informative speech example about dreams

Speech about Dreams and ambitions [1,2,3,5 Minutes]

1 minute speech about dreams in life.

Dreams are a powerful tool that can change the world for the better. They can help us find our purpose and have a positive impact on society.

I am an advocate of dreams because they are what make life worth living. Dreams inspire people to reach for the stars and create something new. They give hope to those who have lost it, and remind us that we can always be better than we think we are.

Dreams are important to us because they keep us connected with our subconscious. They allow us to make sense of the things that are happening in our lives and give us a sense of purpose.

Dreams can help you understand what is going on in your life, whether good or bad, and provide a way to make sense of it.

People who have a clear and strong vision of what they want to achieve in life are more likely to achieve success. According to a study by the University of California, San Diego, people who have dreams are three times more likely to be successful than those who don’t.

Quotes for Speech about Dreams and ambitions

• “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau
• “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
• “Dreams and dedication are a powerful combination.” – William Longgood
• “Chase your dreams, but always know the road that will lead you home again.” – Tim McGraw
• “The only thing standing between you and your goal is the story you keep telling yourself as to why you can’t achieve it.” – Jordan Belfort
• “Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” – Steve Jobs
• “Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” – Sam Levenson
• “The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible.” – Charles Kingsleigh (Alice in Wonderland)
• “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” – Oprah Winfrey
• “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston S. Churchill
• “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney
• “Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” – Roy T. Bennett
• “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
• “Dream big, work hard, stay focused, and surround yourself with good people.” – Anonymous
• “Your dreams are what define your individuality. They have the power to give you wings and make you fly high.” – P. V. Sindhu

2 Minutes Speech about Dreams

Dreams are a part of the human psyche, but they are also a form of sleep. They happen when the brain is in a state of deep sleep.

Dreams can be very vivid and detailed, but they can also be very abstract. Dreams often occur when you are sleeping and your brain is in a state of deep sleep.

Dreams are important to us because they help us see the future and give us hope. They also help us to communicate with our subconscious.

Dreams are not just a nice idea – they can actually help you achieve your goals. They provide a sense of motivation and purpose in life.

The success of many people is rooted in their dreams. They may have achieved success because they had the courage to pursue their dreams even when it seemed impossible.

Dreams are a key factor in achieving success. They help us to believe that we can achieve our goals and that we can be the person we want to be.

The idea of dreams is not new. It has been known for centuries that dreams are the gateways to the subconscious mind, which is our source of creativity, innovation and inspiration.

3 Minutes Speech about Dreams

Dreams are a manifestation of the unconscious mind. They occur while we sleep and can be a source of creativity and inspiration.

Dreams might be just a figment of our imagination, but they are important to understand as they can serve as a gateway to understanding your unconscious mind.

Dreams are the source of inspiration, motivation, and creativity. They help us to see what is not visible in our waking state. Dreams can also be nightmares which can make you anxious or depressed.

For some people, their dreams are a source of comfort and reassurance. For others, their dreams are a source of anxiety and fear. Depending on the person, they may or may not seek help for nightmares that they have been having for some time now.

Dreams can be a powerful motivator for success. They are the driving force behind our motivation and drive to achieve our goals. Although there are many different theories about what dreams are, psychologists agree that they are a form of internal mental activity that is not conscious or rational.

The most common theory about dreams is the “Zeigarnik effect” which states that the act of remembering a dream makes us more likely to accomplish it in reality. This means that if you want to achieve something in your life, you should write down your dreams and work towards achieving them.

Dreams are a powerful tool for success. They help us achieve our goals and make us feel fulfilled.

Dreams are a key tool for success in the workplace, with one study finding that people who have a dream achieved more than those without one.

The article talks about how dreams can help you achieve your goals and how they can make you feel fulfilled.

Some people think that dreams are a waste of time and that they should focus on the practical things in life. However, dreams have always been a key to success because they help us to understand our true desires and what we want to achieve.

In today’s world, we live in an era where everything is possible. We can do anything we want if we put our minds to it. But it is not always easy to find out what you really want in life because your dreams might not be practical enough for the society around you.

5 Minutes Speech about Dreams

Dreams are a mystery that has fascinated people for as long as there’s been human history. They are the most common subject of discussion in psychology, philosophy, and religion.

There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that dreams have any sort of ‘meaning’ or that they can predict future events. But they still carry a lot of weight in our society and culture.

Dreams are a powerful tool for people to find their way and find meaning in life. They can be an escape from our daily routine, a reminder of what we want to do and who we want to be.

Dreams are important because they help us discover what might be possible for us, but also because they help us to feel good about ourselves. The way we think about our dreams is often the way we think about ourselves and the world around us.

Dreams can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. However, not everyone has dreams that come true in the form of reality.

Dreams are a powerful force that lead to success and fulfillment. They are important for people to work hard to achieve their goals.

The following is a list of some of the most famous people who have achieved success with their dreams:

– Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder

– Oprah Winfrey, talk show host and media mogul

– Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States

– Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc.

Dreams are often seen as a sign of hope and optimism. They are our way of visualizing what we want to achieve in the future. Sometimes, our dreams can be quite specific and when they come true, it is often a great feeling.

Many people have dreamt of success and it can be quite difficult for some people to achieve their goal without the help of their dreams. It is important to keep in mind that your dreams are not just your vision for the future but also something that you need to work hard for every day.

While some people might believe that they need to have a clear goal in order to achieve success, others believe that by dreaming and following their dreams, they will be able to achieve success.

Dreams are more than just a way of passing time. They are a way of traveling through life and achieving happiness. They can also lead you on the path to your career goals.

It is true that dreams can be a key to success. It is not just the dream that makes you successful, but the way you work towards achieving it.

Dreams are important to people in different ways. They provide motivation and hope for people who feel like they are stuck in their current situation and want to break free from it. Some dreams can also help people realize what they want out of life.

Dreams can be a key to success because they provide motivation and hope for those who feel stuck in their current situation, as well as helping them realize what they want out of life

Examples of sentences that can be used in starting of this speech

Examples of sentences that can be used in closing of this speech, speeches in english.

