What Are the Different Types of Public Speaking?

Believe it or not, there are various types of public speaking. Each type serves a unique purpose and has distinct characteristics and objectives. Public speaking can be daunting, especially for beginners – but knowing the different types can make it easier to prepare.

In this blog post, we’ll explore five different kinds of public speaking: informative, persuasive, demonstrative, inspirational, and entertaining. We’ll also look at some real-life examples to help illustrate each type. By the end of the post, you’ll be able to determine the best approach for your next speaking engagement and put your public speaking skills into practice!

Informative Speech

Informative speeches aim to educate the audience on a particular topic. This type of speech isn’t about sharing subjective opinions but providing facts, data, and insights from credible sources to enhance understanding. Informative speeches tend to be concise and to the point.

Informative speeches are commonly found in academic, professional, and public settings.

Examples of Informative Speaking:

1. A scientist presents the latest research on climate change at a conference. This type of speech would involve detailed explanations of data, research findings, and potential implications for the future.
2. A Ted Talks informative speech. Renowned for spreading ideas and knowledge, Ted Talks often feature experts sharing information on an array of subjects, from science to personal development.
3. A university professor delivers an informative lecture to help students understand complex topics in their fields of study.
4. Professionals run a workshop providing detailed information and practical skills on a specific subject, such as digital marketing, coding, or leadership.

Real-life example: Bill Gates presents the need for poorer countries to receive COVID-19 vaccines from the US. His speech effectively urged the US to help third-world countries access vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Persuasive Speech

Persuasive speeches are designed to convince the audience to adopt a specific viewpoint or take a particular action. These speeches often use the three rhetorical appeals – ethos, pathos, and logos – to influence the audience’s beliefs or behaviors. This means that they try to appeal to credibility (ethos), emotions (pathos), and logic (logos).

Persuasive speeches are common in fields like politics, sales, marketing, and advocacy.

Examples of Persuasive Speaking:

1. A politician delivers a campaign speech to persuade the public to vote for them in an upcoming election by presenting their policies and visions for the future.
2. During a sales presentation, a professional uses persuasive techniques to convince potential clients to purchase products or services.
3. An activist delivers persuasive advocacy speeches to raise awareness of social issues and encourage collective action.

Real-life example: Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech is a powerful example of a persuasive speech. His compelling words and passionate delivery inspired countless individuals to support the civil rights movement.

Demonstrative Speech

Demonstrative speeches provide a step-by-step guide on how to perform a particular task or activity. These speeches are practical and often use visual aids (such as presentations, props, or product samples) to make sure the audience understands the message.

Demonstrative speeches are found in a wide variety of contexts, from educational and professional settings to social media and marketing campaigns.

Examples of Demonstrative Speaking:

1. A chef conducts a cooking demonstration, showing the audience how to prepare a gourmet meal from start to finish. Such demonstrations usually cater to those with minimal cooking skills.
2. An online influencer or educator creates demonstrative videos showing how to complete various projects, from home improvement to crafting.
3. An IT professional conducts training sessions to demonstrate the use of software, tools, or equipment as part of technical training.
4. A business owner pitches a new product or service to potential customers or investors, highlighting its key features and benefits.

Real-life example: Chef Jean-Pierre demonstrates his recipe for gazpacho – a famous cold soup from Spain’s Andalusia region.

Inspirational Speech

Inspirational speeches, sometimes known as motivational speeches, aim to uplift the audience and encourage them to make a change in their lives. This might involve personal or professional development, taking action for a cause, or discovering a new perspective on a key issue.

Inspirational speeches often draw on personal experiences, stories, and anecdotes to resonate with the audience emotionally. They’re common in self-help settings, motivational seminars, and religious gatherings.

Examples of Inspirational Speaking:

1. A motivational speaker shares their journey of overcoming adversity to inspire others to pursue their dreams and goals.
2. An influential figure delivers inspirational speeches to graduating students at commencement, offering advice and encouragement for their future endeavors.
3. Speakers like Tony Robbins inspire audiences to achieve their personal and professional goals through powerful storytelling and actionable advice during motivational seminars.
4. A speaker at a charity event shares moving stories and experiences to inspire generosity and support for important causes.

Real-life example: Oprah Winfrey’s commencement address to the Class of 2013 at Harvard University is a quintessential inspirational speech. Her heartfelt stories and life lessons encouraged graduates to embrace failure and strive for greatness.

Entertaining Speech

As the name suggests, entertaining speeches are crafted to amuse and engage the audience. Entertaining speeches often feature humor and funny anecdotes and include dramatic storytelling techniques (like vivid descriptions and suspense-building) to create an immersive experience.

These speeches are common at social events, ceremonies, and casual gatherings.

Examples of Entertaining Speaking:

1. A stand-up comedian performs entertaining speeches to make audiences laugh.
2. Best men and maids of honor give heartfelt and humorous speeches to celebrate the newlyweds during wedding speeches or toasts.
3. Speakers at formal dinners provide light-hearted and entertaining talks and after-dinner speeches to enhance attendees’ enjoyment of the event.

Real-life example: Canadian comedian Russell Peters performs one of his comedy sketches from 2008. In this sketch, he playfully mocks East Indians for being cheap. Mr. Peters often uses humor to highlight cultural stereotypes, especially those from his East Indian heritage.

Becoming A Public Speaker

Do you dream of professionally pursuing public speaking? Our Becoming A Public Speaker course teaches a repeatable process to effectively prepare candidates for public speaking opportunities. It also explains how to engage, empower, and energize audiences. We offer free lessons for this course.