: how a good sense of humor can affect the learning environment. Using the examples from professional literature, make a short presentation about teachers who base their instructions and lessons on jokes and wit.
We are all different, but equal: diversity in education. Explain how students from different ethnic backgrounds affect others’ perception of their culture and what teachers can do to help them.
Online learning : a science topic about web-based education. Talk about online testing and the gamification of the learning experience.
Testing is not scary: standard and creative assessment methods for your class . Explain how testing should be modified to improve student’s performance and self-perception.

With these informative speech topics, you’ll always be on top!

Cultural Informative Speech Topics for Students

Culture is an exciting, multi-faceted concept that includes language, art, and customs. There’s so much to explore! Choose one of these interesting topics for your informative speech on culture:

The challenges of translating literature into different languages
Describe how culture has changed since the internet made it easier for individuals to contribute
How a culture develops in small groups, e.g., an office
Explore the customs of immigrant or expatriate communities
What things do different cultures interpret in opposite ways?
Discuss how a nation’s views on certain foods have changed through history
Speak about the role of pets or livestock in a culture of your choice
Online culture: does it qualify as a separate culture?
Explore the agricultural roots behind modern holidays
Collectivism vs. individualism : how do the civilizations centered on these values differ?
Discuss the hero’s journey phenomenon as described in J. Campbell’s book The Hero with a Thousand Faces
Explain the value of traveling to discover other cultures
Discuss the coincidental similarities found in otherwise unrelated cultures
Describe cases when a text is improved by translation
Demonstrate the interaction between informal speech and language in general
Transgressions: the cultural mechanism for controlling undesired behavior
The value of comedy, satire, or parody
Generational strife: how do individuals respond to culture changing around them?
Explore the role of dance in the world’s cultures
Cultural exchange. Discuss things that Americans could learn from other countries. Can you give examples of such exchanges happening in the past?
Science fiction : the new philosophy. Examine how this genre has evolved into discussing philosophical and ethical issues. Focus on writers such as Philip K. Dick and Isaac Asimov
Dystopian fiction and political critique. Explore how the dystopian genre critiques ideologies and political structures. Can such texts influence political discourse?
A heroic figure in history. How do heroes reflect and inform contemporary cultural ideals? Show examples of the hero changing as cultural values shift.
Modern heroes. Discuss how the contemporary age gave rise to new heroic figures. What values do real and fictional heroic figures embody?
Lost in adaptation. The same story can be presented in various visual ways. In this speech, discuss how it can change from its original inception to different adaptations. What traits are critical for a story to remain recognizable? Which of them are unique to adaptations in a particular format?
Culture and technology. Discuss how they influence and shape one another. How did technological innovations alter cultures? In what ways can cultural changes direct the development of new technology?
Superheroes as modern myths. In this speech, critically examine ancient mythical figures and pop culture’s superheroes . Compare them, noting the similarities and differences.
How do subcultures form? In this speech, explain the reasons behind the development of subcultures . Then, discuss how subcultures interact with the mainstream and influence it.
Culture and oppression. Research historical precedents where culture was shaped by attempts to suppress or curtail it. Did these changes originate from subversive texts or other works of art? How did it influence the dominant culture?
Culture of poverty . People living in poverty in developed countries have been noted to gravitate towards certain behaviors called “culture of poverty.” In this speech, discuss this phenomenon and suggest ways of counteracting it.

Informative Speech Topics: Fun and Easy

Do you want a light-hearted or entertaining topic for your informative speech? Then this section is for you!

How documentaries affect the perception of historical events
Explore the history of one sport of your choice
Discuss popular films that fictionalize or dramatize real-life events
Determine the psychological reasons why people are drawn to dangerous sports
Assess the appeal of grand competitions such as the Olympics
Present the graffiti preserved since AD 79. In what ways are they similar to modern graffiti?
What are the best unconventional ways of coping with stress ? Review the methods ranging from shouting into a bag to gallows humor.
What effects do have social networks have on people’s relationships?
Discuss historical events and figures turned into folklore
Speak about the representation of mythical creatures in modern media
The history of cars and the recent developments in their construction
Outline the current advances in prosthetics technology. What do they enable people to do?
Discuss tricks used by marketers, such as prices ending in .99
Review computer programs that play chess and other games. How do they contribute to the research of artificial intelligence and algorithms?
Describe what makes a song catchy, memorable, and successful
Assess the challenges of constructing tall buildings
Rotoscoping: how did it influence the animation industry?
Discuss inventive ancient solutions to issues in designing buildings, e.g., ventilation
Present the concept and potential applications of general AI
The health benefits of hiking or traveling long distances by foot
From tragedy to comedy. Explore the subject of tone in writing or presentation. In this demonstrative speech, you can show how a minor change can turn a tragic scene into a comedic one.
Drinking around the world. Discuss the role of alcoholic beverages in the world’s cultures. Focus on customs and rituals associated with the consumption of alcohol.
Petty competitions. Speak about the lengths people go to compete over a generally insignificant achievement. Mention almanacs like the Guinness World Records. What psychological or social reasons drive people to compete for these records?
Talking animals. What animals can be taught to mimic human speech? You can discuss whether this constitutes actual communication or just mimicry.
Expanded fictional universes . Review how subsequent works from other creators expand and develop imaginary worlds. Elaborate on the cultural and artistic influences of this phenomenon. What legal issues are involved in creating a work based on a pre-existing idea?
Computers in media. Computers have become an element of daily life, yet the media still portrays them as almost magical. In this speech, discuss the common misconceptions that artistic works perpetuate in their presentation of computers and information technology .
Pets and comfort animals. Explore the importance of pets for one’s mental well-being. Describe situations where animal companionship is prescribed to help with mental health issues. Mention some of the less common comfort animals.
Pop musicians and their image. Focus on artists who try to shock their audience with their outrageous clothing designs or stage acts. Or, choose the artists who are successful despite their image.
Charity and volunteer work: pros and cons. Research small groups that were able to cause significant changes. Elaborate on the dangers involved in these activities. Give examples of charities being involved in fraud.
Working remotely. How did the ability to work remotely change the workplace? Explore the benefits and difficulties of working from home, as well as the challenges of managing a team of employees who don’t share one office space.

📃 Thesis Samples for Informative Speeches

When writing a speech, you’ll need a thesis. It’s one of the most important elements of any text, so take a glance at the thesis statement examples below:

Thesis Statement #1

Because of the increasing impact that the R&B and Indie genres have on the audience, it can be suggested that the main tendency of 21 st century music is going to be a cross between the two.

Thesis Statement #2

Despite the abundance of information concerning the threat of environmental pollution, it is not pollution but a lack of resources that is likely to threaten humankind.

Finally, check out this example of an introduction with a thesis statement:

[…] In the 21 st century, there is hardly a single sci-fi idea that has not been turned into reality yet. Even a seemingly impossible concept of invisibility was finally put into practice. However, despite the numerous achievements of humankind, the ability to turn people or things transparent is but a dream. Nevertheless, with the help of recent developments, the dream is likely to turn into reality in the near future.

The first issue that needs clarifying is the difference between invisibility and transparency. […]

Congratulations – now you’re ready to write the informative speech of your dreams!

Do you find presenting a speech in front of a live audience too challenging? Or perhaps you’re struggling to choose the topic for your informative presentation? Are you looking for interesting and informative speech or presentation ideas to impress your audience?

Seven effective methods to open a speech

Here are some helpful tips.

Think of what topic would be interesting to your target audience. When you are trying to find a topic for an informative speech, think of yourself as a teacher who will instruct the audience about something they don’t know. The informative speech topic should be new and relevant to your audience. In this way, you can be sure that your audience will listen carefully and learn from the information you deliver.
Choose an informative speech topic you are interested in. It should be something you really care about so that you can convey your enthusiasm to your audience.
A good idea is to choose a topic that you know a lot about. You will not have to do much research, and the informative speech writing process will be much easier.
But the best choice of all? Select a topic that is totally new to you! You will need to read and research a lot to gather the necessary information, but you’ll learn a lot from the process.
You will probably be given a small amount of time to deliver your speech, so avoid topics that are too complex. You will not have enough time to tackle all the relevant issues if your topic is too broad.

