Informative vs Persuasive

Summary

In this Communication Coach video, Alex Lyon explores the nuances of informative versus persuasive speaking, essential skills for emerging leaders. He explains that informative speaking focuses on educating, providing data and facts, often seen in teaching or training roles. In contrast, persuasive speaking aims to alter beliefs or actions, akin to a lawyer presenting a case. Lyon emphasizes the overlap between the two, as professionals often blend them to meet audience needs and achieve presentation goals, suggesting that tailoring the message to the situation is key.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Informative speaking focuses on providing information to educate or update the audience on a topic.
• 📈 In informative presentations, supporting materials like data, statistics, facts, and examples are used to convey information.
• 📚 Common informative topics include historical figures, events, scientific principles, and how-to guides.
• 📝 The structure of informative speaking often follows a chronological or spatial arrangement to present information.
• 💡 Persuasive speaking aims to change the audience's minds or behaviors through building an argument with supporting materials.
• 🧐 Persuasive presentations can use the same topics as informative ones but with the goal of convincing the audience of a specific viewpoint.
• 🔄 Both informative and persuasive speaking can be combined in professional settings, often depending on the needs of the audience and the occasion.
• 🔑 The key to effective communication is understanding the audience's needs and tailoring the message accordingly, whether it's informative, persuasive, or a mix.
• 📊 The structure of persuasive speaking often follows a problem-solution order, highlighting issues and proposing solutions.
• 👥 Professional speakers, such as trainers, leaders, and salespeople, often blend informative and persuasive elements to achieve their goals.

Q & A

What is the main difference between informative and persuasive speaking?

Informative speaking focuses on conveying information to educate or inform the audience about a topic, while persuasive speaking aims to change the audience's minds or behaviors by building an argument to support a specific point of view.

In what professional roles is informative speaking commonly used?

Informative speaking is commonly used in teaching roles, educational roles, as a trainer, supervisor, or leader when coaching, training, or mentoring others.

What are some examples of topics for informative speaking?

Examples of topics for informative speaking include speeches about historical figures like Thomas Edison, historical events like Pearl Harbor, how-to presentations such as making sushi, or explanations of complex concepts like how electricity works.

What types of supporting materials are used in informative speaking?

In informative speaking, supporting materials such as data, statistics, facts, examples, quotations, and stories are used to convey information and help the audience understand the message.

How is the structure of an informative speech typically organized?

An informative speech is typically organized in a way that presents the information in a logical sequence, such as chronological order, spatial arrangement, or step-by-step instructions.

What is the primary goal of persuasive speaking?

The primary goal of persuasive speaking is to change the audience's minds or behaviors, often by presenting information in a way that supports a specific argument or point of view.

How does the structure of a persuasive speech differ from an informative one?

A persuasive speech is typically structured around a problem-solution order, where the speaker first presents the problems associated with the topic and then offers solutions or recommendations.

Can you give examples of professions where persuasive speaking is commonly used?

Persuasive speaking is commonly used by politicians, salespeople, motivational speakers, and professionals in various roles who aim to influence or convince others to take a specific action or adopt a certain viewpoint.

How do informative and persuasive speaking overlap in professional settings?

In professional settings, informative and persuasive speaking often overlap as speakers may need to educate their audience while also persuading them to take action. For example, during an orientation, the speaker informs new employees but also motivates them to apply the information in their work.

What factors should a speaker consider when deciding whether to use informative or persuasive speaking for a particular message?

A speaker should consider their audience, the audience's needs and expectations, their own goals as a speaker or leader, and the occasion or context of the speech to determine whether to use informative, persuasive, or a combination of both speaking styles.

What are Monroe's Motivated Sequence and 'How to Organize a Persuasive Speech or Presentation', and why are they important?

Monroe's Motivated Sequence is a method for organizing an entire persuasive presentation, providing a strategic map for structuring the speech. 'How to Organize a Persuasive Speech or Presentation' is a guide that focuses on structuring the main points to create a persuasive message. Both are important for speakers aiming to effectively persuade their audience.