• Speech on women’s empowerment
• Speech on social media
• Speech on environment
• Speech on gender equality
• Speech on poverty
• Speech on Global Warming
• Speech on Environmental Pollution
• Speech on Earth Day
• Speech on Discipline
• Speech on Human Rights
• Speech on Education
• Motivational speech for students
• 2-minute Self-introduction speech examples
• Speech on Mahatma Gandhi
• Speech on freedom fighters
• Speech on APJ Abdul Kalam
• Speech about friendship
• Speech about Technology
• Speech on Parents
• Speech on Health
• Speech on Health and Fitness
• Speech on Health and Hygiene
• Speech on Mental health
• Speech on Yoga
• Speech on Doctor
• Speech about Life
• Speech on sports
• Speech on Racism
• Speech on Population
• Speech on Overcoming Fear
• Speech about Family
• Speech on Mobile Phones
• Speech on water conservation
• Speech on Honesty
• Speech on Culture
• Speech on Unity in diversity
• Speech on Peace
• Speech on Time
• Speech on Success
• Speech on Leadership
• Speech on Nature
• Speech on Career
• Speech about Music
• Speech on Democracy
• Speech on Noise Pollution
• Speech on Air Pollution
• Speech on Gratitude
• Speech on Time management
• Speech on Dance
• Speech on Climate Change
• Speech on Artificial Intelligence
• Speech on Cyber security
• Speech on Teamwork
• Speech on Goal Setting
• Speech on Plastic Waste Management
• Speech on Feminism
• Speech on Bhagat Singh
• Speech on Books
• Speech on Laughter is the Best Medicine
• Speech on Swami Vivekananda
• Speech on Road Safety
• Speech on Cyber Crime
• Speech on Energy Conservation
• Speech on Online Education
• Speech on Quaid-e-Azam
• Speech on Allama Iqbal
• Speech about Rainy Day
• Speech about Teachers’ day
• Speech about Graduation
• Speech about Love
• Speech about Football
• Speech about Money
• Speech about Anxiety
• Speech about Politics
• Speech about Nelson Mandela
• Speech about Kindness
• Speech about Cleanliness
• Speech about Deforestation
• Speech about Agriculture
• speech about Cricket
• Speech about Unemployment
• Speech about Birthday
• Speech about Patience
• Speech about the Value of Time
• Speech about Positive Thinking
• Speech about Knowledge is Power
• Speech about Games
• Speech about Indian Culture
• Speech about Appreciation
• Speech about Farming
• Speech about Debut
• Speech about Purpose
• Speech about Hardwork
• Speech about Thank you / Thankfulness / being thankful
• Speeches about Communication
• Speech about Dreams and ambitions 
• Speech about Confidence
• Speech about traveling and Tourism
• Speech about Corruption
• Speech about the millennial generation
• Speech about Success and Failure
• Speech about Environmental Awareness
• Speech about Life Goals
• Speech about Stress
• Speech about the Life of a Student
• Speech about Social Issues
• Speech about Mom
• Speech about God
• Speech about Plants
• Speech about Fashion
• Speech about Basketball
• Speech about Business

Related Posts:

• Speech about pen [1,2,3 Minutes short Speech]
• Speech on Science and Technology [1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Minutes]
• Speech on Health and Hygiene [1,2,3,4,5 Minutes]
• Speech on Health and Fitness[1, 2, 3, 5 Minutes]
• Speech about travelling and Tourism[1,2,3,5 Minutes]
• Speech about Success and Failure[1,2,3,5 Minutes]

Contents Copyrights reserved by T4Tutorials

• Essay Samples
• College Essay
• Writing Tools
• Writing guide

↑ Return to College Essay

Informative Speech on Dreams

Using your dreams as a creative tool.

There is still a lot of speculation about the reason for dreaming. Are your dreams really nothing more than your brain clearing out the clutter of the day? Or can you use them as a learning tool and to motivate you? While we may not yet know what the purpose of dreaming is, it’s still something that we can use to our advantage – you just have to be willing to use this creative tool. Dreams may appear silly and meaningless, but they can actually be made to work for you.

The way in which many people make use of their otherwise “disposable” dreams (how many people actually remember them much beyond waking up?) is by keeping a dream diary. It’s important to write down what you remember as soon as you wake up. This dream diary can serve two purposes. One, it can be a way of clearing out your mind and emptying it of all your worries. You’ve dreamed about things that concern you, now forget about it and move on. Or you can use your dream diary for a more interesting purpose – creativity and generating ideas.

The subconscious is incredibly powerful and it’s believed that we only use a small fraction of our brain power. So why not see if you can put more of your brain to work on your behalf? Perhaps you have a problem that you don’t know how to resolve, or you’re having trouble coming up with ideas for your small business. This is where your dream diary can be very useful. It’s unlikely that you’ll find a money-making marvel there that will earn you a fortune – but you could well read something in your diary that triggers off ideas for designs or ways to promote your business.

So every morning, as soon as you wake up, dedicate a short time to writing down what you remember of your dreams. Nothing is too silly or random; just jot it all down and then put it aside. Don’t try to puzzle out what your dream meant; you can over-think it and get nowhere. Instead, go back to your diary at a later date and flick through it. See what comes up in your mind when you look at it. Your notes on your dreams could trigger off all kinds of interesting ideas – let your subconscious work for you, rather than wasting your waking hours frantically trying to come up with the creative inspiration that you need.

If you are a writer, a dream diary can be just what you need to get through a creative block. Every writer knows the frustrating feeling of trying to force the words out when they just won’t come! So turn to your dream diary when you’re stuck for words. You’ll see all kinds of directions that your writing could take, whether you’re a novelist, journalist or blogger. You’ll find a rich source of inspiration inside – there’ll be no more writer’s block once you open your dream diary!

Follow Us on Social Media

Get more free essays

Send via email

Most useful resources for students:.