After selecting your topic, brainstorm the subject of your informative speech presentation to be sure you know enough to deliver an impressive speech.
Make sure there is plenty of material available for you to research. If there is not enough information on your topic, choose another one.
Keep in mind the three P’s of success in informative speaking: perseverance, preparation, and practice.
Another good P? Have a positive attitude when you’re delivering your speech!
Some topics always provide good material for informative speaking, like history, medicine, health, education, law, and science.
Get help from the internet. You can find many lists of interesting, informative speech topics on the web.

If you still feel that you lack the necessary skills to write a perfect informative essay, look for professional writing help online.

This might be interesting for you:

Funny Informative Speech Topics and Ideas for Presentation
Good Informative Speech Topics: How to Get Thunders of Applause
Social Studies Topics for Your Research Project
Best Science and Technology Essay Topics to Write About
Satirical Essay Examples and Best Satire Essay Topics

✏️ Informative Speech Topics FAQ

To pick an appropriate speech topic, decide on the type of your speech first. The subject depends on whether it is a persuasive, informative, inspiring speech, etc. A good topic would correspond to the aim of the presentation. Moreover, it should fascinate you personally.

An informative speech aims to present some facts in a clear and interesting way. It might tell about a place, a person, sometimes even about yourself. To make sure that you have a coherent and structured speech, start with an outline.

A great introduction is crucial to capturing your listeners’ attention. Make sure to start off your presentation in a positive and upbeat manner. The best way to grab attention might be to begin with a (rhetoric) question. Another option is to tell a joke or an anecdote.

Your informative speech should be exciting to listen to. Naturally, it would be annoying to listen to something too specific and unfamiliar to your audience. So the best way to find an interesting topic is to think about the interests of your potential audience.

🔗 References

The Most Popular TED Talks of All Time
RAND Reports by Topic
Brookings Research Topics
Delivering an Informative Speech
Informative Speech Sample
The 31 Literary Devices You Must Know
5 Tips on How to Write a Speech Essay
Rhetorical Situations
9 Tips to End a Speech With a Bang
Preparing a Speech
Health Topics: NIMH
Diseases and Conditions: Mayo Clinic
Health Topics: World Health Organization
Human Nutrition: Encyclopedia Britannica
Psychiatry and Mental Health Disorders: Medscape
What Is Culture: Livescience
Integrated Studies: Edutopia
Education Topics: Gale
How Psychologists Define Attention: Very Well Mind
Marketing Psychology: 10 Revealing Principles of Human Behavior: HubSpot
Music Research: NAMM Foundation
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Howdy! This is a kind of topic, but I need some guidance from an established blog. Is it tough to set up your own blog? I’m not very technical, but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about creating my own, but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Thanks

Innuendoes (Aleida)

Hello Joanna, It’s not tough to set up your own blog. You have 2 options here: 1) Easy option – Use any blogging platform – weebly.com, wordpress.com, blogger.com and many many more. 2) Less easy option – Buy hosting, set up everything yourself from scratch. You can read about the process on the Internet, for example here https://websitesetup.org/. Good luck with that, and thanks for stopping by!

Well, we all went to school as kids, and we remember listening to speeches was so boring. Maybe on this website, you could add some topics that perhaps you did as a kid. Or even maybe some questions that you think kids would be on the edge of there seats because they want you to keep talking. Like I am in elementary school, and I am looking at some of these topics, and they are really good I just don’t think they would catch the attention of grade 7 kids in my school. Maybe if you think about my topic, it will make you remember when you were in school. Thanks, Megan 🙂

Dear Megan,

Thank you for writing such useful feedback. Much appreciated for your suggestion. We will definitely take into account it while discussing our content topics.

Thanks again and all the best!

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

Informative Speech Outline – Template & Examples

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Informative Speech Outline - Template & Examples featured image intro image

Informative speeches are used in our day-to-day lives without even noticing it, we use these speeches whenever we inform someone about a topic they didn’t have much knowledge on, whenever we give someone instructions on how to do something that they haven’t done before, whenever we tell someone about another person. Informative speaking is fairly new to the world of public speaking. Ancient philosophers like Aristotle, Cicero and, Quintilian envisioned public speaking as rhetoric, which is inherently persuasive.

In this article:

What is an Informative Speech?

Here are some ways to prepare for your speech, 1. develop support for your thesis, 2. write your introduction and conclusion, 3. deliver the speech, example of an informative speech outline.

Woman Pointing to White Background While Smiling

An informative speech is designed to inform the audience about a certain topic of discussion and to provide more information. It is usually used to educate an audience on a particular topic of interest. The main goal of an informative speech is to provide enlightenment concerning a topic the audience knows nothing about. The main types of informative speeches are descriptive, explanatory, demonstrative, and definition speeches. The topics that are covered in an informative speech should help the audience understand the subject of interest better and help them remember what they learned later. The goal of an informative speech isn’t to persuade or sway the audience to the speaker’s point of view but instead to educate. The details need to be laid out to the audience so that they can make an educated decision or learn more about the subject that they are interested in.

It is important for the speaker to think about how they will present the information to the audience.

Informative Speech Preparation

When you are preparing your informative speech, your preparation is the key to a successful speech. Being able to carry your information across to the audience without any misunderstanding or misinterpretation is very important.

1. Choose Your Topic

Pick a topic where you will explain something, help people understand a certain subject, demonstrate how to use something.

2. Make a Thesis Statement

Think about what point you are trying to get across, What is the topic that you want to educate your audience on? “I will explain…” “I will demonstrate how to…” “I will present these findings…”

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3. Create Points That Support Your Thesis

Take a moment to think about what would support your thesis and take a moment to write the points down on a sheet of paper. Then, take a moment to elaborate on those points and support them.

Typical Organization for an Informative Speech:

How to Speech: 4 Key steps to doing what you are talking about.

Example: Step One: Clean the chicken of any unwanted feathers and giblets. Step Two: Spice the chicken and add stuffings. Step Three: Set oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Step Four: Place chicken in the oven and cook for an hour.

History/ What Happened Speech: Points listing from the beginning to the latest events that you want to discuss in your speech.

Example: First, Harry met Sally. Second, Harry took Sally out to the roadhouse. Third, Harry and Sally started their courtship. Fourth, Harry and Sally moved in together and adopted a dog named Paco.

What is it Speech: Two to Four main points that discuss the key elements of your subject.

Example: First, there must be four wheels. Second, the car’s engine must be functioning. Third, the doors must be functional. Fourth, in order to get to your destination, the car’s steering has to be functional.

Explain it Speech: Two to Four main points that go through the key elements of the topic to explain it.

Example: Firstly, the car drives by the engine that powers it to move forward. Secondly, by the wheels that rotate in a forward or backward motion. Thirdly, the car’s engine is powered by gas which gives it the ability to function and essentially move the car.

Write down support for your points. Take some time to research your topic thoroughly. It is good to gather statistics, expert opinions, facts, and much more to make your speech unique and effective.

There are three main types of support you should use to strengthen your speech:

Interest supports.

Interest supports are used to increase the audience’s interest in the topic you are presenting.

Personal experiences
Interaction (e.g., Questions to the audience)

Evidence Supports

Evidence increases solid factual support in your speech. Examples of evidence supported are statistics, expert opinions, direct quotations. Studies, surveys, and facts.

Multimedia Aids

Multimedia aids such as posters with pictures and writing, DVDs, music or recordings on a stereo player, videotapes, and PowerPoint presentations.

Write your introduction. Provide a quick attention getter, state your thesis, elaborate on why it is important to you and your audience. It is expected that you preview your main points in the introduction by listing all your main points of discussion in your introduction.

Write your conclusion. Tie the speech together, build to a higher point and give it a sense of conclusion.

Practice your speech until you feel confident. Present your material as effectively as possible.

