Unit 7 Conclusion

In Unit 7, we explored the nuances of speaking to inform and speaking to entertain. Informative speaking requires objectivity in crafting and developing our message. These speeches may be expository or process in nature. Informative speaking seeks to increase audience understanding without calling for a change in belief or behavior on the part of the audience. A key component of informative speaking is the ability to take complex information and make it accessible through the use of analogies, definitions, and the avoidance of jargon. Entertaining speech at its core is amusing, inspiring, and motivational. Special occasion speeches may use humor and other human interest devices to bring people together, celebrate, and commemorate people and their achievements. Unlike informative speaking, speeches that entertain do not rely on data or research so much as the speaker’s ability to use storytelling and emotional appeal to connect with their audience. Entertaining speeches are some of the shortest speeches we may deliver, but can also be some of the most memorable and powerful. Now let’s move on to persuasive speaking, which is a contrast to informative speaking.