• Free Essays Download
• Writing Tools List
• Proofreading Services
• Universities Rating

Contributors Bio

Find more useful services for students

Free plagiarism check, professional editing, online tutoring, free grammar check.

Talk to our experts

1800-120-456-456

• Speech on Dreams

An Introduction

When one Sleeps, some people more than others are more likely than others to dream, with closed eyes they view different ideas and images.  These Dreams can also be manifested as sensations and varying emotions. Dreams are not bound by anything, it can be opposite from the life one leads. One cannot control it, Dreams occur involuntarily. And no one has yet deciphered the scientific meaning and reasons for its occurrence. In this article, we will explore different ways to present the speech and learn how to start a speech about Dreams. It can be both a long and short speech about Dreams.

Long and Short Speech About Dreams

Long speech on dreams.

This form of speech about Dreams is helpful for students in grades 8-12 wherein they can speak in detail and present in an understandable format.

Good Morning everyone, respected teachers and my dear friends, I am here today to speak about a rather interesting topic that is Dreams. First, let me start by asking everyone, how many of you had a dream last night. Do you remember what you dreamt of? If you do remember, were you surprised about what the dream was? 

There is no need to be shocked or surprised because Dreams do not align with the reality of the lives one leads. They can be very peculiar and it is because Dreams are often the suppressed thoughts and feelings of our subconscious mind. And such Dreams are more of an escape from reality, where we want to get to live a life away from the problems we are facing now and get rid of the struggles. 

The world of Dreams is the uncharted territory of wild imagination and wishful thinking. And even scientists believe that Dreams occur during REM (rapid-eye movement) Sleep. Dreams carry with them a lot of emotion that can make it difficult to tell them apart from reality. That is why when one Dreams of something horrific or frightening they tend to breathe rapidly and wake up perspiring and with clammy hands. REM Sleep should be uninterrupted as an intervention may lead to health concerns related to memory consolidation, making it difficult to learn and retain information. Babies or infants have very high learning abilities and one of the main reasons is the deep REM Sleep cycle without interruption.  

The dream can be a short one of mere seconds or a few minutes or even a long 20-30 minute one. When one wakes up during their REM Sleep they are more likely to remember the dream. 

There are some Dreams that one sees with their eyes open when they go about their lives every day. Dreams that can be considered relatively realistic, that one intends to achieve. They can be called goals, ambitions or just Dreams. These kinds of Dreams can fuel us and inculcate a drive to make strides in achieving the same. 

However, there are very few who make their Dreams come true, through an uncanny combination of determination, hard work and willpower. Many fall prey to their self-created victim narrative and don’t dream of a better life. They find an excuse and become lazy without trying to achieve and chase their Dreams. So in the name of safety and security, they don’t take the risks. 

The world would be so different if people didn’t dream big and take chances. The world we live in today with comfortable luxuries is a reality because somebody dreamt big and worked to make it a reality. We live in their work of inventions long after they are gone. So to make a difference, on an individual level or for the sake of society do not fret failures. To err is human and failures are part of everyone’s journey, you will only learn what not to do. Failure teaches us more than success. So, dream big, be brave and take chances. 

Short Speech on Dreams

This form of a short format of speech about Dreams can be helpful for students in grades 4-7 as they are only starting to understand and this simple and short speech will aid it. 

Good morning everyone, the respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends! I Abc (mention your name) are here to present about one of the yet undeciphered topics that are Dreams. Ever since we were kids we are always asked about our Dreams, what do you dream of becoming when you grow up? Arguably Dreams are not just the ones we see when we Sleep at night, but also the ones we see in the broad daylight. These Dreams can be different or the same, but one thing is certain: everybody has Dreams.

Dreams give us a glint of shimmer and hope of becoming someone we wish to be. It is like an energy drink for our goals and ambitions. No matter what those Dreams are, it is worth working towards it. It is obvious that some of our Dreams are different from what this society might deem as a problem or trivial. 

We should have a single-minded focus and work towards it and prove to ourselves more than others that our Dreams do make a difference. 

Achieving your Dreams is not a cakewalk, it takes a lot of will power and patience. You have to make it work for yourself, don’t feel lesser than if anyone is disappointed in you for trying to achieve your Dreams. Believe in yourself, everything is possible, with proper planning and strategizing. One needs to be committed while executing the plan. And stay true to your path without losing focus so you can live the dream. The world is an endless realm of possibilities and Dreams are just the beginning of a beautiful life ahead.

10 Lines Speech on Dreams

This is a short speech helpful for students in grades 1-3 as one can convey in simple sentences.

Involuntary actions of our imagination and overthinking manifests as Dreams.

It can seem very real as Dreams also carry sensations and emotions.

There can be 2 ways one knows and understands Dreams.

One is when they dream while aSleep and other times when they are wide awake and have Dreams.

Not everyone remembers their Dreams which they see when Sleeping.

Dreams can also be categorized as goals one set and want to work for achieving them.

It is ignorant to say that you can achieve anything and everything just by dreaming.

To make Dreams come true requires daily practice, dedication and perseverance. 

Like if you dream to be a soccer player, you have to practice daily and know the rules of the game. And if you dream to be a writer, you have to keep at it in proper form as a daily routine or habit.

Everything requires work, Dreams can make the hard journey beautiful as one has hope.  

An Example of a Speech on Dreams 

Good Morning to everyone present here today on this very fine day.

I hope you all have had a nice long holiday with your loved ones or yourself. 

Dreams. We all have Dreams, either when we are a Sleep or when we are away, which is called daydreaming or the Dreams about things that we are passionate about in life. 

As we all know, Dreams are an integral part of everyone's life. Because life is meaningless without Dreams. Our lives will be like a lost ship in the sea sailing with no direction and purpose. I don't think anyone wants to see themselves in such a situation. Without Dreams, life is like chasing an invisible shadow that has no substance or meaning.  Even those who succeeded in life had to chase the Dreams that made them like today. Interestingly, such people do not give up their Dreams and set new standards in life one after another in order to reach the pinnacle of success. If we have no Dreams and nothing to work on, life will certainly be purposeless and monotonous. We lose interest in life and soon begin to hate it. 