Informative Speech Outline

Woman Speaking in a Conference Room - Four People Smiling and Clapping

Creating an outline for an informative speech will help you organize your ideas and information to share with your audience in an effective manner. A well-planned outline will ensure that all the important information is included in your speech and ensure that you don’t wander off-topic.

Topic: This will be the title of your speech.

Purpose: To inform the audience about the topic.

Thesis: A theme statement that clearly describes the topic and points made in the presentation.

Introduction
Attention-grabbing opening statement
Reason to listen to the speech
Thesis statement
Preview of points to be covered
First main point
First subpoint
Supporting detail
Second subpoint
Second main point
Third main point
Restatement of main points
Restatement of thesis
Concluding remarks

When developing an outline, follow these rules to ensure a successful speech:

Include one idea for every point, subpoint, or supporting detail.
If there is one point, there must be a second point. If there is one supporting point, there should be a second supporting point.
Be consistent. If you are using full sentences to describe points and subpoints, use full sentences throughout the outline. Ensure that the verb tense is consistent throughout your outline as well.

Informative Speech Outline Examples

Man Holding a Book With the Words Information Written on it

Topic: Adoption

Purpose: To inform people about adoption

Thesis: Adoption is the act of transferring parental rights and duties to someone other than the adopted person’s biological parents. The number of children adopted each year by American families is an estimate only.

What do Edgar Allan Poe, John Lennon, Steve Jobs, and Eleanor Roosevelt all have in common? They were all adopted. Adoption is the act of transferring parental rights and duties to someone other than the adopted person’s biological parents. The adoption process is lengthy, expensive, and varies from country to country and even state to state. Not only does adoption vary from state to state, but sometimes the adoption process even varies within regions of a state.
Many children get adopted every year. No one knows how adoption works.
Adoption is a life-changing event, not just for the children involved but also for every single family made whole through adoption.
Adoption processes vary from place to place. Types of adoption. Benefits and detriments to adoption. Many children who are adopted have experienced neglect and abuse.
Adoption processes vary from place to place.
The adoption process varies from state to state.
It is more expensive in certain states than in others.
The amount of paperwork throughout the process also depends on the state legislature.
The adoption process varies within a state.
In certain states, the adoption process is different from one region to the next.
The process is different depending on the child protection laws set in each region inside a state.
Types of adoption
There are different types of adoption.
There is step-parent or other family member adoption
There is also adoption across state lines
The more traditional adoption types are commonly known.
There is private adoption which is most commonly found throughout the U.S.
Adoption through foster care is a good thing to try for first-time adopters.
The adoption process is expensive.
There are a lot of upfront expenses.
You are subjected to adoption agency fees to help you find a suitable match for your family.
You also have to pay to adopt the child you want to adopt.
There are a lot of big expenses in terms of the child too.
Readying a living space to suit a child’s wants and needs can be expensive.
Many new expenses come to light like healthcare, school, etc.
Adoption processes vary from state to state. There are many different types of adoption. Adoption can be expensive, so you have to ensure that you are financially capable of caring for another human being.
Adoption is the act of transferring parental rights and duties to someone other than the adopted person’s biological parents. The number of children adopted each year by American families is an estimate only.
Adoption is an absolutely life-changing adventure, but everyone needs to be more educated before walking into a demanding process. There will be many emotions, expenses, and frustration, but it truly is worth it in the end.

Topic: Snakebites and how they’re treated

Purpose: To inform the audience of the dangers of snakes and how to respond to being bitten by a snake.

Thesis: Snakebites are dangerous and could ultimately lead to loss of life if not acted upon correctly.

Imagine that you and your friend are walking in the woods, one sunny day in the fall when leaves cover the ground. Suddenly, your friend accidentally steps on a snake and gets bitten.
Your friend’s chance of survival depends on your knowledge of acting promptly and taking proper measures in this situation.
Today I will inform you about three common poisonous snakes seen in our country and explain to you the effects of a snake bite.
Three poisonous snakes. Effects of the snake’s venom. How to administer first aid in the event of a snake bite.
Three poisonous snakes
There are two types of Rattlesnakes.
William Pinkston: Responsible for more deaths in this country.
Western diamondback: found from Texas to Eastern California.
Copperhead and Cottonmouth
Before striking, it opens its mouth wide to reveal its white inside.
That’s how it got its name.
The effects of snake venom on the human body
Hepatotoxic
Destroys blood vessels and red blood cells.
Deadly and fatal to the victim.
It affects the optic nerves in the eyes, causing blindness.
It affects the nerves controlling the respiratory muscles, causing suffocation and eventually leading to death if left untreated.
How to administer first aid in the event of a snake bite.
Immobilize the bitten area slightly lower than the heart.
Apply a flat constricting band 2-4 inches above the bite.
With a sterile scalpel or knife, make one incision that connects the fang marks.
Squeeze venom gently from the incision with your fingers for 30 minutes.
Get the victim to the hospital as soon as possible.
Snake bites are dangerous and could ultimately lead to loss of life if not acted upon correctly.
Snake bites are dangerous and could ultimately lead to loss of life if they are not cared for properly, and the victim doesn’t get the necessary treatment in time.

Informative speeches have one main goal: to inform the audience of a specific topic of interest. For you to have an effective and successful informative speech, it is important to do your research and draw up an informative speech outline. The speech outline ensures that you do not wander off topic or get carried away with one point.

If, on the other hand, you have to prepare persuasive speech, we have a guide on outlining and preparing for it the right way right here .

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Speech Crafting →

How to Write an Informative Speech Outline: A Step-by-Step Guide

It’s the moment of truth — the anxiety-inducing moment when you realize writing the outline for your informative speech is due soon. Whether you’re looking to deliver a report on the migratory patterns of the great white stork or give a lecture on the proper techniques of candle making, knowing how to write an effective outline is essential.

That’s why we’ve put together this complete, step-by-step guide on how to write an informative speech outline. From selecting a topic to transitioning during your speech, this guide will have you well on your way to writing a compelling informative speech outline . So grab your pen and paper, put on your thinking cap, and let’s get started!

What is an Informative Speech Outline?

An informative speech outline is a document used to plan the structure and core content of a public speech. It’s used by speakers to ensure their talk covers all the important points, stays on-topic and flows logically from one point to another. By breaking down complex topics into smaller, concise sections, an effective outline can help keep a speaker organized, set objectives for their talk, support key points with evidence and promote audience engagement. A well-structured outline can also make a presentation easier to remember and act as an invaluable reminder if nerves ever get the better of the speaker. On one hand, an informative speech outline enables speakers to cover multiple ideas in an efficient manner while avoiding digressions. On the other hand, it’s important that speakers remain flexible to adjust and adapt content to meet audience needs. While there are some tried-and-tested strategies for creating outlines that work, many successful speakers prefer to tweak and modify existing outlines according to their personal preferences. In conclusion, preparing an informative speech outline can boost confidence and create an effective structure for presentations. With this in mind, let’s now look at how to structure an informative speech outline

How to Structure an Informative Speech Outline

The structure of your informative speech outline should be based on the points you need to cover during your presentation. It should list out all of the main points in an organized and logical manner, along with supporting details for each point. The main structure for an informative speech should consist of three parts: the introduction, body and conclusion.

Introduction

When starting to craft your structure, begin by introducing the topic and giving a brief synopsis of what the audience can expect to learn from your speech. By setting up what they will gain from your presentation, it will help keep them engaged throughout the rest of your talk. Additionally, include any objectives that you want to achieve by the end of your speech.

The body of an informative speech outline typically consists of three parts: main points, sub-points, and supporting details. Main points are the core topics that the speaker wishes to cover throughout the speech. These can be further broken down into sub-points, that explore the main ideas in greater detail. Supporting details provide evidence or facts about each point and can include statistics, research studies, quotes from experts, anecdotes and personal stories . When presenting an informative speech, it is important to consider each side of the topic for an even-handed discussion. If there is an argumentative element to the speech, consider incorporating both sides of the debate . It is also important to be objective when presenting facts and leave value judgments out. Once you have determined your main points and all of their supporting details, you can start ordering them in a logical fashion. The presentation should have a clear flow and move between points smoothly. Each point should be covered thoroughly without getting overly verbose; you want to make sure you are giving enough information to your audience while still being concise with your delivery.

