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When developing an informative speech, it’s particularly important to remain focused on your rhetorical purpose—to inform—at every phase. If you know your subject well enough not to have to do research, be sure to establish your own credentials—noting, for example, “As someone who’s played in poolrooms all over this state for more than two decades, I am fairly well schooled in the rules of the game.” You should also bear in mind that it’s your responsibility to remain objective; if you find yourself choosing evidence to support a particular point of view, you are going beyond informing. Remember that it’s easier to remain objective on some subjects (such as knitting or explaining how an engine works), while others will invariably wander into more persuasive territory (defining terrorism or freedom of speech). We discuss persuasion further in Chapters 17 and 18.
Organizational Pattern |
Pattern Description |
Example |
| Spatial | Describes or explains elements or events as they occur in space | A speech to explain the trajectory of a meteor that may come dangerously close to Earth |
| Chronological (Temporal) | Moves from the beginning to the end by referencing points in time | A speech that describes a negotiation process, breaking down each of the bargaining steps as they occur |
| Causal | Explains the roots of a phenomenon or process | A presentation that explains how plate tectonics causes earthquakes and tsunamis |
| Comparison | Presents major similarities and differences between two items | A speech that compares the global reach and power of the United States with that of ancient Rome |
| Categorical (Topical) | Main points constitute separate topics, each of which supports the thesis | A presentation to explain running a marathon, breaking it down into separate categories for training, nutrition, technique and style, and mental preparation |