Now, when I'm talking about the important role that Dreams play in our lives, it can be difficult to summarize it in one word. However, a person without a dream resembles a bird without wings, so it can be said that he cannot fly. We often see people who criticize others as daydreamers. But is it possible to imagine this world in an advanced state when people dream and do not dare to make it happen? 

Life undoubtedly presents challenges in pursuing our Dreams, but in this situation, one gives up or continues to work towards them despite obstacles. It's not easy, but it's certainly not impossible. When you dream, you have to put it into action, sweat and blood.

Many failures can occur while we are working on our Dreams, but these failures do not prevent us from going the way, but ours that we can achieve what we want. It should strengthen your beliefs and beliefs. Dreams are a constant driving force and give meaning to life. Still, I would like to mention that we also need to have a positive outlook on life and be always ready to stay one step ahead in order to realize our Dreams. 

Opportunities do not always knock at our doorsteps daily. We tend to miss many opportunities in life just because we don't have the courage to do things. Every time you leave things for tomorrow and say you will start over from tomorrow, that day will never come, which is why you need to start now. It's so important at first that you can start with at least a few small steps. Japanese people know this secret. Because they take on their normal work and achieve their goals at any cost. If you want to learn harmonium, guitar, and dance, start learning right away, without waiting for tomorrow. No one knows if tomorrow will come! Once you start taking a small step, one day you are sure to find your way. 

I sincerely believe that all of us will never give up on our Dreams and will continue to work persistently to make our Dreams come true. All you need to do is dare to dream and put it into action. 

Thank you all for listening and being patient. 

FAQs on Speech on Dreams

1. Give one famous quote by Eleanor Roosevelt on Dreams. 

One of the most famous quotes of Roosevelt is “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their Dreams.”

2. Why should one dream?

One should dream to achieve their goals in life. Without Dreams, life gets boring and bland. Dreams give you something to strive for. Chasing your Dreams will develop your courage. Great dreamers grow to be independent, learning that they can make a difference all by themselves.

3. What if we fail in life after dreaming of grand things?

Success and failures, both are a part of life. Without either of them, life won’t experience a roller coaster ride and everything will feel useless and boring. In fact, failures are our great teachers. Without failure, we’d be less capable of compassion, empathy, kindness, and great achievement; we would be less likely to reach for the moon and the stars.

4. How to set goals based on our Dreams and achieve them?

Align your goals with purpose and keep them in sight always so you know where you are going and what is going to happen on the way. Recognize the roadblocks and work your way around them.

5. How do we identify our strengths and weaknesses based on our Dreams?

Figuring out whether specific qualities you possess are strengths as opposed to weaknesses confusing or frustrating. Understand your abilities and write down what you do the best and where you lack. List out your actions, abilities, and desires. Always be honest to yourself.

Informative Speeches about Dreams: Unlocking the Enigma

How it works

• 1 Introduction
• 2 The Science Behind Dreaming
• 3 Theories on Why We Dream
• 4 Dream Interpretations Throughout Time
• 5.1 References

Introduction

For most of history, Oneirology, or the study of dreams, did not exist. Trying to study dreams proves itself extremely difficult because dreams are not something to hold, examine, or even view. Personal accounts are unreliable at best, as it’s estimated that people forget 95% of all dreams they have had. With dreams being so difficult to study, it is no wonder that it took until 1953 for a man named Eugene Aserinsky to wake the world up to the phenomenon of ‘rapid eye movement,’ or REM.

The Science Behind Dreaming

As we sleep, our brain goes through different stages, each respectively called rapid eye movement sleep (REM) and non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM). REM sleep is the stage where most dreams take place. (“What are the Different Sleep Cycles?”, 2014)The first step to sleep is the lightest stage, referred to as Stage One (or NREM 1). During this time, the body is easily awoken. Next is Stage Two (NREM 2). Here, the heart rate and body temperature begin to fall, and the muscles relax. This stage is preparation for deep sleep. Stages Three and Four (NREM 3 & 4) are deep sleep where the brain waves slow and the body is not easily awoken. During the duration of Stages Three and Four, energy is restored, tissues grow, and hormones are released. (“What Happens When You Sleep?”, 2018) The final stage is REM sleep, where heart rate, eye movement, and brain activity rise.

Humans spend about 25% of the night in REM sleep, which occurs after the first 30 minutes of being asleep and reoccurs in about 90-minute intervals. Electrical activity in the brain during REM sleep almost exactly mimics the way the brain acts when it is awake. The biggest difference is the production of chemicals like Norepinephrine, serotonin, and histamine is almost completely blocked. This prevents the muscles from moving. Because of this, we can dream of running, jumping, or even fighting without our bodies actually moving. (“How Brain Paralyzes Muscles While You Sleep,” 2012) Though the body remains paralyzed, the eyes dart back and forth, which is where REM (rapid eye movement) gets its name.

REM sleep is important because it actively triggers different regions of the brain used for problem-solving and learning. In infants, this is especially important as REM plays a large role in normal brain development during that time. (“What is REM Sleep?”, 2016) REM sleep is usually correlated with the most vivid of dreams. This does not mean that humans need to achieve REM sleep to have dreams at all. When scientists studied the presence of dreams in NREM with the absence of REM prior, they found a large group of people who studied DID, in fact, have dreams. However, these dreams were not emotionally significant, nor were they vivid. (Non-REM Sleep, 2018)

If a person wakes up during REM sleep, while the chemical production is limited, they may become paralyzed. This is referred to as sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis happens due to the mind being awake, but the body has not caught up yet. (“Sleep Paralysis: Overview and Facts”, 2018) A person suffering from sleep paralysis may experience hallucinations, either auditory, visual, or even both. These hallucinations often bring fear to the sufferer.