Writing an informative speech outline can be a daunting yet rewarding process. Through the steps outlined above, speakers will have created a strong foundation for their speech and can now confidently start to research their topics . The outline serves as a guiding map for speakers to follow during their research and when writing their eventual speech drafts . Having the process of developing an informative speech broken down into easy and manageable steps helps to reduce stress and anxiety associated with preparing speeches .

The introduction should be around 10-20% of the total speech duration and is designed to capture the audience’s attention and introduce the topic.
The main points should make up 40-60% of the speech and provide further detail into the topic. The body should begin with a transition, include evidence or examples and have supporting details. Concluding with a recap or takeaway should take around 10-20% of the speech duration.

While crafting an informative speech outline is a necessary step in order for your presentation to run smoothly, there are many different styles and approaches you can use when creating one. Ultimately though, the goal is always to ensure that the information presented is factual and relevant to both you and your audience. By carefully designing and structuring an effective outline, both you and your audience will be sure to benefit greatly from it when it comes time for delivering a successful presentation .

Now that speakers know how to create an effective outline, it’s time to begin researching the content they plan to include in their speeches. In the next section we’ll discuss how to conduct research for an informative speech so speakers are armed with all the facts necessary to deliver an interesting and engaging presentation .

How to Research for an Informative Speech

When researching an informative speech, it’s important to find valid and reliable sources of information. There are many ways that one can seek out research for an informative speech, and no single method will guarantee a thorough reliable research. Depending on the complexity of the topic and the depth of knowledge required, a variety of methods should be utilized. The first step when researching for an informative speech should be to evaluate your present knowledge of the subject. This will help to determine what specific areas require additional research, and give clues as to where you might start looking for evidence. It is important to know the basic perspectives and arguments surrounding your chosen topic in order to select good sources and avoid biased materials. Textbooks, academic journals, newspaper articles, broadcasts, or credible websites are good starting points for informational speeches. As you search for information and evidence, be sure to use trustworthy authors who cite their sources. These sources refer to experts in the field whose opinions add credibility and can bolster your argument with facts and data. Evaluating these sources is particularly important as they form the foundation of your speech content and structure. Analyze each source critically by looking into who wrote it and evaluating how recent or relevant it is to the current conversation on your chosen topic. As with any research paper, one must strive for accuracy when gathering evidence while also surveying alternative positions on a topic. Considering both sides of a debate allows your speech to provide accurate information while remaining objective. This will also encourage audience members to draw their conclusions instead of taking your word for it. Furthermore, verifying sources from multiple angles (multiple avenues) ensures that information is fact-checked versus opinionated or biased pieces which might distort accuracy or mislead an audience member seeking truth about a controversial issue. At this stage in preparing for an informative speech, research should have been carried out thoroughly enough to allow confidently delivering evidence-based statements about a chosen topic. With all of this necessary groundwork completed, it’s time to move onto the next stage: sourcing different types of evidence which will allow you to illustrate your point in an even more helpful way. It is now time to transition into discussing “Sources & Evidence”.

Sources and Evidence

When crafting an informative speech outline, it is important to include accurate sources and valid evidence. Your audience needs to be sure that the content you are presenting not only reflects a clear understanding of the topic but is also backed up with reliable sources. For example, if you are speaking about climate change, include research studies, statistics, surveys and other forms of data that provide concrete evidence that supports your argument or position. Additionally, be sure to cite any sources used in the speech so that your audience can double-check the accuracy. In some cases, particularly when discussing sensitive topics, each side of the issue should be addressed. Not only does this make for a more balanced discussion, it also allows you to show respect for different points of view without compromising your own opinion or position. Presenting both sides briefly will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and show your ability to present a well-rounded argument. Knowing how to source accurately and objectively is key to creating an informative speech outline which will be compelling and engaging for an audience. With the right sources and evidence utilized correctly, you can ensure that your argument is both authoritative and convincing. With these fundamentals in place, you can move on to developing tips for crafting an informative speech for maximum impact and engagement with the listeners.

Tips for Crafting an Informative Speech

When crafting an informative speech, there are certain tips and tricks that you can use to make sure your outline is the best it can be. Firstly, if you are speaking about a controversial issue, make sure you present both sides of the argument in an unbiased manner. Rely on researching credible sources, and discuss different points of views objectively. Additionally, organize and prioritize your points so that they are easy to follow and follow a logical progression. Begin with introducing a succinct thesis statement that briefly summarizes the main points of your speech. This will give the audience a clear idea of what topics you will be discussing and help retain their attention throughout your speech. Furthermore, be mindful to weave in personal anecdotes or relevant stories so that the audience can better relate to your ideas. Make sure the anecdotes have a purpose and demonstrate the key themes effectively. Acquiring creative ways to present data or statistics is also important; avoid inundating the audience with too many facts and figures all at once. Finally, ensure that all visual aids such as props, charts or slides remain relevant to the subject matter being discussed. Visual aids not only keep listeners engaged but also make difficult concepts easier to understand. With these handy tips in mind, you should be well on your way to constructing an effective informative speech outline! Now let’s move onto exploring some examples of effective informative speech outlines so that we can get a better idea of how it’s done.

Examples of Effective Informative Speech Outlines

Informative speeches must be compelling and provide relevant details, making them effective and impactful. In order to create an effective outline, speakers must first conduct extensive research on the chosen topic. An effective informative speech outline will clearly provide the audience with enough information to keep them engaged while also adhering to a specific timeframe. The following are examples of how to effectively organize an informative speech: I. Introduction: A. Stimulate their interest – pose a question, present intriguing facts or establish a humorous story B. Clearly state the main focus of the speech C. Establish your credibility– explain your experience/research conducted for the speech II. Supporting Points: A. Each point should contain facts and statistics related to your main idea B. Each point should have its own solid evidence that supports it III. Conclusion: A. Summarize supporting points B. Revisit your introduction point and explain how it’s been updated/changed through the course of the discussion C. Offer a final statement or call to action IV. Bibliography: A. Cite all sources used in creating the speech (provide an alphabetical list) Debate both sides of argument if applicable: N/A

Commonly Asked Questions

What techniques can i use to ensure my informative speech outline is organized and cohesive.

When crafting an informative speech outline, there are several techniques you can use to ensure your speech is organized and cohesive. First of all, make sure your speech follows a logical flow by using signposting , outlining the main ideas at the beginning of the speech and then bulleting out your supporting points. Additionally, you can use transitions throughout the speech to create a smooth order for your thoughts, such as ‘next’ and ‘finally’. Furthermore, it is important that each point in your outline has a specific purpose or goal, to avoid rambling and confusion. Finally, use visual aids such as charts and diagrams to emphasise key ideas and add clarity and structure to your speech. By following these techniques , you can ensure your informative speech outline is well organized and easy to follow.

How should I structure the order of the information in an informative speech outline?

The structure of an informative speech outline should be simple and organized, following a linear step-by-step process. First, you should introduce the topic to your audience and provide an overview of the main points. Next, give an explanation of each point, offer evidence or examples to support it, and explain how it relates to the overall subject matter. Finally, you should conclude with a summary of the main points and a call for action. When structuring the order of information in an informative speech outline, it is important to keep topics distinct from one another and stick to the logical progression that you have established in your introduction. Additionally, pay attention to chronology if appropriate; when discussing historical events, for example, make sure that they are presented in the correct order. Moreover, use transition phrases throughout your outline to help move ideas along smoothly. Finally, utilize both verbal and visual aids such as diagrams or graphics to illustrate complex knowledge effectively and engage your audience throughout your presentation.

What are the essential components of an informative speech outline?

