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274 Speech Topics for Business [Persuasive, Informative]

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Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Business speech topics in a row including company matters such as leadership and management and writing theses on strategic e-marketing for your meeting presentation.

In this article:

Informative

business speech topics

List of Business Speech Topics

  • Your business will fail if you do not have good people skills.
  • In business both short and long-term goals are important.
  • Introverts are better entrepreneurs.
  • Market research is a key to starting a business.
  • Every business person needs a mentor.
  • You must have a business plan.
  • Why cold emailing potential clients actually works.
  • You should send past client’s thoughtful gifts.
  • You must always know your position in the market.
  • You should take full advantage of social media for your business.
  • It’s smart to create blog posts specific to your business.
  • Word of mouth is still the best way to get you new clients.
  • Working from home is the best productivity tool.
  • In business, you must always deliver an experience too.
  • You must know how to create your own opportunities.
  • The customer is not always right.
  • You will learn the most from your unhappy clients.
  • You should not start a business you are not passionate about.
  • Never be afraid of your competitors.
  • Always trust your instincts, even in business.
  • Being persistent and perseverant will work to your advantage.
  • You must never bad mouth your competition.
  • Failure isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you are willing to learn from them.
  • Business people must keep a diary and adhere to it religiously.
  • There are businesses that you can start with no money.
  • Why you should turn your passion into a business.
  • Marketing as an investment and not an option.
  • Successful business owners delegate well.
  • Unique selling propositions is not necessary for success.
  • Customer surveys will improve your business.
  • A business should first and foremost take good care of their employees.
  • People in the business environment shouldn’t have to hide their tattoo’s.
  • A dress code shouldn’t be necessary for an office.
  • Smoke breaks shouldn’t be allowed.
  • Brainstorming with co-workers will boost a company’s productivity.
  • Team building events are key to team motivation.
  • Virtual businesses will take over the retail world.
  • No one should stay at a company where their growth is limited.
  • IWhy working for the competitor is a good move.
  • Minimum wage is unfair.
  • Experience should be valued higher than qualifications.
  • Employers shouldn’t have the right to ask for your social media accounts.
  • French should become the business language of the world.
  • Sometimes franchising your business is a bad idea.
  • Written warnings are not always the best solution.
  • Theft should equal immediate dismissal.
  • A background check on potential staff members is a must.
  • Apprenticeship programs are of great value to young adults.
  • Product waste should be reused in other areas.
  • Product differentiation is good for companies.
  • Different cultural aspects need to be kept in consideration when doing research.
  • Why having a business on the side isn’t a bad thing.
  • For a physical business, location will always be key.
  • Why every business should give free perks to its employees.
  • Modern day businesses don’t need to promote their products.
  • Corporate businesses are taking over government.
  • A college degree will not guarantee success in business.
  • Poor leadership will bankrupt a business.
  • All businesses should go green.
  • New fathers should get paid time off to help with the baby.
  • Affirmative action is not right if someone is higher purely on race only.
  • Employees should be allowed dating each other.
  • Sexual harassment should be taken more seriously in the work place.
  • Business owner’s should constantly brush up on their skills as well as send their employees for further training.
  • A yearly bonus should be based on how well an employee did their job.
  • Loyal customers should be treated like royalty.
  • You can take negative reviews and turn them around.
  • Why mono-tasking is more productive than multi-tasking.
  • Businesses should never over work and under pay their employees.
  • Why a business should never cut back on quality.
  • Why every company should have random drug tests.
  • Job hoppers are not good for your business.
  • Hiring a lazy person isn’t always a bad thing.
  • Your company needs to be active in social media.
  • The owner of a company should be involved in the day to day running of his business.
  • Employees should always feel like they can approach their bosses at any time.
  • Companies should have the same set rules for everyone.
  • Companies should have important dates diarised and stick to those dates.
  • Keeping a person ready for retirement around will benefit younger staff.
  • When hiring you should always trust your gut instinct.
  • Company phones should not be used for personal use.
  • Employers should never ask staff to work through their lunch break.
  • Companies should have their closing dates finalised months before the time.
  • End of the year functions should be for the whole family.
  • You need to be iring people who speak multiple languages.
  • Large companies should provide day care.
  • Company vehicles should not be driven by several drivers.
  • Why companies should always deliver on their promises.
  • Sales should only take place if there is enough stock for a large number of people.
  • Black Friday sales should be food sales.
  • Why businesses should focus on creating more leaders for their companies.
  • Businesses should be careful to not spam their clients with too many emails.
  • Clients like businesses with good sense of humour.
  • Free food makes your employees happy.
  • Recruitment and staffing decisions are crucial to success.
  • Enhancing return on investment …
  • What is knowledge management and why is it important?
  • Creative team building methods to test with your own collegues.
  • Conditions for good franchising business agreements.
  • Exchanges planning for the unexpected when it comes to leadership and management challenges.
  • Paying bribes, why, when and why not?
  • Internal auditing – a hot business topic.
  • Preventing financial fraud
  • Benefits of performance-related pay.
  • Trends and mode factors in your branche or industry, these fashionable sales matters can be a very attractive business topic.
  • Review of a popular book about a narrow-casted theme that is related to your actual tendencies you see in your niche.
  • Kick start job hunting practices – telle and show them your approach of handling cases.
  • Small business ideas and opportunities.
  • Globalization trade opportunities as the world has come closer tied in client supply and demand structures.
  • Do the background check on staff personal or B2B consultants.
  • How to develop an apprenticeship program – a business speech sample topic of the category inform writing theses your public.
  • Ceiling on weekly working hours?
  • How to implement workers’ ideas – and go further than placing a suggestion box in the hall of the building.
  • Exporting issues related with government regulations.
  • The mighty power of strategy for winning in business and in life.
  • When consulting and when absolutely not – what are the outsourcing policies for seeking advice by third parties within your enterprise or firm.
  • Unique manufacturing methods that reduce production costs.
  • Trade protectionism or deregulation, what is the top-notch strategic e-marketing plan for your company?
  • Leadership and management always are hot topics for a business speech.
  • Merchandise marketing business speech topics.
  • Enhancing logistics and transportation are key components for economic growth.
  • The psychodynamics of organizational change management.
  • Trade in bankruptcy.
  • How crisis communication provides policies for the coordination of communication in the event of an emergency or controversial issue.
  • Top ten strategic e-marketing issues.
  • Fulfillment and the rest of consumer-related stuff, in my opinion that writing theses also has to be implemented in an elevator pitch.
  • Top five employer responsibilities.
  • How to avoid product wastage due to churning frozen food products.
  • Proven methods and insights to run successful retail business operations.
  • There is more to a good job than just a good salary.
  • Work tasks must adopt healthy and safe ergonomic postures for employees.
  • Employees must have easy access into all the facilities of a business.
  • Why you should pay your taxes.
  • Turn off computers when leaving the workplace.
  • The benefits of working for a large business are better than working for a smaller one.
  • Corporations like to invest in the capabilities of young female professionals.
  • The number of women in high positions could not be raised artificially.
  • The Aging Population Hurts The Economy
  • Strong unions are necessary in times of economic growth.
  • Business intelligence must be used strategically.
  • State antitrust laws to prevent monopolies should be abolished.
  • Rising food prices endanger Asian economies.
  • Real estate brokers are selling bad houses as palaces due to their creative terminology.
  • Raising the salaries of CEO’s in bad economic times should be forbidden.
  • Racial balance can be achieved without affirmative action.
  • Performance-related pay would enhance motivation.
  • A partnership is two way traffic
  • Team building motivates sales managers to stay at the top of their fields.
  • Employeers should have the right to dismiss employees that strike for unreasonable reasons.
  • Never work with someone that you don’t trust.
  • Networking: lifeblood of every entrepreneur.
  • Market mechanisms could do better to help poor people.
  • Asia will attain a strong and healthy growth in their global trade efforts.
  • Logistics is the base of enormous projects.
  • Legalization of long term illegal immigrants helps the economy.
  • Candidates should be told when their resumes have been received.
  • Invest with micro-credit in favellas.
  • India has the best booming and emerging market.
  • Night shift work has too many negative effects on employees.
  • Human resources management is another word for sacking people politely.
  • Debts should be consolidated.
  • Home businesses ruin family lives.
  • HIV positive employees ought to tell employers their status.
  • All business practice some form of corruption.
  • Free market policy is disastrous for Africa.
  • You must find a niche for your small business.
  • Employment programs are not effective.
  • Employers should not have access to genetic testing results.
  • The development of a business suffers because employees and managing directors want different things.
  • Higher minimum wages causes higher unemployment rates..
  • Companies should have a “Support the Arts” fund.
  • Coaching practices in the business accelerate staff growth.
  • Capitalism is not better than communism.
  • Capitalism has caused the financial crisis.
  • Beneath the top of the corporate ladder exists an invisible barrier for women.
  • Bartering has contemporary relevance.
  • Bank account holders are not protected well enough.
  • Asian countries make the most innovative cars.
  • Promotional phone calls and text messages from telemarketers is good for consumers.
  • The mega rich do pay enough federal income taxes.
  • You cannot protect your credit card from identity theft.
  • Hiring cheaper foreign employees hurts our economy.
  • Family leave time is a basic employee right.
  • There must be more tax-effective giving strategies for charity.
  • Limiting team sizes helps complete projects more effectively.
  • Globalization benefits the poor.
  • Support affirmative action in governmental organisations.
  • Corporations will benefit from using a computer hacker.
  • Integrity is everything in business.
  • Women will always be victims of discrimination in the workplace.
  • Professional ethics are not needed in corporate decision making.
  • Wildcat strikes should be legalized.
  • We should decide our own working hours.
  • Effective leadership is fundamental in the business field.
  • Companies should not hire employees for life.
  • Workers should not be allowed to strike whenever they want to.
  • Unions have caused ridiculous regulations.
  • Strikers should be fired.
  • Leadership skills, management qualities and reflexive abilities are all needed to become a successful business owner.
  • Labor unions provide value in the workplace.
  • Employer should be forbidden to track the Internet activity of their employees.
  • Why finance institutions want to see a business plan.
  • Adventure incentives increase employee loyalty.
  • Corruption and bribery: we can’t do without it when doing business abroad.
  • Strike is not the only weapon workers have.
  • Solid job security is better than an uncertain but satisfying special vocation.
  • Flexible working hours will reduce traffic jams.
  • Outsourcing is a good solution for small business owners.
  • Yes, there is a glass ceiling for women.
  • Labour unions are still relevant.
  • Co-workers will not work well together if they do not trust each other.
  • Corporations should create and maintain an internal anti-fraud code.
  • It is crucial for women to have a career before marriage.
  • Labor unions have too much influence.
  • General strikes harm people who are not involved.
  • Employees should be tested for drugs at their work place.
  • A good business supervisor takes employees seriously.

Informative business speech topics list including more than thirty items on creative accounting, time management, and flexible work arrangements and many more for a field of work presentation.

TIP : Use the words what, which, who, why and how in your central business speech idea and title. Also the words steps, methods, secrets or benefits will indicate that your presentation is about informative business speech topics.

  • Ergonomics in the workspace – chairs, tables and desks, physical poses that are good for people who sit all day.
  • Corporate loans and special grants for women start-ups. Yes, there happen to be lots of initiatives especially for female entrepreneurs. To start up an own company.
  • Store fixtures (offer ten solid examples and their benefits) like displays, goodie racks, inventive approaches, etc:
  • My checklist for going along with a partner – do not forget to ask the local Chamber of Commerce for help.
  • Creative accounting and the financial accounting standards. What is right and what is wrong? What are the gray zones you have to avoid?
  • Telemarketing ideas for small companies, techniques to operate on low costs per lead you get by direct marketing phone calls.
  • What is copyright protection? This theme opens the way for many informative business speech topics as you can guess. The how, what and when and the legal aspects.
  • How to introduce young people to selling and dealing – a mentor, a patron or are there new form of getting them on the job and let them be productive.
  • B2B contracts on intellectual property – dull stuff you think perhaps, but if you make a some kind of a floor plan or roadmap for future contracts you are the boss and an authority at once in this field for many who have to struggle with this.
  • When should we go outsourcing to third parties and what must the Human Resources department be concerned with?
  • Product labeling.
  • What if your commercial or industrial enterprise grows too fast.
  • How to deal with grant-making foundations and grant writing.
  • Backing up trade secrets with a signed confidentiality agreement.
  • What does the International Organization for Standardization – ISO do?
  • Good governance ethics and social responsibility. And what has accountability to do with it? Open the window to the outside consumer world of stay inside with closed curtains?
  • Types of insurance – assets and revenues, people and liability insurance.
  • Telecommuting, job sharing, part-time and other flexible work arrangements.
  • Risk management under pressure in the twenty four hour economy.
  • Hiring people and closing deals for the long term with highly skilled young urban professionals.
  • Quality control and tracking if everything went well as you planned it should be.
  • Commercial activities and industrial research – do those two mix? Is that a happy marriage? Can you aim at synergy?
  • Human resources benefits and the ways to maintain and develop human skills and know-how.
  • Safety programs and working conditions in relation to productivity.
  • Warranties and refunds.
  • Successful tendering in oter regional areas with lots of competitors you do not know well.26. Fair trade policy.
  • Time management – planning, organizing, setting goals.
  • Step by step starting and managing a small business.
  • Training and Development – strategic thinking, negotiation, communication, risk-taking.
  • Income tax for a sole trader explained.
  • Methods to protect data and information against intruders.
  • Does affirmative action work.
  • How to handle dissatisfied customers in a nice and polite way.
  • Negotiation techniques.
  • How to write effective business letters.
  • Unique Selling Proposition and Unique Point or positioning statement.
  • Three ways to attract customer attention.
  • The best marketing rules for setting prices.
  • Customer follow-up techniques as after-sales methods.
  • Partnership models.
  • Opportunities of internet advertising.
  • Amazing, successful and funny trading stories with a twist, a bite, and a moral conclusion.
  • Credibility and trust is the base of a brand.
  • How to use email to promote your business.
  • The benefits of having a female boss.
  • How to deal with breach of contract
  • Important business ethics
  • Examples of corporate crime.
  • Types of labor disputes.
  • Sexual harassment in the work place.
  • Work place violence.
  • How to uncover false qualifications and licenses.
  • The impact of oil price fluctuations on the economy.
  • Take a career break!
  • Ways to improve short and long term career plans
  • How Amazon started its path towards success.

143 Family Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative]

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50+ Informative Speech Topics to Engage Your Audience

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We’ve all been there, staring at a blank page or empty presentation slide, trying to think of a good, informative speech topic that will engage our audience and stop them from staring numbly at their phones. Presentations and speeches can be a difficult task to tackle, especially if you lack a solid idea to get the ball rolling. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Today, we’ll dive into 50+ fresh and creative ideas for informative speech topics to help you capture your audience’s attention and give them something to engage with. Keep reading and you won’t be stuck with a dull speech topic ever again!

Interesting Informative Speech Topics

When it comes to selecting an interesting informative speech topic , there is no shortage of ideas. Choosing a topic that is engaging for both your audience and yourself can make the difference between giving a successful speech or not. There are many topics that have the potential to captivate listeners from politics to health, to relationships, and even to entertainment . The most important thing when deciding on a topic is to pick one that resonates with the interests of your audience, as well as being informative. Interesting topics should be specific enough for the speaker to cover in depth. For example, discussing the history of the American constitution would be too broad for a single speech, whereas discussing the second amendment could provide enough information for a full speech. It is also important to consider controversial topics as these can often be very interesting and engaging for listeners. When debating either side of an argument, it is important to do research and be aware of both sides of the issue. This will ensure that you are properly informed before taking part in any online debates or conversations surrounding the issue at hand. Whether you decide to discuss issues relating to current events or those that focus on more personal interest topics, there is no lack of inspiring ideas out there to create an effective informative speech. No matter what you decide, your goal should be to create an informative, engaging atmosphere that encourages others to learn from and appreciate your message.

What are some good topics for an informative speech?

1. The History of Space Exploration: Discuss the timeline from the first satellite in space to present day space exploration missions and their significance. 2. Advances in Artificial Intelligence: Examine how knowledge processing tools such as machine learning and neural networks have changed society. 3. Plastic Pollution: Outline the types of plastic pollution, explain their effects on ocean life, and provide solutions for reducing plastic waste. 4. Eating Disorders: Explain types of eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, their psychological impacts, and methods of treatment. 5. Alternative Energy Sources: Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable energy sources (e.g., solar power), future potential developments, and environmental issues associated with traditional methods of generating electricity. 6. Cancer Research: Explore modern cancer detection techniques, how genetics play a role in cancer development, and advances in research leading to new treatments or cures. 7. Food Waste Reduction: Describe current levels of food waste, its environmental costs, innovative strategies being employed to reduce waste production, and practical steps individuals can take to conserve resources. 8. Online Privacy: Investigate data security threats posed by technology companies or other entities and discuss strategies for protecting personal information online. 9. Climate Change: Review current scientific evidence demonstrating the accelerating rate of global climate change, discuss possible societal implications if warming trends continue unabated, and present potential solutions that would limit global temperature increases going forward.

10. The benefits and challenges of sustainable living 11. The history and significance of the world’s ancient wonders 12. The psychology of decision making and how to improve it 13. The evolution and impact of social media on our society 14. The importance of mental health and strategies for self-care 15. The benefits and potential risks of artificial intelligence 16. The role of technology in modern education 17. The history and significance of the Olympic games 18. The science behind climate change and solutions for a sustainable future 19. The benefits and drawbacks of globalization on culture and economy. 20. The art and science of lucid dreaming and how it can be used for personal growth and problem-solving.

Popular Informative Speech Topics

When it comes to giving an informative speech, the most important thing is to pick a topic that will capture your audience’s attention. Some of the more popular topics people are interested in include those related to current events, history, media and technology, health and nutrition, psychology and education. For example, a debate surrounding current events might focus on issues such as immigration policy or global warming. When speaking about historical topics, consider discussing famous leaders or pivotal moments throughout history. If you’re looking for trending topics that are related to media, you may want to cover topics like censorship or virtual reality . When picking out health-related topics, consider exploring areas like medical cannabis or the impact of stress on our bodies. As for psychology and education, you may consider diving deeper into the role of learning styles in education or analyze the effects of bullying on adolescents. No matter what type of informative speech topic you choose to present on, be sure to do thorough research beforehand so that you can present a well-rounded argument. This will help ensure that your audience is engaged throughout your entire presentation and leave feeling informed.

Examples of Popular Informative Speech Topics

21. The history and evolution of the internet and its impact on society 22. The causes and effects of global warming and climate change 23. The importance of a healthy lifestyle and fitness 24. The benefits and drawbacks of social media on communication and relationships 25. The impact of technology on modern business and entrepreneurship 26. The history and impact of the civil rights movement in the United States 27. The effects and potential solutions to the opioid epidemic in America 28. The importance of mental health and strategies for managing stress and anxiety 29. The science behind vaccinations and their importance in public health 30. The history and cultural significance of different types of music, such as jazz, rock, and hip-hop.

Here are 10 more:

31. The benefits and potential drawbacks of renewable energy sources 32. The impact of globalization on international trade and commerce 33. The science behind space exploration and the potential for human colonization of other planets 34. The history and significance of different forms of art, such as painting, sculpture, and photography 35. The effects of social inequality and strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion 36. The history and cultural significance of different types of food, such as sushi, pizza, and tacos 37. The importance of financial literacy and strategies for managing personal finances 38. The impact of technology on the entertainment industry, such as movies, television, and video games 39. The history and significance of different world religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism 40. The impact of artificial intelligence on the future of work and the economy.

Reasons to Give an Informative Speech

Informative speeches are often challenging and rewarding to give, as they not only require that the speaker become knowledgable about the topic at hand, but also that they also have the ability to persuade and engage with their audience. Informative speeches are essential elements in both education and industry, helping to promote engagement with a structured presentation and specialized topic or topics. On the one hand, giving an informative speech is beneficial for both the speaker and the audience being addressed. It gives the speaker an opportunity to sharpen their public speaking skills through research and careful preparation of the information being shared. Similarly, the audience members gain knowledge into a specialty field or area of interest, learning more about what they already knew or studying something completely new. Exploring abstract concepts while uncovering hidden facts can also be an invigorating experience for both parties involved in a discussion on an informative topic. However, some may argue that giving an informative speech is burdensome for the speaker for various reasons. Researching for a subject matter can prove difficult when there is limited access to factual information available online or offline. Additionally, informatic speakers must take into account the attention span of their audiences which often means having to parse down large amounts of data quickly or risk having a struggling audience lost in information overload. Despite potential obstacles associated with preparing and delivering an informative speech, opportunities abound when it comes to discovering new conversations and stimulating dialogue among participants. As such, it’s important for speakers to capitalize on these chances by researching thoroughly and honing in on key cornerstones of each topic that bring out its beauty and complexity. With this in mind, we will now move on to exploring best practices for researching an informing speech in the next section.

10 More Unique Informative Speech Topics: 41. The science and psychology of addiction and recovery 42. The history and cultural significance of tattoos in different societies 43. The benefits and challenges of homeschooling versus traditional education 44. The history and significance of different forms of dance, such as ballet, salsa, and hip hop 45. The impact of mindfulness and meditation on mental health and well-being 46. The role of music therapy in improving physical and emotional health 47. The science behind sleep and the importance of a good night’s rest 48. The history and cultural significance of different types of martial arts, such as karate, judo, and kung fu 49. The benefits and drawbacks of remote work and how it’s changing the way we work 50. The science behind alternative medicine and its effectiveness in treating different health conditions.

How to Research for an Informative Speech

When researching for an informative speech, it is important to equip yourself with accurate and trusted sources in order to effectively convey trustworthy information to your audience. It’s important to seek out authoritative sources who possess the most up-to-date details and facts about the chosen topic in order to give an informed and enlightening talk. Resources such as journals, books, websites are all valid places. For example, researching scientific topics may require more reliable resources such as scholarly articles or medical journals instead of online blog posts. It is also recommended that speakers research both sides of an argument if possible before forming their opinion and presenting it on a matter. That way you are well versed in understanding points beyond your own perspective and can provide insight into those perspectives as well. After compiling sufficient data, the next step is organizing them into a coherent message that can be easily digested by your audience. This includes preparing visual aids such as PowerPoint slides or props to both help audiences retain information better but also make the presentation more engaging than solely speaking alone. Questions throughout the presentation can also prompt your audience to become interactive while giving yourself a chance to gauge how well they understand the material presented. Now that you are armed with data from credible sources along with potential organizational tools, you are now ready for the final step which is presenting an informative speech.

How to Present an Informative Speech

When delivering an informative speech, it’s important to provide the audience with an engaging and interactive experience. To do this, speakers should focus on effective structure , clear speaking, and relevant content. Structuring an Informative Speech: Beginning with a strong introduction is essential for getting the attention of the audience. A powerful opening can be done with a joke, story, or quote. It’s also important to end the introduction with a “hook” that entices the audience to want to continue listening. The body of the speech should contain facts, evidence, and statistics to back up the content. Finally, conclude with a memorable statement that reinforces the main idea and encourages thought in the audience. Delivering an Informative Speech: When giving an informative speech, confidence is key. Strive to appear self-assured so that you can persuade your audience into listening. It’s also important to keep a steady pace while addressing the points rather than racing through them quickly – doing so will ensure that the listeners fully comprehend all of your information. Also make sure to clearly articulate each word and pause when necessary in order for certain points to set in before continuing on with other details. Utilizing Relevant Content: When selecting material for your informative speech be sure to pick topics that are not too mundane or complicated…you don’t want this presentation turn into a snooze-fest session! Keep your message lighthearted but still intriguing by offering anecdotes and examples of how this issue has been brought up in life experiences or news stories outside of its primary context. Although using humor is great for captivating an audience make sure you avoid offending anyone since this will not reflect positively on your talk. Lastly, strive to select a subject area that can prompt interesting conversations between you and your attendees. In conclusion, when crafting and delivering an informative speech remember that organization and confident delivery are two key components to getting across your message effectively. Supporting facts and data should also be included within your talk as well as relevant material related to the topic at hand which will allow listeners easily connect with what you are saying and receive value from it.

Creative Ideas to Grab the Audience’s Attention

When giving an informative speech, it is important to grab the audience’s attention right away. This can be done through creative and unique ideas that make the speech more interesting. To start, it is important to create a powerful opening by calling out common myths or misconceptions in the industry that are relevant to your topic. Focusing on one compelling fact can also help introduce the subject and get the listener engaged with your talk. Additionally, you can use personal stories or anecdotes that relate to the topic being discussed in order to draw your audience in and give them further context. Humor is also a great way to engage with an audience. Using jokes or funny stories can lighten any tense conversations and keep listeners engaged throughout the duration of the speech. By making your narrative relatable, instead of focusing on complex ideas, it will help break down difficult concepts and make people relate more closely to your experience and thoughts pertaining to the topic. A simple idea such as this could develop into an interactive experience for all in attendance. Furthermore, using visuals aids like graphics, images and videos can help tell a story for harder-to-grasp topics . This helps break up long passages of text and creates lasting impressions among viewers so they remember the points being put forth more easily. Providing visual representations from different angles of a specific concept makes abstract matters easier to comprehend since they are able to retain those visuals better than long sentences of words alone. These creative ideas should be used strategically so as not to move too far away from the main focus of an informative speech; however, they can be effective tools in engaging an audience when used correctly.

Responses to Common Questions with Explanations

How can i make an informative speech interesting.

