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An idea is a theory, a principle, a belief, or a value. Ideas are relatively abstract compared to other informative speech topics, such as an object, a person, or a process. For example, it’s harder to describe the notion of “freedom of speech” than it is to explain what the aurora borealis looks like or how a motorcycle engine works. The idea of freedom of speech is more difficult to explain for two reasons: first, it’s an idea and not a physical object or process; second, there are limits to freedom of speech—indeed, this concept has several subtleties that restrict its application in many situations (for example, it is illegal to incite certain kinds of violence or to threaten to kill another person).⁵

Some ideas are also loaded because people have difficulty agreeing on their meaning. Consider the notion of “terrorism.” Its meaning seems obvious to many after the 9/11 attacks and their repercussions. But are all violent acts against civilians or noncombatants terrorism? Are nation-states guilty of terrorism when their troops accidentally kill civilians? Why do people say things like “One man’s terrorism is another man’s freedom fight?” Like freedom of expression, terrorism is a more complex and abstract notion than it may initially appear.

Here are some additional ideas that may constitute topics for an informative speech about an idea:

Because ideas are so abstract, it’s important to select an idea carefully as you consider topics for an informative speech. Otherwise, you may fail to connect with your audience during your presentation. Be sure to consider your audience’s interests and level of education while weighing potential ideas to discuss in your speech. For example, if you want to inform your listeners about the economic impact of globalization, think about how much your audience already knows about the topic. If their knowledge is scanty, you’ll need to provide more background on globalization during your speech, or you may decide to select another topic with which your listeners are more familiar.

Also ask yourself whether your audience members have had prior exposure to the idea you want to discuss in your presentation. If they have—and did not find the idea compelling—you may want to consider selecting a different topic.

Finally, consider how you might make particularly abstract ideas more understandable to your listeners during your presentation. In a talk on the impact of globalization, for example, you could draw the following analogy: “Globalization is like agriculture. In agriculture, the more evenly you spread seeds across a large field, the more certain you can be that crops will grow in every corner of the field. Likewise, the more you allow commercial activity to flourish across many countries, the more you’ll encourage economic well-being among the world’s populations.”

Most informative speeches about ideas require the use of definition or explanation, both of which enable you to clarify the meaning of the idea you’re discussing and to examine its various ramifications. For instance, while the meaning of terrorism is hotly debated in academic and political circles, most people define it as a form of calculated violence (or the threat thereof) against civilians or noncombatants for the purpose of creating mass anxiety and panic while publicizing a political or social agenda.⁶ An informative speech on terrorism might begin with that definition, but to further clarify the idea of terrorism, you could separate each part of the definition and explain it individually. For instance, to clarify what “publicizing a political or social agenda” means, you could offer several examples of groups who have committed violent acts and then used the resulting publicity to advance their cause.