The essential components of an informative speech outline are the introduction, body, and conclusion. Introduction: The introduction should establish the topic of your speech, provide background information, and lead into the main purpose of your speech. It’s also important to include a strong attention-grabbing hook in order to grab the audience’s attention. Body: The body is where you expand on the main points that were outlined in the introduction. It should provide evidence and arguments to support these points, as well as explain any counterarguments that might be relevant. Additionally, it should answer any questions or objections your audience may have about the topic. Conclusion: The conclusion should restate the purpose of your speech and summarize the main points from the body of your speech. It should also leave your audience feeling inspired and motivated to take some kind of action after hearing your speech. In short, an effective informative speech outline should strongly focus on bringing all of these elements together in a cohesive structure to ensure that you deliver an engaging presentation that educates and informs your audience.

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Education and Communications
Communication Skills
Public Speaking
Speechwriting

How to Write an Informative Speech

Last Updated: April 30, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,392,571 times.

An informative speech tells an audience about a process, event, or concept. Whether you’re explaining how to grow a garden or describing a historical event, writing an informative speech is pretty straightforward. Knowing the topic inside and out is key, so start by conducting thorough research. Organize your speech logically so your audience can easily follow, and keep your language clear. Since speeches are recited out loud, be sure to set aside time after writing to perfect your delivery.

Researching the Topic

Step 1 Choose a subject that interests you if the topic isn’t assigned.

Suppose your prompt instructs you to inform the audience about a hobby or activity. Make a list of your clubs, sports, and other activities, and choose the one that interests you most. Then zoom in on one particular aspect or process to focus on in your speech.
For instance, if you like tennis, you can’t discuss every aspect of the sport in a single speech. Instead, you could focus on a specific technique, like serving the ball.

For example, if your speech is about a historical event, find primary sources, like letters or newspaper articles published at the time of the event. Additionally, include secondary sources, such as scholarly articles written by experts on the event.
If you’re informing the audience about a medical condition, find information in medical encyclopedias, scientific journals, and government health websites.

Tip: Organize your sources in a works cited page. Even if the assignment doesn’t require a works cited page, it’ll help you keep track of your sources. [3] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source

Step 3 Form a clear understanding of the process or concept you’re describing.

For instance, if your speech is on growing plants from seeds, explain the process step-by-step to a friend or relative. Ask them if any parts in your explanation seemed muddy or vague.
Break down the material into simple terms, especially if you’re addressing a non-expert audience. Think about how you’d describe the topic to a grandparent or younger sibling. If you can’t avoid using jargon, be sure to define technical words in clear, simple terms.

Step 4 Come up with a thesis that concisely presents your speech’s purpose.

For example, if your speech is on the poet Charles Baudelaire, a strong thesis would be, “I am here to explain how city life and exotic travel shaped the key poetic themes of Charles Baudelaire’s work.”
While the goal of an informative speech isn't to make a defensible claim, your thesis still needs to be specific. For instance, “I’m going to talk about carburetors” is vague. “My purpose today is to explain how to take apart a variable choke carburetor” is more specific.

Step 5 Focus on informing your audience instead of persuading them.

For instance, a speech meant to persuade an audience to support a political stance would most likely include examples of pathos, or persuasive devices that appeal to the audience's emotions.
On the other hand, an informative speech on how to grow pitcher plants would present clear, objective steps. It wouldn't try to argue that growing pitcher plants is great or persuade listeners to grow pitcher plants.

Drafting Your Speech

Delivering memorized remarks instead of reading verbatim is more engaging. A section of a speaking outline would look like this: III. YMCA’s Focus on Healthy Living A. Commitment to overall health: both body and mind B. Programs that support commitment 1. Annual Kid’s Day 2. Fitness facilities 3. Classes and group activities

Step 2 Include a hook, thesis, and road map of your speech in the introduction.

For example, you could begin with, “Have you ever wondered how a figure skater could possibly jump, twist, and land on the thin blade of an ice skate? From proper technique to the physical forces at play, I’ll explain how world-class skaters achieve jaw-dropping jumps and spins.”
Once you've established your purpose, preview your speech: “After describing the basic technical aspects of jumping, I’ll discuss the physics behind jumps and spins. Finally, I’ll explain the 6 types of jumps and clarify why some are more difficult than others.”
Some people prefer to write the speech's body before the introduction. For others, writing the intro first helps them figure out how to organize the rest of the speech.

Step 3 Present your main ideas in a logically organized body.

For instance, if your speech is about the causes of World War I, start by discussing nationalism in the years prior to the war. Next, describe the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, then explain how alliances pulled the major players into open warfare.
Transition smoothly between ideas so your audience can follow your speech. For example, write, “Now that we’ve covered how nationalism set the stage for international conflict, we can examine the event that directly led to the outbreak of World War I: the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. [11] X Research source

Step 4 Review your main points in the conclusion.

For instance, your conclusion could point out, “Examining the factors that set the stage for World War I shows how intense nationalism fueled the conflict. A century after the Great War, the struggle between nationalism and globalism continues to define international politics in the twenty-first century.”

Step 5 Write a complete draft to edit and memorize your speech.

Typically, speeches aren’t read verbatim. Instead, you’ll memorize the speech and use a bare bones outline to stay on track.

Avoid information overload: When you compose your speech, read out loud as you write. Focus on keeping your sentence structures simple and clear. Your audience will have a hard time following along if your language is too complicated. [14] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source

Perfecting Your Delivery

Step 1 Write the main points and helpful cues on notecards.

While it’s generally okay to use slightly different phrasing, try to stick to your complete outline as best you can. If you veer off too much or insert too many additional words, you could end up exceeding your time limit.
Keep in mind your speaking outline will help you stay focused. As for quotes and statistics, feel free to write them on your notecards for quick reference.

Memorization tip: Break up the speech into smaller parts, and memorize it section by section. Memorize 1 sentence then, when you feel confident, add the next. Continue practicing with gradually longer passages until you know the speech like the back of your hand.

Step 2 Project confidence with eye contact, gestures, and good posture.

Instead of slouching, stand up tall with your shoulders back. In addition to projecting confidence, good posture will help you breathe deeply to support your voice.

Step 3 Practice the speech in a mirror or to a friend.

Have them point out any spots that dragged or seemed disorganized. Ask if your tone was engaging, if you used body language effectively, and if your volume, pitch, and pacing need any tweaks.

Step 4 Make sure you stay within the time limit.

If you keep exceeding the time limit, review your complete sentence outline. Cut any fluff and simplify complicated phrases. If your speech isn’t long enough, look for areas that could use more detail or consider adding another section to the body.
Just make sure any content you add is relevant. For instance, if your speech on nationalism and World War I is 2 minutes too short, you could add a section about how nationalism manifested in specific countries, including Britain, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Serbia.

Sample Informative Speeches

Expert Q&A

You're probably much better at informative speeches than you think! If you have ever told your parents about your day at school or explained to a friend how to make chicken noodle soup, you already have experience giving an informative speech! Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If you get nervous, try to relax, take deep breaths, and visualize calming scenery. Remember, there’s nothing to worry about. Just set yourself up for success by knowing the material and practicing. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
When composing your speech, take your audience into consideration, and tailor your speech to the people you’re addressing. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-realworldcomm/chapter/11-1-informative-speeches/
↑ https://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/a-primer-on-communication-studies/s11-01-informative-speeches.html
↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_works_cited_page_basic_format.html
↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/communication/chapter/11-1-informative-speeches/
↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/informative-speaking
↑ https://rasmussen.libanswers.com/faq/337550
↑ Lynn Kirkham. Public Speaking Coach. Expert Interview. 20 November 2019.
↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/oralcommunication/guides/how-to-outline-a-speech
↑ https://wac.colostate.edu/resources/writing/guides/informative-speaking/
↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/structuring-speech
↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/speeches/
↑ https://www.speechanddebate.org/wp-content/uploads/High-School-Competition-Events-Guide.pdf
↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/communication/chapter/10-4-physical-delivery/

About This Article

To write an informative speech, start with an introduction that will grab your audience's attention and give them an idea of where the rest of your speech is headed. Next, choose 3 important points that you want to make to form the body of your speech. Then, organize the points in a logical order and write content to address each point. Finally, write a conclusion that summarizes the main points and ends with a message that you want your audience to take away from it. For tips on researching topics for an informative speech, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Choosing an Informative Speech Topic

If you already have a topic that interests you, search our library reference databases for more information and to learn how your topic might be relevant to your audience.