Something similar can happen while one sleeps. Lucid dreaming is the phenomenon where someone knows they are dreaming while it is happening. According to the Lucidity Institute, “lucidity usually begins in the midst of a dream when the dreamer realizes that the experience is not occurring in physical reality, but is a dream.” Once the dreamer comes to this realization, they can take control of the dream. In 1975, Keith Hearne became the first scientist to discover proof of lucid dreaming. In his study, a volunteer was told to, if he was lucid, move his eyes in a predetermined way. By the end of the study, they discovered that lucid dreams occur during REM sleep and are consistent after a burst of REM sleep. (“Science in Our World: Certainty and Controversy”, 2015)

As one can imagine, many people are interested in learning how to lucid dream. There are two well-known triggers for lucid dreams. The first trigger is simply having something so wild and impossible happen during the dream that the dreamer becomes aware that they are dreaming. The second way to trigger lucid dreaming is to awaken and then fall back asleep without breaking consciousness. By doing so, the dreamer may be aware that they have just fallen asleep, so any dreams they are about to have are, in fact, dreams.

Theories on Why We Dream

Scientists, though they can describe exactly how sleep works and everything that goes into having a dream, cannot come up with a scientifically sound explanation as to why we dream. There are many theories as to why we dream, however. A popular theory is that when we sleep, we are reviewing and analyzing the day-to-day happenings in our lives. This could mean that we are analyzing our emotions for the day or analyzing situations that stress us out. Dreaming becomes like personal therapy and a way for our brain to interpret the human’s ever-changing emotions. Many believe dreaming is the brain’s way of incorporating memories, logistics, and emotions all into one and to better ourselves in our waking lives. In this light, one could consider dreaming an “epiphenomenon,” as they do not serve a primary purpose but rather a result of a more primary action happening in the brain.

Primal instincts like fight or flight may also influence why we dream. This theory also includes the idea that our brains are trying to prepare us for threats we haven’t faced yet. Our brains are attempting to problem-solve our way through potentially dangerous situations without the true danger in the first place. The people who lean in favor of this theory suggest dreams are a result of a simple biological function. (“In Your Dreams”, 2018)

Dream Interpretations Throughout Time

Before science got its hands on dreams, different sets of cultures had different ways of interpreting their dreams. When people interpret a dream, they are assigning significance to them. Religion plays a large role in how dreams were interpreted before scientific analysis. A common theme through ancient societies was considering dreams as supernatural or as divine intervention.

To begin, in ancient Egypt, many believed the gods spoke to them while they slept. The gods would describe the best ways to worship or even speak of the future through dreams. Even the most mundane dreams would be brought to a priest in order to have them interpreted. (“Ancient Egypt for Kidsdreams, 2018) Prophesies would be laid out, and omens of death could all be found in one’s dream. The ancient Greeks also believed dreams were visions of the future. The writers of ancient Greece put dreams into two categories: significant dreams and insignificant dreams. When a dream was insignificant, it was about earthly pleasures, hopes, desires, and personal fears. However, significant dreams had three categories: visions of the future, gods, and prophesies. The Greeks would record some of these dreams by using texts, including poems and epics. (“Dreams and Prophesy in Ancient Greece, 2014)

The ancient Chinese had a different way of looking at dreams. They believed that the whole person was made up of both the waking state and the dreaming state. This meant when a person was asleep, their dreaming version of themselves was their real self, and the person asleep in the bed was a false self. When they looked for meaning in their dreams, rather than looking for divine meaning, they found everyday meaning through particular symbols of nature. (“Ancient Chinese Dream Interpretation”, 2016)

In the bible, it is written that God spoke to people through their dreams, but it was not something that happened often. Now, some Christians still believe they can receive a message from God through their dreams. Not every dream is a premonition, though. Ecclesiastes 5:3 says, “A dream comes through much activity,” implying that regular dreams we have day to day are natural outgrowths of the stimuli we receive in our waking hours. (“Does God Communicate with Christians Through Dreams Today?: Do My Dreams Have Spiritual Significance?”, 2010) Christians believe dreaming is a time shared with only God and themselves and can be a result of daily thoughts and actions.

Dreams are still very much a mystery. There is no true consensus as to why we dream, and no two theories line up perfectly. Scientists today know more about the Eagle Nebula, a structure in outer space that is 6,500 lightyears away and one hundred trillion kilometers tall than they do about why humans have dreams. Dreams are an enigma, and that is what keeps them wildly interesting.

“What are the Different Sleep Cycles?” (2014). Sleep Advisor. Retrieved from https://www.sleepadvisor.org/different-sleep-cycles/

“What Happens When You Sleep?” (2018). National Sleep Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.sleep.org/articles/what-happens-during-sleep/

“How Brain Paralyzes Muscles While You Sleep” (2012). Scientific American. Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-brain-paralyzes-muscles-while-you-sleep/

“What is REM Sleep?” (2016). Sleep Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/what-happens-when-you-sleep/what-is-rem-sleep

“Non-REM Sleep” (2018). National Sleep Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/nrem-non-rem-sleep

“Sleep Paralysis: Overview and Facts” (2018). Sleep Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/parasomnias/sleep-paralysis

“Science in Our World: Certainty and Controversy” (2015). Stanford University. Retrieved from https://web.stanford.edu/~bcalhoun/Agora/C&C-Stanford.htm

“In Your Dreams” (2018). Harvard Magazine. Retrieved from https://harvardmagazine.com/2001/07/in-your-dreams.html

Cite this page

Informative Speeches About Dreams: Unlocking the Enigma. (2023, Aug 30). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/informative-speeches-about-dreams-unlocking-the-enigma/

"Informative Speeches About Dreams: Unlocking the Enigma." PapersOwl.com , 30 Aug 2023, https://papersowl.com/examples/informative-speeches-about-dreams-unlocking-the-enigma/

PapersOwl.com. (2023). Informative Speeches About Dreams: Unlocking the Enigma . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/informative-speeches-about-dreams-unlocking-the-enigma/ [Accessed: 19 Apr. 2024]

