Types of Speeches

Why This Matters

Every speech you'll analyze or deliver in this course falls into a category based on its primary purpose—and understanding that purpose is the key to both crafting effective speeches and answering exam questions correctly. You're being tested on your ability to recognize why a speaker makes certain choices: Why use emotional appeals here? Why include a demonstration there? Why skip the script entirely? These decisions flow directly from the speech type.

The categories below aren't arbitrary labels—they represent fundamentally different relationships between speaker, audience, and message. Some speeches prioritize knowledge transfer, others focus on attitude change, and still others emphasize connection and celebration. Don't just memorize the names; know what communication goal each type serves and how that goal shapes everything from structure to delivery style.

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Speeches That Transfer Knowledge

These speech types prioritize clarity and understanding. The speaker's primary job is to help the audience learn something new or gain a skill. Success is measured by whether the audience walks away with usable knowledge.

Informative Speeches

• Primary goal is education—the speaker acts as a teacher, presenting facts without advocating for a particular position
• Organizational clarity is critical; use chronological, spatial, or topical structures to help audiences follow complex information
• Evidence takes center stage—statistics, expert testimony, and concrete examples build credibility and aid retention

Demonstrative Speeches

• Show, don't just tell—these speeches walk audiences through a process step-by-step, often with visual aids or live demonstrations
• Sequencing matters most; skipping steps or presenting them out of order destroys comprehension
• Audience engagement transforms passive watching into active learning—invite questions, check for understanding, or have listeners follow along

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Speeches That Change Minds

These speech types aim to shift audience beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors. The speaker isn't just sharing information—they're advocating for a position and working to move the audience toward it.

Persuasive Speeches

• Goal is attitude or behavior change—the speaker wants the audience to believe something new or take specific action
• Three appeals work together: ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic) combine to build a compelling case
• Addressing counterarguments strengthens your position—acknowledging opposing views shows fairness and lets you refute them directly

Debate Speeches

• Structured argumentation in a competitive format—speakers must defend assigned positions, sometimes regardless of personal belief
• Research depth is non-negotiable; you must understand both sides thoroughly to anticipate and counter opposing arguments
• Rebuttal skills separate good debaters from great ones—listening actively and responding directly to opponents' specific claims

Motivational Speeches

• Inspire action or mindset shifts—these speeches tap into audience aspirations and encourage them to pursue goals or overcome obstacles
• Personal stories and vivid examples create emotional resonance; abstract advice falls flat without concrete illustration
• Positive framing and empowerment drive the message—focus on what audiences can achieve rather than what they're doing wrong

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Speeches That Connect and Celebrate

These speech types prioritize relationship and shared meaning. The speaker's job is to honor the moment, strengthen community bonds, or simply bring people together through shared experience.

Commemorative Speeches

• Honor a person, event, or milestone—eulogies, tributes, and dedication speeches all fall into this category
• Emotional language and personal anecdotes create meaningful connection; generic praise feels hollow
• Aim for inspiration and reflection—help the audience appreciate significance and feel moved by shared values

Entertaining Speeches

• Primary goal is audience enjoyment—humor, storytelling, and engaging delivery take priority
• Entertainment serves a purpose; even the funniest speech should leave audiences with a clear takeaway or theme
• Relatability is your secret weapon—audiences connect with speakers who share universal experiences or self-deprecating humor

Special Occasion Speeches

• Tailored to specific events—weddings, graduations, award ceremonies, and toasts each have distinct conventions
• Context determines content; a graduation speech emphasizes future possibilities while a retirement toast celebrates past achievements
• Balance formula with authenticity—audiences expect certain elements but value genuine, personal touches most

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Speeches Defined by Delivery Method

These categories describe how a speech is prepared and delivered rather than its purpose. Any speech type above can be delivered using these methods.

Impromptu Speeches

• Little to no preparation time—you're responding to a prompt or situation on the spot
• Quick mental organization is essential; experienced speakers use simple frameworks (past-present-future or problem-solution) to structure thoughts rapidly
• Clarity beats complexity—focus on one or two clear points rather than attempting comprehensive coverage

Extemporaneous Speeches

• Prepared but not memorized—speakers work from an outline or notes rather than a full script
• Balances preparation with spontaneity; you know your material but adapt language and examples in the moment
• Conversational delivery feels natural—this method typically produces the most engaging, audience-responsive speeches

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Quick Reference Table

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Self-Check Questions

1. A speaker teaches an audience how to perform CPR using a mannequin demonstration. Is this an informative or demonstrative speech, and why does the distinction matter?

2. Which two speech types both aim to change audience behavior but differ in whether they argue for a specific position? What's an example of each?

3. Compare and contrast impromptu and extemporaneous delivery: What preparation is involved in each, and when might a speaker choose one over the other?

4. A valedictorian addresses her graduating class, reflecting on shared memories and encouraging classmates to pursue their dreams. Which speech type(s) does this represent, and what elements signal each?

5. If an exam question describes a speaker who acknowledges opposing arguments before refuting them, which speech type is most likely being described? What other speech type shares this characteristic?