Maybe you’d like to know more about:

Your topic’s history or origin
Key people involved
How it’s different or unique compared to other similar topics
Search Credo Reference
Search Gale Virtual Reference Library

NOTE: If your topic is very current or about a lesser known or local person or event, it may not be in our reference databases, so try searching Google (for ideas, not for sources).

If you want to learn more about a current topic in the news and how it might relate to your audience and help increase their knowledge, our NewsBank database has a list of current research topics relating to technology, sports, the arts, health, literature, business, crime, people and more.

Browse NewsBank's Hot Topics

Finding Sources for the Informative Speech

Reference books like specialized encyclopedias, dictionaries and almanacs can help you understand your topic and precisely define the terms you use in your speech.

Books can be a key source of comprehensive information on a specific topic and are often written by an expert on that topic. Books can be dated since they go through an intense editorial and publishing process, so they are most useful for historical and background information.

Search CSN Libraries for books

Newspapers and magazines are referred to as "periodicals" because articles are published at regular times (daily, weekly, monthly) and therefore have more current information than books. Articles from national newspapers are useful when you want to include up-to-date information on national or world topics, while local newspapers are good sources for topics that have a local connection. Magazines are usually focused on a specific area of interest and can provide details about hobbies, sports, people, places, pets, events and more.

Search Las Vegas/Nevada News (Newsbank) for articles about local topics
Search MasterFILE Complete for articles from popular magazines
Search US Newstream for articles from major newspapers like the LA Times

Journals are often referred to as "scholarly" or "peer reviewed" because they contain articles written by experts in a particular field. Other experts (peers) review the articles to decide what merits publication. Most journal articles report the results of research being done in that field. Although intended for an audience of other experts, journal articles can be used in speeches to identify expert testimony and to quote someone who is highly qualified on your topic.

Search a subject database If your topic relates to a specific discipline (ex. health sciences, law, psychology, etc.) use the "All Subjects" dropdown menu to find a specialized database
Search EBSCO Complete for journal articles Be sure to check the "Scholarly (Peer Reviewed) Journals" box on the search screen
Search Proquest Central for journal articles Be sure to check the "peer reviewed" box on the search screen

Using Keywords to Search for Sources

Your informative speech topic is basically what you’re going to “teach” your audience. But before you can find good sources that explain the history, definitions, and more details to inform your audience about your topic, you’ll need to pull out the best possible keywords related to your topic to use when searching our library databases.

Before you search, try these steps!

1) Find the main points. What are the most important discussion points that you plan to tell your audience? For example, if you’re informing your audience about how unique a cheetah is in the animal kingdom you might choose words related to speed, hunting, and social groups.

2) Select 2-3 words. You probably don’t want to search with too many words, and having just one might not always be enough. For informative speeches, nouns will likely work better than verbs.

3) Think of synonyms. If you’re giving a speech about cheetah speed, what other words are there for speed? Fast, is an obvious one. But get even more specific. Try Google (for ideas, not for sources) to see what words are associated with your topic. For example, the words “fastest land animal” come up a lot for cheetahs.

4) Link together! Connect your keywords using the word AND rather than typing a whole sentence or question in your search bar when you start to look for sources. For example: cheetahs and fastest land animal. Don’t forget to try out multiple searches with different words.

Identifying Keywords Tutorial Our library tutorial on how to find good keywords in your topic in order to search for sources.
<< Previous: Getting Started
Next: Persuasive Speech >>
Last Updated: Nov 9, 2022 1:18 PM
URL: https://libguides.csn.edu/speech

Module 9: Informative Speaking

Organizing the informative speech, learning objectives.

Discern the best organizational approach for types of informative speeches.

Like an essay, a speech should have a clear organizational structure with a recognizable beginning, middle, and end. But unlike an essay where your reader can go back and re-read sections they may not understand or follow, in a speech in front of a live audience your audience can’t stop, rewind, and re-listen to parts of your speech they didn’t follow. For that reason it is especially important to have a clear and easy-to-follow structure to a speech.

In this section, we introduce the characteristic organizational structures of an informative speech. Later on, we’ll explore each of the organizational structural elements in greater detail.

An informative speech can be broken up into three sections:

Section 1: Introduction. The first section of the speech contains an attention-getter to grab the interest of the audience and orient them to the topic of the speech, a clear thesis that states the purpose of the speech, and a preview of the main points of the speech.
Section 2: Body. The heart of the speech is the body. The body is where you provide your audience all the information they will need to understand your topic. To make the body of the speech easier for the audience to follow, divide it up into at least two but no more than five main points . Organize the main points in a clear structure appropriate to the topic and thesis and provide supporting examples and/or evidence for each main point.
Section 3: Conclusion. The conclusion is a short section that reinforces the thesis, summarizes the main points, and provides a sense of closure.

Video example

To see an example of an informative speech with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, watch this speech where the speaker informs her audience how to manage the stress that comes with being a college student.

You can view the transcript for “Stress Informative Speech (with captions)” here (opens in new window) .

Specific Purpose Statement

Once you have a speech topic selected, develop a specific purpose statement. Your purpose statement describes what you want your audience to know as a result of listening to your speech. Here are some examples of informative speech purpose statements:

To inform my audience about different types of coffee makers.
To inform my audience about the historical significance of Harriet Tubman.
To inform my audience about how to prune roses.

Central Idea

Your purpose statement helps you determine the thesis or central idea of your speech. You will present your central idea in the introduction to the speech and everything you say in the speech will support that central idea.

For example, if your purpose is to inform your audience about different types of coffee makers you could develop a central idea like this:

There are two main types of coffee makers, automatic drip machines and manual coffee makers.

Main Points

Once you have a purpose statement you want to develop your main points. The body of the speech is where you will present and provide support for the main points of the speech. Remember that you should generally aim to have at least two but no more than five main points. Keep time constraints in mind when developing your main points. If you are given four minutes to speak, for instance, trying to have four main points might be too ambitious, so you might instead focus on two or at the most three main points.

You’ll want to organize the body of the speech in a way that helps you present your main points in the most effective order. Your purpose statement helps you decide what kind of organizational pattern would make the most sense for your topic.

Organizational Patterns

There are many types of organizational patterns you can use for an informative speech, as you can see in more detail in Module 6: Organizing and Outlining Your Speech. Here are a few examples:

In a topical organization structure, each point fits into one of a few topic categories.

Topical : This is a good, all-purpose organizational pattern where you divide your main points into topics. It works well for speeches where the main points are clearly distinct from each other and the order they are placed in isn’t critical like it would be for some other organizational patterns. The example above about coffee makers, for example, could be divided into two topical main points: 1) automatic drip coffee makers and 2) manual coffee makers. Each main point would be supported by subpoints that elaborate on the characteristics of each type of coffee maker.

Compare/contrast: With compare/contrast organizational patterns, you explain the similarities and differences between two or more things. A speech about the similarities and differences between video game consoles PlayStation and Xbox would fit this type of organizational pattern. You could devote one main point to the qualities they share in common and a second point to how they differ from each other.

A spatially organized speech about the Mississippi River might follow the river from north to south.

Spatial: Do you have a topic that lends itself to being explained in a directional order such as from top to bottom, left to right, or east to west? If so, you could organize your speech in a spatial pattern. This can be a good organizational pattern to use when you want to describe a place to an audience. For instance, if you gave a speech about the major cities the Mississippi River passes through you could start in the north by describing its origin in Minnesota near Minneapolis and St. Paul, then work south and explain how it flows through other cities like St. Louis before it empties into the Gulf of Mexico in New Orleans.

Chronological: This is a speech that follows a time order. This is a good choice for speeches where you want to explain a sequence of events. For example, you could use a chronological pattern for a speech explaining the steps Apple took in developing the iPhone or the significant decisions made by the Supreme Court affecting rights of the LGBTQIA community. Chronological can also be a good organizational choice for speeches where you are explaining a process or demonstrating how to do something.