"Informative Speeches About Dreams: Unlocking the Enigma." PapersOwl.com, Aug 30, 2023. Accessed April 19, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/informative-speeches-about-dreams-unlocking-the-enigma/

"Informative Speeches About Dreams: Unlocking the Enigma," PapersOwl.com , 30-Aug-2023. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/informative-speeches-about-dreams-unlocking-the-enigma/. [Accessed: 19-Apr-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2023). Informative Speeches About Dreams: Unlocking the Enigma . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/informative-speeches-about-dreams-unlocking-the-enigma/ [Accessed: 19-Apr-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

The incredible world of dreams: An informative speech unveiling the wonders and meanings behind our subconscious mind

Dreams have captivated humans for centuries, enticing our curiosity and imagination. With their mysterious nature and ability to transport us to other worlds, dreams have long been a source of fascination and wonder. Whether we remember them vividly or they slip away like fragments of a forgotten story, dreams offer a unique window into the workings of our subconscious mind. In this informative speech, we will explore the intriguing realm of dreams, delving into their interpretation, significance, and the impact they can have on our waking lives.

Throughout history , dreams have held a prominent place in various cultures and belief systems. Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Greeks, attached great importance to dreams, considering them to be messages from the gods or portals to the spirit realm. Even in modern times, psychologists and scientists continue to study dreams, seeking to unravel their complexities and unveiling the secrets they may hold.

So, what exactly are dreams? Dreams can be defined as a succession of images, thoughts, and emotions that occur during sleep. They can range from mundane and ordinary to fantastical and surreal, often blurring the line between reality and imagination. While some dreams may seem random and nonsensical, others appear to be influenced by our daily experiences, fears, and desires.

One of the most intriguing aspects of dreams is the varied symbolism they often contain. Dreams can be filled with metaphorical representations of our deepest emotions, aspirations, and fears. By understanding and interpreting these symbols, we can gain insights into our subconscious mind and uncover hidden meanings behind certain events or emotions in our waking lives.

Furthermore, dreams can carry profound psychological significance . They can serve as a platform for processing emotions, resolving conflicts, and exploring unresolved issues. Dreams have the power to reveal our deepest desires, fears, and anxieties, providing a canvas for self-reflection and personal growth.

Additionally, dreams can also impact our creativity and problem-solving abilities. Many renowned artists, inventors, and scientists credit their dreams as the source of inspiration for their groundbreaking ideas and inventions. The dream state allows our minds to explore unconventional connections and possibilities, breaking free from the constraints of logic and rationality.

In conclusion , dreams are a rich tapestry of our subconscious mind, offering glimpses into our innermost thoughts, desires, and fears. By delving into the world of dreams, we can unlock the hidden meanings behind the symbols and explore the profound impact they can have on our waking lives.

The ultimate guide to understanding and unveiling the fascinating mysteries of dreams

Dreams have always been a fascinating topic of discussion. They are mysterious, surreal, and often leave us wondering about their significance and meaning. A dream is a series of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations that usually occur involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep.

Many cultures throughout history have attached great importance to dreams, considering them to be messages from the divine or insights into the future. Ancient Egyptians, for example, believed that dreams were a means of communication with the gods and interpreted them as guidance for decision-making and problem-solving. Similarly, the Greeks and Romans also placed significance on dreams, believing that they were a way for the gods to communicate their will to mortals.

Although dreams have been a part of human experience throughout the ages, their precise purpose and meaning remain largely a mystery. Scientists and psychologists have proposed various theories to explain why we dream, but none have been universally accepted. Some believe that dreams serve as a way for the brain to process and consolidate memories, while others argue that they are a reflection of unconscious desires and fears.

Dreams can take on a variety of forms and themes. They can be vivid and lifelike, or they can be abstract and surreal. Common dream themes include flying, falling, being chased, and losing teeth. These themes may stem from our everyday experiences, fears, and desires, but their interpretation can vary greatly from person to person.

One method of exploring the meaning of dreams is through dream analysis or interpretation. Sigmund Freud, the famous psychoanalyst, developed a theory that dreams are symbolic expressions of repressed desires and unconscious thoughts. According to Freud, dreams provide a window into the hidden aspects of our minds, allowing us to gain insight into our deepest desires and fears.

Lucid dreaming is another fascinating aspect of dreaming. It refers to the state in which a person is aware that they are dreaming and can exert some control over the dream's content and outcome. Lucid dreaming offers a unique opportunity for individuals to explore and manipulate their dreams, blurring the line between reality and the dream world.

While dreams can be intriguing and captivating, they can also be disturbing and unsettling. Nightmares are intense, vivid dreams that evoke feelings of fear, terror, and anxiety. They can leave a lasting impact and disrupt sleep patterns. Research suggests that nightmares may be associated with stress, trauma, and certain psychiatric conditions.

Despite the multitude of theories and research, the true nature and purpose of dreams remain elusive. They continue to captivate our curiosity and ignite our imagination. Whether they are simply a product of random brain activity during sleep or hold deeper psychological significance, dreams will always occupy a unique and intriguing place in the human experience.

Related Posts:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Speech about Dreams for Students and Children

3 minutes speech about dreams.

Good morning one and all present here. I am standing before you all to share my thoughts through my speech about dreams. Dreams are the beautiful imaginations that one takes on to escape from the ruthless reality. Sometimes people incline to dream and live a fictional life. This may be to ignore the struggles and difficulties that they have to come across in life. There are other kinds of dreams that do not let the person sleep until they achieve it. Dreams give meaning to our life. It prepares a person to set goals and then achieves them. These kinds of dreams are very important to achieve success and fame.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

The science behind Dreaming

Dreaming is a kind of mental activity, which is different from waking thought that happens during sleep. Many clinical studies have characterized the nature of dream activity. These studies have shown that dreams are more perceptual than conceptual. Things are seen and heard rather than thought.