Making an informative speech interesting starts with thoroughly researching the topic and understanding what areas of the topic will be most engaging for your audience. Take time to practice delivering the content, paying attention to how you present and pace your speech – vary the speed and style for different points in your presentation. Use humor and storytelling to liven up your delivery and make it more relatable. Incorporate visuals , as well as sound effects or music, to emphasize key points of your speech. Lastly, if you show enthusiasm when you speak and are truly passionate about what you’re presenting, that energy and emotion will be picked up on by your audience and will likely make them more engaged with your speech.

What are the best strategies for research for an informative speech?

The best strategies for research for an informative speech are to start by gathering as much reliable and accurate information as possible. It is essential to have sufficient evidence and facts to back up your claims. Therefore, begin by reading the latest reports on the topic available in books , journals, and articles. Additionally, consider conducting interviews with experts or people who can provide insight into the topic. When you’re researching, make sure you take notes accurately and quickly and that your material is properly organized for easy reference when writing your speech. Also, ensure all sources are up-to-date, credible, and unbiased. To ensure accuracy, cross-check the facts from other sources such as articles from reputable news outlets or interviews with knowledgeable professionals. Finally, anticipate counterarguments and understand different points of view that may exist about the topic. This will ensure you are able to effectively address potential debates during your presentation.

How can I effectively structure an informative speech?

When structuring an informative speech, it is important to keep in mind the goal of providing detailed and accurate information. This begins by understanding your audience and then narrowing the focus of your speech. Here are some key tips to help you effectively structure your informative speech: 1. Create an outline – Start by writing down a few main points you want to get across in your speech. Be sure you know what information each point covers and how it supports your overall message. 2. Make an introduction – Introduce yourself and the topic of your speech, as well as any relevant background information that the audience needs to understand the topic better. 3. Present facts and evidence – Use facts and evidence to support the points you make in your speech. Be sure to cite any sources used for accuracy. 4. Speak clearly – Speak at a steady pace and with a clear, strong voice so that everyone can hear you and understand what you are saying. 5. Reiterate main points – Remind the audience of the main points at least once during the speech, so that they remember them when they think back on what they have heard later on. 6. End with a summary – Summarize the main points of your speech quickly before signing off, again so that everyone remembers them before they leave the room..

Are there any tips for selecting an informative speech topic?

Yes, there are many tips for selecting an informative speech topic. First, pick something that interests you. When the topic is something that you find fascinating or enjoyable to research, it will make it easier to stay motivated while preparing your speech . Second, think of a topic that is broad enough to explore in detail but narrow enough to cover in the allotted time. If your topic is too vague or too specific, you may have difficulty finding information and sticking within the given time limit. Third, aim for a current topic so your speech remains relevant and engaging to your audience. But be sure not to go over topics that are too technical or complex—remember to keep your language accessible. Finally, do some research into any existing material available on the subject so you can avoid repeating information that has already been covered. This will also give you an opportunity to look at the different ways the subject has already been explored and form your own unique angle for presentation.

informative speech topics on business

15 Informative Speech Examples to Inspire Your Next Talk

  • The Speaker Lab
  • May 13, 2024

Table of Contents

A good informative speech is one of the most effective tools in a speaker’s arsenal. But with so many potential topics out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled 15 informative speech examples to help you find your perfect subject. Whether you’re unearthing secrets from history for your listeners or delving into future technologies, informative speeches can prove to be the recipe for the perfect talk.

But crafting an effective informative speech is about more than just picking a topic. You have to research topics, put your thoughts in order, and speak up clearly and confidently. In this post, we’ll explore strategies for each step of the process, so you can create a speech that informs, engages, and makes a lasting impact on your listeners. Let’s get started.

15 Informative Speech Examples

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next informative speech, look no further. Below are 15 examples of informative speech topics that are sure to engage and educate your audience.

  • The history and evolution of social media platforms
  • The benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources
  • The impact of sleep deprivation on mental and physical health
  • The role of emotional intelligence in personal and professional success
  • The science behind climate change and its potential consequences
  • The importance of financial literacy for young adults
  • The influence of artificial intelligence on various industries
  • The benefits of regular exercise and a balanced diet
  • The history and cultural significance of a specific art form or genre
  • The impact of technology on interpersonal communication
  • The psychology behind procrastination and effective strategies to overcome it
  • The role of diversity and inclusion in fostering innovation and creativity
  • The importance of mental health awareness and resources for students
  • The future of space exploration and its potential benefits for humanity
  • The impact of globalization on local economies and cultures

These topics cover a wide range of subjects, from technology and science to psychology and culture. By choosing one of these informative speech examples, you’ll have plenty of material to work with to create an engaging and educational presentation.

Remember, the key to a successful informative speech is to choose a topic that you’re passionate about and that will resonate with your audience. Do your research, organize your thoughts, and practice your delivery to ensure that your message comes across loud and clear.

What Is an Informative Speech?

If you’ve ever been to a conference or seminar, chances are you’ve heard an informative speech. But what exactly is an informative speech? Simply put, it’s a type of speech designed to educate the audience on a particular topic. The goal is to provide interesting and useful information, ensuring the audience walks away with new knowledge or insights. Unlike persuasive speeches that aim to convince the audience of a viewpoint, informative speeches focus on explaining a subject clearly and objectively.

Types of Informative Speeches

Informative speeches come in various forms, each with its own purpose. The most common types are definition, explanation, description, and demonstration speeches. Depending on the objective, an informative speech can take on different structures and styles.

For example, a definition speech aims to explain a concept or term, while a demonstration speech shows the audience how to perform a task or process. An explanatory speech, on the other hand, provides a detailed account of a complex subject, breaking it down into digestible parts.

Purpose of Informative Speeches

At its core, the purpose of an informative speech is to share knowledge with the audience. These speeches are characterized by their fact-based, non-persuasive nature. The focus is on delivering information in an engaging and accessible way.

A well-crafted informative speech not only educates but also sparks curiosity and encourages further learning. By dedicating yourself to providing valuable information and appealing to your audience’s interests, you can succeed as an informative speaker.

Strategies for Selecting an Informative Speech Topic

Choosing the right topic is crucial for an effective informative speech. You want a subject that is not only interesting to you but also relevant and engaging for your audience. Consider their knowledge level, background, and expectations when selecting your topic.

One strategy is to focus on a subject you’re passionate about or have expertise in. This allows you to speak with authority and enthusiasm, making your speech more compelling. Another approach is to address current events or trending topics that are on people’s minds.

When brainstorming potential topics, consider your speech’s purpose and the type of informative speech you want to deliver. Is your goal to define a concept, explain a process, describe an event, or demonstrate a skill? Answering these questions will help guide your topic selection.

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How to Write an Informative Speech

Now that you’ve selected your topic, it’s time to start writing your informative speech. The key to a successful speech is thorough preparation and a clear, organized structure. Let’s break down the steps involved in crafting an engaging and informative presentation.

Researching Your Topic

Before you start writing, it’s essential to conduct thorough research on your topic. Gather facts, statistics, examples, and other supporting information for your informative speech. These things will help you explain and clarify the subject matter to your audience.

As you research, use reliable sources such as academic journals, reputable websites, and expert opinions to ensure the accuracy and credibility of your information. Take notes and organize your findings in a way that makes sense for your speech’s structure.

Structuring Your Speech

A typical informative speech structure includes three main parts, namely, an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should grab the audience’s attention, establish your credibility , and preview the main points you’ll cover.

The body of your speech is where you’ll present your main points and supporting evidence. Use clear transitions between each point to maintain a logical flow. The conclusion should summarize your key takeaways and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Outlining Your Speech

Creating an outline is a crucial step in organizing your thoughts and ensuring a coherent flow of information. Start by listing your main points and then add subpoints and supporting details for each section.

A well-structured outline will serve as a roadmap for your speech, keeping you on track and helping you stay focused on your key messages. It also makes the writing process more efficient and less overwhelming.

Writing Your Draft

With your outline in hand, it’s time to start writing your draft. Focus on presenting information clearly and concisely, using simple language and avoiding jargon. Provide examples and analogies throughout your informative speech in order to illustrate complex ideas and make them more relatable to your audience.

As you write, keep your audience in mind and tailor your language and examples to their level of understanding. Use transitions to link your ideas and maintain a smooth flow throughout the speech.

Editing and Revising

Once you’ve completed your draft, take the time to edit and revise your speech. First, check for clarity, accuracy, and logical organization. Then, eliminate unnecessary details, repetition, and filler words.

Read your speech aloud to identify any awkward phrasing or unclear passages. Lastly, seek feedback from others and be open to making changes based on their suggestions. Remember, the goal is to create a polished and effective informative speech.

Delivering an Informative Speech

You’ve written a fantastic informative speech, but now comes the real challenge: delivering it effectively. The way you present your speech can make all the difference in engaging your audience and ensuring they retain the information you’re sharing.

Practicing Your Speech

Practice makes perfect, and this couldn’t be more true when it comes to public speaking. Rehearse your speech multiple times to build confidence and familiarity with the content. Practice in front of a mirror, family members, or friends to get comfortable with your delivery.

As you practice, focus on your pacing, intonation, and body language. Aim for a conversational tone and maintain eye contact with your audience. The more you practice, the more natural and engaging your delivery will become.

Using Visual Aids

Visual aids such as slides, charts, or props can enhance your informative speech by making complex information more accessible and engaging. When utilized in your informative speech, they can help illustrate key points, provide visual examples, and break up the monotony of a purely verbal presentation.

Of course, it’s important to ensure your visuals are clear, relevant, and easy to understand. Otherwise, they may end up obscuring your points instead of clarifying them. In light of this, avoid cluttering your slides with too much text or overwhelming your audience with too many visuals. Use them strategically to support your message, not distract from it.

Engaging Your Audience

Engaging your audience is crucial for a successful informative speech. Use rhetorical questions, anecdotes, or interactive elements to keep them involved and attentive. Encourage participation, if appropriate, and maintain a conversational tone to create a connection with your listeners.

Pay attention to your audience’s reactions and adapt your delivery accordingly. If you sense confusion or disinterest, try rephrasing your points or providing additional examples to clarify your message. Remember, your goal is to educate and inspire your audience, so keep them at the forefront of your mind throughout your speech.

Handling Nerves

It’s normal to feel nervous before and during a speech, but there are strategies to help you manage those nerves . Take deep breaths, visualize success, and focus on your message rather than your anxiety. Remember, your audience wants you to succeed, and a little nervousness can actually enhance your performance by showing enthusiasm and authenticity.

If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, take a moment to pause, collect your thoughts, and regain your composure. Smile, make eye contact, and remind yourself that you’ve prepared thoroughly and have valuable information to share.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To deliver an effective informative speech, it’s important to be aware of common pitfalls and mistakes. One of the biggest errors is overloading your audience with too much information. Remember, less is often more when it comes to public speaking.

Another mistake is failing to organize your content logically or using complex jargon without explanation. Make sure your speech has a clear structure and that you’re explaining any technical terms or concepts in a way that your audience can understand.

Finally, don’t neglect the importance of practice and preparation. Winging it or relying too heavily on notes can lead to a disjointed and unengaging speech. Take the time to rehearse, refine your delivery, and internalize your key points.

By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on the strategies we’ve discussed, you’ll be well on your way to delivering an informative speech that educates, engages, and inspires your audience.

Tips for Delivering a Compelling Informative Speech

Once you’ve chosen your topic and done your research, it’s time to focus on delivering a compelling speech. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Start with a strong attention-grabbing opening that draws your audience in and sets the tone for your speech.
  • Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon or technical terms that your audience may not understand.
  • Incorporate storytelling, examples, and anecdotes to make your points more relatable and memorable.
  • Use visual aids , such as slides or props, to enhance your message and keep your audience engaged.
  • Practice your delivery and timing to ensure that you stay within your allotted time and maintain a natural, conversational tone.

By following these tips and choosing a topic that you’re passionate about, you’ll be well on your way to delivering an informative speech that educates and inspires your audience.

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20 Bonus Topics for Informative Speeches

In case the informative speech examples above didn’t pique your interest, we have several more for you to consider. Ranging from topics like science and technology to history and education, these 20 topics are perfect for your next presentation.

  • The history and development of virtual reality technology
  • The benefits and challenges of remote work
  • The science behind the formation of hurricanes and tornadoes
  • The impact of social media on political campaigns and elections
  • The importance of sustainable fashion and its environmental benefits
  • The role of emotional support animals in mental health treatment
  • The history and cultural significance of a specific cuisine or dish
  • The impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems
  • The benefits and risks of gene editing technology
  • The psychology behind conspiracy theories and their spread online
  • The importance of digital privacy and data security in the modern age
  • The role of music therapy in healthcare and wellness
  • The impact of deforestation on biodiversity and climate change
  • The history and evolution of a specific sport or athletic event
  • The benefits and challenges of alternative education models
  • The science behind the human immune system and how vaccines work
  • The impact of mass incarceration on communities and families
  • The role of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage and traditions
  • The importance of financial planning for retirement and old age
  • The impact of urban agriculture on food security and community development

Choosing a Topic That Resonates With Your Audience

When selecting a topic for your informative speech, it’s important to consider your audience and what will resonate with them. Think about their interests, backgrounds, and knowledge levels, and choose a topic that will be both informative and engaging.

For example, if you’re speaking to a group of high school students, you may want to choose a topic that relates to their experiences or concerns, such as the impact of social media on mental health or the importance of financial literacy for young adults. If you’re speaking to a group of business professionals, you may want to focus on topics related to industry trends, leadership strategies, or emerging technologies.

By choosing a topic that resonates with your audience, you’ll be more likely to capture their attention and keep them engaged throughout your speech. And remember, even if you’re not an expert on the topic, you can still deliver an informative and engaging speech by doing your research and presenting the information in a clear and accessible way.

FAQs on Informative Speech Examples

What is an example of informative speech.

An example includes breaking down the impacts of climate change, detailing causes, effects, and potential solutions.

What are the 3 types of informative speeches?

The three main types are explanatory (breaks down complex topics), descriptive (paints a picture with words), and demonstrative (shows how to do something).

What are the 5 useful topics of an informative speech?

Top picks include technology advances, mental health awareness, environmental conservation efforts, cultural diversity appreciation, and breakthroughs in medical research.

What is an effective informative speech?

An effective one delivers clear info on a specific topic that educates listeners without overwhelming them. It’s well-researched and engaging.

Informative speech examples are everywhere, if you know where to look. From TED Talks to classroom lectures, there’s no shortage of inspiration for your next presentation. All you have to do is find a topic that lights your fire while engaging your audience.

Remember, a great informative speech is all about clarity, organization, and engagement. By following the tips and examples we’ve covered, you’ll be well on your way to delivering an informative speech that educates, enlightens, and leaves a lasting impression. So go ahead, pick your topic, and start crafting your own informative speech today!

  • Last Updated: May 9, 2024

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50 Interesting Informative Speech Topics for College

26 September, 2020

15 minutes read

Author:  Mathieu Johnson

Informative speeches grant speakers a responsible mission of educating people about significant ideas and themes. They’re also about sharing thoughts and opinions on this or that topic, aimed at expanding understanding and providing listeners with relevant insights for further deliberation. Therefore, it’s a particular type of speeches given to put things into sharp focus and offer food for thought. Read up to know which informative speech topics have the most impact.

Informative Speech Topics

What is an informative speech?

As mentioned above, it’s a kind of speech that, well, informs the audience about your topic. Sounds simple enough, but simplicity is deceptive, and there are enough secrets behind this science. Specifically, not all people are fully aware of the fact that the “what” question is a key element that needs to be answered, for with informative speeches, you want to choose a topic most likely to be well received.

Of course, you can speak about something you already know, but you can also talk about the topic which is absolutely new to you. In this case, however, you must make sure that the theme will be relatively easy to research and studied before speech delivery. Another important point worth noticing is that organizational requirements and type of information for informative speech usually intertwines with those for an informative essay, for the latter is often an extension of the first.

How to write an informative speech?

How to write an informative speech

So, now it’s time to move from theory to practice and write an informative speech. But where do you start from?

Although there are many different processes involved in the process, we’ll narrow them to essentials to help you better grasp the idea of how a perfect speech should be tailored.

Stage 1. Research and Brainstorming

Think about the topic.

The first and most crucial step is about choosing the right topic. We’ve mentioned before that it’s vital to select the issue you feel free to talk about. However, there are also cases when professors assign a specific task for you. Either way, the point here is to conduct thorough research based on the given or chosen topic.

If you want to explain the history of some company, band or event, for example, make sure to deliver the message clearly, without going here and there. For this, consider talking about particular points which will cover the whole speech and help the audience quickly digest it. Otherwise, your speech will depart from the topic, and listeners will find it challenging to follow your thoughts.

Gather Evidence

Every scholarly work proves its credibility by the inclusion of relevant sources to show both the audience and the instructor that you’ve put enough effort into the work to sound authoritative. This is a great chance to get a good mark, but more importantly, earn trust from listeners. To cite the evidence correctly, you can search for some facts, stats, or numbers in a variety of sources. These include textbooks, books, and encyclopedias (online ones work as well), scholarly articles, reputable news bureaus, and government documents. If these are hard to find for you, think of alternatives, like online journals and magazines. But be careful and don’t use sources from there if they are not credible and reputable. As an example, use The New York Times, The Guardian, Harvard Business Review, SAJE journals, Forbes, etc.

Also, keep in mind that the evidence you’ll use should depend on the subject of your talk. If it’s about science, check scientific publications. If it’s about medicine – embark upon texts on this specific sphere. Finally, don’t forget to create a works cited page at the end of your speech and put all your sources there. Even if your instructor does not specify such a requirement, create a list anyways. This will help you keep references organized, and you will be able to pick a suitable one from the list.

Generate a Nice Thesis

A thesis is the core of impactful speech that tells listeners about its focal points. It also reveals the purpose of your speech and provides the audience with an insight into what the speech is all about. Notably, your thesis should not exceed the length of one-two sentences and be as precise as possible. More so, thesis, like the speech itself, is not about convincing people to take your topic stance immediately. Rather, it’s about informing listeners about significant events or cases which they could analyze and make relevant conclusions themselves. No need to push them or force to change the perspective, just try to be genuine and honest with people you’re talking to. Considering that it’s a scholarly piece of work, there’s no room for appealing to emotions or subjective claims. So in informative speeches, objectivity is the key player.

How to Start Informative Speech Writing?

Informative speech outline

The outline is a skeleton of your speech that briefly explains each of your points. This is basically a list of short sentences which reveal the meaning of your main speech ideas. Remember that this list is not for the audience; it’s for your own use. So the task here is to write about every point in a way you’ll understand. You can also use notecards instead of paper so that it’ll be much easier for you not to get lost in a sea of ideas and organize the speech properly. Tip: include numbers and capital letters for headings, and bullet points or other figures to mark subheadings.

If you are still unsure on whether you can cope with your task – you are in the right place to get help. Our essay writers will easily answer the to the question “Who can write my speech?”

Stage 2. Writing

Once the sketches are ready and you have a clear understanding of what to speak about, move on straight to writing.

Craft an Engaging Intro

What does engaging stand for in this case? It denotes some speech elements which will be enticing for listeners from the first sentence. It’s a common practice to start speeches with different hooks to call for more people’s attention. There are a plethora of techniques you can use to make an unforgettable first impression: jokes, anecdotes, examples from personal life, interesting statistics, rhetorical questions, quotes of famous people. You can even invent your own attention-grabber which will help you knock down listeners.

Give More Detail in the Main Body

Once you managed to create impact by the introduction and made sure everyone will be eager to listen to you further, you need to expand the explanation of key speech ideas in a well-structured, organized manner. Like in regular life, you start a story from the beginning to the end, while gradually moving from one idea to another. The same goes for informative speech – you need to ensure that the flow of your narration is logical and concise, fully elaborated, and precise. Also, don’t forget about making transitions between sentences. They will make your speech flow naturally, helping the audience to process the information much easier and effortlessly.

Wrap Everything Up in Conclusion

The ending of your informative speech should restate the main idea and the thesis you’ve mentioned in the introduction. There’s no need to say new things that will only confuse your audience. Instead, all the conclusion needs is a nice wrapping of the already stated claims.

So basically you want to review your main points and thereby deliver listeners a message which they will perceive as a major takeaway from what you’ve just told them. However, the introductory part should by no means repeat previous information word by word. It’s just a short restatement that covers up the main points.

Proofread and Edit the Final Version

Once the text is written entirely, it’s a must for you to double check it to avoid possible mistakes. If your informative speech turns out not as informative as expected due to grammatical or lexical errors, you’ll not be taken seriously, which we bet is not the purpose of delivering your talk. So, to prevent casualties from happening, you’ll need to use reliable editing and proofreading tools. Grammarly is an excellent source for this. Its accurate algorithm detects all kinds of mistakes and fixes them on the fly in a matter of seconds. And you can also check the text for plagiarism to make sure that it has no analogs anywhere on the web.

The Writing Process of Informative Speech

Stage 3. Perfecting Speech Delivery

Memorize your speech.

Half work is done – you have a writing piece. Now it’s time to learn it. Of course, it’ll take you time to do this, but with a little patience and enough time, you can memorize it even faster than expected. Besides, it’s not recommended to learn the speech from A to Z, inside out and upside down by heart. If your instructor is indulgent enough, feel free to memorize your talk in a way that allows you to explain your ideas clearly and consistently. To facilitate the process of learning, you can memorize sentence by sentence until you’re confident. And even if you forget something during delivery, you can always count on the outline that’ll give you a hint on what to talk about next.

Practice Reading Speech Aloud

When the final product is finally ready and polished, you need to concentrate on reading it.

Practice the speech in a mirror, to a friend/relative/pet, or record yourself to trace the tone and intonation. This way, you’ll make sure that your informative speech is brilliant and you deliver it just the way you wanted. Besides, this practice can help you critically evaluate the flaws and correct them before the actual delivery. Have enough time for this, because even experienced speakers always rehearse their speeches. Finally, focus on the way you use gestures, the way you stand and look at the audience, and facial expressions.

How to Deliver Informative Speech?

List of informative speech topics

There are lots of easy informative speech topics to choose from, but we offer you to review our topics list with some of the most alluring ones to get you started. Let’s examine pro informative topics that’ll help you write a memorable speech.

Topics for informative speech about music

  • Frank Sinatra – a beloved father of music
  • The drastic evolution of french music
  • Deep house – the most popular music style among youngsters
  • Why did rock and roll became an epitome of popular dance music
  • Why does reggae music most known under the name of Bob Marley
  • The psychological and physical benefits of listening to music
  • Chill, lounge and electronica has market the era of progressive sound
  • The impact of rap music on society at large
  • The art of playing the violin
  • The evolution of jazz music and its connection to historical movements

Informative speech topics about animals

  • Why are so many animals under extinction today and how do we fix it?
  • Why dogs are considered as humans best friend?
  • The history and evolution of polar bears
  • Why does rhinos horn trimming in South Africa still allowed
  • How to properly raise chinchillas
  • The most dangerous types of dogs on the planet
  • Staggering intellectual abilities of elephants baffle even scientists
  • How to keep snakes away and save your life
  • Different types of butterflies
  • The history of bees and their role in the world

Topics for informative speech about global warming

  • Patterns in climate change: rising temperatures and flooding
  • What Effects does Climate Change have on the Earth and its Inhabitants?
  • What are the practical solutions to global warming
  • What is global warming and what causes it?
  • The future of global warming: dismal predictions and statistics
  • Controversial opinions about global warming
  • The greenhouse effect as the top one reason of climate change
  • The global issue of global warming: what’s next?
  • Humans are responsible for the emergence and progress of global warming
  • Sanctions against generation of greenhouses: will they ever take place?

Informative speech ideas about sports

  • How sports improve human physical and psychological health
  • Is golf the game of the past?
  • The real life of sport teams: from trainings to furious games
  • Can roller skating be considered a kind of sport?
  • What’s more dangerous: white water rafting or ice diving?
  • The history of sports: whom do we owe respect?
  • Hockey 101: gear, playing techniques, team spirit
  • Why is boxing the most dangerous type of sports
  • The most unusual kinds of sports humans have invented
  • The importance and potential threat of football for the world 

Interesting speech topics about food and drinks

  • How to bake a cake and not put on weight
  • Why does alcohol bring so much trouble to contemporary youth?
  • There are no superfoods, the study shows
  • Does fast food really cause addiction?
  • The secret ingredient of Coca Cola and why you’ll never want to drink it again
  • If the fruit diet useful for health?
  • Why bananas can save the world
  • Eating vegetables and olive oil is a golden ticket to rejuvenation
  • What’s the difference between natural and processed foods?
  • Why eating pizza is the worst way to get away with cooking

As you can see from the list of topics for speeches, informative speech is a perfect occasion to explore interesting themes in depth and share your knowledge with people who are most likely to learn new things with you. Discovering a variety of topics and writing them on paper is perhaps the most engaging task your instructor has ever assigned you. And if you find it challenging to come with the right idea for a good topic, just send a “ write my speech ” request, and we’ll complete your order in no time.

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25 Topics for an Informative Speech

25 Topics for an Informative Speech

3-minute read

  • 20th November 2023

Have you been asked to give an informative speech, or do you simply want to practice your public speaking skills ? If the answer to either question is yes, then the first thing you need to do is choose a topic for your speech. But with so many potential topics, how can you pick just one? In this post, we’ve narrowed down 25 topics for an informative speech to help you find the one that works best for you.

Choosing a Topic

Informative speeches aim to educate the audience on a particular subject or industry. Unlike persuasive speeches , informative ones are not meant to convince the listener to believe or act a certain way; they are meant to be purely descriptive and explanatory.