Step by step description of how to draw an airplane

To describe or demonstrate a process, step by step may be the best structure.

Step-by-Step: When you’re speaking about a process, the most logical organizational structure may be step by step. Step-by-step organization is useful for “how-to” or demonstration speeches where you are teaching or showing how to do a task. If you were speaking about how to spray-paint a mural, you might describe each layer of the painting step by step.

Biographical : A biographical organization tells the story of a person’s life. The person could be a well-known person or someone who is not. The subject of the speech could even be the speaker themselves. It can be similar to the chronological pattern in that it can be organized by time but it doesn’t have to be. A biographical speech could start by focusing on an important event late in someone’s life and then going back in time to explain how the person got to that point.

A causal structure talks about why something happened.

Causal: If you want to explain a cause/effect relationship, you want to use the causal organizational pattern. Typically with this pattern, you would have two main points: one focused on the causes of an event, the second about its effects. A speech about hurricanes might be organized this way, for example. One main point could be devoted to oceanic and atmospheric causes of hurricanes and the second main point about the effects of hurricanes such as storm surge, strong winds, and flooding.

We cover outlining in detail elsewhere, but at this point once you have a purpose statement, general idea, main points, and an organizational pattern, you are ready to develop an outline.

Some important reminders about outlines:

Working outlines are what you start with and they help you with speech preparation and planning. This isn’t the outline you will use for speaking.
The full-sentence outline develops the full details of the message. But, again, it is not the outline you use to speak.
The speaking outline includes key words or phrases and helps you stay organized in front of the audience without reading to them. This is the outline you will speak from so that you are speaking extemporaneously rather than reading your outline word for word.
Tip: Using notecards for your speaking outline helps with delivery and makes it easier to find information if you lose your place or draw a blank.
Silverware. Authored by : Peter Griffin. Located at : https://www.needpix.com/photo/download/1307472/silverware-drawer-utensils-knife-fork-spoon-silverware-free-pictures-free-photos . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved
Mississippi River Watershed. Authored by : Shannon1. Located at : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mississippiriver-new-01.png . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
Airplane. Authored by : Spacefem. Located at : https://openclipart.org/detail/274994/draw-a-single-engine-airplane . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved
Dominoes. Authored by : Clint Budd. Located at : https://flic.kr/p/MN2WaG . License : CC BY: Attribution
Stress Informative Speech (with captions). Authored by : RITPublicSpeaking. Located at : https://youtu.be/f4RLULR6iNg . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License
Organizing the Informative Speech. Authored by : Mike Randolph with Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
Organizing the Informative Speech. Authored by : Sandra K. Winn with Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution

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SCC Research Guides

Speech - Informative Speech

4. Find Sources

Once you've narrowed your topic and thought about keywords, try searching the databases below for potential sources you can use for your project. Try to find sources that provide evidence to support your thesis. If your keywords aren't working, ask a librarian for help!

Databases / Articles

The following databases are the best place to start.

If you are planning to do an informative speech about a specific person or a place, the below databases are a great place to start:

Search for Books & eBooks

Use the search box below to search the SCC Library Catalog for physical books (in one of our library locations) and eBooks. You can also open the Library Catalog or use the Advanced Search for more search options.

Open Library Catalog
Advanced Search
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Next: 5. Cite Your Sources >>
1. Getting Started
2. Explore Your Topic
3. Search Tips
5. Cite Your Sources
6. Evaluate Your Sources
7. Prepare Your Presentation
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Sir Keir Starmer announces Labour's six pledges

Labour is promising to "make a real difference to people's lives" if it wins the next general election - expected later this year.

Sir Keir Starmer today set out how he plans to achieve that in what he is calling the party's "first steps to change Britain".

So what is on the revamped pledge card from Labour?

Follow politics live: Starmer promises to 'change Britain' in key election speech

Being strong on the economy is normally a central pitch of the Conservative Party, and fiscal responsibility has proven a vote winner in the past.

However, after the disastrous mini-budget of former Tory prime minister Liz Truss and the fallout, which led to record inflation and soaring mortgage rates, it isn't much of a surprise that Labour is trying to place itself as the safe pair of hands to handle the economy.

The party is promising to follow the strict fiscal rules the government already has in place - only borrowing to invest rather than using it on day-to-day spending - as it seeks to win trust from voters that Sir Keir's team can handle the public finances.

Telling a story of a couple in Wolverhampton who decided not to have a second child due to money, the leader said: "I'm not prepared to allow an incoming Labour government ever to do that kind of damage to working people.

"I [can] hardly believe I'm saying this, [but] stability is change. And that's why it has to be our first step."

But Labour has faced criticism from some for being too "timid" and limiting itself from making bigger and bolder spending pledges.

Both Sir Keir and his shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves are sticking to this script, however, promising money will come from the economic growth they generate, and promising to "keep taxes, inflation and mortgages as low as possible".

Sir Keir has pledged to cut wait times within the NHS - and the health service regularly comes out as the biggest issue for voters ahead of an election.

A study by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine earlier this year said more than 250 patients in England may be dying unnecessarily each week due to long waits for A&E doctors, while more than seven million patients are waiting to have a procedure done.

The Conservatives have made progress in some areas, such as with attempts to bring cancer waiting times back below pre-pandemic levels.

But the overall figures remain shockingly high and Labour is making cutting the numbers one of its key pledges, promising to create an extra 40,000 appointments each week on evenings and weekends to take a chunk out of the figures.

"It is impossible to overstate the seriousness of this problem," said Sir Keir. "Nearly eight million operations and appointments are needed - eight million.

"That means everyone in this room, everybody watching or listening, is probably on a waiting list or knows someone who's on a waiting list. That's the worst it's ever been."

He added: "That is the price so many people are paying, and that's why we have to deal with it."

However, the extra appointments will be covered with overtime by existing staff , and unions are warning it can only be a stopgap, with nurses and doctors already burnt out from their heavy workloads.

Rishi Sunak has made his pledge to "stop the boats" a key element of his leadership, going all in on the government's Rwanda plan to deport people who arrive via Channel crossings to the African nation.

But Labour has condemned the scheme as a "gimmick" and is instead offering its own alternative to tackle the issue.

Sir Keir announced the proposals in the days after Dover MP Natalie Elphicke defected from the Tories to Labour, having said Mr Sunak's plan was failing.

He promised to launch a new Border Security Command to tackle the gangs behind the people smuggling, granting the organisation new powers under counter-terrorism rules to make an impact.

They will allow officers to conduct stop and searches at the border, carry out financial investigations and issue search and seizure warrants targeting organised immigration crime.

"I worked for five years as the chief prosecutor, the director of public prosecutions, and I worked with police and law enforcement across Europe to take down criminal gangs that were terrorist gangs," he said.

"These are sophisticated gangs... But we did it. We took them down. I will never accept that it is impossible to take down the vile gangs that bring people in small boats across the Channel, and we will smash [them]."

Great British Energy is one of Sir Keir's first standout policies that he announced at Labour's party conference back in 2022 - and one that has become more relevant as energy costs soared amid the war with Ukraine .

The idea is the new, publicly-owned firm would provide additional capacity alongside the private sector to help establish the UK as a clean energy superpower.

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The party believes that not only would this guarantee long-term energy security, but it would also cut bills and provide jobs.

Accusing the Tories of "sticking plaster politics" over their decision to "cut the green crap", Sir Keir said: "That left us really badly exposed, so when world events changed and Russia invaded Ukraine, we were more exposed than other countries and your bills went up, more than they should have done.

"I'm not prepared to let that happen under a Labour government."

But after his party watered down its other green pledges over the cost implications, some will be keeping a close eye on what becomes of this proposal.

A key election issue that is always raised come polling time is crime, and one of Labour's pledges in this area is tackling anti-social behaviour.

Sir Keir is promising to recruit more neighbourhood police so residents will see more patrols on the streets.

There will also be tougher new penalties for offenders who cause issues in their area.

