Speech: Purpose

Speech: Purpose

To Persuade

  • A persuasive speech aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular opinion or course of action.
  • The speaker should present strong arguments, logical reasoning, and compelling evidence.
  • Tools such as rhetorical questions, anaphora (repetition of a phrase at the beginning of sentences), and antithesis (opposing ideas expressed in a balanced sentence) can be effective.
  • Emotive language can stir feelings in the audience, encouraging them to see the speaker’s point of view.
  • The speaker should establish credibility and build a connection with the audience to increase the effectiveness of persuasion.

To Inform

  • The objective of an informative speech is to educate the audience about a specific issue or topic.
  • The speaker should present the information in a structured and clear way, often supported by facts, statistics, and logical explanations.
  • Language must be accessible and understandable to the audience. Avoid jargon or overly complex terms.
  • It’s important to maintain neutrality in informative speeches. The focus is on providing information, not expressing personal opinions.

To Inspire

  • An inspirational speech inspires and motivates the audience to think differently or take action.
  • The speech often includes a personal story or anecdote which the audience can relate to.
  • Use of positive and empowering language is vital to make listeners feel inspired.
  • It’s important to strike an emotional connection and create a strong narrative to inspire the audience.
  • The speaker must bring energy and enthusiasm to their delivery to effectively inspire others.

To Entertain

  • The main aim of an entertaining speech is to amuse or provide enjoyment to the audience.
  • The speaker uses humour, storytelling, and often dramatic elements to engage the audience.
  • The speech needs to fit the occasion and engage with the interests of the audience.
  • The speaker should demonstrate good timing, sequential presentation, and an engaging style to keep the audience interested and entertained.