The best topics for informative speeches are engaging, interesting, valuable, and relevant to the target audience . Choose a topic about which you have a comprehensive understanding or one you intend to research substantially. After all, it’s easy to deliver an engaging presentation and educate your audience when you’re extremely knowledgeable about the topic! Next, let’s take a look at 25 interesting topics for an informative speech, organized by subject.

Science and Technology

●  The impact of artificial intelligence on society

●  Recent advancements in space exploration

●  Recent breakthroughs in medical research

●  The science behind climate change and its effects

●  The evolution of social media

●  What is 3D printing?

Health and Wellness

●  The effect of regular exercise on overall health

●  How sleep impacts brain functioning

●  Understanding stress and stress management techniques

●  How does sugar impact the body?

●  Key figures in the Civil Rights movement

●  Significant women in history

●  Sculpture of the Renaissance

●  A history of fashion in the Victorian era

●  An exploration of the Olympics from their beginning

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●  The history and impact of open-access education

●  An exploration of virtual learning over the past 25 years

●  How high schools differ around the world

●  A look back at education in 19th-century America and the way it compares to current methods

●  The history of homework

The Environment and Sustainability

●  How to reduce your carbon footprint

●  What is zero-waste living?

●  The significance of global water conservation

●  The impact of air pollution on public health

●  The impact of oil spills on the environment

Tips for Giving an Informative Speech

If you’re giving an informative speech, remember to:

●  Do your research! Gather information from credible, authoritative sources when composing your speech. Avoid sources that discuss strictly the opinion of the author and look for solid, factual evidence to support your topic.

●  Consider your audience. Do they have at least a baseline knowledge of the topic? The answer to this question will help determine how deep you should go in your explanations and what kind of language to use.

●  Organize your ideas . Before you begin writing, create a comprehensive outline that includes the introduction, main ideas, and conclusion.

●  Use anecdotes or examples to make your content more engaging and relevant to your audience.

●  Anticipate potential questions and jot down notes you can easily refer to.

Here’s one last essential speech writing tip: to ensure a smooth delivery and enhance your writing, have your speech professionally proofread and edited. Our editors can make sure your informative speech effectively conveys your message and engages your audience. Send in your free sample today to get started.

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Ideas for Informative Speech Topics for Business

  • Small Business
  • Setting Up a New Business
  • Business Ideas
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Examples of Plagiarism in the Workplace

Record label name ideas, funny ways to start a presentation.

  • How to Make Sure Your Business Idea Doesn't Get Stolen
  • How to Write a PR Speech

Being asked to give an informative speech for business can be both positive and negative. Your company gets visibility through any pre- and post-speech publicity efforts, and by actually presenting the speech to the selected audience. That's the positive, but the negative can present itself as a struggle to find an idea that interests the audience and promotes your business or expertise.

Tie in to Current News

Scan the headlines for events that fit your business or theme of your speech. Since the media has covered the event or news occurrence, you know it interests the general population. For example, if you offer security products, look for articles on identity theft, breaches of in-house security systems, the cost of lost information, or the possibility of litigation due to injuries.

Exclusive Research or Data

Data and information that is exclusive to your company provides the basis for an informative speech. Conduct a survey. Analyze the results and present conclusions based on the analysis as the basis for your speech. For example, if you assist small businesses with business planning, conduct a survey on what entrepreneurs feel are the major stumbling blocks to completing a business plan. If you don't have the experience with surveys or conducting research, hire a consulting firm to do it for you.

Success Stories

Just about everyone likes to hear a rags-to-riches story, success in the face of adversity, or overcoming physical challenges. For example, if you're in the publishing industry, you might talk about authors who had a difficult time getting their first book published. It's common knowledge that after J. K. Rowling had the idea for the Harry Potter series it took seven years to get from the idea to publication. Not everyone knows, though, that Dr. Seuss -- Theodor Seuss Geisel -- made the rounds of nearly 30 publishers before getting his first book published.

An Historical Perspective

Use your creativity in crafting a historical perspective for your speech. A technology company might trace the development of communication from utilizing visual signs -- flags, for example -- through the telegraph and telephone, right on up through the Internet and smartphones. A plumbing company could go back to ancient Rome as the basis for indoor plumbing. Other options include tying in the growth of your company with the growth of the city where it's located or with major historical milestones.

Books and Movies

The audience may identify with a popular or classic book or movie. Use that theme as the basis of your speech. If you're talking about professional ethics you might use the classic book "To Kill a Mocking Bird." If the subject is investing, then the movie "Wall Street" might be used to demonstrate the consequences of insider information.

  • Presentation Magazine: Informative Speech Topics

Katie Jensen's first book was published in 2000. Since then she has written additional books as well as screenplays, website content and e-books. Rosehill holds a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University. Her articles specialize in business and personal finance. Her passion includes cooking, eating and writing about food.

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Public Speaking Resources

Informative Speech Topics and Ideas: The Ultimate Guide

Before proceeding to the main topic, let us get some idea on Informative speech. Well, it is the type of speech that gives information about a particular subject to audiences.

Its main goal is to help audiences to recognize the information presented by you. Additionally, it makes a complex topic simple to understand providing different opinions and perspectives.

It also provides engaging information which is unique and desired by the audience.

Besides, informative speech can include objects, procedures, events, and other innovative ideas. This does not include the limited list as it is the topic plan that every useful speech contains. Speech can only be handy if it delivers genuine and informative information.

Informative speech describes the topic of your interest. For an instance, if you are giving an informative speech on coffee, focus on the topic.

Think about, what does coffee do, why do you love coffee, and how does it affect your health.

Also, to get rid of the health effect how much coffee do you need to drink per day. You can also conclude by summarizing all these things in a creative way. This makes your speech more interesting.

When you present, you might like to expand some topics or reduce the others. Here, you should be sensitive to your audience and think too much like this can distract the topic.

So focus on your plan and subject. Keep in mind, informative speech just to inform audiences. Do not pick up the topic based on your view as it is a convincing speech.

Remember, too much argumentative speech attempting to influence might take your audiences away.

These kinds of speech are polemical and are wrongly argumentative. You can also find places and time to make an appropriate polemical speech. But, it is not good to include it in the middle of the speech.

You can mention like “Coffee encourages me to work, giving me company during the work. I start my day with a cup of coffee.

It also inspires me to carry out research well. Yet, it can affect my health as well. So, I need to be conscious and drink coffee to the limit”. You can add more here describing different circumstances.

Table of Contents

Informative Speech Topics in History:

Informative speech topics in health and medicine:, informative speech topics in teaching, education, and students:, informative speech topics in music:, informative speech topics in food:, informative speech topics on environment:, informative speech topics in technology:, informative speech topics on economy:, informative speech topics in life:, other informative speech topics, 1. introduction, body, and conclusion, 2. clear, influential, and grabbing introduction, 3. seamless transitions, 4. do not forget to summarize at last, sample of informative speech, a) note list of wide-ranging subject area corresponding your knowledge and expertise, b) focus on the subject area relevant you don’t know yet but would love to, c) pick up the particular purpose of your speech, d) from the list of your topics, pick the one you can express clearly, a) carry out the initial research, b) think about how your research might change your topic, a) think about your audiences earlier than writing the speech, b) summarize your speech, c) elaborate the key points to make it interesting, d) write an introduction, e) write conclusion, a) make sufficient time to practice your speech, b) practice slowing down, c) if possible practice your speech with your friends, 1) make sure you do not speak fast, 2) practice speaking clearly and comprehensibly, 3) speak with your parents and friends, 4) get help from the internet, 5) carry out the outline properly, 6) understand the difference between persuasive and informative speech, 1) the audiences, 2) languages, 4) try to become clear and concise, 5) use audio or visuals if possible, informative speech topics.

Informative Speech Topics and Ideas

  • The Great Depression
  • Famous riots
  • The British Royal Family
  • Women in the military
  • Unique funeral customs across the world
  • The origin of alphabets
  • The history of tobacco use
  • The evolution of marriage
  • Top secret government experiments
  • The most fascinating accidental inventions
  • History of witchcraft
  •      The history of language
  • History of beauty products
  •  The Industrial Revolution
  • The Middle Ages
  • How did the Olympics come to be?
  • Albert Einstein’s Contributions to Science
  • Helen Keller’s Life
  • History of art and expression
  • Civil disobedience
  • Why do we celebrate Valentine’s day?
  • Where did fortune cookies come from
  • A look into World wars
  • Understanding cults
  • Evolution of comic books
  • Most exciting prison breaks of history
  • Why have street gangs been so prevalent?
  • Life and Works of Mahatma Gandhi
  • Most shocking murders the world has seen
  • Evolution of immigration in the US
  • Life and Works of Mother Teresa
  • People Who Changed the World
  • How the Earth was formed
  • How antibiotics came to be
  • The history of greyhound dogs
  • Different philosophical perspectives
  • Evolution of movies
  • How Modern art came to be
  • Understanding Millenials and Gen-Z
  • History of Superstitions
  • History of Genocide
  • Indian Culture
  • Haitian Music
  • The trucking industry
  • The 80’s: more than just denim and hairdos
  • The funniest inventions ever
  • An analysis of smoking in movies through the years
  • Women in space
  • World’s most wanted criminals
  • Most ridiculous laws throughout history
  • Medicines from nature
  • Memory loss
  • How the brain works
  • Mental illnesses
  • Fast food culture
  • Basic first aid
  • Lucid dreams
  • Organ donation
  • Medicinal properties of ginger
  • Why I am better than you: A look into Narcissistic Disorder
  •  Are home remedies actually worth it?
  • How DNA testing changed the world
  • How vitamins can enrich your everyday life
  • Why you need to stretch before your workout
  • Different personality disorders
  • The true horror of chemical warfare
  •  How makeup affects your skin
  • Birth control and its negative effects
  • Leaps made by stem cell research
  • Signs of early on-set Alzheimers
  • How vaccines work
  • How to avoid wrinkles
  • Understanding insomnia
  • Understanding addiction
  • How nicotine deteriorates your life
  • Herbs as medicine
  • Life as a child of a drug addict
  • Why do we itch?
  • Botox: the good and the bad
  • Human cadavers – history of, uses of
  • How to have a better memory
  • DNA evidence.
  • The intelligence of dolphins
  • Is dark chocolate healthy?
  • Importance of vitamins and minerals
  • Pros and cons of LASIK surgery
  • Weight Issues.
  • Teen pregnancy
  • How stress can cripple your health
  • How a vegan diet can better your life
  • Why understanding health is vital to your weight loss journey
  • Unique medical conditions
  • Crazy things people have done on an adrenaline rush
  • Why does our body crave danger?
  • How to make an income while a student
  • How to survive freshman year
  • How to take the GRE
  • How to get a student job on campus
  • How to save money while in college
  • Virtual learning and its impact on Modern Education
  • Education and its role in unemployment
  • Great vacation bargains for students
  • Ethnic diversity for a more open learning experience
  • What to do in your senior year
  • Why do you need a college degree?
  • Moving out of the dorm to an apartment off-campus
  • Freebies and discounts for students
  • How to pay off your student loans in 10 years
  • Graduation checklist
  • How to pick a major you care about
  • The evolution of testing
  • The basics of financial aid
  •  How to get that great internship
  • Current issues in education and what we can do about them
  • Basics of getting a fellowship
  • Learning disabilities teachers should be aware of
  • Banned books
  • Why travel is beneficial to education.
  • Diploma mills
  • Poverty and its impact on students
  • A look at the different testing methods
  • Online learning: A breakthrough in Modern Education
  • What to do on spring break?
  • Is homeschooling an effective learning method?
  • The history of your favorite musical group
  • How music has changed the world
  • What music has been to society
  • Classical and Modern Music: A comparison
  • The benefits of Music Therapy
  • Music and its effects on mood
  • Music and its effects on plant growth
  • Music and its effects on the psychological response of infants
  • The impact your favorite artist has had in the music world
  • The evolution of music
  • How different genres of music promote empowerment through self-expression
  • Modern earphones and tinnitus
  • Music and devotion explained through the life of an artist
  • How our brain reacts to music
  • How music can be used in rehabilitation
  • Does our music tastes define our personality?
  • What really makes a rockstar?
  • Strangest musical instruments across the world
  • Food additives: What are they and how they affect us
  • Food etiquettes across different countries
  • The food crisis
  • We are what we eat
  • Culinary modernism
  • The most exotic foods you can eat
  • Different types of coffee
  • Can peanut butter and jelly get any better than it is?
  • Understanding the food chain
  • Understanding food allergies
  •      Understanding nutrition
  • Playing matchmaker: Condiments in foods
  • Baking your own bread
  • Wedding cakes: The bigger the better?
  • How to plan a diet that works
  • How to make the perfect cocktail
  • A quick guide to wine tasting
  • Junk food: More than just a packet of chips
  • Food disorders: What we can do to help
  • What is better than sliced bread?
  • How branding is shaping our perception of food
  • Cereal, soda, and obesity
  • Eggs: the most versatile food
  • How to go green in our eating habits
  • A practical guide to balanced eating
  • Are superfoods all that they claim to be?
  • How to master herbs and spices
  • How to make your own pasta
  • How to pair your wine with your food?
  • How to plan a culinary itinerary?
  • Ocean pollution and how serious the issue has become
  • Organic agriculture: Why the switch is worth it
  • The true impact of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
  • Pollution laws and who it is actually protecting
  • Is it over for coal?
  • Plant species that have gone extinct
  • Animal species that have gone extinct
  • Our environment is dying and here’s why
  • Water shortage across the globe
  • How much of what we eat is pesticides and insecticides?
  • Domestic wastes and how to better manage it
  • What we can do to protect our environment?
  • COVID-19 as a blessing to Mother Nature
  • How a meat-based diest impacts the environment
  • How to preserve finite resources?
  • How we are contributing to global pollution
  • How Global Warming is coming for us
  • How corporations are destroying our environment
  • Are rainforests going extinct?
  • Genetically modified crops: Boon or curse?
  • How would life adjust without electricity?
  • 3D printers have been a game-changer
  • Evolution of computer programming
  • Gadgets I love most
  • Useful websites
  • The internet as a boon or curse for human interaction
  • How Google became the widespread power that is is
  • Choosing a digital camera
  • New technologies
  • Biometrics: New development or a threat to biological data?
  • Pros and cons of going electric
  • How do 3D glasses work?
  • Violence and Video Games: Is this still a thing?
  • Evolution of content consumption
  • How to stay safe online?
  • How the content we consume makes us
  • How to start a good personal inventory
  • How search engines work
  • Social Networking
  • The Evolution of video games
  • VR gaming: Blurring the line of reality
  • The downside of smartphones
  • Pros and Cons of Smartphones
  • Is freedom of speech real over the Internet?
  • How technology has compromised our safety
  • Are blogs the new diaries?
  • How to build better credit
  • What you need to know about online banking security
  • Is your money safe?
  • Taxing the rich: Is that the solution?
  • The best investment tactics
  • How to beat the market
  • How to get a credit card
  • Price hike in the agricultural field
  • Where does our currency come from?
  • The ever-increasing cost of education
  • How education affects economy
  • Economic impacts of people growing their own foods
  •      Why you need to save money
  • How to eat well on just $5 a day?
  • The budgeting secret you’ve needed all your life
  • How to get along with your roommate
  • Some inexpensive places to take your date
  • What to do when your roommate moves out
  • Being Confident.
  • Believing in Yourself.
  • Breaking Bad Habits.
  • Being Optimistic in Life.
  • Being a Positive Talker.
  • Types of birth control
  • How to fall for the right person
  • Choosing the right tires for your car
  • How to perform a magic trick
  • How a single parent upbringing affects the child
  • How to build your own brand?
  • How to achieve Goals
  • How Does Self-motivation Work?
  • Different leadership styles and how they help employee productivity
  • Handling Responsibility
  • Importance of Discipline
  • Importance of Meditation
  • Powerful Communication
  • The most dangerous jobs
  • Should assisted suicide be legalized?
  • The secret for a lasting marriage
  • How to grow your own home garden
  • How to retain good employees
  • How to recognize toxic behaviors
  • How to master negotiations
  • Become a more persuasive speaker
  • The benefits of reading every day
  • Differences in male and female communication
  • Muscle cars
  • Antique collecting
  • Dog training
  • My first job
  • Overcoming conflict
  • Favorite place
  • My favorite food
  • Prohibition
  • Airplane stunts
  • Model railroading
  • Roadside attractions
  • Multi-Level marketing
  • Why are smiles contagious
  • Is it love or simply a habit?
  • Interesting world records
  • Favorite TV Shows
  • The Welfare system
  • City planning
  • Reality TV shows
  • Coin collecting
  • Ice cream making
  • Reality of a dream
  • What winners do to win?
  • Near-death experiences
  • The beauty of wolves
  • Funeral oration
  • Pesticide use in agriculture
  • How to change a flat tire
  • How to drive a stick shift

What to include in informative speech?

Know what to include in an informative speech.

Usually, an informative speech contains an introduction, an informative body, and a meaningful and convincing conclusion. You have to follow the format one after another.

While working on the introduction part, you have to be clean to draw the attention of the audience. Generally, an introduction is a gateway to the key points.

The way you present the introduction part of the speech can influence the audience. It should have a clear relationship between the presenter and the topic.

Add some interesting example that attracts them and does not get bored. Focusing more on the body, develop the speech. Make sure your audiences will listen with an interest from the start.

While delivering an informative speech, the body should harmonize the main points. It must also present the information. Better follow the given time limit and convey information in an understandable way. This makes the audience convenient to engage and understand.

You need to think about a comfortable and natural way of presenting the speech. This way your speech gets appreciated by the audience. Here, the presenter should reveal a vibrant interest or desire for the topic. Keep the correct eye contact. The advancement from one point to another should not look uncomfortable.

In the conclusion part, do not forget to summarize your previous points. The main goal of the conclusion is to end with the main points of the speech. This will set your information in the mind of audiences. The ending should be the medium speaker signals the speech is heading towards an end.

Besides, analyze and repeat the most projecting ideas, innovations, or features of the speech. You should conclude the speech in a similar flow used during the speech. The essential thing to note down is that ending the speech is important. It needs to take the attention of the audience until the last hour.

For your ease, here are some samples that can be helpful for efficient informative speech.

How to write informative speech?

1) pick up the the topic.

The informative speech should cover all the procedures and ideas focusing on the topic. Better to start with a larger image and convincing points that you are confident to speak on.

For an instance, work on the subjects that you usually do or love to do. You can also include the activities that you have been practicing for years. The more you understand the topic, the easier it will be to carry out the useful speech.

Spend some time on the speech that builds up the confidence to deliver the speech. Prepare and come with a long-tail list. This benefits you with more choices to improve the speech that you love to present.

For example, if you like traveling, you might have lots of interesting travel experiences. You will feel comfortable speaking on that topic. Also, you love researching more on the topic of your interest.

Better include these kinds of topics in the list of your subject area. For an instance, you can say that you want to become a tech blogger. But you might not know much about the subject.

You can show it, saying you need to research more on the topic to pursue your aim. This makes your speech and subject influential.

First of all, find out the time you take to cover the topic and focus on completing the speech within the allocated time.

Pick up the particular purpose of the speech to direct the attention of your audience.

Think about making your speech influential. Only delivering the important speech is not going to help to attract your audiences.

Delivering the thing that your audiences already know might bore them. So make it interesting including the practical things and add your experience as well.

Be precise with the topic, do not move away from the topic. Suppose, you are speaking on the National animal of a country.

Focus on the topic of national animals, do not divert your speech explaining more about the country. Your speech may look meaningless.

Deep research and understanding of the topic make your speech more remarkable and appealing.

Better focus on a particular topic that you can express without too much work. If you try to speak about an unfamiliar topic, you might be in trouble later. Better pick up the topic workable for you to speak.

2) Research on the topic

One of the rules to write an informative speech is -Know your subject. Carry out your research with proper understanding and honesty. You can do this by utilizing trustworthy resources to write the notes.

While gathering research elements, divide the resources that you will use in the speech. Also, try to learn more about the subject area related to the topic. You may have to respond to the queries about the speech topic. Better learn the things that are helpful to answer the queries.

For an instance, you are speaking about European culture. If the audience asks about it, you should be smart enough to answer to the query.

Once you complete your research, find something new that makes your speech more effective. Instead of ignoring it, take some time to prepare it.

When preparing an informative speech on social media, you understand different things during the research. You may find the research on Social media Myth more interesting. If you have more confidence to speak on the social media myths, you can pursue it. You have done lots of research that makes you able to deliver the speech in an interesting way.

3) About writing the speech

It is ideal to expect your audiences are a little familiar with your topic. Keeping in mind, you may still deliver the background information of the related topic. Beware of the shortcuts you use while explaining the topic. Until your task says otherwise, do not rush to clarify anything.

Nobody desires to know about the actors and actresses when you are giving a speech in the movie. You do not need to provide lots of background information as they are already familiar with the topic.

List out the information you are willing to include and keep it in logical order. To carry out how to informative speech, including the reason for what you are doing and how you do it will be fine.

For example, if your speech is on preparing hamburgers, you should explain every step you carry out. Additionally, do not forget to explain how you use the ingredient for the perfect result. This makes your speech interesting.

Better elaborate on the main points to make your informative speech more interesting and informative. The common method to carry out the speech is to emerge with the key points. These key points for a speech should be in sequential order or spatial order.

This procedure helps to give a useful, informative, and engaging speech. For an instance, start the speech on My trip to Lumbini with a short introduction of Lumbini. Then, your experience while visiting Lumbini and conclude with summarizing them.

The introduction is the main gateway to your speech. It should take the attention of audiences and let them understand what you are talking about. Usually, if your speech is long or complicated, make sure to provide the points you aim to cover.

Better start the speech with interesting jokes or quotes related to your topic. Make sure you will not speak out of the topic. This will be useful to build a strong connection between your speech and the audience. Yet, it might go wrong if you prefer unpleasant statements or meaningless jokes.

For an instance, starting the speech as “I just came from the universe” might sound weird. This can make your speech boring and unimpressive. Better try some relevant sentences and speech.

The conclusion should sum up the key points of your speech. Better conclude the speech with your opinion. The audience usually remembers the first and last things they hear.

Thus, be sure, you are in the right sequence to deliver your message to your audiences. It will help to start and conclude your speech with some essential memorizing messages.

Attempt to put your conclusion into the introduction. Emerging with a complete circle provides will make your speech in the heart of your audience.

For an instance, you used some precise jokes or quotes making the speech impressive. If your movie speech started with a story about an actor struggling to make his career.  

It might sound useless and inappropriate with the topic. So, talk about the thing that is necessary and appropriate.

4) Practicing your speech

Practice makes us perfect so make enough time to practice your speech. Include or cut off the points as necessary.

Try completing your speech in the precise time. Even if you are not assigned the time limitation, do not make the speech long and boring. You might not know this while delivering the speech. Better think about it earlier than you give the speech.

If you are speaking for some event, be sure that it does not cross the time limitation. Audiences might get your speech boring if you take a too long time or you may have to end with an incomplete speech. So, be sure that it works according to the time.

While presenting in a mass of people, you might f try to end the speech instantly. You may also speak quickly and in that way, audiences might not understand you.

To be sure the audiences enjoy what you present, attempt to slow down. Better use, video recorder while practicing. This way you can analyze your speech by yourself. It will be effective if you point out the mistakes and work to fix that.

Try to include dramatic pauses to make your speech more attractive. Dramatic pauses can strike a particular bit of information providing the audience time to reflect.

Best speakers use them carefully with great consequence. You have to be alert about the list of information. Make some time to practice after you list out the information.

You might be nervous to present in front of a huge mass of people. So, try practicing in front of your friend. This makes you able to build confidence.

Being nervous will mess up your speech. Better prepare well by working with your friends. Get feedback from them as an audience and work on the drawbacks. If you go with the wrong plan then recover from the mistake. This gives you the strength to deliver an interesting speech.

So, these are some effective ways to write informative speeches. Following these points will help to deliver an interesting speech.

Tips for Informative Speech

Now, let us proceed towards the tips to make your informative speech more efficient

While presenting in front of lots of people, it is likely to get nervous. When you get nervous, you try to complete the speech by talking quickly.

This might make the speech confusing and unimpressive. Think about it, while practicing try to slow down and make your speech clear and loud.

Even if you are good at writing the speech, it will not be effective unless you speak clearly. If you mumble while speaking, it might sound unclear. So, practice more and more until you speak clearly and comprehensibly.

You are most likely good at informative speech but you might not realize that. You can speak with your parents and friends about different topics of your interest. This builds up your confidence to speak in public.

If you are having a problem deciding on the topic of your speech, get help from the internet. There, you can find lots of websites with a list of prospective and interesting topics.

Or else, you can also think about the time you spend the most. For an instance, you spend most of your time cooking.  Talk about cooking the dishes that you are proficient at.

Your outline plays a significant role to help you take your speech in an organized way. Yet, you should not take it lightly.

When you work on the speech, you might get that some points mentioned in the outline is unnecessary. You can add essential points and remove the points which you do not need. As outline helps to find necessary points, do it properly.

Persuasive and informative speeches are two different things. You should know that. Persuasive speech is convincing while informative speech gives information about a particular topic.

Simple ways to approach an informative speech

Think about your audience. This is the most challenging as the speaking circumstances, forums, and topics can vary. Before presenting the speech, analyze who your audiences are? Why are they present in your speech? Focusing on these details, you can explore the best ways to present your speech.

If you are speaking about lung cancer, you should know its basics as well. Some audiences might not understand the depth.

So start your speech from the basics. Do not presume that audiences are familiar with the background of your topic. Again, do not assume they do not know. This is the main reason, knowing the audience is essential. Besides, it depends on the situation of the speech.