But on the more preventive side, the party is also promising to create a new network of youth hubs.

The Labour leader said: "All my working life, when I was chief prosecutor and since I've been a politician, people say to me, 'Keir, this is low level antisocial behaviour, not that important'. [That is] completely wrong.

"If you [are scared] to open your front door at night when you go out, if you feel you can't walk down your own high street or be comfortable and safe in your own community, that is massive. That is a big inhibitor for so many people. It's not low level, it's really important."

The Tories have made their own pledges in this area, including making offenders clean up graffiti or damage they cause within 48 hours.

So it will be up to voters to decide which approach they prefer.

The final 'first steps' promise from the Labour leader is on education - part of his wider pledge to "break down the barriers to opportunity at every stage".

Sir Keir has now put a figure on the number of new teachers he wants to recruit - 6,500 - saying they will focus on key subjects "to prepare children for life, work and the future".

"I want every child, whatever their background, to think that success belongs to them so they don't have to change who they are to get on," he said.

"And this Labour Party will fight every day to get those children a future which is fit for that."

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The party says these teachers will be paid for through Labour's plan to end tax breaks for private schools.

But not everyone is a fan of scrapping the charitable status of the institutions, and you can expect beady eyes to be looking at Labour's frontbench and which schools they choose to send their children to.

Singing repairs the language network of the brain after a cerebrovascular accident

Cerebrovascular accidents, or strokes, are the most common cause of aphasia, a speech disorder of cerebral origin. People with aphasia have a reduced ability to understand or produce speech or written language. An estimated 40% of people who have had a stroke have aphasia. As many as half of them experience aphasia symptoms even a year after the original attack.

Researchers at the University of Helsinki previously found that sung music helps in the language recovery of patients affected by strokes. Now, the researchers have uncovered the reason for the rehabilitative effect of singing. The recently completed study was published in the eNeuro journal.

According to the findings, singing, as it were, repairs the structural language network of the brain. The language network processes language and speech in our brain. In patients with aphasia, the network has been damaged.

"For the first time, our findings demonstrate that the rehabilitation of patients with aphasia through singing is based on neuroplasticity changes, that is, the plasticity of the brain," says University Researcher Aleksi Sihvonen from the University of Helsinki.

Singing improves language network pathways

The language network encompasses the cortical regions of the brain involved in the processing of language and speech, as well as the white matter tracts that convey information between the different end points of the cortex.

According to the study results, singing increased the volume of grey matter in the language regions of the left frontal lobe and improved tract connectivity especially in the language network of the left hemisphere, but also in the right hemisphere.

"These positive changes were associated with patients' improved speech production," Sihvonen says.

A total of 54 aphasia patients participated in the study, of whom 28 underwent MRI scans at the beginning and end of the study. The researchers investigated the rehabilitative effect of singing with the help of choir singing, music therapy and singing exercises at home.

Singing is a cost-effective treatment

Aphasia has a wide-ranging effect on the functional capacity and quality of life of affected individuals and easily leads to social isolation.

According to Sihvonen, singing can be seen as a cost-effective addition to conventional forms of rehabilitation, or as rehabilitation for mild speech disorders in cases where access to other types of rehabilitation is limited.

"Patients can also sing with their family members, and singing can be organised in healthcare units as a group-based, cost-efficient rehabilitation," Sihvonen says.

Nervous System
Psychology Research
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Today's Healthcare
Language Acquisition
Child Development
Neuroscience
Brain damage
Calisthenic exercise
Sports medicine
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Multi-infarct dementia
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Story Source:

Materials provided by University of Helsinki . Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

Aleksi J. Sihvonen, Anni Pitkäniemi, Sini-Tuuli Siponkoski, Linda Kuusela, Noelia Martínez-Molina, Sari Laitinen, Essi-Reetta Särkämö, Johanna Pekkola, Susanna Melkas, Gottfried Schlaug, Viljami Sairanen, Teppo Särkämö. Structural Neuroplasticity Effects of Singing in Chronic Aphasia . eneuro , 2024; 11 (5): ENEURO.0408-23.2024 DOI: 10.1523/ENEURO.0408-23.2024

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Chiefs' Harrison Butker strikes against Pride Month, lauds wife's role as 'homemaker'

Kansas City Chiefs placekicker Harrison Butker used his platform as a commencement speaker at Benedictine College last weekend to attack Pride Month and transgender people, the coronavirus pandemic, while also telling women to get back in the kitchen.

Benedictine College is a Catholic private liberal arts school in Atchison, Kansas, and Butker used his 20 minutes on stage to opine his thoughts, starting with Pride Month and, what he called "dangerous gender ideologies."

"Not the deadly sins sort of Pride that has an entire month dedicated to it," Butker said, "but the true God-centered pride that is cooperating with the holy ghost to glorify him."

Pride Month has been celebrated in June since 1969.

Butker also shared his thoughts on COVID-19, which has killed nearly 1.2 million people in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention :

All things Chiefs: Latest Kansas City Chiefs news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

"While COVID might have played a large role throughout your formative years, it is not unique," Butker said. "The bad policies and poor leadership have negatively impacted major life issues. Things like abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia, as well as a growing support for the degenerate cultural values and media all stem from pervasiveness of disorder."

Women were also under scrutiny by Butker.

"I can tell you that my beautiful wife, Isabelle, would be the first to say that her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and a mother. I’m on this stage, and able to be the man I am, because I have a wife who leans into her vocation," Butker said.

"I’m beyond blessed with the many talents God has given me, but it cannot be overstated that all of my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would convert to the faith, become my wife, and embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker."

Those who didn't fit in that category, Butker had more words for them.

"I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you," he said. "Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world."

Butker has been with the Chiefs since 2017 and has won three Super Bowl championships. He holds records for the longest field goal in a Super Bowl and career field goals in the Super Bowl with nine.

NFL Shares Statement After Kansas City Chiefs Kicker’s Controversial Commencement Speech

The NFL's senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer released a statement sharing that the league doesn't share Harrison Butker's beliefs.

The NFL has spoken out after Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker gave a controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College’s graduation over the weekend. Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Jonathan Beane released a statement, speaking out against the comments that Harrison, 28, made that sparked criticism.

The Chiefs kicker faced backlash for various comments made during the address that reflect his conservative Catholic ideology. During the speech, Harrison spoke out against “dangerous gender ideologies,” seeming to reference that Pride Month is coming up and it will start in June.

At another point in the speech, Harrison spoke to the women in the audience and encouraged them to embrace the role of “homemaker,” which is another statement that drew backlash. “I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you,” he said, via Entertainment Tonight . “Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world. I can tell you that my beautiful wife Isabelle would be the first to say her life truly started when she started living her vocation as a wife and as a mother.”

At another point in the interview, Harrison criticized President Joe Biden for his policies, and spoke out against abortion, IVF, surrogacy, and more. At another point in his speech, he also quoted Taylor Swift’s song “Bejeweled,” making a reference to his teammate Travis Kelce .

In his statement, the NFL executive explained that the league does not share the same values as the kicker. “Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity,” he told ET . “His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”

The NFL aren’t the only ones to speak out following the kicker’s speech. Former Kansas City LGBTQ Commission Chair Justice Horn also called out Harrison on X (formerly Twitter). “Harrison Butker doesn’t represent Kansas City nor has he ever. Kansas City has always been a place that welcomes, affirms, and embraces our LGBTQ+ community members,” he wrote.

COMMENTS

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How to Write a Killer Informative Speech

Choose a Topic

Understand Your Audience

Gather Evidence and Facts From Credible Scholarly Sources

Deconstruct the Topic to Select the Best Ideas

Write a Thesis Statement for Your Informative Speech

Inform Rather Than Persuade the Audience

Write the First Draft of Your Speech

Start Writing Your Essay with Power Words

Develop the Body of the Speech

End Your Informative Speech with a Bang

Proofread and Edit, Then Present

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Give More Detail in the Main Body

Wrap Everything Up in Conclusion

Proofread and Edit the Final Version

Stage 3. Perfecting Speech Delivery

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