In terms of the senses, the visual experience is present in all dreams. Auditory experience is present in 40 to 50 percent. Touch, taste, smell, and pain have a relatively small percentage. A considerable amount of emotion is generally present. Most dreams are in the type of interrupted stories, made up partly of memories,

Get the Huge list of 100+ Speech Topics here

Dream big step towards Success

Most people blame their life is not great enough and interesting enough too. Everyone thinks that they want to achieve something big, but most of them have never devoted the time to think about what it can be for them.

Most people satisfy themselves to be average, as they don’t want to surrender on the security of the known world to chase what truly sets their soul on fire. We must have the resolution for dreaming big, but also we should have the intelligence to plan. Thus we need to have the willpower to work for your dream.

This is a fact that the path which leads to our dream is never an easy one. Often the only person in the world who will see our vision is only we. This is the path that will lead us through the darkest corners and links inside our hearts and soul. We may freeze with fear. We might want to give up because it will often feel like a never-ending battle.

Turning dreams into Reality

Before leaving our dreams, don’t overlook that the people who change the world are not the ones who never felt fearful. But what makes them different is that they choose to be stronger than their fear.

One has to understand that greatness is not achieved without failure. As dreams don’t turn into reality without encountering a dozen failures on the way. But only the one who has a dream and who wants it so bad that he can leave everything to have it. It can be the one who finally makes sure that all his dreams came true!

Finally, in the end, I will say that a person without dreams is similar to a bird without wings. Life is a sequence of challenges. We can either give up ourselves as losers or keep hoping. The day will come when we will overcome all obstacles. Dreams have to be converted into action and that calls for hours of sweat as well as blood too. So, never fear to dream.

Read Essays for Students and Children here !

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

Speech for Students

• Speech on India for Students and Children
• Speech on Mother for Students and Children
• Speech on Air Pollution for Students and Children
• Speech about Life for Students and Children
• Speech on Disaster Management for Students and Children
• Speech on Internet for Students and Children
• Speech on Generation Gap for Students and Children
• Speech on Indian Culture for Students and Children
• Speech on Sports for Students and Children
• Speech on Water for Students and Children

16 responses to “Speech on Water for Students and Children”

this was very helpful it saved my life i got this at the correct time very nice and helpful

This Helped Me With My Speech!!!

I can give it 100 stars for the speech it is amazing i love it.

Its amazing!!

Great !!!! It is an advanced definition and detail about Pollution. The word limit is also sufficient. It helped me a lot.

This is very good

Very helpful in my speech

Oh my god, this saved my life. You can just copy and paste it and change a few words. I would give this 4 out of 5 stars, because I had to research a few words. But my teacher didn’t know about this website, so amazing.

Tomorrow is my exam . This is Very helpfull

It’s really very helpful

yah it’s is very cool and helpful for me… a lot of 👍👍👍

Very much helpful and its well crafted and expressed. Thumb’s up!!!

wow so amazing it helped me that one of environment infact i was given a certificate

check it out travel and tourism voucher

thank you very much

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Dream — Informative Speech: The Lucid Dream Body

Informative Speech: The Lucid Dream Body

• Categories: Dream

About this sample

Words: 444 |

Published: Mar 20, 2024

Words: 444 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

• Expert in: Life

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 868 words

1 pages / 547 words

1 pages / 584 words

3 pages / 1485 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Dream

For most people, home is a sanctuary where they can unwind and feel secure. It is a place they can retreat to after a long day at work or a busy day with friends. In this essay, I will describe my dream house, which I envision [...]

Within the depths of every human heart lies the ember of hope and the spark of dreams. These intangible yet powerful forces shape the course of our lives, giving us purpose and direction. In this essay, we delve into the [...]

In conclusion, if I had a million dollars, I would invest in my future education and career, buy a car and a house, and wisely manage the remaining funds to ensure long-term financial stability. While there are numerous ways to [...]

Having childhood dreams and life goals can determine what your future will hold. During childhood, most children comprise dreams that may be unattainable, like being a Rockstar, playing for MLB, or being a famous fashion [...]

Have you ever found yourself in a strange and surreal world while you slept, only to wake up and realize it was all just a dream? Dreams have fascinated humanity for centuries, serving as a source of wonder, inspiration, and [...]

Brown, J. (2018). The Salon Business Handbook. Milady Publishing.Gupta, R. (2019). The Ultimate Salon Owner's Business Guide: The Complete Guide to Creating a Thriving Salon Business. CreateSpace Independent Publishing [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

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

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

• Games, topic printables & more
• The 4 main speech types
• Example speeches
• Commemorative
• Declamation
• Demonstration
• Informative
• Introduction
• Student Council
• Speech topics
• Poems to read aloud
• How to write a speech
• Using props/visual aids
• Acute anxiety help
• Breathing exercises
• Letting go - free e-course
• Using self-hypnosis
• Delivery overview
• 4 modes of delivery
• How to make cue cards
• How to read a speech
• 9 vocal aspects
• Vocal variety
• Diction/articulation
• Pronunciation
• Speaking rate
• How to use pauses
• Eye contact
• Body language
• Voice image
• Voice health
• Public speaking activities and games
• About me/contact

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

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. 

Return to Top

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 

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

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

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

- 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

speaking out loud 

Subscribe for  FREE weekly alerts about what's new For more see  speaking out loud  

Top 10 popular pages

• Welcome speech
• Demonstration speech topics
• Impromptu speech topic cards
• Thank you quotes
• Impromptu public speaking topics
• Farewell speeches
• Phrases for welcome speeches
• Student council speeches
• Free sample eulogies

From fear to fun in 28 ways

A complete one stop resource to scuttle fear in the best of all possible ways - with laughter.