Use proper language. Speak the language that audiences desire to listen to. You deliver the speech with the goal to provide useful information to the audience.

If audiences do not understand what you speak, the speech becomes useless. The main target of an informative speech is to give knowledge about a particular topic.

If you can explain well the topic in simple language better use it. Try to make the speech simple and understandable.

Do not rush to complete the speech quickly. Instead, think about educating your audiences with your speech. Explain the term if necessary.

Understanding the time flow of the speech will be helpful to make your speech effective. Speakers should create a link between their topic and the interest of audiences.

Here describe the significance of the topic. Also, express the main points with some interesting examples and quotes.

A speaker confessing their own experience encourages the audiences to share the same interest.

To become a good speaker, you have to be clear and concise at first. Spend lots of time on simple concepts instead of the harder ones.

Since giving many examples to prove a single point might not work well. This way your audiences may find your speech boring.

Better, explore some new ideas and prepare the topic well. Try to provide detailed information. Most of the audience gets influenced by details and descriptive presentation.

Try practicing using audio or visuals if possible. They help to find out your mistake. You can improve after you know where the mistake is.

Additionally, informative speech can be effective with demo presentation and visual support. So, using them properly helps to deliver your speech in a proper way.

The above-mentioned topics and tips for informative speech should help you prepare and deliver a powerful informative speech. If you have any suggestions or feedback, please let me know in the comment below.

630 Informative Speech Topics & Unique Ideas

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  • Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
  • Icon Page 5194 words
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Informative speech topics cover diverse subjects meant to educate the audience by providing relevant data and unique insights. They can range from scientific themes to historical subjects. Topics can also encompass health matters, discussing breakthroughs in mental health therapy, or decoding the complexity of modern nutrition. Technology is another rich area, highlighting advancements in artificial intelligence or space exploration. Cultural and social topics, like the global influence of pop culture or the impact of social media, offer engaging perspectives. All speech topics should captivate, inform, and stir curiosity, ultimately enabling listeners to gain a greater understanding of the world.

Good Informative Speech Topics

  • Revolutionizing Medicine With 3D Printing
  • Understanding the Mechanism Behind Dreams
  • Mysteries of Dark Matter and Dark Energy
  • The Powerful Impact of Blockchain Technology
  • Climbing the Ladder: The Evolution of Video Games
  • Unearthing the Hidden Treasures of the Ocean
  • Delving Into the Science of Happiness
  • Biodiversity Loss: Implications for Our Planet
  • Exploring the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci
  • Grasping the Complexities of Artificial Intelligence
  • Impactful Women in History and Their Contributions
  • Journey into the Mind: Unraveling Mental Health
  • Effects of Climate Change on Polar Ice Caps
  • Advancements in the Field of Nanotechnology
  • Dismantling the Myths Around Vaccines
  • Food Security Challenges in the 21st Century
  • Fascinating Mysteries of the Universe Yet to be Solved
  • The Intricate Relationship Between Diet and Health
  • Encountering the Wonders of Bioluminescence
  • Unmasking the Reality of Cybersecurity Threats
  • The Legacy of Ancient Greek Philosophy
  • Bridging the Gap: Understanding Cultural Diversity
  • Pioneers in Space: The Achievements of NASA
  • Influential Social Movements of the 20th Century

Informative Speech Topics & Unique Ideas

Easy Informative Speech Topics

  • Decoding the Language of Body Expression
  • The Role of Microplastics in Environmental Pollution
  • Music’s Influence on Cognitive Development
  • Understanding Animal Behavior and Intelligence
  • Revealing the Magic of Magnetic Levitation
  • The Global Impact of Cryptocurrencies
  • Fossil Fuels vs. Renewable Energy: A Comparative Analysis
  • The History and Evolution of Comic Books
  • Unfolding the Story of Human Evolution
  • Tracing the Roots of Yoga: From Ancient Times to Modern Practice
  • Neuroplasticity: The Brain’s Remarkable Ability to Change
  • Tackling the Consequences of Deforestation
  • Discovering the Depth of Marine Biodiversity
  • Harnessing the Power of Wind Energy
  • The Fight Against Cancer: Modern Treatment Methods
  • Life on Mars: What Science Tells Us
  • Navigating the Complexities of Global Immigration
  • The Evolution and Impact of Social Media
  • Drones and Their Multifaceted Applications
  • Digging Into the History of Archaeology
  • Learning from Past Pandemics: Lessons and Precautions
  • The Sublime World of Quantum Physics
  • The Intertwined History of Mathematics and Astronomy
  • Revealing the True Impact of Fast Fashion
  • Analyzing the Causes of Youth Unemployment
  • The Influence of Classical Literature on Modern Society

Interesting Informative Speech Topics

  • Understanding Genetic Engineering and Its Potential
  • Delving Into the World of Performance Arts
  • The Power of Meditation and Mindfulness
  • Investigating the Effects of Noise Pollution
  • The Art and Science of Winemaking
  • The Fascinating Journey of Language Evolution
  • Advances in Electric Vehicle Technology: A Step Toward Sustainable Future
  • Exploring the Depths of the Mariana Trench
  • Immortality through Science: The Promise of Biogerontology
  • Dissecting the Socioeconomic Impact of Sports
  • Myths and Truths About Human Memory
  • The Role of Robotics in Modern Healthcare
  • The Science and Art of Coffee Brewing
  • Interplay of Climate Change and Global Food Production
  • The Stunning Architectural Wonders of Ancient Rome
  • Magic of Algorithms: The Backbone of Modern Computing
  • The Impact of Colonization on Modern Societies
  • Harnessing Solar Energy: Advances and Challenges
  • Understanding the Complex World of Tax Laws
  • Coral Reefs: Underwater Ecosystems at Risk
  • Gravitational Waves: Probing the Universe’s Violent Events
  • The Influence of AI on the Job Market
  • The Intricate Art of Origami and Its Mathematical Connections
  • The Marvel of Bioluminescent Organisms in the Deep Sea
  • Modern Architecture: Blending Aesthetics and Sustainability

Informative Speech Topics for Fun

  • Unraveling the Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle
  • Evolution of Video Games: A Walk Through History
  • Decoding the Art of Brewing the Perfect Coffee
  • The Fascinating Science Behind Dreams
  • The Adventurous Journey of Space Exploration
  • Impressive Architectural Wonders of the Ancient World
  • The Secret World of Animal Communication
  • Unlocking the Powers of Mindfulness and Meditation
  • Exploring the Underwater Kingdom: Marine Life and Its Wonders
  • Demystifying the Intriguing World of Magic Tricks
  • A Glimpse into the Mysterious Lives of Spies
  • Chocolates and Happiness: A Delicious Connection
  • Journey Through the Genres of Music: An Auditory Delight
  • The Enthralling Evolution of Animation in the Film Industry
  • Unearthing the Secrets of the Egyptian Pyramids
  • Robots and Their Influence on Future Society
  • The Thrilling World of Extreme Sports: Not for the Faint-Hearted
  • The Peculiarities and Beauty of Bioluminescent Creatures
  • The Influence of Comic Books on Popular Culture
  • Discover the Intriguing Origins of Internet Memes
  • The Art and Science Behind Making Perfect Sushi
  • Dive Into the History of the World’s Most Famous Landmarks

Informative Speech Topics for High School

  • Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Society
  • Climate Change: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions
  • The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
  • Renewable Energy Sources: Exploring Sustainable Options
  • Effective Study Techniques for College Students
  • Exploring the Benefits of Yoga and Meditation
  • Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Personal Information Online
  • The Role of Women in Leadership Positions
  • Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting Food Security
  • The Influence of Music on Mood and Emotions
  • Exploring Different Cultural Perspectives on Marriage
  • The Health Benefits of Regular Exercise and Fitness
  • The Future of Space Exploration and Colonization
  • Strategies for Stress Management in School Life
  • The Evolution and Impact of Social Networking Sites
  • Understanding and Addressing Food Waste in Society
  • Artificial Intelligence: Enhancing Healthcare Innovations
  • The Psychology of Persuasion: Understanding Influential Techniques
  • Exploring Alternative Medicine and Its Efficacy
  • The Role of Robotics in Manufacturing Industries
  • Sustainable Tourism: Preserving Natural Resources and Cultures
  • The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

Informative Speech Topics for College Students

  • Renewable Energy Sources: Harnessing the Power of the Sun, Wind, and Water
  • Genetic Engineering: Advancements in Agriculture and Medicine
  • Artificial Intelligence: Exploring the Future of Technology
  • Climate Change: Understanding the Impact on Our Planet
  • Space Exploration: Journeying Into the Unknown
  • Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma and Seeking Help
  • Sustainable Living: Eco-Friendly Practices for a Better Future
  • The Importance of Voting: Exercising Your Civic Duty
  • Human Rights: Advocating for Equality and Justice
  • The Influence of Social Media: Impacts on Communication and Society
  • Healthy Eating Habits: Nourishing Your Body and Mind
  • Renewable Energy: Transitioning to a Greener World
  • Effects of Bullying: Building a Safe and Inclusive Community
  • Robotics and Automation: Transforming Industries and the Workforce
  • Animal Conservation: Preserving Biodiversity for Future Generations
  • Mental Resilience: Strategies for Coping With Life’s Challenges
  • The History and Impact of the Internet: Connecting the World
  • Financial Literacy: Managing Money and Building a Secure Future
  • Climate Action: Individual and Collective Efforts for a Sustainable Planet
  • The Significance of Cultural Diversity: Celebrating Differences
  • Drug Abuse Prevention: Educating for a Drug-Free Society
  • Gender Equality: Promoting Fairness and Empowerment

Informative Speech Topics for University

  • Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Digital Assets in the Modern Era
  • Renewable Energy: Harnessing Sustainable Power Sources
  • Genetic Engineering: Advancements and Ethical Considerations
  • Artificial Intelligence: Revolutionizing Industries and Human Lives
  • Climate Change: Understanding the Impact and Solutions
  • Space Exploration: Unveiling the Mysteries of the Universe
  • The Human Brain: Unlocking Its Potential and Limitations
  • Sustainable Agriculture: Feeding the World While Protecting the Environment
  • Blockchain Technology: Revolutionizing Industries and Enhancing Security
  • Virtual Reality: Expanding Possibilities in Entertainment and Beyond
  • Mental Health Awareness: Breaking Stigma and Promoting Well-Being
  • Autonomous Vehicles: Transforming Transportation and Road Safety
  • The Power of Social Media: Impact on Communication and Society
  • Globalization: Effects on Economics, Culture, and Politics
  • Robotics: Advancements and Applications in Various Industries
  • The Importance of Financial Literacy in the Modern World
  • Sustainable Fashion: Balancing Style and Environmental Responsibility
  • Biotechnology: Innovations and Contributions to Health and Agriculture
  • Green Building: Designing Sustainable Structures for a Greener Future
  • The History and Impact of Feminism on Society
  • Ocean Conservation: Preserving Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity
  • The Future of Work: Automation, AI, and Job Market Trends
  • Food Security: Addressing Hunger and Nutrition Challenges
  • The Psychology of Motivation: Understanding Drivers of Human Behavior

Presentation Informative Speech Topics

  • Artificial Intelligence: Revolutionizing Modern Industries
  • Climate Change: The Global Challenge We Must Address
  • Renewable Energy: Powering a Sustainable Future
  • Space Exploration: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe
  • Cybersecurity: Protecting Data in the Digital Age
  • Blockchain Technology: Transforming Business and Finance
  • Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma
  • Genetic Engineering: Advancements in Biotechnology
  • The Importance of Early Childhood Education
  • Sustainable Agriculture: Feeding the World Responsibly
  • The Future of Work: Automation and Job Market Trends
  • Alternative Medicine: Holistic Approaches to Health
  • Ocean Conservation: Preserving Marine Ecosystems
  • Robotics: Enhancing Efficiency and Productivity
  • The Art of Public Speaking: Effective Communication Skills
  • Urbanization: Challenges and Opportunities in Cities
  • The Power of Storytelling: Connecting People and Ideas
  • Financial Literacy: Building a Strong Foundation
  • The Science Behind Meditation and Mindfulness
  • Exploring Cultural Diversity: Celebrating Differences
  • The Evolution of Transportation: From Horse Carriages to Electric Vehicles
  • The Impact of Advertising on Consumer Behavior

Informative Speech Topics for Public Speaking

  • The Power of Positive Thinking in Achieving Personal Success
  • Understanding the Influence of Advertising on Consumer Behavior
  • Analyzing the Impact of Social Media Influencers on Youth Culture
  • Exploring the Science of Happiness and Well-Being
  • Investigating the History and Significance of Human Rights Movements
  • Unveiling the Mysteries of the Universe: Black Holes and Dark Matter
  • Examining the Effects of Climate Change on Wildlife and Biodiversity
  • Discovering the Benefits of Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques
  • Evaluating the Role of Education in Empowering Individuals and Communities
  • Unraveling the Secrets of Effective Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
  • Investigating the Evolution and Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Robotics
  • Analyzing the Psychological Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness
  • Exploring the Benefits of Meditation and Yoga for Mental and Physical Health
  • Understanding the Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Personal and Professional Life
  • Delving into the History and Influence of Ancient Civilizations
  • Examining the Implications of Genetic Engineering on Agriculture and Food Production
  • Investigating the Role of Mass Media in Shaping Political Discourse
  • Discovering the Health Benefits of Regular Exercise and Physical Activity
  • Unveiling the History and Cultural Significance of Traditional Festivals
  • Exploring the Impact of Technology on Work-Life Balance

Informative Speech Topics on Important Days & Events

  • World Environment Day: Preserving Our Planet’s Future
  • International Women’s Day: Celebrating Achievements and Empowering Women
  • World AIDS Day: Promoting Awareness and Support for Those Affected
  • World Mental Health Day: Breaking the Stigma and Promoting Well-Being
  • International Day of Peace: Building a Harmonious Global Society
  • World Water Day: Ensuring Access to Clean Water for All
  • International Day of Education: Empowering Individuals Through Learning
  • World Cancer Day: Spreading Awareness and Supporting Research
  • World Refugee Day: Understanding the Plight and Supporting Refugees
  • International Day of Forests: Preserving and Restoring Our Woodlands
  • World Humanitarian Day: Recognizing and Honoring Humanitarian Work
  • International Day of Happiness: Promoting Well-Being and Joy
  • World Food Day: Addressing Hunger and Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
  • World Diabetes Day: Raising Awareness and Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles
  • World Wildlife Day: Protecting Biodiversity and Endangered Species
  • World Hepatitis Day: Promoting Prevention and Treatment of Hepatitis
  • International Day of Families: Celebrating the Importance of Family Bonds
  • World Autism Awareness Day: Increasing Understanding and Acceptance
  • International Day of Older Persons: Honoring the Contributions and Challenges of Seniors
  • World Blood Donor Day: Encouraging Life-Saving Blood Donations
  • International Day of Democracy: Nurturing Democratic Values and Participation
  • World Tuberculosis Day: Combating Tuberculosis and Promoting Treatment

Science & Technology Informative Speech Topics

  • Augmented Reality Technology: Advantages and Challenges
  • Genetic Editing: The Potential for Disease Cures
  • Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: The Science Behind
  • Machine Learning in Personalized Medicine
  • Evolution of Smartphones and Mobile Technology
  • Energy Storage and Batteries: Future Innovations
  • Virtual Assistants and Natural Language Processing: The Science Behind
  • Gene Therapy: Benefits and Risks
  • Quantum Cryptography: Ensuring Data Security
  • Brain-Computer Interfaces: Advancements in Communication and Control
  • Innovations in Sustainable Energy: Harnessing Renewable Resources
  • The Role of Robotics in Healthcare and Medicine
  • Ethics of Gene Editing and Genetic Manipulation
  • Breakthroughs in Quantum Computing: Unleashing Computing Power
  • The Evolution of Cybersecurity: Protecting Digital Assets
  • Biometrics in Modern Society: Balancing Convenience and Privacy
  • Cloud Computing: Transforming Business Operations
  • The Science of Nanomaterials and Their Applications
  • Advancements in Virtual Reality Gaming and Entertainment
  • The Power of Data Analytics in Business Decision Making

Informative Speech Topics About Animals

  • The Evolution of Primates: A Journey Through Time
  • Endangered Species Conservation Efforts: Making a Difference
  • Incredible Adaptations: How Do Animals Survive in Extreme Environments?
  • The Mysterious World of Marine Life: Exploring the Depths
  • Animal Intelligence: Unveiling the Secrets of the Animal Mind
  • The Role of Bees in Pollination: Nature’s Unsung Heroes
  • Wildlife Trafficking: Combating Illegal Trade and Protecting Species
  • The Importance of Conservation: Preserving Biodiversity for Future Generations
  • Animal-Assisted Therapy: The Healing Power of Animals
  • Animal Camouflage: Nature’s Master Disguises
  • The Plight of Sea Turtles: Challenges and Conservation Efforts
  • Animal Migration: A Phenomenon of Epic Proportions
  • The Fascinating World of Insects: Diversity and Adaptations
  • Animal Agriculture: Balancing Food Production and Animal Welfare
  • Endangered Big Cats: Protecting Lions, Tigers, and Leopards
  • The Incredible Journey of Monarch Butterflies: Migration and Conservation
  • Animal Communication: Unlocking the Language of the Wild
  • The Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef: A World Heritage Site Under Threat
  • The Surprising Social Lives of Elephants: Complex Family Structures
  • The Intricate Web of Coral Reefs: Sustaining Marine Ecosystems

Informative Speech Topics for Sports

  • The Evolution of Basketball: From Naismith to the NBA
  • The Impact of Sports on Promoting Gender Equality
  • Sports Nutrition: Fueling Your Performance
  • Exploring the Science of Sports Injuries and Recovery
  • The History and Cultural Significance of Soccer
  • Mental Toughness in Sports: Strategies for Success
  • The Importance of Teamwork in Competitive Sports
  • Exploring the Psychology of Sports Fandom
  • The Role of Technology in Enhancing Sports Performance
  • Sports and Social Media: A Powerful Partnership
  • The Economics of Professional Sports: Money and Beyond
  • The Olympic Games: A Symbol of Unity and Excellence
  • Sports and Youth Development: Building Character and Skills
  • The Health Benefits of Regular Physical Activity
  • Sports Diplomacy: Building Bridges Through Athletics
  • The Rise of E-Sports: A New Frontier in Competitive Gaming
  • The History and Traditions of American Football
  • Exploring the Psychology of Winning and Losing in Sports
  • The Evolution of Sports Broadcasting: From Radio to Live Streaming
  • Sports and Ethical Dilemmas: Fair Play and Sportsmanship
  • The Rise of Extreme Sports: Pushing the Limits of Human Potential

Health Informative Speech Topics

  • The Role of Nutrition in Promoting Heart Health
  • Preventing Chronic Diseases Through Healthy Lifestyle Choices
  • Exploring Alternative Medicine: Benefits and Risks
  • Understanding the Effects of Stress on the Immune System
  • Managing and Preventing Obesity in Modern Society
  • Promoting Mental Wellness: Strategies for Stress Reduction
  • The Benefits of Regular Physical Activity for Aging Adults
  • Improving Digestive Health through Diet and Lifestyle Modifications
  • Unveiling the Truth About Popular Diets and Weight Loss Programs
  • Exploring the Dangers of Sedentary Lifestyles
  • Effects of Smoking on Respiratory Health
  • Understanding and Managing Food Allergies and Intolerances
  • Mental Health Stigma: Breaking the Silence and Seeking Support
  • The Importance of Regular Health Check-Ups and Screenings
  • Promoting Healthy Habits for Children and Adolescents
  • Understanding the Connection between Gut Health and the Immune System
  • The Impact of Technology on Sleep Quality and Sleep Disorders
  • Exploring the Link between Nutrition and Brain Function
  • The Benefits of Regular Physical Activity for Mental Health
  • Preventing Burnout: Strategies for Maintaining Work-Life Balance

Informative Speech Topics for Literature & History

  • The Impact of Shakespeare’s Tragedies on Modern Theater
  • The Influence of Charles Dickens on Social Reform
  • The Symbolism of Colors in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
  • Analyzing the Historical Accuracy of the Arthurian Legends
  • The Evolution of the Hero’s Journey in Literature
  • Examining the Themes of War in Ernest Hemingway’s Novels
  • The Significance of the Harlem Renaissance in African American Literature
  • The Origins and Legacy of the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
  • Unraveling the Secrets of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”
  • Exploring the Mythology and Folklore of Native American Tribes
  • The Influence of Ancient Greek Philosophy on Western Literature
  • Analyzing the Historical Context of Jane Austen’s Novels
  • The Power of Satire in Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels”
  • Investigating the Historical Events Behind William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
  • The Evolution of Gothic Literature From Horace Walpole to Edgar Allan Poe
  • Understanding the Political Allegories in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”
  • Examining the Historical Significance of the Renaissance Period
  • The Influence of Greek Tragedies on Modern Drama
  • The Symbolism of Nature in William Wordsworth’s Romantic Poetry
  • The Cultural Impact of Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote”
  • Analyzing the Historical Accuracy of Shakespeare’s Historical Plays
  • The Role of Religion in Colonial American Literature

Music Informative Speech Topics

  • The Impact of Classical Music on Brain Development
  • Exploring the Influence of Hip-Hop Culture on Contemporary Society
  • The Rise of Electronic Dance Music and its Global Phenomenon
  • Unveiling the Power of Music Therapy for Mental Health
  • How Music Shapes Cultural Identity: A Comparative Study
  • Examining the Life and Legacy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
  • The Role of Music in Historical Movements: Protest Songs and Social Change
  • The Science Behind Musical Instruments: Acoustics and Engineering
  • Decoding the Secrets of Film Scores: Enhancing Emotion in Cinema
  • The Cultural Significance of Indigenous Music Traditions
  • The Art of Musical Improvisation: Techniques and Styles
  • Exploring the World of Opera: From Aria to Libretto
  • The Revolutionary Sound of Rock and Roll: Icons and Innovations
  • The Healing Power of Rhythm: Drumming and Percussion Therapy
  • Impacts of Music Streaming Services on the Music Industry
  • The Intersection of Music and Fashion: Styles and Subcultures
  • Examining the Legacy of Ludwig van Beethoven: Genius and Innovation
  • The Psychology of Music: How Does Sound Affect Human Emotion and Behavior?
  • The Power of Lyrics: Poetry and Storytelling in Songwriting
  • Uncovering the Origins of Blues Music: African Roots and American Heritage
  • Music and Memory: Exploring the Relationship Between Sound and Recall

Environment Informative Speech Topics

  • Advancements in Renewable Energy Technologies
  • Protecting Endangered Species: Conservation Efforts and Success Stories
  • The Role of Wetlands in Ecosystem Health
  • Sustainable Agriculture: Methods for Preserving Soil Quality
  • Ocean Acidification: Threats to Marine Life
  • The Importance of Recycling: Reducing Waste and Environmental Impact
  • Climate Change and Its Effects on Global Weather Patterns
  • Water Scarcity: Challenges and Solutions for a Thirsty Planet
  • Urbanization and Its Impact on Natural Habitats
  • Sustainable Fishing Practices: Balancing Human Needs and Marine Ecosystems
  • Ecotourism: Promoting Conservation and Local Economies
  • Natural Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Strategies
  • The Significance of National Parks: Preserving Natural Beauty
  • Restoring Degraded Landscapes: Reforestation and Ecological Rehabilitation
  • The Benefits of Green Spaces in Urban Environments
  • Renewable Energy Sources: Exploring Solar, Wind, and Hydroelectric Power
  • The Effects of Pesticides on Wildlife and Ecosystems
  • Sustainable Transportation: Promoting Alternatives to Reduce Carbon Footprint
  • The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Environmental Stewardship
  • Coral Reef Conservation: Protecting Biodiversity Hotspots

Informative Speech Topics on Education

  • Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills in the Classroom
  • Implementing Technology in Education: Trends and Benefits
  • Promoting Inclusive Education for Students With Disabilities
  • Addressing the Achievement Gap in Education
  • Effective Strategies for Classroom Management
  • Understanding Different Learning Styles and Tailoring Instruction
  • The Role of Arts Education in Developing Well-Rounded Individuals
  • Advantages of Bilingual Education in a Globalized World
  • Fostering Creativity and Innovation in Education
  • Exploring Project-Based Learning: Engaging Students in Real-World Applications
  • Teaching Financial Literacy: Preparing Students for Economic Independence
  • Benefits of Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning
  • Cultivating Emotional Intelligence in Schools
  • Assessing the Impact of Standardized Curriculum on Education Quality
  • The Role of School Counseling in Supporting Students’ Mental Health
  • Examining the Effects of Homework on Student Achievement
  • The Power of Teacher-Student Relationships in Academic Success
  • Promoting Gender Equality in Education: Breaking Stereotypes and Barriers
  • The Importance of Multicultural Education in a Diverse Society
  • Examining the Benefits and Challenges of Online Education

Informative Speech Topics About Society & Sociology

  • The Role of Gender Stereotypes in Society
  • Exploring the Effects of Income Inequality on Social Mobility
  • Analyzing the Influence of Media on Body Image Perception
  • Understanding the Rise of Online Activism in Modern Society
  • Examining the Causes and Consequences of Bullying in Schools
  • The Evolution of Family Structures and Its Impact on Society
  • Unraveling the Psychological Effects of Loneliness in the Digital Age
  • Investigating the Relationship between Education and Social Equality
  • The Power of Language: Exploring the Impact of Rhetoric on Society
  • Analyzing the Socioeconomic Factors Contributing to Crime Rates
  • The Significance of Cultural Diversity in Building Stronger Communities
  • Exploring the Effects of Social Class on Access to Healthcare
  • Understanding the Impact of Mass Incarceration on Communities
  • Examining the Relationship Between Religion and Society
  • Analyzing the Factors Contributing to Political Polarization
  • The Impact of Technology on Socialization and Human Interaction
  • Unveiling the Dynamics of Power and Authority in Societies
  • Investigating the Roots and Consequences of Prejudice and Discrimination
  • The Role of Social Movements in Promoting Social Change
  • Analyzing the Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity
  • Understanding the Psychology of Social Conformity in Groups
  • Effects of Urbanization on Social Structures and Quality of Life

