Types of Speech

Summary

The video discusses eight types of speeches: introductory, informative, persuasive, proclamation, instructional, acceptance, entertaining/motivational, and debate. It emphasizes that while many speech types overlap, each has a unique purpose, from introducing people to persuading audiences or entertaining them. The speaker argues that the classification of speeches can be broad and redefined, ultimately serving to change or influence an audience in some way. The video concludes by noting the importance of the rhetorical situation in delivering a message effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 There are many types of speeches, with at least eight key categories identified by the speaker.
• 😀 The introductory speech involves introducing people or groups and can also apply to introducing yourself.
• 😀 The informative speech aims to educate the audience on a specific topic, assuming they are uninformed.
• 😀 A persuasive speech seeks to convince an audience to take action, often by supporting a cause or purchasing something.
• 😀 Proclamation speeches are ceremonial or affirmatory, declaring or confirming something widely known or believed.
• 😀 Instructional speeches teach the audience how to perform a task by outlining specific steps.
• 😀 Acceptance speeches express gratitude and appreciation, typically when receiving an award or honor.
• 😀 Entertaining or motivational speeches aim to inspire or amuse, often relying on humor or emotional appeal.
• 😀 Debates involve multiple speakers presenting opposing views, often within formal or informal settings like academic or political arenas.
• 😀 Many types of speeches overlap in purpose or content, as they all aim to deliver a message to change or influence the audience in some way.
• 😀 The most important commonality between all speech types is the rhetorical situation, where the speaker delivers a message with the expectation of audience change.

Q & A

How many types of speeches are mentioned in the transcript?

The transcript mentions eight types of speeches, which are: introductory, informative, persuasive, proclamation, instructional, acceptance, entertaining/motivational, and debate.

What is the purpose of an introductory speech?

The purpose of an introductory speech is to introduce a person or group of people, or sometimes to introduce oneself. It’s often used when asked to present someone or to tell others about yourself.

What distinguishes an informative speech from other types of speeches?

An informative speech aims to enlighten the audience by providing new information. The goal is to educate and raise awareness on a particular topic, assuming the audience is uninformed about it.

What is the main goal of a persuasive speech?

The main goal of a persuasive speech is to change the audience's views or behaviors, often by winning over a skeptical audience. It typically includes information but also encourages action, such as supporting a cause or purchasing a product.

What is a proclamation speech, and can you give an example?

A proclamation speech is typically a formal announcement or declaration. It may include affirmations that everyone already knows but reinforces these points publicly, such as announcing a public holiday or declaring a new monument.

How does an instructional speech differ from other speeches?

An instructional speech is a 'how-to' speech that guides the audience step-by-step through a process or activity, with clear instructions on how to perform specific tasks or assemble something.

What is an acceptance speech, and when is it typically given?

An acceptance speech is delivered when an individual receives an award or honor. It is an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation, and it may also allow the speaker to share personal thoughts or a message.

What is the purpose of an entertaining or motivational speech?

The purpose of an entertaining or motivational speech is to inspire, amuse, or divert the audience. It often includes humor or emotional appeal, with little to no persuasion involved.

How are debates categorized in the transcript?

Debates are categorized into formal and informal types. Formal debates follow rigid rules and often occur in academic, legal, or political settings, while informal debates can happen anywhere, even in casual conversations.

What do all types of speeches have in common, according to the speaker?

All types of speeches share the common goal of delivering a message to an audience, with the expectation that the audience will be changed in some way—whether by gaining new knowledge, changing attitudes, or taking action.