Useful pages

• Search this site
• About me & Contact
• Blogging Aloud
• Free e-course
• Privacy policy

©Copyright 2006-24 www.write-out-loud.com

Designed and built by Clickstream Designs

• How It Works
• Topic Generator
• United States
• View all categories

An Informative Speech about Dreams

"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, our main topic for today will delve on dreams, its definition, and an example from my case when I was young, the purpose for dreaming and some of the theories that provide different opinions about the topical concern. Dreams are defined as the series or the succession of images of one's emotions, and sensations that involuntarily takes place when a person is asleep. Maybe we should try and remember the day we last dreamt. When I was young, I remember an incident where I dreamt of strolling along the side of a cliff, and suddenly things changed. I tripped, and I could see myself falling into an endless tunnel, but before I could land to the ground, I woke up. The dream may be considered as a falling dream, and in most events, they happen when one is asleep. Most dreams are accompanied by the spasms and twitches of the muscles such that when people wake up, the kind of feeling in the body is also altered (Jenkins n.p). Some people may wake up tired, others may be violent or have fast heartbeats depending on what was being dreamt.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Most societies interpret dreams differently depending on the nature in which it occurs. For example, the case of falling may be interpreted as a feeling of insecurity, or maybe there is a particular fear which one is afraid to face. According to some dream authors like Patricia Garfield who authored the book, "Creative dreams," she states that whenever a person feels helpless in his or her dream, it is significant that the person does internal and external analysis about the self and determine if there stands an issue in his or her life which brings fear. It may be something which happened previously or one which is about to happen. Other dreams may also foreshadow good fortunes, for example, when one constantly dream about luck. It is worthwhile to note that dreams are interpreted based on people's beliefs, religion, and traditions, however, the context of interpretation remains similar (Jenkins, n.p).

Many researchers have researched the function of the human body based on the manner in which people move, talk, and act. These behaviors may be categorized under physiological characteristics. The primary area which has baffled researchers is the functioning of the mind. There are many things both significant and insignificant that go to the mind, and each serves no real explanation. The fascinating part is the mysterious area of psychology that defines the purpose of dreaming. How do most of you feel when you dream?

In most cases, people feel liberated and behave in a way contrary to the manner in which we conduct our everyday activities. The visions and ideas of screenwriters, poets, philosophers, and authors come from their dreams. An example, of such people, is Sigmund Freud who brought forward a theory about dreams being prompted by wish-fulfillment and the external stimuli (Perelberg, 120). He opines dreams as a mirror of people's deepest desires that dates back from everyone's childhood. I am sure that amongst some of us, we have people who dream of driving expensive cars, living in well-designed mansions and eating fancy meals. These are common dreams of dreamers and may have an impact on the effort they put in school or places of work with the aim of fulfilling some if not all.

It is important to consider keeping a diary as a way of helping you to recall what you have dreamt. Recalling dreams will help you become confident, more assertive and a stronger individual. Remembering also helps one to express and confront his or her feelings and come into terms with some of the stressful dimensions of life. A dream diary may also be important to those of us who are creative writers; they will get enough information and generate a creative block pertaining events and what may happen in the future (Perelberg, 114). At least every writer has the frustrating feeling of trying to force something out. A dream diary comes in had when writers are stuck and acquire the direction to take.

There are also theories which attempt to explain dreams, for example, the already discussed case of Sigmund Freud. Other includes the Jungian theory and the modern theory on dreams. An extension of Freud's explanation opines that dreams offer clues on the operation of the unconscious mind. He also argued that most dream might be aggressive and sexual. The latter argument was disregarded by Carl Gustav Jung who only supported the existence of the unconscious aspect of most dreams (Perelberg, 119). Allan Hobson equally proposed the modern theory of dreams based on the concepts of modern science. He offered the description of dreams following the simulation machine which aims at predicting a waking environment. The basic idea which informed his opinions were deduced from the fact that brains are genetically equipped with the neuronal system that serves to generate virtual reality. These theories have had both proponents and opponents, but the most significant issue which we should all recognize is that dreams serve some purpose as far as human health is concerned. We should treat them as normal occurrences while the society seeks to give various interpretations based on the beliefs, values and the traditions that keep us together." "Thank you for your attentiveness throughout the session, and God bless you."

Works Cited

Jenkins, William J. The Interpretation of Dreams. Macat Library, 2017.

Perelberg, Rosine Jozef. "The "oracle" in dreams: the past and the future in the present." Dreaming and thinking. Routledge, 2018. 109-128.

Cite this page

An Informative Speech about Dreams. (2022, Jul 25). Retrieved from https://proessays.net/essays/an-informative-speech-about-dreams

so we do not vouch for their quality

If you are the original author of this essay and no longer wish to have it published on the ProEssays website, please click below to request its removal:

• Definitions of Deviance in the Media Essay
• Essay Example on Career Growth: Reflection and Solutions
• Essay Sample on Eating Disorders: Evolutionary Changes in Feeding Habits
• Essay Example on Mental Approaches: Reasoning, Understanding & Expectations
• My Spiritual Journey: Struggles, Successes, and Turning Points - Essay Sample
• Essay Example on Stress: Panic, Resistance, Exhaustion & Irritability
• Gifts: Attractive, Responsible, Fearsome Abilities - Book Review Sample

Liked this essay sample but need an original one?

Hire a professional with VAST experience and 25% off!

24/7 online support

NO plagiarism

Submit your request

Sorry, but it's not possible to copy the text due to security reasons.

Would you like to get this essay by email?

Interested in this essay?

Get it now!

Unfortunately, you can’t copy samples. Solve your problem differently! Provide your email for sample delivery

You agree to receive our emails and consent to our Terms & Conditions

Sample is in your inbox

Avoid editing or writing from scratch! Order original essay online with 25% off. Delivery in 6+ hours!

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.

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.

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

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game New
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• Communication Skills
• Public Speaking
• Speechwriting

How to Write an Informative Speech

Last Updated: October 6, 2022 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 1,390,939 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

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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

• 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.”

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 2 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 3 Not Helpful 0
• When composing your speech, take your audience into consideration, and tailor your speech to the people you’re addressing. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ 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

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Tiffany Caroline

Aug 27, 2019

Did this article help you?

Linda Howard

Sep 9, 2022

Jul 30, 2017

Jasmine Guzman

Jun 4, 2017

Brenden Shelton

Oct 15, 2017

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

• 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.