Business & Finance Informative Speech Topics

  • Global Economic Trends: Opportunities and Challenges
  • Sustainable Business Practices: Enhancing Profitability and Environmental Responsibility
  • The Rise of E-Commerce: Transforming the Retail Industry
  • Effective Strategies for Personal Financial Management
  • Entrepreneurship: Navigating Risks and Achieving Success
  • Mergers and Acquisitions: Examining the Impacts on Companies and the Economy
  • Financial Literacy: Empowering Individuals for a Secure Future
  • The Gig Economy: Adapting to the Changing Nature of Work
  • The Importance of Business Ethics in Today’s Corporate World
  • The Role of Central Banks in Managing Monetary Policy
  • Green Investments: Promoting Environmental and Financial Returns
  • Innovation and Disruption: Key Drivers of Business Growth
  • Understanding the Stock Market: Basics and Investment Strategies
  • The Future of Banking: Digital Transformation and Fintech Innovations
  • Corporate Governance: Ensuring Accountability and Transparency
  • The Impact of Global Trade Policies on Businesses and Economies
  • Financial Planning for Retirement: Building a Secure Future
  • Effective Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses
  • Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers and Driving Change in Business
  • The Economics of Climate Change: Addressing Environmental Challenges Through Business Initiatives

Informative Speech Topics on Banking & Economics

  • The Role of Central Banks in Economic Stability
  • Investment Strategies for Wealth Accumulation
  • The Evolution of Online Banking and Its Benefits
  • Analyzing the Causes and Consequences of Economic Recessions
  • Understanding the Stock Market: Key Concepts and Terminology
  • Exploring the Effects of Global Trade on Local Economies
  • The Importance of Financial Literacy in Personal Finance
  • The Influence of Government Policies on Economic Growth
  • Exploring Cryptocurrencies: Advantages and Risks
  • Analyzing the Impact of Interest Rates on Borrowing and Saving
  • The Economic Effects of Taxation Policies
  • Exploring the Concept of Supply and Demand in Economics
  • The Rise of Fintech: Disruption and Innovation in Banking
  • Understanding the Role of Credit Rating Agencies in Financial Markets
  • Exploring the Relationship Between Unemployment and Economic Growth
  • The Impact of Economic Inequality on Society
  • Analyzing the Causes and Consequences of Stock Market Crashes
  • Exploring the Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
  • The Influence of Economic Factors on Consumer Behavior
  • Analyzing the Role of Banks in Financing Small Businesses

Family Informative Speech Topics

  • Importance of Communication Within the Family
  • Benefits of Shared Family Meals
  • Roles of Parenting Styles in Child Development
  • Significance of Family Traditions and Rituals
  • Impacts of Technology on Family Dynamics
  • Strategies for Resolving Family Conflicts
  • Effects of Divorce on Children’s Well-Being
  • Exploring the Concept of Unconditional Love in Families
  • Understanding Sibling Relationships and Their Influence
  • Promoting Emotional Intelligence Within the Family
  • Exploring Multigenerational Family Dynamics
  • Nurturing a Healthy and Supportive Family Environment
  • Challenges and Rewards of Blended Families
  • Exploring Cultural Diversity within Families
  • Impacts of Social Media on Family Relationships
  • Exploring the Benefits of Family Therapy
  • Balancing Work and Family Life
  • Importance of Family Bonding Activities
  • Strategies for Building Strong Family Connections
  • Exploring the Role of Extended Family in Childrearing
  • Understanding the Effects of Substance Abuse on Family Units

Informative Speech Topics on Politics

  • The Importance of Media in Political Communication
  • Gender Equality in Politics: Breaking Barriers and Shifting Paradigms
  • The Art of Diplomacy: Negotiating Peace in Conflict Zones
  • The Impact of Globalization on Political Structures
  • Political Corruption: Unveiling the Dark Side of Governance
  • Environmental Policies: Balancing Economic Growth and Sustainability
  • Populism in Politics: Understanding Its Rise and Implications
  • Human Rights: Striving for Equality and Justice in Political Systems
  • The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Shaping Political Agendas
  • Political Leadership: Characteristics and Challenges in a Changing World
  • The Importance of Education in Fostering Political Engagement
  • Immigration Policies: Balancing National Security and Humanitarianism
  • Technological Advancements: Transforming Political Landscapes
  • The Role of Lobbying in Influencing Political Decision-Making
  • Political Ideologies: From Conservatism to Liberalism and Beyond
  • Nationalism and Patriotism: Navigating the Boundaries in Politics
  • Political Violence: Understanding Its Causes and Consequences
  • The Role of Religion in Politics: Examining the Intersection
  • Freedom of Speech: Protecting Democracy’s Fundamental Right

Informative Speech Topics for History & Culture

  • The Renaissance Era: Artistic Revival and Cultural Transformation
  • Industrial Revolution: Societal and Economic Evolution
  • Ancient Civilizations: Egypt, Greece, and Mesopotamia
  • American Revolution: Birth of a Nation’s Independence
  • Harlem Renaissance: Cultural Resurgence and African-American Contributions
  • World War II: Global Conflict and Its Lasting Impacts
  • Maya Civilization: Achievements, Culture, and Ancient Mysteries
  • French Revolution: From Monarchy to Republic
  • Civil Rights Movement: Striving for Equality and Social Justice
  • Ancient China: Dynasties, Inventions, and Cultural Heritage
  • Age of Exploration: Discovery, Trade, and New Horizons
  • Aztec Empire: Society, Religion, and Military Power
  • Russian Revolution: Overthrowing the Tsar and Soviet Union’s Formation
  • Roaring Twenties: Jazz Age, Cultural Shifts, and Prohibition
  • Civil War: Divided Nation, Abolition of Slavery, and Reconstruction
  • Vikings: Exploration, Conquests, and Norse Culture
  • Cultural Revolution in China: Mao’s Socio-Political Movement
  • Inca Empire: Engineering Feats, Social Organization, and Andean Civilization
  • Holocaust: Genocide, Nazi Regime, and Lessons From History
  • Age of Enlightenment: Intellectual Awakening and Philosophical Ideas

Law Informative Speech Topics

  • Analyzing the Effects of Mandatory Sentencing Laws
  • Exploring the Complexities of Intellectual Property Rights
  • Implications of Privacy Laws in the Age of Technology
  • Evaluating the Role of International Law in Global Governance
  • Unveiling the Truth Behind Wrongful Convictions
  • Understanding the Dynamics of Family Law and Child Custody
  • Investigating the Impact of Hate Crime Legislation
  • The Influence of Media on Public Perception of Legal Issues
  • Delving Into the Controversies of Capital Punishment
  • Analyzing the Impacts of Immigration Laws on Society
  • Possible Challenges and Benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Exploring the Legal Framework of Environmental Protection
  • Unraveling the Intricacies of Corporate Law and Ethics
  • The Rights and Limitations of Free Speech in the Digital Era
  • Examining the Intersection of Technology and Privacy Laws
  • The Consequences of Drug Policy on Public Health
  • Analyzing the Role of Criminal Profiling in Investigations
  • Understanding the Implications of Gun Control Laws
  • The Rights and Protections of Workers in Employment Law
  • The Challenges of Intellectual Property Theft in the Digital Age

Short Informative Speech Topics

  • Climate Change and Its Impact on Biodiversity
  • Sustainable Fashion: Reducing the Environmental Footprint
  • Exploring the Importance of Financial Literacy
  • Renewable Energy Sources and Their Advantages
  • Understanding the Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health
  • Delving into the World of Virtual Reality
  • The Rise of Electric Vehicles in Transportation
  • The Science Behind Vaccinations and Their Importance
  • Examining the Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life
  • The Evolution and Advancements in Video Games
  • Harnessing the Power of Solar Energy for Sustainability
  • Emphasizing the Significance of Early Childhood Education
  • The Growing Trend of Remote Work and Its Implications
  • The Influence of Technology on Modern Communication Channels
  • Analyzing the Effects of Globalization on Culture and Society
  • Promoting Mental Health Awareness and its Importance
  • Embracing Sustainable Tourism for a Greener Future
  • Enhancing Education with the Integration of Artificial Intelligence
  • The Role of Nonprofits in Addressing Social Issues
  • Exploring the Future of Robotics and Automation
  • History and Significance of Human Rights
  • The Role of Technology in Enhancing Education
  • Exploring the Wonders of the Deep Sea
  • Benefits of Meditation for Stress Reduction

1-3 Minutes Informative Speech Topics

  • Exploring the Mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle
  • Understanding the Intricacies of Quantum Physics
  • Debunking Myths About the Human Brain
  • Unveiling the Truth about Genetically Modified Organisms
  • Dissecting the Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife
  • Analyzing the Causes and Effects of Cyberbullying
  • Discovering the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
  • Encountering the Benefits of Renewable Energy Sources
  • Navigating the History of the Silk Road
  • Appreciating the Beauty of the Fibonacci Sequence in Nature
  • Grasping the Concept of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
  • Probing the Influence of Social Media on Youth
  • Observing the Evolution of Feminism Through History
  • Pursuing the Concept of Dark Matter in Cosmology
  • Revealing the Truth about Animal Testing in Cosmetics Industry
  • Contemplating the Impact of Meditation on Mental Health
  • Recognizing the Role of Microplastics in Ocean Pollution
  • Investigating the Science Behind Aeroponics and Hydroponics
  • Unraveling the Power of Vaccination in Disease Prevention
  • Delving into the Mysteries of Black Holes
  • Comprehending the Functioning of Autonomous Vehicles
  • Admiring the Wonders of Bio-Luminescence in Deep Sea Creatures

4-6 Minutes Informative Speech Topics

  • Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Health
  • The Influence of Social Media on Society’s Perception of Beauty
  • Financial Literacy and its Importance for Young Adults
  • The History and Advancement of Electric Vehicles
  • Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Functioning
  • The Significance of Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future
  • Women’s Empowerment in Business Leadership
  • Psychological Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity
  • Understanding Climate Change and Global Warming
  • The Power of Storytelling in Effective Communication
  • Exploring Virtual Reality and Its Various Applications
  • The Influence of Advertising on Consumer Decision-Making
  • Early Childhood Education and its Impact on Cognitive Development
  • The Role of Technology in Transforming Education
  • Effects of Social Media on Mental Well-Being
  • The Value of Volunteerism for Building Stronger Communities
  • Overcoming Addiction: The Path to Recovery and Healing
  • Science Behind Human Nutrition and Its Impact on Health
  • Emotional Intelligence: A Key to Personal and Professional Success
  • Harnessing Renewable Energy Sources for a Sustainable Future
  • The Evolution and Cultural Significance of Music
  • Mass Media and Its Influence on Shaping Public Opinion
  • Early Detection and Prevention of Chronic Diseases

7-10 Minutes Informative Speech Topics

  • Renewable Energy Sources: A Sustainable Future
  • Artificial Intelligence and Its Role in Modern Industries
  • Benefits of Exercise for Overall Well-Being
  • Exploring the Evolution of Technology in Education
  • Understanding Space Exploration and Its Wonders
  • The Significance of Cultural Diversity in a Globalized World
  • Exploring the History and Impact of the Civil Rights Movement
  • Understanding Climate Change and its Consequences
  • Women in Leadership Positions: Their Role and Significance
  • The Power of Effective Communication in Relationships
  • Exploring the Influence of Media on Body Image Perception
  • The Pros and Cons of Online Shopping
  • Exploring the World of Virtual Reality
  • The Significance of Financial Literacy in Personal Finance
  • Understanding the Importance of Cybersecurity in the Digital Age
  • Exploring the History and Significance of Human Rights Movements
  • The Impact of Globalization on Local Economies
  • Education’s Roles in Empowering Individuals and Societies
  • Understanding the Science Behind Climate Change
  • Exploring the Influence of Advertising on Consumer Behavior
  • The Evolution of Transportation Technology

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100+ Ideas for informative speech topics 

Easy, fun, and educational ideas and inspiration for your next informative speech. Check out these starter topics and example presentations

informative speech topics on business

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An informative speech topic should captivate and educate your viewers. Likewise, you should take pleasure in delivering and discussing the subject matter.

However, choosing a subject that resonates with your audience and aligns with your interests at the same time can be overwhelming.  

To give you some inspiration, we’ve done the legwork and compiled 110 ideas for informative speech topics. The first 100 are categorized by difficulty, while the last 10 are more on the entertaining side (though with plenty of educational value).

For your convenience, we’ve even given you hints on how to structure your speech and presentation for each of the topics below, along with a topic selection guide and advice for making an effective presentation.  

25 Ideas for easy informative speech topics

informative speech topics on business

These ideas are for simple yet educational and thought-provoking topics you can use for speeches in middle school, or high school, or to practice public speaking at your Toastmasters club. These topics don’t demand exhaustive research, but you’ll want to spruce your slides up with exciting visuals and keep the speaking points short to engage your audience. 

1. How electric cars work 

Electric cars are in higher demand and more accessible than ever before, but how they work remains a mystery to many — especially to your middle or high school peers. Load your slide deck with images of these cars’ key components. Explain how they work using short bullets, then compare and contrast their operation with that of their gas-fueled counterparts.  

2. Most popular sports around the world 

Most of us view baseball as a distinctly American pastime, but did you know that it’s the most popular sport in Japan, Taiwan, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic? There are plenty of such surprises in the world of sports, so this topic is bound to excite and inform in a school setting. Organize the deck by sport for a short, impactful presentation, and pack each slide with relevant statistics. 

3. Tips for healthy eating 

Inspire your audience to pursue a better diet with basic, practical advice on healthy foods and meal plans. You’ll have to do a bit of research, and the nutrition guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) are a credible — source of information. Beyond focusing on the nutritious value of different foods, be sure to include sample recipes and meal plans anyone can follow. And don’t forget to enliven the presentation with colorful images! 

4. Healthiest desserts you can make 

Show your viewers some healthy alternatives to the sugar-laden and ultra-processed treats that occupy most supermarket shelves. Dig up some recipes (lots are available online) and ensure that each slide has an appetizing image of the treat along with ingredients and truncated preparation steps. Be ready to explain why each of your chosen desserts is healthy — for example, is it made without sugar, with wholewheat flour, or using a notably nutritious ingredient? 

5. How to improve your sleep 

Advice on improving the length and quality of sleep is a helpful topic for almost any audience — sleep is a vital part of healthy living, and most of us don’t get enough of it. Dedicate each of your slides to a specific habit that enhances sleep hygiene and use images that show the behavior in action. Share some statistics on how each habit impacts sleep quality. 

6. Mac vs PC comparison: what’s the best computer? 

Mac and PC users often clash over which computer and operating system is best, so use your speech to present factual arguments for and against each contender. Slides with screenshots showing the best and worst features of each machine will serve as an effective visual aid. To engage your audience further, build a discussion section into your presentation and let your viewers present and debate their opinions. 

7. iOS vs Android: which smartphone operating system is best?

Comparing two of the world’s most prominent mobile operating systems is bound to stir some debate among your viewers — each likely has one of these devices in their pocket and is probably ready to opine on its superiority. Your job is to educate your audience on the capabilities and known shortfalls of each system so that they can make an informed opinion. Leave some room for discussion as you conclude the presentation to keep your audience absorbed until the end.  

8. Basics of personal finance 

Learning (or brushing up on) healthy financial habits is a useful exercise for anyone, including you — the presenter. The subject matter may be a bit dry for younger viewers, so equip your slide deck with visual content that’s relevant and captivating. Instead of using piggy bank stock images, find YouTube videos of people sharing their experience with a specific money habit. A quick Q&A session at the end of your speech will also give younger viewers ask you questions about concepts they didn’t grasp. 

9. Worldwide weather patterns and their causes 

An informative speech about the earth’s weather patterns and their causes will fascinate viewers of all ages. After all, weather is a topic that permeates our daily lives, but few of us understand the forces that shape it. Focus your speech on meteorological trends that change with seasons and explain what drives them. Maps that show changing weather conditions are effective visuals to use in your speech. 

10. Types of weather phenomena 

Hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, and atmospheric rivers are weather phenomena worth learning about as their pace and intensity quickens due to climate change. An informative speech on these meteorological events should discuss their characteristics, causes, any relevant statistics, and resilience tips for the populations they affect. 

11. The greatest natural disasters of all time 

Humans have an innate interest in catastrophes, so an educational speech on the world’s greatest natural disasters is bound to captivate your audience. However, to make your presentation informative, don’t rely on the shock value of disaster photographs alone. Focus on facts — causes, characteristics, casualties, and resilience measures being taken to mitigate the impact of natural calamities in the future. 

12. How to prepare a 72-hour survival kit 

Floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and earthquakes can displace entire cities at a moment’s notice, so knowing how to pack a survival kit is an essential life skill — and an excellent speech topic. Base your presentation on FEMA’s guidelines for gathering an emergency preparedness kit. Go beyond listing items and teach your audience how to use them through images and instructional videos embedded in your slides. 

13. First aid skills everyone should know

First aid saves lives, so basic first responder techniques are an excellent educational speech topic for any audience. At the very minimum, let your speech cover the fundamentals of CPR, choking aid, and wound care, but feel free to expand the topicality if you’re experienced in the subject matter. Instructional videos are the most handy visual aid since they show the steps for performing various life-saving procedures.  

14. How to live off the grid

Living off the grid is a fun and informative speech topic that centers on a popular ongoing trend. Teach your audience how to live off the land with slides that explain how to meet basic necessities like food, shelter, water, and heat without relying on modern facilities. Images and videos (or even interviews) of successful off-grid dwellers will serve as effective visual aids.  

15. Basics of home gardening

Teach the aspiring gardeners in your audience the basic skills of growing plants at home. An informative speech on the fundamentals of home gardening should discuss vital elements such as lighting, irrigation, humidity, ambient air temperatures, and ways of preventing and controlling plant diseases. If you spell out specific gardening techniques, demonstrate them to your viewers by embedding relevant instructional videos in your slides.  

16. Best plants to decorate your home 

Show your viewers the ideal plants for incorporating into a home’s decor. This should be a largely visual presentation, with slides depicting different plant species and their integration into a home’s interior design. Getting these visuals right may take some time, effort, and even Photoshop skills if available stock images don’t show the right plant in the right setting. Prepare good notes to explain why you’ve chosen these plants.  

17. Wonders of architecture: world’s most unusual buildings

The world’s most unusual buildings make for an educational and visually intriguing speech topic. While your audience will marvel at the images depicting these peaks of human achievement, be sure your slide content conveys the most essential relevant facts. These include the building architect, date of completion, and materials used in construction. 

18. What is a smart city?

Educate your audience on the “smart city” concept by explaining the various systems that work in unison to gather, analyze, and utilize data in an urban environment. Since this functionality differs between municipalities, focus your speech on one smart city example (such as Singapore or Amsterdam), and explain each of its intelligent features slide-by-slide.    

19. World’s longest bridges 

Your speech on the world’s longest bridges should educate viewers about vital facts, such as the bridges’ geographic location, span, support system, purpose, and construction timeframes. You can also add interesting bits of history about each bridge to make the subject matter more exciting. For a more impactful presentation, find high-quality images of each bridge and leave the longest span for the last slide. 

20. 10 best gap year trips

Help viewers make an informed decision about their gap year destinations with slides that highlight vital information about each location. Here are some facts to include in each destination slide: best attractions, places to stay, estimated daily spending, local currency and languages, ideal time to visit, and any hazards to be aware of. 

21. How to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling 

Inform your audience of the best tips for staying green while on the go. These may include choosing rail over flights for short trips, switching off electronics in the hotel room, or avoiding frequent room cleanings on long hotel stays. Dedicate a slide to each of these strategies and explain how and why they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions with relevant statistics.

22. World’s best universities for engineering

Guide prospective engineering students through their best university options around the world with a presentation that features each school’s most vital information. Dedicate each slide to a specific school and list available programs, average tuition fees, most common employers of the graduates, and basic info about the location. To avoid boring viewers with the same dry facts, include each school’s most unique and intriguing feature in the slide deck. 

23. Best countries to study abroad  

Create an informative presentation that ranks the world’s best countries for international students. Each slide should feature one of the nations and list information such as the top local universities and programs, cost of living, student visa requirements, and crucially — the reason this nation made your list. 

24. How to make your resume stand out 

Show an audience of job seekers tips and tricks for standing out amidst a sea of other applicants’ resumes. Each of your slides should feature a specific tip with a screenshot of an example in the resume (don’t bother with generic stock images). Ideally, find a video featuring an interview with an HR professional who discusses these resume-crafting strategies and why they work. 

25. How to use body language in an interview 

A speech exploring the use of body language during job interviews should inform viewers via images and (if possible) videos of the do’s and don'ts. Video clips with a body language expert discussing and demonstrating different postures will add credibility to your presentation and keep the audience immersed in the material. 

25 Ideas for intermediate informative speech topics

informative speech topics on business

The 25 speech topics below are a bit more involved but not quite scholarly, so they’re suitable for high school students in their senior year and their peers in college. You’ll need to research each of the topics thoroughly to convey as much information as possible to educate the viewers and promote critical thought. That said, note that the more data you stuffed into your slide decks, the higher your chances of boring your viewers and losing their attention. So, keep the content info-rich but succinct, and rely heavily on captivating images and videos to tell your story. 

26. How screen time affects children and teens 

Present the relationship between screen time and childrens’ well-being through slides featuring recent study findings. Base your presentation on more than a single study, and reinforce the evidence with videos showing interviews of child psychologists, parents, and children discussing their experience. Since the subject matter is a bit controversial, keep your presentation objective and informative — your viewers can draw their own conclusions.  

27. Why are adults in love with superheroes?

Explore our fascination with superheroes and discuss theories that explain its causes. Start by highlighting the theme’s prevalence in Western culture, then move on to the innate human attitudes that shape it — escapism, optimism, hope, and others. Use credible scientific sources to back up your presentation and give the audience a chance to share their thoughts as you conclude. 

28. A look at the four key parenting styles 

Walk your viewers through the four distinct parenting techniques — authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and neglectful. You’ll need several slides for each parenting type; use them to address the style’s methods and characteristics, prevalence in modern society, advantages, and disadvantages. Find a video of a child psychologist weighing each style’s effectiveness. 

29. What is pop psychology and why are we obsessed with it? 

Discuss the popularization of psychology in modern culture and overview the primary ideologies. Start with a timeline showing the rise of pop psychology, and dedicate slides to specific theories and notable individuals. Crucially, present theories that attempt to explain this cultural phenomenon. 

30. What are “blue zones”? 

Take your audience on a tour of the world’s blue zones — regions known for the longevity of their populations. Overview each region, give its life expectancy statistics, prevalence of chronic illnesses, and lifestyle factors thought to promote longer lifespans. Pay particular attention to factors like diet, exercise, socialization patterns, and work-life balance. If possible, include videos with interviews of blue zone residents and their perspective on longevity. 

31. A look at the centenarian diet 

Overview the known, identified dietary patterns among blue zone inhabitants. These may vary by region, but all have certain commonalities in terms of the most prevalent food and nutrient groups. Include a dish or recipe that embodies each dietary pattern you discuss in your presentation. Crucially, explain why scholars believe these eating habits contribute to longevity and good health. 

32. Diet trends across generations

Discuss how diet trends have changed between generations. The simplest way to organize your speech is by generation — start with the Lost Generation and work your way to Alpha. Overview each cohort’s typical regimen and favorite dishes, and try to rationalize the contributing factors behind each culinary shift. To get your viewers thinking critically, leave time for an interactive session at the end of your speech and discuss whether the dietary changes are beneficial for health and the environment. 

33. Why cuisine is a cultural shaping force

Explain how cultural values and ideals are embodied in recipes and culinary traditions. Organize your speech by cuisines, with each slide showing either prominent dishes that reflect aspects of the nation’s culture, or customs surrounding food preparation and service. 

34. How alcohol consumption has changed over time

This speech should highlight the shifts in alcohol consumption across all of the world’s regions. You may not be able to find enough data (or have sufficient time) to discuss drinking statistics from every nation on earth, but show the most prominent examples of changing attitudes — i.e. which nations and regions drink more, and which have curbed their consumption over time. Accompany each finding with factors that may have driven changes in alcohol use. 

35. Factors contributing to the mental health crisis

Present the findings of academic studies on possible triggers behind the ongoing mental health crisis. Use statistics to compare the effects of different factors, and back up your statements with authoritative quotes from clinical psychiatrists. Given the significance and thorniness of the subject matter, keep your speech professional and respectful, and stay objective while presenting. 

36. How social media affects our mental health

Use your speech to educate the audience on the observed mental health effects of social media and their mechanisms. Include positive and negative impacts in your presentation. For each one (for example, loss of sleep quality), include research-based evidence and hypotheses as to why the effect takes place. To keep your viewers’ attention, intersperse video clips of interviews with psychiatrists involved in this research or their test subjects. 

37. What is an LLM? 

Inform the audience about Large Language Models (LLM) by explaining the processes that enable their functionality. Dedicate several slides to addressing common questions about LLMs. For example:

  • Can LLMs reason? 
  • Are LLMs conscious beings? 
  • Can LLMs evolve into Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)? 

38. What are the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence?

Discuss the various ethical dilemmas that emerge as artificial intelligence gains a foothold in our daily lives. These may include inherent bias, workforce disruption, and AI-powered lethal decision-making in warfare. This speech should stimulate critical thought as much as it informs, so discuss each dilemma you present with your audience.   

39. What is blockchain technology?

Educate your viewers on the basics of blockchain technology. Use relevant visuals and give concrete examples of how each aspect of this technology works. For example, you can show how a Bitcoin transaction happens, with each slide illustrating one of its phases. Be sure to discuss all blockchain applications (not just cryptocurrency), and review its pros and cons. 

40. Can cryptocurrencies replace traditional finance?

Cryptocurrencies’ ability to replace traditional finance are up for debate, so use your speech to inform the audience of the arguments for and against such an event. To start, explain how crypto differs from conventional currencies, list its benefits and shortfalls, and describe government efforts to control its proliferation. Then, dive into credible evidence that backs crypto as the currency of the future, and proof of the contrary. At the end of the presentation, let your viewers opine on the subject matter. 

41. What is the future of transportation?

Explore transportation technologies that are currently being designed, developed, or have recently entered service. Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, new supersonic jets, the hyperloop, or even innovative micromobility vehicles are all intriguing examples. Apart from listing these transportation modes’ capabilities, explain the driving forces behind their invention. What problem are these new technologies striving to solve?  

42. What is causing climate change and how to combat it

Educate viewers on the scientifically accepted climate change triggers and walk through viable strategies for slowing the pace of global warming. As you analyze the causes, use statistics to show which human activities are most harmful. Likewise, include models to illustrate all the potential progression paths of global warming relative to the mitigation strategies we deploy. Touch on new climate strategies, such as geoengineering, and discuss their pros and cons.   

43. These cities will sink by 2050 if we don’t reduce carbon emissions

List cities that are expected to sink below the sea level by 2050 if the world does not reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Tie these predictions to specific emission targets, temperature benchmarks, and sea level changes. Explain whether each of the doomed cities has a chance of either staying above water by natural or artificial means. Likewise, note any preparations to move government infrastructure and populations out of affected cities (as is the case with Jakarta). Finally, touch on the obstacles in the way of these cities’ survival. These may include positive feedback loops accelerating sea level rise, ineffective climate policies, and denialist propaganda.    

44. How to identify propaganda 

Propaganda techniques vary widely, so start by discussing the characteristics common to all propaganda forms: the agenda, the target audience, and the manipulated message. Show concrete samples of these “red flags” in the media (just be careful to stay clear of political battle lines!) Then, use the rest of your slides to analyze different propaganda techniques and their real-life manifestations.  

45. How populism has shaped politics over time 

Educate your viewers on the effect populism has had on politics and governments throughout history. Start by defining the concept, explain its methods and characteristics, and pinpoint its historical origins. Then, walk your audience through historical populist movements and their consequences. Unless you plan to stoke a heated debate with your speech, stay objective and use examples from both sides of the political divide.  

46. How the electoral college works in the United States

Discuss the processes behind the US electoral college within the broader framework of a presidential election. To properly illustrate the institution’s function, explain what happens from the moment the nation casts its ballots to the confirmation of the US president in the Senate. Finally, give examples of US presidents who won elections despite losing the plurality of the popular vote — and the role the electoral college played in these events. 

47. A look at modern monarchies

Inform the audience about the role monarchies continue to play in today’s world. List the reigning monarchs, discuss their powers within government, then touch on their networth and popularity among subjects. To promote critical thinking among your viewers, leave some time to debate monarchies’ relevance and utility in the modern world. 

48. Exploring systems of government 

Teach your viewers about various systems of government that operate in modern nations. Use countries as specific examples of the different government systems. Explain how these governments are formed or elected, how they pass and execute laws, and historical factors that led to their creation. Crucially, list each system’s pros and cons. 

49. The state of democracy around the world 

Use your speech to summarize the state of democratic power across different regions. Use maps and statistics to list nations where democratic norms are seeing improvement, and those slipping into totalitarianism. Address the contributing factors behind shifts in the quality of democracy. 

50. Bloodiest conflicts throughout history 

Present a compilation of the world’s bloodiest conflicts. Include both domestic and international confrontations, and rank them by the number of casualties. Discuss the root causes of each conflict you present, and aggravating factors (such as weapons of mass destruction use, famines, or oppressive political regimes). As you conclude, ask your audience to brainstorm ways to avoid such conflicts in the future. 

25 Ideas for complex informative speech topics 

informative speech topics on business

The following 25 suggestions are for informative speech topics geared at a university-level audience. These topics delve into sophisticated theories and technologies at the forefront of scientific research. Your viewers may know the subject well, especially if they are your peers. However, do your best to break up the monotony of fact-rich, scholarly content with suitable graphics, videos, and discussion sessions. 

51. Gene therapy: definition, applications, and future development  

Explain how gene therapy works and give a brief overview of its history. Discuss the various delivery methods for gene therapy along with their suitability and pros and cons. Use available statistics to shine a light on the effectiveness of this treatment for different diseases, and touch on the therapy’s ongoing research and development.  

52. What is CRISPR gene editing? 

Define the CRISPR initialism (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), and describe the mechanism behind this gene editing technique. Use effective visuals to illustrate the processes and help your viewers grasp the subject matter. Crucially, list practical examples of CRISPR applications and address the controversy surrounding this method.  

53. How RNA vaccines work 

Show your viewers the workings of RNA vaccines with slides that graphically depict each step, from vaccine formulation to the host’s immune response. Examine RNA vaccines’ suitability for protecting against various diseases, touch on their development history, and compare their effectiveness against other common vaccine types.   

54. Current and future role of AI in healthcare 

Create an informative presentation showing AI’s current applications in healthcare, new AI-based technologies under development, and AI’s long-term future potential in the field. Your slides should describe how AI algorithms enhance various tasks (for example, diagnostic imaging), with statistics that show their efficacy. As you contemplate AI’s future potential in healthcare, ask your viewers to weigh in with their opinions. 

55. How nanotechnology continues to advance and change our world 

Describe the origins and history of nanotechnology, along with current uses, ongoing research, and possible implications. Your slide deck should have graphic representations of how nanotechnology powers various processes and consumer items, and the tools used in its production. Leave some time in your speech to debate the potential of nanotechnology and address concerns. 

56. How does the James Webb Telescope work? 

Your speech should illustrate how each of the James Webb Space Telescope components work in unison to capture images of faraway celestial bodies and transmit them to earth. Dedicate a slide to each of the elements, then show some of the telescope’s latest available images. Compare Webb’s mechanism and output to Hubble's. 

57. What is the future of space exploration?

The future of space exploration is a conjectural topic, so your speech should give your audience all the necessary information to make an educated guess. Start off by analyzing past space missions, the reasons behind them, the technology used, and the limitations they faced. Then, consider the same factors in the context of the future. What will motivate humans to continue space exploration? What technology will be available, and what constraints will we continue to face? Allow some time for debate before you conclude the speech. 

58. Can we make Mars inhabitable? 

Our ability to inhabit Mars is a speculative topic, so approach it with these facts: 

  • How suitable is Mars’s surface for habitation
  • Technology needed to make Mars inhabitable 
  • Current technical constraints and potential for their resolution
  • Implications for humans on Mars-bound missions 

After presenting the facts above, describe current plans for human Mars missions. Explain their current status, what they plan to accomplish, and what obstacles they currently face. Finally, get viewers to opine on the viability of Mars inhabitation. 

59. Future of supersonic commercial air travel 

Overview the current commercial supersonic projects (Boom and Quesst), and contrast them against the Concorde and Tu-144. List the challenges these original supersonic airliners faced, and explain why they ceased operating. Discuss whether Boom and Quesst will be able to overcome these same obstacles and make supersonic air travel possible again. 

60. How much of a threat is technological singularity? 

Discuss the concept of technological singularity and overview contending theories on its potential, mechanisms, and timelines. Crucially, explain why some scholars believe that singularity is inevitable. Finally, address the possible implications of singularity and the threats humanity might face as a result. 

61. Exploring the causes of political polarization

Guide your audience through the innate causes and triggers behind polarization in politics. Explain why some degree of polarization may be inherent in al democratic systems, especially where parties have widely differing ideologies. Then, talk about specific events that exacerbate polarization, such as gerrymandering or social media algorithms. Conclude with a debate on the subject matter, but steer the conversation clear of political flashpoints.  

62. How gerrymandering amplifies political polarization 

Gerrymandering is a redistricting technique that redraws borders in favor of a political party and ratchets up polarization among the voters. To illustrate the process, present instances where redistricting is believed to have fomented political divide. Stay objective and find examples from both sides of the political divide to avoid causing tension among your audience.  

63. What is dark matter? 

You may not be able to define dark matter, but you can overview the current, widely accepted hypotheses about its composition and place in the observable universe. Explain what we do know about dark matter (such as its interaction or lack thereof with light, the electromagnetic field, and gravity), present evidence of its existence, and list constraints that keep us from learning more about this mysterious phenomenon. 

64. How does the Placebo effect work?

Explain the neurophysiological process in the brain that helps the patient to feel better without actually treating the underlying cause of the symptoms. Discuss the various applications of placebos in medical practice and research. Supplement your speech with graphics that show the neural processes behind the effect and make it easier for your audience to grasp.

65. How intelligent are animals? 

Educate your viewers on the cognitive abilities of different animals. Consider ranking the animals in your presentation by intellect, with the most intelligent species appearing last (this will help your speech build momentum). For each animal, explain how its intelligence was assessed, whether it manifests in observable behavior, and how it helps the species excel in its environment. Videos of these behaviors could make your speech more intriguing. 

66. Plant and animal species on the brink of extinction 

Walk your viewers through a list of fauna and flora species that are either critically endangered or already extinct in the wild. For each species, detail the present populations, habitat, and crucially, the factors pushing it to extinction. Also, list conservation efforts underway to protect any of the threatened species and discuss their efficacy. 

67. Are there habitable earth-like exoplanets? 

Use your speech to present the exoplanets currently thought to have habitable, earth-like conditions. Explain how and when each planet was discovered, where it’s located in the Universe, how far it is from earth, and why scientists believe it may be inhabitable. List factors that determine whether a planet may be a host for lifeforms. 

68. The search for extraterrestrial life 

Outline the past and present efforts to find life beyond our planet. Talk about the different methods that have been used to look for extraterrestrial life and explain their outcomes. Likewise, list UFO sightings and purported alien encounters and discuss whether they are credible evidence of life on other planets. Finally, inform your audience about developing technologies that will enable us to find signs of life deep in the universe in the future.

69. How our microbiome connects the gut to the brain 

Explain the gut-to-brain connection that exists thanks to our microbiome. Use explanatory visuals to show the different types of beneficial and harmful bacteria that exist in the gut, and how these microbes influence our physical and mental well-being. Be sure to clearly illustrate the neurological processes through which the microbiome connects to and affects the human brain. 

70. Exploring the current climate change models and predictions 

Educate your viewers about the scientifically accepted climate change predictions and the models on which they’re based. Outline predictions for the next 50-100 years, with models showing how outcomes differ relative to the average temperature increase. Include consequences such as changing coastlines, population displacement, extinction and endangerment of plant and animal species, and effects on the economy.  

71. Superbugs: the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria 

Discuss the emergence of bacteria that can resist antibiotics and the root causes of their evolution. Cite specific medical cases where antibiotics were unable to treat previously treatable conditions. Explain what hazards such pathogens pose to humanity, and what (if any) measures are being taken to contain their spread and development. 

72. How to mitigate the effects of the next pandemic

Each pandemic humanity has lived through taught us invaluable lessons about disease prevention and control. Share these lessons in a speech that features key strategies for reducing the human and economic toll of inevitable future pandemics. Discuss how differences in virility and transmissibility affect the tactics used to contain their spread. Finally, tell your audience which pandemics are most and least likely to occur, and how prepared we are to handle them.  

73. What is quantum cryptography?

Explain the concept of quantum cryptography, its origins, and the reasons for its inception. Cover the processes through which cryptographic activities occur in the quantum state, how they differ from non-quantum ciphering, and what advantages they offer. Spell out distinct examples of quantum cryptographic applications, and potential for further development of these technologies. Since the topic requires at least intermediate knowledge of quantum mechanics, clearly cover the relevant fundamental concepts of this field and leave some time for a Q&A session in case your viewers have questions. 

74. What is the Modern Monetary Theory (MMT)?

Inform your viewers about the fundamentals of Modern Monetary Theory and how they play out in practice. Explain MMT’s five key tenets, and illustrate each of these with a real-life example. Compare MMT against Keynesian economic principles and list its benefits and shortfalls.   

75. Inflation, recession, and stagflation

Describe each of the three economic states, their causes, and their inter-relationship. Outline the factors that trigger each state and the policies designed to rectify them. Give real-life examples of inflation, recession, and stagflation, and the effects they’ve had on people’s everyday lives. 

25 Debate-worthy informative speech topic ideas 

informative speech topics on business

The 25 topic ideas below have no place at the dinner table. However, their controversial subject matter demands debate and thoughtful action and they’re quite suitable for a mature, adult audience. 

Since these topics are meant to inspire discussion, your job is to supply relevant facts and stay objective while you present. Credible statistics presented with clear, impactful visuals are most effective. With hard facts laid out clearly in front of them, your audience has the best chance of thinking critically, being willing to see multiple perspectives, and engaging in constructive dialogue.

76. Is gentle parenting effective? 

Present evidence confirming and disputing the efficacy of gentle parenting (also known as “passive parenting.”) Find relevant statistics or expert opinions from child psychologists, educators, and parenting coaches to reinforce your speech. Finally, let your audience — the parents in particular — opine on the matter.  

77. Are video games an acceptable pastime for children? 

Showcase statistics on the effects of video games on children’s cognitive abilities, school performance, behavior, and personality. Rely solely on expert evidence — study results, clinical research, and opinions of child psychologists. Then, conclude your speech by inviting audience members to speak their minds. 

78. Individualism vs collectivism: which social system works best?

Describe the characteristics of individualism and collectivism, and offer examples of societies where one of the systems is considerably more prevalent. Compare these societies across metrics such as education levels, GDP, life satisfaction, human rights, and the state of democracy. Likewise, explore societies that balance individual and collective needs. After this analysis, allow your viewers to express their views on the topic.  

79. What are acceptable limits on free speech? 

Guide your audience through the various laws that protect and restrict free speech in the US and abroad. Find examples of positive and negative outcomes of such laws. Finally, ask your viewers what “freedom of speech” means to them, and how much of it they’re willing to sacrifice for the common good. 

80. What is net neutrality and how does it affect us? 

Explain what net neutrality means and cite specific laws that strive to make the internet “neutral.” Present examples of such laws in action, and ask the audience to consider their benefits and shortfalls.  

81. Is the world warming naturally or due to human activity? 

Start by describing the causes of ice ages and interglacial periods in the past and the feedback loops that exacerbated these climatic shifts. Next, present scientific evidence that pinpoints current shifts in the earth’s climate that wouldn’t have taken place without human activities. Examine how and why current climate change differs from glacial and interglacial cycles of the past. 

82. Pros and cons of AI use in an educational setting

List the various capabilities that AI products like ChatGPT afford students, and analyze their pros and cons from an educator’s perspective. For example, you may conclude that AI-generated essays impede academic progress, while AI-enhanced slide presentations let students focus their brainpower on the slide content by automating tedious tasks like slide design and formatting. 

83. Is AI disruptive or a force for the good?  

Outline the human activities AI has automated already, and those it will potentially take on in the future. Consider whether this automation will disrupt or enhance the quality of our lives. Examine factors that may contribute to either of the outcomes — for example, effective regulatory policies or powerful AI technology falling into the wrong hands. Give your viewers time to share their thoughts on the matter before you conclude. 

84. Does AI dehumanize us?

Share examples of AI art and compare it to pieces produced by humans. Let your audience compare samples of human-written text with AI-generated content that now permeates the web. Inform your viewers of any art activities AI can now perform. Then, ask them whether these creative tasks — formerly firmly in the human domain — can still elicit the same emotional response from us even if they’re automated. There are no right or wrong answers, and the debate you inspire with your speech will be as informative as the facts you’ve presented in your slides.  

85. What are deepfakes and how do we handle them?

Define deepfakes, explain how they’re made, and list their uses. Include videos with first-hand examples of people affected by deepfakes, and discuss what strategies should be in place to protect us from their harm. 

86. How to solve the addiction and mental health crises 

There are many proposals to address ongoing addiction and mental health crises, and you can summarize them in your speech. Describe each action plan in detail and include potential benefits and drawbacks. Show real-life examples of these strategies in action if you find them, along with reported outcomes. With the facts before them, your audience should be able to debate the efficacy of each proposed solution.   

87. Advantages and disadvantages of harm reduction 

Review the positive and negative effects of harm reduction policies on the addiction crisis, and try to establish whether the pros outweigh the cons. Ask your audience whether saving the life of a drug user is worth the possible proliferation of drugs within the community and the subsequent new addictions. These are tough moral questions, so moderate the debate to keep the discussion from getting heated. 

88. Arguments for and against the death penalty 

Educate your audience on the key arguments for and against the death penalty. For example, consider its efficacy as a deterrent and use crime statistics to back up your assertions. Likewise, discuss the punishment’s irreversibility and thus the chances of innocent people being executed. Get your viewers to opine on whether or not governments have the moral authority to kill their citizens. 

89. Thought experiments in ethics and morality

Engage your viewers with a series of ethical thought experiments. Consider using experiments such as the Heinz dilemma, survival lottery, the trolley problem, or any others that challenge participants to make tough moral decisions. 

90. Gun violence in the US: causes and potential solutions 

Present the latest gun violence statistics across the US and consider their causes and possible solutions. Discuss any preventative strategies that are currently in place and analyze their efficacy. Compare statistics across other developed nations, then ask your viewers to opine on what makes the US such a hotbed of gun crime. 

91. Is there a way to be an ethical billionaire? 

Using simple math, show your viewers how much one has to earn — and for how long — to make a billion dollars. Include real-life examples of billionaires and describe their journeys. Consider the special privileges they may have had that helped them attain their wealth and compare their efforts to those of the many employees that help them amass fortunes. At the same time, outline each of these folks’ charitable contributions, annual tax payments, and the number of jobs they create. At the end of your presentation, hold a debate to establish whether it’s possible to be an ethical billionaire.  

92. Pros and cons of genetic engineering 

Inform your viewers of the current genetic engineering practices, their applications, benefits, and shortfalls. Discuss any ethical implications of genetic engineering, and how these can be resolved. 

93. Risks and benefits of nuclear power 

Educate your viewers on the known risks and benefits of nuclear power. Explain nuclear plants’ capacity to produce clean energy with no greenhouse gas emissions, and compare their outputs against those of renewable generation methods, such as solar farms. At the same time, discuss the risk of accidents and their consequences for health and environment. Do some high-level calculations to establish how the world’s electricity needs can be met without nuclear power as the world shifts away from fossil fuels. 

94. Drawing the line between cultural appropriation and appreciation 

Define “cultural appropriation” and explain how it differs from appreciating other cultures. Give specific examples of both practices to illustrate the distinction for your viewers. Ask your audience if they’ve ever unwittingly participated in cultural appropriation, and if they see the practice as offensive or innocent.  

95. Does “cancel culture” work? 

Cancel culture is a form of boycott meant to promote social justice and give a voice to the vulnerable. Whether it always works as intended is up for debate. So, focus your presentation on real-life examples of cancel culture at work, and try to establish (together with your audience) whether justice was served in each case. 

96. Is armed intervention ever justified? 

Analyze the reasons behind the world's many conflicts and reconcile them with the outcomes. For example, how does US involvement in WWII compare to the war in Vietnam? In which of these cases was the use of force on foreign soil justified, and can the same ethical formula apply to future conflicts? 

97. How social media algorithms distort our perception of reality 

Use examples to demonstrate how social media algorithms create “filter bubbles” — feedback loops that expose us to more of the same content in which we’ve shown interest. Explain how these filter bubbles have the potential to misinform viewers, sway them emotionally, and even radicalize them. Together with your viewers, discuss possible strategies for containing this phenomenon and mitigating its effects.

98. Assisted suicide laws across the world 

Prepare an analysis of euthanasia laws worldwide. Explain how these laws differ in each nation, and what the outcomes have been so far. Be sure to delineate between active and passive euthanasia and current laws. Likewise, discuss the controversies surrounding assisted death. For example, Canada plans to expand eligibility to the mentally ill, while other nations let minors access the option even without a terminal disease. 

99. How do we measure happiness? 

The World Happiness Report measures happiness by polling populations using metrics such as GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, and personal freedoms, among others. Meanwhile, the nation of Bhutan has a Gross National Happiness Index, which quantifies happiness on a broader spectrum that includes 33 indicators. Present these tools to your audience and discuss their efficacy. Finally, let your viewers pitch their own criteria for measuring happiness levels. 

100. Different visions for the future of humanity 

The future of humanity is a highly conjectural topic. The best you can do during your speech is inform the audience of the critical factors currently shaping our civilization’s path (think climate change, weapons of mass destruction, and the rise of AI), then ask for opinions. Let your viewers speak and share their vision for our future. 

10 Fun informative speech topic ideas

informative speech topics on business

The next 10 topics are light and fun but educational nonetheless. If you do your research and deliver the findings in an engaging presentation, your viewers will walk away entertained and know more about the world. (Whether this new knowledge is useful is up for debate).

101. How cults indoctrinate and control their members 

Outline the methods cults typically use to recruit, indoctrinate, and control their members. Explain which people are most likely to respond to a cult’s messaging, and why. Give examples of notable cults and the techniques they used to recruit and brainwash adherents. 

102. Most bizarre and disturbing conspiracy theories 

Compile the world’s most prominent conspiracy theories for an intriguing and informative speech. From Paul Is Dead to Lizard People, conspiracy theories show how fringe ideas gain mainstream acceptance. They may be entertaining, but remind your audience not to dismiss these theories as trivial — these phenomena often have very real consequences, like legitimization of violence and endangerment of public safety. 

103. Why some people believe in conspiracy theories 

Explore why some people are more susceptible to beliefs in conspiracy theories. Walk your audience through contributing factors, such as mistrust of authority, social isolation, major life changes, and others. If possible, include video clips of interviews with former and current conspiracists in which they explain their path down the rabbit hole. 

104. Are UFOs real?  

Overview the world’s most notable UFO and alien encounter reports, with witness accounts and images (if possible). For each encounter, supply the official explanation and debate it with your viewers. Be sure to cover the most recent US government revelations on secret military tests that may have been mistaken for UFOs. 

105. Most mind-boggling mysteries that are still unsolved

Fascinate the audience with a list of the strangest and most unsettling mysteries that remain unsolved to this day. If you can, equip each of your slides with relevant images and clips of interviews of parties involved. Provide currently accepted interpretations of the events, and invite your viewers to opine.   

106. Secret government experiments revealed 

Compile a list of the most intriguing government experiments that have been revealed to the public. Describe the purpose of each experiment, the process, and the outcome. Any official interviews or declassified documents will help you bolster the credibility of your speech.

107. Strangest laws in each US state 

There’s no shortage of bizarre state laws, so pick the most outlandish one from each state. Explain what each piece of legislation tried to accomplish at the time of its passage, and tell your viewers whether it still gets enforced. 

108. Most ridiculous sports in the world 

Walk your audience through the world’s most absurd organized sports. From ferret legging to extreme ironing, there is no lack of ridiculous activities for humans with too much time on their hands. Overview each of your chosen sports’ origins, basic rules, and popularity across the world. 

109. How different cultures celebrate life’s milestones 

Explain how major life events like births, deaths and weddings are celebrated around the world. Discuss each tradition’s particulars, symbology, cultural roots, and significance to the people who observe it. Get your viewers to share their respective cultures’ customs as you conclude the speech.  

110. Breakfasts around the world: How different cultures start their day

Take your viewers on a culinary journey through different nations’ favorite breakfast meals. Present the origins, unique flavors, and key ingredients of each dish. Then, ask your audience to share their cultures’ quintessential breakfast items. 

How to choose a speech topic

Your speech topic should be relevant, educational, and thought-provoking, yet easily comprehensible by the viewers. To this end, use the five steps below to find the most suitable subject matter for your speech. 

  • Consider the purpose.  
  • Understand the audience.
  • Factor in your knowledge and interest.  
  • Adapt to the setting. 
  • Account for the availability of visuals.  

1. Consider the purpose  

Establish the objective of your presentation and choose the speech type accordingly. There are five common speech types, all of which convey different kinds of information: 

  • Definitional: Explains the meaning of the topic’s subject. Topic example: “What is net neutrality and how does it affect us?”
  • Descriptive: Depicts in detail the subject of the topic. Topic example: “Breakfasts around the world: How different cultures start their day.”
  • Explanatory: Overviews the functions behind a specific process. Topic example: “How our microbiome connects the gut to the brain.” 
  • Demonstrative: Lists steps to perform a task. Topic example: “How to mitigate the effects of the next pandemic.”
  • Comparative: Compares and contrasts two items, with a thorough analysis of the similarities and differences. Topic example: “Individualism vs collectivism: which social system works best?”

2. Understand the audience 

Once you’ve narrowed down your preferred speech type, consider how different topics within this category will resonate with your audience. Think about the viewers’ knowledge level, and choose subject matter that is challenging but graspable at the same time. Likewise, gauge their interest in your potential topics — the last thing you want is a crowd that’s dozing off as you speak. 

3. Factor in your knowledge and interest

Choose a topic that interests you — at least to some degree. Otherwise, your speech may turn out lifeless and you’ll struggle to deliver the information in a captivating way. You viewers will respond by tuning you out. 

4. Adapt to the setting 

Make sure you can present your chosen speech topic in your setting. For example, subject matter that’s best conveyed with lots of images or audio requires the facilities to run a slideshow. If the speech venue doesn’t have a screen, projector, and speakers, stick with topics where your words and your interactions with the audience can do all the work.  

5. Account for the availability of visuals.

Some subjects are best taught through visuals. If your preferred topic falls under this category, make sure that you can source relevant images and videos — don’t fill your slides with generic stock images. 

How to prepare your informative speech presentation

Now that you’ve chosen your speech topic, it’s time to prepare the presentation that will accompany you on the stage as you speak. By following the following five steps, you’ll make a presentation that effectively guides both you and your viewers through the key points of your speech. 

  • Research thoroughly 
  • Adhere to the 6 C’s of informative speaking 
  • Find a suitable platform for creating your presentation 
  • Ask for a peer review 

1. Research thoroughly 

Your task is to compose a speech that informs, so to start, research your topic until you know it like the back of your hand. Use credible sources, not just random blogs you find on Google (Google Scholar is an excellent choice). As you study the subject matter, note all the pertinent data, and create an outline that presents information in smooth, contextual flow. 

2. Adhere to the 6 C’s of informative speaking 

The 6 C’s of informative speaking help you deliver (and your audience absorb) the message effectively. A speech that adheres to the 6 C’s is:

  • Clear: Use clear phrasing that everyone understands. 
  • Colorful: Enliven your speech with color to keep the viewers’ attention. 
  • Concrete: Eliminate ambiguities and deliver concrete information that leaves no room for misinterpretation. 
  • Correct: If you present something as a fact, make sure you’ve triple-checked its accuracy. Leave no room for factually incorrect information in your presentation. 
  • Concise: Keep the written content in your slides and your speaking notes as short as possible. 
  • Courteous: Remain respectful and courteous throughout your speech, especially if the topic is controversial.  

3. Find a suitable platform for creating your presentation

Find a presentation maker to help you tackle your slides quickly and without excessive manual effort. For example, Plus AI does all the heavy lifting and lets you generate professional Google Slides presentations from a prompt , then helps you edit and format the slides quickly. With these tedious tasks out of the way, you can focus your efforts on the content of the speech. 

4. Ask for a peer review

Get your fellow student or coworker to review your presentation and give you their notes. You can even rehearse the speech with them to get some feedback on the delivery. Such a rehearsal should help you refine your speech (and slides) before the big day. 

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Learning Objective

  • Identify the general purpose and specific purpose of a speech

Now that you have a clear idea of your general and specific purpose, the allotted time, your audience’s expectations, and the amount of information available, you are ready to commit to a topic. We have several strategies you can use to help select and narrow the topic appropriately.

Know Yourself and Your Audience

The first strategy is to identify an area of knowledge or an issue that deeply interests you. If you have not already completed the first of the Note 10.1 “Introductory Exercises” for this chapter, please work with it, identifying as many activities, areas of interest, places you’ve traveled to, and things you find interesting as possible. Once you have completed the exercise, identify three broad subject areas where you have some knowledge or experience and consider at least one link to business and industry for each area. Talking about what you know will make you a more credibility speaker but it must clearly connect with your employer’s goals for your presentation. If, for example, you like doing a scrapbook, what kind of glue do you prefer and why? That may make for a natural speech topic that calls on your previous experience while requiring you to learn more about the glue and its properties. You may need to compare and contrast several types of glues as part of your preparation. Your in-depth awareness of scrapbooking and glue as a necessary ingredient will make you a more credible speaker.

In the first of the Note 10.1 “Introductory Exercises” for this chapter, you were asked to choose three questions from the list and then survey people you know to find out which of the three they prefer to hear about. Make sure you keep score by writing down factors like age, gender, and any other elements you think your audience may have in common. This exercise serves to reinforce the idea of being audience-centered, or tailoring your message to your specific audience. Our third of the Note 10.1 “Introductory Exercises” for this chapter should highlight that our perception of the world is not always accurate, and there is no substitute for thorough, objective research when preparing a speech. The more you know, about yourself and your audience, the better you can prepare to meet their needs and accomplish your goals as a speaker.

You have now utilized the Note 10.1 “Introductory Exercises” to help identify some broad topic areas that might work for you. If you find the topic interesting, your enthusiasm will show and your audience will become interested, too. Next, you will want to decide which of these areas would work best for your speech, and how to narrow it down.

Saving Time

Here are some strategies you can use to save yourself time in selecting a speech topic.

First, consider the information you already have close at hand. Do you already have a project you are working on, perhaps in another course? What are you currently studying in your other classes? What topics do you want to know more about? Which issues or aspects initially drew you to this topic or area? Chances are that whatever piqued your interest the first time will also get your audience interested.

Next, conduct a search (online, in the library, or interview people you know) in your subject area to get an overview of the subject. Explore topics, issues, places, or people that fascinate you.

Appeal, Appropriateness, and Ability

These are three main factors to consider when choosing a topic. All three factors are related to one another, but by systematically focusing on each one you will help address the strengths and weaknesses of your chosen topic.

Appeal involves the attractive power of arousing a sympathetic, stimulated response from the audience. Your audience will have expectations of you as a speaker and of your purpose for speaking. We all tend to seek novelty and find interesting, attractive, or appealing, or something that is not part of everyday life. A good example is the melting ice cream used in the speech on global warming. The elements are nothing new. We’ve all seen plates, brownies, and ice cream before, but how many of us have seen a speaker use them together to symbolize the melting ice caps associated with global warming? There is an inherent novelty present when we adapt something from its original purpose in order to make it appealing. You will need to consider an appealing way to start your speech, and will look for ways throughout your speech to reaffirm that appeal to the audience. When considering a topic, also think about the visual or auditory images that come to mind, or how you might represent it to an audience in ways other than your words. This can guide you as you proceed to select your topic, thinking about what you can make appealing to your audience.

It also follows that appeal applies to the speaker as well as the audience. You may find the prospect of discussing global warming not very interesting, and if you feel this way, it will come through in your speech. You need to be attracted, interested or find your topic appealing in order to convey this appeal to your audience. Find something that catches your interest, and that same spark is what you will cultivate to develop ways to stimulate the spark of curiosity in your audience.

Appropriateness involves a topic that is especially suitable or compatible with your audience’s interest, expectations, norms, or customs. Everyone will have expectations about roles and outcomes associated with your speech. Some may be looking for information, while others may already know something about your topic and want to learn more. You will need to reach both groups within the audience. As we saw earlier in the Ford Mustang example, a highly technical speech may lose the more novice members of your audience.

Appropriateness is important because some topics do not work as well in a classroom setting as others. Will everyone find a new rust treatment product interesting? Will everyone find a car speech interesting? Whether you are in the classroom or business office setting, consider your audience and the appropriateness of your topic.

Regardless where you give a speech, you should always choose topics that will not promote harmful or illegal actions. It is also important to consider whether your topic might offend members of the audience. If this is a possibility, can you find a way to present the topic that will minimize offense? Similarly, if your topic is controversial and you know that your audience has strong feelings about it, consider how you can convey your message without alienating or antagonizing your listeners. Finally, it is usually wise to avoid topics, which the audience already knows a lot about.

Ability involves the natural aptitude or acquired proficiency to be able to perform. If you have a lot of prior information on flying, gained over years of experience being at the controls of an aircraft, you may have a natural aptitude and knowledge base to use to your advantage. If, however, you’ve never flown before, you may need to gather information and go visit an airport to be able to approach a proficient level of understanding to discuss the topic.

In addition to your ability to draw on your natural strengths, you’ll also want to consider your ability to research a topic where you are located. If you want to develop a speech on a particular topic but you find information hard to come by, this will make your job even harder and could possibly have a detrimental impact on your speech. You may find that two similar topics interest you but your ability to gather information from more diverse sources, from places that are more readily available, or from your background and experience make one topic more attractive than the other.

Figure 10.2

10.2.0

Consider your audience and the appropriateness of your topic, product, or service for success.

Steve Jurvetson – Audience – CC BY 2.0.

Consider topics that are,

  • possibly controversial,
  • supported by information you can find in outside sources,
  • interesting to you.

Individual course guidelines vary, so make sure that your instructor approves your topic, and that your topic is appropriate for your audience. At some colleges and universities, broad topics are designated as part of the curriculum including, for example, environment, diversity, and technology. In your class, you may be challenged to link any of those topics to business, and to prepare an informative or persuasive speech. Some colleges and university instructors may also encourage you not to choose topics that have been done repeatedly over the years, like abortion or the death penalty, unless you can connect the issue to a current event or new perspective. Don’t avoid all controversial topics, as they often intrigue your audience and help maintain interest. Just make sure to consider the pre-existing attitudes of your audience when attempting to create an effective, engaging speech.

In a business setting, you will rarely be given complete freedom to choose your topic. You may even have a script and visual aids prepared in advance. In the real world the luxury of time for preparation and topic selection are rare, but in a classroom setting you are often given more of an opportunity to choose. That choice should not be taken lightly, and should be viewed as an opportunity. The classroom is a training ground, and your freedom to explore and experiment is designed to build skills and strengths. When you join an employer, you will be asked to prepare a presentation as part of the job; more often than not, there are clear guidelines on what is acceptable and your professionalism is expected.

Use Your Self-Inventory

Choosing a topic can be difficult, but your self-inventory of things you already know should get you started. By doing a little exploring, you can often help yourself come up with several possible topics. The topic itself will not exclusively make a “good” or “bad” speech. How you develop that topic and discuss its points and issues, however, will make a significant impact. Before moving on to the next step in this chapter, make sure you have a topic in which you are relatively confident. If you have trouble selecting a topic, take your self-inventory to your instructor or librarian. They may be able to help guide you to a topic that works for you.

Here are some examples to get you started. Let’s say your self-inventory response from the first of the Note 10.1 “Introductory Exercises” for this chapter to the question, “ What do you play or do for fun ?” is to play sports, and it also happens to be one way you are earning your way through school on a scholarship. You could consider a topic like the history of your sport for an informative speech, or how to tell the difference between three classic types of pitches in baseball, and which you can involve an audience member for a demonstrative speech. You could also consider stereotypes of athletes in college and some of the common misperceptions and persuade the audience that athletes often handle the issues of time management well, can get good grades (provide statistics as evidence and ask a coach for examples), and are actively developing both their minds and their bodies through participation in sports. You might even take on a topic of why basketball is more interesting than football, or vice versa. You might decide instead to entertain the audience, and tell stories associated with game travel, buses breaking down, or road trips gone bad. Finally, you might put together a ceremonial speech honoring an Academic All-American player, recognizing his or her excellence both in academics and in athletics.

If you are not a student athlete, but a college student, you may have answered that same question by indicating you are taking classes for a degree as well as for fun. You could put together an informative speech on the steps involved in applying for financial aid, or produce a demonstrative speech on how to gather the information required and complete the application process. You might persuade the audience to apply for financial aid, even if they think they might not be eligible, and cover the options within the program. You might entertain the audience with funny stories about the challenges of registering for classes, completing financial aid, and completing the classes you need to graduate. (There is always just one more class, right?) You might also draft a ceremonial speech as if you were presenting the commencement speech at your graduation.

These two scenarios should stimulate some ideas, or you might already have a clear purpose and topic in mind. It’s important to be clear on both your purpose and your topic as you begin to put pencil to paper, or keystroke to computer, and begin the process of writing your general purpose and thesis statements.

Writing Your Thesis Statement

Earlier in the chapter you wrote a statement expressing the general and specific purpose of your speech. Now that you have explored further and identified a definite topic, it’s time to write a thesis statement. This thesis statement should be a short, specific sentence capturing the central idea of your speech. Steven Beebe and Susan Beebe recommend five guiding principles when considering your thesis statement. The thesis statement should

  • be a declarative statement;
  • be a complete sentence;
  • use specific language, not vague generalities;
  • be a single idea;
  • reflect consideration of the audience.

For example, if you plan to inform a general audience about the Ford Mustang, a good thesis statement might be, “Ford produced five ‘generations’ of the Mustang, each with a distinctive body style that audience members can learn to recognize.” If you plan to persuade a group of investors that a beachfront property could be threatened by rising sea levels, a good thesis statement might be, “Sea levels are predicted to rise because of global warming, and if these predictions are correct, the beachfront property my audience is considering investing in may be threatened.”

The thesis statement is key to the success of your speech. If your audience has to work to find out what exactly you are talking about, or what your stated purpose or goal is, they will be less likely to listen, be impacted, or recall your speech. By stating your point clearly in your introduction, and then referring back to it during your speech, you promote the cognitive strategies of emphasis, clarity, and conciseness, and help your audience to listen while meeting the expectations of the rhetorical context.

Key Takeaway

Choosing a speech topic involves knowing yourself and your audience; using efficient strategies; and understanding appeal, appropriateness, and ability. When you have accomplished these steps, you will be able to write a good thesis statement.

Which of the following qualify as good thesis statements? Take any that are faulty and rewrite them to remedy their weaknesses.

  • Living in the desert as we do, my listeners and I can grow many beautiful and interesting plants in our gardens without using large amounts of water.
  • To inform patients about how the medical insurance claims process works.
  • Because recent research suggests children develop positive self-esteem through recognition for their achievements, not from indiscriminate praise, I will persuade the parents and teachers in my audience to modify their behavior toward children.
  • Tourists can learn a lot from visiting the European battlefields of World War II, and unexploded land mines from past wars are a serious problem throughout the world.
  • As a student attending this college on an athletic scholarship, I lead a very busy life because I am responsible for working hard at my sport as well as being held to the same academic standards as the nonathlete students in my audience.

Answers: Examples a, c, and e are good thesis statements. Example b is not a complete sentence. Example d contains more than one main idea.

  • From your list of possible topics, write several sample purpose or thesis statements. Share and compare your results with classmates.
  • Write a general purpose statement and thesis statement for a speech to inform. Now adapt these statements for a speech to persuade.

Beebe, S. [Steven], & Beebe, S. [Susan]. (1997). Public speaking: An audience-centered approach (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Business Communication for Success: Public Speaking Edition Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Chapter 11: Public Speaking

11.4 informative speech, learning objectives.

  • Discuss and provide examples of ways to incorporate ethics in a speech.
  • Construct an effective speech to inform.
  • Discuss the parts of an informational presentation.
  • Understand the five parts of any presentation.

Now that we’ve covered issues central to the success of your informative speech, there’s no doubt you want to get down to work. Here are five final suggestions to help you succeed.

Start with What You Know

Are you taking other classes right now that are fresh in your memory? Are you working on a challenging chemistry problem that might lend itself to your informative speech? Are you reading a novel by Gabriel García Márquez that might inspire you to present a biographical speech, informing your audience about the author? Perhaps you have a hobby or outside interest that you are excited about that would serve well. Regardless of where you draw the inspiration, it’s a good strategy to start with what you know and work from there. You’ll be more enthusiastic, helping your audience to listen intently, and you’ll save yourself time. Consider the audience’s needs, not just your need to cross a speech off your “to-do” list. This speech will be an opportunity for you to take prepared material and present it, gaining experience and important feedback. In the “real world,” you often lack time and the consequences of a less than effective speech can be serious. Look forward to the opportunity and use what you know to perform an effective, engaging speech.

Consider Your Audience’s Prior Knowledge

You don’t want to present a speech on the harmful effects of smoking when no one in the audience smokes. You may be more effective addressing the issue of secondhand smoke, underscoring the relationship to relevance and addressing the issue of importance with your audience. The audience will want to learn something from you, not hear everything they have heard before. It’s a challenge to assess what they’ve heard before, and often a class activity is conducted to allow audience members to come to know each other. You can also use their speeches and topic selection as points to consider. Think about age, gender, and socioeconomic status, as well as your listeners’ culture or language. Survey the audience if possible, or ask a couple of classmates what they think of the topics you are considering.

In the same way, when you prepare a speech in a business situation, do your homework. Access the company Web site, visit the location and get to know people, and even call members of the company to discuss your topic. The more information you can gather about your audience, the better you will be able to adapt and present an effective speech.

Adapting Jargon and Technical Terms

You may have a topic in mind from another class or an outside activity, but chances are that there are terms specific to the area or activity. From wakeboarding to rugby to a chemical process that contributes to global warming, there will be jargon and technical terms. Define and describe the key terms for your audience as part of your speech and substitute common terms where appropriate. Your audience will enjoy learning more about the topic and appreciate your consideration as you present your speech.

Using Outside Information

Even if you think you know everything there is to know about your topic, using outside sources will contribute depth to your speech, provide support for your main points, and even enhance your credibility as a speaker. “According to ____________” is a normal way of attributing information to a source, and you should give credit where credit is due. There is nothing wrong with using outside information as long as you clearly cite your sources and do not present someone else’s information as your own.

Presenting Information Ethically

A central but often unspoken expectation of the speaker is that we will be ethical. This means, fundamentally, that we perceive one another as human beings with common interests and needs, and that we attend to the needs of others as well as our own. An ethical informative speaker expresses respect for listeners by avoiding prejudiced comments against any group, and by being honest about the information presented, including information that may contradict the speaker’s personal biases. The ethical speaker also admits it when he or she does not know something. The best salespersons recognize that ethical communication is the key to success, as it builds a healthy relationship where the customer’s needs are met, thereby meeting the salesperson’s own needs.

Reciprocity

Tyler discusses ethical communication and specifically indicates reciprocity as a key principle.  Reciprocity , or a relationship of mutual exchange and interdependence, is an important characteristic of a relationship, particularly between a speaker and the audience. We’ve examined previously the transactional nature of communication, and it is important to reinforce this aspect here. We exchange meaning with one another in conversation, and much like a game, it takes more than one person to play. This leads to interdependence, or the dependence of the conversational partners on one another. Inequality in the levels of dependence can negatively impact the communication and, as a result, the relationship. You as the speaker will have certain expectations and roles, but dominating your audience will not encourage them to fulfill their roles in terms of participation and active listening. Communication involves give and take, and in a public speaking setting, where the communication may be perceived as “all to one,” don’t forget that the audience is also communicating in terms of feedback with you. You have a responsibility to attend to that feedback, and develop reciprocity with your audience. Without them, you don’t have a speech.

Mutuality  means that you search for common ground and understanding with the audience, establishing this space and building on it throughout the speech. This involves examining viewpoints other than your own, and taking steps to insure the speech integrates an inclusive, accessible format rather than an ethnocentric one.

Nonjudgmentalism

Nonjudgementalism  underlines the need to be open-minded, an expression of one’s willingness to examine diverse perspectives. Your audience expects you to state the truth as you perceive it, with supporting and clarifying information to support your position, and to speak honestly. They also expect you to be open to their point of view and be able to negotiate meaning and understanding in a constructive way. Nonjudgmentalism may include taking the perspective that being different is not inherently bad and that there is common ground to be found with each other.

While this characteristic should be understood, we can see evidence of breakdowns in communication when audiences perceive they are not being told the whole truth. This does not mean that the relationship with the audience requires honesty and excessive self-disclosure. The use of euphemisms and displays of sensitivity are key components of effective communication, and your emphasis on the content of your speech and not yourself will be appreciated. Nonjudgmentalism does underscore the importance of approaching communication from an honest perspective where you value and respect your audience.

Honesty , or truthfulness, directly relates to trust, a cornerstone in the foundation of a relationship with your audience. Without it, the building (the relationship) would fall down. Without trust, a relationship will not open and develop the possibility of mutual understanding. You want to share information and the audience hopefully wants to learn from you. If you “cherry-pick” your data, only choosing the best information to support only your point and ignore contrary or related issues, you may turn your informative speech into a persuasive one with bias as a central feature.

Look at the debate over the U.S. conflict with Iraq. There has been considerable discussion concerning the cherry-picking of issues and facts to create a case for armed intervention. To what degree the information at the time was accurate or inaccurate will continue to be a hotly debated issue, but the example holds in terms on an audience’s response to a perceived dishonestly. Partial truths are incomplete and often misleading, and you don’t want your audience to turn against you because they suspect you are being less than forthright and honest.

Respect should be present throughout a speech, demonstrating the speaker’s high esteem for the audience.  Respect  can be defined as an act of giving and displaying particular attention to the value you associate with someone or a group. This definition involves two key components. You need to give respect in order to earn from others, and you need to show it. Displays of respect include making time for conversation, not interrupting, and even giving appropriate eye contact during conversations.

Communication involves sharing and that requires trust.  Trust  means the ability to rely on the character or truth of someone, that what you say you mean and your audience knows it. Trust is a process, not a thing. It builds over time, through increased interaction and the reduction of uncertainty. It can be lost, but it can also be regained. It should be noted that it takes a long time to build trust in a relationship and can be lost in a much shorter amount of time. If your audience suspects you mislead them this time, how will they approach your next presentation? Acknowledging trust and its importance in your relationship with the audience is the first step in focusing on this key characteristic.

Avoid Exploitation

Finally, when we speak ethically, we do not intentionally exploit one another.  Exploitation  means taking advantage, using someone else for one’s own purposes. Perceiving a relationship with an audience as a means to an end and only focusing on what you get out of it, will lead you to treat people as objects. The temptation to exploit others can be great in business situations, where a promotion, a bonus, or even one’s livelihood are at stake.

Suppose you are a bank loan officer. Whenever a customer contacts the bank to inquire about applying for a loan, your job is to provide an informative presentation about the types of loans available, their rates and terms. If you are paid a commission based on the number of loans you make and their amounts and rates, wouldn’t you be tempted to encourage them to borrow the maximum amount they can qualify for? Or perhaps to take a loan with confusing terms that will end up costing much more in fees and interest than the customer realizes? After all, these practices are within the law; aren’t they just part of the way business is done? If you are an ethical loan officer, you realize you would be exploiting customers if you treated them this way. You know it is more valuable to uphold your long-term relationships with customers than to exploit them so that you can earn a bigger commission.

Consider these ethical principles when preparing and presenting your speech, and you will help address many of these natural expectations of others and develop healthier, more effective speeches.

Sample Informative Presentation

Here is a generic sample speech in outline form with notes and suggestions.

Attention Statement

Show a picture of a goldfish and a tomato and ask the audience, “What do these have in common?”

Introduction

  • Briefly introduce genetically modified foods.
  • State your topic and specific purpose: “My speech today will inform you on genetically modified foods that are increasingly part of our food supply.”
  • Introduce your credibility and the topic: “My research on this topic has shown me that our food supply has changed but many people are unaware of the changes.”
  • State your main points: “Today I will define genes, DNA, genome engineering and genetic manipulation, discuss how the technology applies to foods, and provide common examples.”
  • Information . Provide a simple explanation of the genes, DNA and genetic modification in case there are people who do not know about it. Provide clear definitions of key terms.
  • Genes and DNA . Provide arguments by generalization and authority.
  • Genome engineering and genetic manipulation . Provide arguments by analogy, cause, and principle.
  • Case study . In one early experiment, GM (genetically modified) tomatoes were developed with fish genes to make them resistant to cold weather, although this type of tomato was never marketed.
  • Highlight other examples.

Reiterate your main points and provide synthesis, but do not introduce new content.

Residual Message

“Genetically modified foods are more common in our food supply than ever before.”

  • Identify an event or issue in the news that interests you. On at least three different news networks or Web sites, find and watch video reports about this issue. Compare and contrast the coverage of the issue. Do the networks or Web sites differ in their assumptions about viewers’ prior knowledge? Do they give credit to any sources of information? To what extent do they each measure up to the ethical principles described in this section? Discuss your findings with your classmates.
  • Find an example of reciprocity in a television program and write two to three paragraphs describing it. Share and compare with your classmates.
  • Find an example of honesty in a television program and write two to three paragraphs describing it. Share and compare with your classmates.
  • Find an example of exploitation depicted in the media. Describe how the exploitation is communicated with words and images and share with the class.
  • Compose a general purpose statement and thesis statement for a speech to inform. Now create a sample outline. Share with a classmate and see if he or she offers additional points to consider.

Creating an Informative Presentation

An informational presentation is common request in business and industry. It’s the verbal and visual equivalent of a written report. Information sharing is part of any business or organization. Informative presentations serve to present specific information for specific audiences for specific goals or functions. The type of presentation is often identified by its primary purpose or function. Informative presentations are often analytical or involve the rational analysis of information. Sometimes they simply “report the facts” with no analysis at all, but still need to communicate the information in a clear and concise format. While a presentation may have conclusions, propositions, or even a call to action, the demonstration of the analysis is the primary function.

A sales report presentation, for example, is not designed to make a sale. It is, however, supposed to report sales to date and may forecast future sales based on previous trends.

An informative presentation does not have to be a formal event, though it can be. It can be generic and nonspecific to the audience or listener, but the more you know about your audience, the better. When you tailor your message to that audience, you zero in on your target and increase your effectiveness. The emphasis is on clear and concise communication, but it may address several key questions:

  • Topic: Product or Service?
  • Who are you?
  • Who is the target market?
  • What is the revenue model?
  • What are the specifications?
  • How was the information gathered?
  • How does the unit work?
  • How does current information compare to previous information?

Table 11.2 “Presentation Components and Their Functions”  lists the five main parts or components of any presentation (McLean, S., 2003).

Table 11.2  Presentation Components and Their Functions

You will need to address the questions to establish relevance and meet the audience’s needs. The five parts of any speech will serve to help you get organized.

Sample Speech Guidelines

Imagine that you have been assigned to give an informative presentation lasting five to seven minutes. Follow the guidelines in  Table 11.3  “Sample Speech Guidelines”  and apply them to your presentation.

Table 11.3  Sample Speech Guidelines

  • Write a brief summary of a class or presentation you personally observed recently; include what you learned. Compare with classmates.
  • Search online for an informative speech or presentation that applies to business or industry. Indicate one part or aspect of the presentation that you thought was effective and one you would improve. Provide the link to the presentation in your post or assignment.
  • Pick a product or service and come up with a list of five points that you could address in a two-minute informative speech. Place them in rank order and indicate why.
  • With the points discussed in this chapter in mind, observe someone presenting a speech. What elements of their speech could you use in your speech? What elements would you not want to use? Why? Compare with a classmate.

McLean, S. (2003).  The basics of speech communication . Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Tyler, V. (1978). Report of the working groups of the second SCA summer conference on intercultural communication. In N. C. Asuncio-Lande (Ed.),  Ethical Perspectives and Critical Issues in Intercultural Communication  (pp. 170–177). Falls Church, VA: SCA.

To listen to speeches from great figures in history, visit the History Channel’s audio speech archive.  http://www.history.com/speeches

What were the greatest speeches of the twentieth century? Find out here.  http://gos.sbc.edu/top100.html

Visit this eHow link for a great video demonstrating how to remove ink stains from clothing.  http://www.ehow.com/video_2598_remove-ink-stains.html

To improve your enunciation, try these exercises from the Mount Holyoke College site.  http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/speech/enunciation.htm

The Merriam-Webster dictionary site provides a wealth of resources on words, their meanings, their origins, and audio files of how to pronounce them.  http://www.merriam-webster.com

For information on adapting your speech for an audience or audience members with special needs, explore this index of resources compiled by Ithaca College.  http://www.ithaca.edu/wise/disabilities/

Dr. Richard Felder of North Carolina State University presents this questionnaire to assess your learning styles.  http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association offers an array of Web resources on ethics.  http://www.asha.org/practice/ethics

Visit this site for a list informative topics for a business speech.  http://smallbusiness.chron.com/ideas-informative-speech-topics-business-81465.html

Visit this eHow site to get ideas for an audience-oriented informative speech topic.  http://www.ehow.com/how_2239702_choose-topic-informative-speech.html

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informative speech topics on business

Planning and Presenting an Informative Speech

In this guide, you can learn about the purposes and types of informative speeches, about writing and delivering informative speeches, and about the parts of informative speeches.

Purposes of Informative Speaking

Informative speaking offers you an opportunity to practice your researching, writing, organizing, and speaking skills. You will learn how to discover and present information clearly. If you take the time to thoroughly research and understand your topic, to create a clearly organized speech, and to practice an enthusiastic, dynamic style of delivery, you can be an effective "teacher" during your informative speech. Finally, you will get a chance to practice a type of speaking you will undoubtedly use later in your professional career.

The purpose of the informative speech is to provide interesting, useful, and unique information to your audience. By dedicating yourself to the goals of providing information and appealing to your audience, you can take a positive step toward succeeding in your efforts as an informative speaker.

Major Types of Informative Speeches

In this guide, we focus on informative speeches about:

These categories provide an effective method of organizing and evaluating informative speeches. Although they are not absolute, these categories provide a useful starting point for work on your speech.

In general, you will use four major types of informative speeches. While you can classify informative speeches many ways, the speech you deliver will fit into one of four major categories.

Speeches about Objects

Speeches about objects focus on things existing in the world. Objects include, among other things, people, places, animals, or products.

Because you are speaking under time constraints, you cannot discuss any topic in its entirety. Instead, limit your speech to a focused discussion of some aspect of your topic.

Some example topics for speeches about objects include: the Central Intelligence Agency, tombstones, surgical lasers, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the pituitary gland, and lemmings.

To focus these topics, you could give a speech about Franklin Delano Roosevelt and efforts to conceal how he suffered from polio while he was in office. Or, a speech about tombstones could focus on the creation and original designs of grave markers.

Speeches about Processes

Speeches about processes focus on patterns of action. One type of speech about processes, the demonstration speech, teaches people "how-to" perform a process. More frequently, however, you will use process speeches to explain a process in broader terms. This way, the audience is more likely to understand the importance or the context of the process.

A speech about how milk is pasteurized would not teach the audience how to milk cows. Rather, this speech could help audience members understand the process by making explicit connections between patterns of action (the pasteurization process) and outcomes (a safe milk supply).

Other examples of speeches about processes include: how the Internet works (not "how to work the Internet"), how to construct a good informative speech, and how to research the job market. As with any speech, be sure to limit your discussion to information you can explain clearly and completely within time constraints.

Speeches about Events

Speeches about events focus on things that happened, are happening, or will happen. When speaking about an event, remember to relate the topic to your audience. A speech chronicling history is informative, but you should adapt the information to your audience and provide them with some way to use the information. As always, limit your focus to those aspects of an event that can be adequately discussed within the time limitations of your assignment.

Examples of speeches about events include: the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington, Groundhog's Day, the Battle of the Bulge, the World Series, and the 2000 Presidential Elections.

Speeches about Concepts

Speeches about concepts focus on beliefs, ideas, and theories. While speeches about objects, processes, and events are fairly concrete, speeches about concepts are more abstract. Take care to be clear and understandable when creating and presenting a speech about a concept. When selecting a concept, remember you are crafting an informative speech. Often, speeches about concepts take on a persuasive tone. Focus your efforts toward providing unbiased information and refrain from making arguments. Because concepts can be vague and involved, limit your speech to aspects that can be readily explained and understood within the time limits.

Some examples of topics for concept speeches include: democracy, Taoism, principles of feminism, the philosophy of non-violent protest, and the Big Bang theory.

Strategies for Selecting a Topic

In many cases, circumstances will dictate the topic of your speech. However, if the topic has not been assigned or if you are having difficulty figuring out how to frame your topic as an informative speech,the following may be useful.

Begin by thinking of your interests. If you have always loved art, contemplate possible topics dealing with famous artists, art works, or different types of art. If you are employed, think of aspects of your job or aspects of your employer's business that would be interesting to talk about. While you cannot substitute personal experience for detailed research, your own experience can supplement your research and add vitality to your presentation. Choose one of the items below to learn more about selecting a topic.

Learn More about an Unfamiliar Topic

You may benefit more by selecting an unfamiliar topic that interests you. You can challenge yourself by choosing a topic you'd like to learn about and to help others understand it. If the Buddhist religion has always been an interesting and mysterious topic to you, research the topic and create a speech that offers an understandable introduction to the religion. Remember to adapt Buddhism to your audience and tell them why you think this information is useful to them. By taking this approach, you can learn something new and learn how to synthesize new information for your audience.

Think about Previous Classes

You might find a topic by thinking of classes you have taken. Think back to concepts covered in those classes and consider whether they would serve as unique, interesting, and enlightening topics for the informative speech. In astronomy, you learned about red giants. In history, you learned about Napoleon. In political science, you learned about The Federalist Papers. Past classes serve as rich resources for informative speech topics. If you make this choice, use your class notes and textbook as a starting point. To fully develop the content, you will need to do extensive research and perhaps even a few interviews.

Talk to Others

Topic selection does not have to be an individual effort. Spend time talking about potential topics with classmates or friends. This method can be extremely effective because other people can stimulate further ideas when you get stuck. When you use this method, always keep the basic requirements and the audience in mind. Just because you and your friend think home-brew is a great topic does not mean it will enthrall your audience or impress your instructor. While you talk with your classmates or friends, jot notes about potential topics and create a master list when you exhaust the possibilities. From this list, choose a topic with intellectual merit, originality, and potential to entertain while informing.

Framing a Thesis Statement

Once you settle on a topic, you need to frame a thesis statement. Framing a thesis statement allows you to narrow your topic, and in turns allows you to focus your research in this specific area, saving you time and trouble in the process.

Selecting a topic and focusing it into a thesis statement can be a difficult process. Fortunately, a number of useful strategies are available to you.

Thesis Statement Purpose

The thesis statement is crucial for clearly communicating your topic and purpose to the audience. Be sure to make the statement clear, concise, and easy to remember. Deliver it to the audience and use verbal and nonverbal illustrations to make it stand out.

Strategies For Framing a Thesis Statement

Focus on a specific aspect of your topic and phrase the thesis statement in one clear, concise, complete sentence, focusing on the audience. This sentence sets a goal for the speech. For example, in a speech about art, the thesis statement might be: "The purpose of this speech is to inform my audience about the early works of Vincent van Gogh." This statement establishes that the speech will inform the audience about the early works of one great artist. The thesis statement is worded conversationally and included in the delivery of the speech.

Thesis Statement and Audience

The thesis appears in the introduction of the speech so that the audience immediately realizes the speaker's topic and goal. Whatever the topic may be, you should attempt to create a clear, focused thesis statement that stands out and could be repeated by every member of your audience. It is important to refer to the audience in the thesis statement; when you look back at the thesis for direction, or when the audience hears the thesis, it should be clear that the most important goal of your speech is to inform the audience about your topic. While the focus and pressure will be on you as a speaker, you should always remember that the audience is the reason for presenting a public speech.

Avoid being too trivial or basic for the average audience member. At the same time, avoid being too technical for the average audience member. Be sure to use specific, concrete terms that clearly establish the focus of your speech.

Thesis Statement and Delivery

When creating the thesis statement, be sure to use a full sentence and frame that sentence as a statement, not as a question. The full sentence, "The purpose of this speech is to inform my audience about the early works of Vincent van Gogh," provides clear direction for the speech, whereas the fragment "van Gogh" says very little about the purpose of the speech. Similarly, the question "Who was Vincent van Gogh?" does not adequately indicate the direction the speech will take or what the speaker hopes to accomplish.

If you limit your thesis statement to one distinct aspect of the larger topic, you are more likely to be understood and to meet the time constraints.

Researching Your Topic

As you begin to work on your informative speech, you will find that you need to gather additional information. Your instructor will most likely require that you locate relevant materials in the library and cite those materials in your speech. In this section, we discuss the process of researching your topic and thesis.

Conducting research for a major informative speech can be a daunting task. In this section, we discuss a number of strategies and techniques that you can use to gather and organize source materials for your speech.

Gathering Materials

Gathering materials can be a daunting task. You may want to do some research before you choose a topic. Once you have a topic, you have many options for finding information. You can conduct interviews, write or call for information from a clearinghouse or public relations office, and consult books, magazines, journals, newspapers, television and radio programs, and government documents. The library will probably be your primary source of information. You can use many of the libraries databases or talk to a reference librarian to learn how to conduct efficient research.

Taking Notes

While doing your research, you may want to carry notecards. When you come across a useful passage, copy the source and the information onto the notecard or copy and paste the information. You should maintain a working bibliography as you research so you always know which sources you have consulted and so the process of writing citations into the speech and creating the bibliography will be easier. You'll need to determine what information-recording strategies work best for you. Talk to other students, instructors, and librarians to get tips on conducting efficient research. Spend time refining your system and you will soon be able to focus on the information instead of the record-keeping tasks.

Citing Sources Within Your Speech

Consult with your instructor to determine how much research/source information should be included in your speech. Realize that a source citation within your speech is defined as a reference to or quotation from material you have gathered during your research and an acknowledgement of the source. For example, within your speech you might say: "As John W. Bobbitt said in the December 22, 1993, edition of the Denver Post , 'Ouch!'" In this case, you have included a direct quotation and provided the source of the quotation. If you do not quote someone, you might say: "After the first week of the 1995 baseball season, attendance was down 13.5% from 1994. This statistic appeared in the May 7, 1995, edition of the Denver Post ." Whatever the case, whenever you use someone else's ideas, thoughts, or words, you must provide a source citation to give proper credit to the creator of the information. Failure to cite sources can be interpreted as plagiarism which is a serious offense. Upon review of the specific case, plagiarism can result in failure of the assignment, the course, or even dismissal from the University. Take care to cite your sources and give credit where it is due.

Creating Your Bibliography

As with all aspects of your speech, be sure to check with your instructor to get specific details about the assignment.

Generally, the bibliography includes only those sources you cited during the speech. Don't pad the bibliography with every source you read, saw on the shelf, or heard of from friends. When you create the bibliography, you should simply go through your complete sentence outline and list each source you cite. This is also a good way to check if you have included enough reference material within the speech. You will need to alphabetize the bibiography by authors last name and include the following information: author's name, article title, publication title, volume, date, page number(s). You may need to include additional information; you need to talk with your instructor to confirm the required bibliographical format.

Some Cautions

When doing research, use caution in choosing your sources. You need to determine which sources are more credible than others and attempt to use a wide variety of materials. The broader the scope of your research, the more impressive and believable your information. You should draw from different sources (e.g., a variety of magazines-- Time, Newsweek, US News & World Report, National Review, Mother Jones ) as well as different types of sources (i.e., use interviews, newspapers, periodicals, and books instead of just newspapers). The greater your variety, the more apparent your hard work and effort will be. Solid research skills result in increased credibility and effectiveness for the speaker.

Structuring an Informative Speech

Typically, informative speeches have three parts:

Introduction

In this section, we discuss the three parts of an informative speech, calling attention to specific elements that can enhance the effectiveness of your speech. As a speaker, you will want to create a clear structure for your speech. In this section, you will find discussions of the major parts of the informative speech.

The introduction sets the tone of the entire speech. The introduction should be brief and to-the-point as it accomplishes these several important tasks. Typically, there are six main components of an effective introduction:

Attention Getters

Thesis statement, audience adaptation, credibility statement, transition to the body.

As in any social situation, your audience makes strong assumptions about you during the first eight or ten seconds of your speech. For this reason, you need to start solidly and launch the topic clearly. Focus your efforts on completing these tasks and moving on to the real information (the body) of the speech. Typically, there are six main components of an effective introduction. These tasks do not have to be handled in this order, but this layout often yields the best results.

The attention-getter is designed to intrigue the audience members and to motivate them to listen attentively for the next several minutes. There are infinite possibilities for attention-getting devices. Some of the more common devices include using a story, a rhetorical question, or a quotation. While any of these devices can be effective, it is important for you to spend time strategizing, creating, and practicing the attention-getter.

Most importantly, an attention-getter should create curiosity in the minds of your listeners and convince them that the speech will be interesting and useful. The wording of your attention-getter should be refined and practiced. Be sure to consider the mood/tone of your speech; determine the appropriateness of humor, emotion, aggressiveness, etc. Not only should the words get the audiences attention, but your delivery should be smooth and confident to let the audience know that you are a skilled speaker who is prepared for this speech.

The crowd was wild. The music was booming. The sun was shining. The cash registers were ringing.

This story-like re-creation of the scene at a Farm Aid concert serves to engage the audience and causes them to think about the situation you are describing. Touching stories or stories that make audience members feel involved with the topic serve as good attention-getters. You should tell a story with feeling and deliver it directly to the audience instead of reading it off your notecards.

Example Text : One dark summer night in 1849, a young woman in her 20's left Bucktown, Maryland, and followed the North Star. What was her name? Harriet Tubman. She went back some 19 times to rescue her fellow slaves. And as James Blockson relates in a 1984 issue of National Geographic , by the end of her career, she had a $40,000.00 price on her head. This was quite a compliment from her enemies (Blockson 22).

Rhetorical Question

Rhetorical questions are questions designed to arouse curiosity without requiring an answer. Either the answer will be obvious, or if it isn't apparent, the question will arouse curiosity until the presentation provides the answer.

An example of a rhetorical question to gain the audiences attention for a speech about fly-fishing is, "Have you ever stood in a freezing river at 5 o'clock in the morning by choice?"

Example Text: Have you ever heard of a railroad with no tracks, with secret stations, and whose conductors were considered criminals?

A quotation from a famous person or from an expert on your topic can gain the attention of the audience. The use of a quotation immediately launches you into the speech and focuses the audience on your topic area. If it is from a well-known source, cite the author first. If the source is obscure, begin with the quote itself.

Example Text : "No day dawns for the slave, nor is it looked for. It is all night--night forever . . . ." (Pause) This quote was taken from Jermain Loguen, a fugitive who was the son of his Tennessee master and a slave woman.

Unusual Statement

Making a statement that is unusual to the ears of your listeners is another possibility for gaining their attention.

Example Text : "Follow the drinking gourd. That's what I said, friend, follow the drinking gourd." This phrase was used by slaves as a coded message to mean the Big Dipper, which revealed the North Star, and pointed toward freedom.

You might chose to use tasteful humor which relates to the topic as an effective way to attract the audience both to you and the subject at hand.

Example Text : "I'm feeling boxed in." [PAUSE] I'm not sure, but these may have been Henry "Box" Brown's very words after being placed on his head inside a box which measured 3 feet by 2 feet by 2 1\2 feet for what seemed to him like "an hour and a half." He was shipped by Adams Express to freedom in Philadelphia (Brown 60,92; Still 10).

Shocking Statistic

Another possibility to consider is the use of a factual statistic intended to grab your listener's attention. As you research the topic you've picked, keep your eyes open for statistics that will have impact.

Example Text : Today, John Elway's talents are worth millions, but in 1840 the price of a human life, a slave, was worth $1,000.00.

Example Text : Today I'd like to tell you about the Underground Railroad.

In your introduction, you need to adapt your speech to your audience. To keep audience members interested, tell them why your topic is important to them. To accomplish this task, you need to undertake audience analysis prior to creating the speech. Figure out who your audience members are, what things are important to them, what their biases may be, and what types of subjects/issues appeal to them. In the context of this class, some of your audience analysis is provided for you--most of your listeners are college students, so it is likely that they place some value on education, most of them are probably not bathing in money, and they live in Colorado. Consider these traits when you determine how to adapt to your audience.

As you research and write your speech, take note of references to issues that should be important to your audience. Include statements about aspects of your speech that you think will be of special interest to the audience in the introduction. By accomplishing this task, you give your listeners specific things with which they can identify. Audience adaptation will be included throughout the speech, but an effective introduction requires meaningful adaptation of the topic to the audience.

You need to find ways to get the members of your audience involved early in the speech. The following are some possible options to connect your speech to your audience:

Reference to the Occasion

Consider how the occasion itself might present an opportunity to heighten audience receptivity. Remind your listeners of an important date just passed or coming soon.

Example Text : This January will mark the 130th anniversary of a "giant interracial rally" organized by William Still which helped to end streetcar segregation in the city of Philadelphia (Katz i).

Reference to the Previous Speaker

Another possibility is to refer to a previous speaker to capitalize on the good will which already has been established or to build on the information presented.

Example Text : As Alice pointed out last week in her speech on the Olympic games of the ancient world, history can provide us with fascinating lessons.

The credibility statement establishes your qualifications as a speaker. You should come up with reasons why you are someone to listen to on this topic. Why do you have special knowledge or understanding of this topic? What can the audience learn from you that they couldn't learn from someone else? Credibility statements can refer to your extensive research on a topic, your life-long interest in an issue, your personal experience with a thing, or your desire to better the lives of your listeners by sifting through the topic and providing the crucial information.

Remember that Aristotle said that credibility, or ethos, consists of good sense, goodwill, and good moral character. Create the feeling that you possess these qualities by creatively stating that you are well-educated about the topic (good sense), that you want to help each member of the audience (goodwill), and that you are a decent person who can be trusted (good moral character). Once you establish your credibility, the audience is more likely to listen to you as something of an expert and to consider what you say to be the truth. It is often effective to include further references to your credibility throughout the speech by subtly referring to the traits mentioned above.

Show your listeners that you are qualified to speak by making a specific reference to a helpful resource. This is one way to demonstrate competence.

Example Text : In doing research for this topic, I came across an account written by one of these heroes that has deepened my understanding of the institution of slavery. Frederick Douglass', My Bondage and My Freedom, is the account of a man whose master's kindness made his slavery only more unbearable.

Your listeners want to believe that you have their best interests in mind. In the case of an informative speech, it is enough to assure them that this will be an interesting speech and that you, yourself, are enthusiastic about the topic.

Example Text : I hope you'll enjoy hearing about the heroism of the Underground Railroad as much as I have enjoyed preparing for this speech.

Preview the Main Points

The preview informs the audience about the speech's main points. You should preview every main body point and identify each as a separate piece of the body. The purpose of this preview is to let the audience members prepare themselves for the flow of the speech; therefore, you should word the preview clearly and concisely. Attempt to use parallel structure for each part of the preview and avoid delving into the main point; simply tell the audience what the main point will be about in general.

Use the preview to briefly establish your structure and then move on. Let the audience get a taste of how you will divide the topic and fulfill the thesis and then move on. This important tool will reinforce the information in the minds of your listeners. Here are two examples of a preview:

Simply identify the main points of the speech. Cover them in the same order that they will appear in the body of the presentation.

For example, the preview for a speech about kites organized topically might take this form: "First, I will inform you about the invention of the kite. Then, I will explain the evolution of the kite. Third, I will introduce you to the different types of kites. Finally, I will inform you about various uses for kites." Notice that this preview avoids digressions (e.g., listing the various uses for kites); you will take care of the deeper information within the body of the speech.

Example Text : I'll tell you about motivations and means of escape employed by fugitive slaves.

Chronological

For example, the preview for a speech about the Pony Express organized chronologically might take this form: "I'll talk about the Pony Express in three parts. First, its origins, second, its heyday, and third, how it came to an end." Notice that this preview avoids digressions (e.g., listing the reasons why the Pony Express came to an end); you will cover the deeper information within the body of the speech.

Example Text : I'll talk about it in three parts. First, its origins, second, its heyday, and third, how it came to an end.

After you accomplish the first five components of the introduction, you should make a clean transition to the body of the speech. Use this transition to signal a change and prepare the audience to begin processing specific topical information. You should round out the introduction, reinforce the excitement and interest that you created in the audience during the introduction, and slide into the first main body point.

Strategic organization helps increase the clarity and effectiveness of your speech. Four key issues are discussed in this section:

Organizational Patterns

Connective devices, references to outside research.

The body contains the bulk of information in your speech and needs to be clearly organized. Without clear organization, the audience will probably forget your information, main points, perhaps even your thesis. Some simple strategies will help you create a clear, memorable speech. Below are the four key issues used in organizing a speech.

Once you settle on a topic, you should decide which aspects of that topic are of greatest importance for your speech. These aspects become your main points. While there is no rule about how many main points should appear in the body of the speech, most students go with three main points. You must have at least two main points; aside from that rule, you should select your main points based on the importance of the information and the time limitations. Be sure to include whatever information is necessary for the audience to understand your topic. Also, be sure to synthesize the information so it fits into the assigned time frame. As you choose your main points, try to give each point equal attention within the speech. If you pick three main points, each point should take up roughly one-third of the body section of your speech.

There are four basic patterns of organization for an informative speech.

  • Chronological order
  • Spatial order
  • Causal order
  • Topical order

There are four basic patterns of organization for an informative speech. You can choose any of these patterns based on which pattern serves the needs of your speech.

Chronological Order

A speech organized chronologically has main points oriented toward time. For example, a speech about the Farm Aid benefit concert could have main points organized chronologically. The first main point focuses on the creation of the event; the second main point focuses on the planning stages; the third point focuses on the actual performance/concert; and the fourth point focuses on donations and assistance that resulted from the entire process. In this format, you discuss main points in an order that could be followed on a calendar or a clock.

Spatial Order

A speech organized spatially has main points oriented toward space or a directional pattern. The Farm Aid speech's body could be organized in spatial order. The first main point discusses the New York branch of the organization; the second main point discusses the Midwest branch; the third main point discusses the California branch of Farm Aid. In this format, you discuss main points in an order that could be traced on a map.

Causal Order

A speech organized causally has main points oriented toward cause and effect. The main points of a Farm Aid speech organized causally could look like this: the first main point informs about problems on farms and the need for monetary assistance; the second main point discusses the creation and implementation of the Farm Aid program. In this format, you discuss main points in an order that alerts the audience to a problem or circumstance and then tells the audience what action resulted from the original circumstance.

Topical Order

A speech organized topically has main points organized more randomly by sub-topics. The Farm Aid speech could be organized topically: the first main point discusses Farm Aid administrators; the second main point discusses performers; the third main point discusses sponsors; the fourth main point discusses audiences. In this format, you discuss main points in a more random order that labels specific aspects of the topic and addresses them in separate categories. Most speeches that are not organized chronologically, spatially, or causally are organized topically.

Within the body of your speech, you need clear internal structure. Connectives are devices used to create a clear flow between ideas and points within the body of your speech--they serve to tie the speech together. There are four main types of connective devices:

Transitions

Internal previews, internal summaries.

Within the body of your speech, you need clear internal structure. Think of connectives as hooks and ladders for the audience to use when moving from point-to-point within the body of your speech. These devices help re-focus the minds of audience members and remind them of which main point your information is supporting. The four main types of connective devices are:

Transitions are brief statements that tell the audience to shift gears between ideas. Transitions serve as the glue that holds the speech together and allow the audience to predict where the next portion of the speech will go. For example, once you have previewed your main points and you want to move from the introduction to the body of the Farm Aid speech, you might say: "To gain an adequate understanding of the intricacies of this philanthropic group, we need to look at some specific information about Farm Aid. We'll begin by looking at the administrative branch of this massive fund-raising organization."

Internal previews are used to preview the parts of a main point. Internal previews are more focused than, but serve the same purpose as, the preview you will use in the introduction of the speech. For example, you might create an internal preview for the complex main point dealing with Farm Aid performers: "In examining the Farm Aid performers, we must acknowledge the presence of entertainers from different genres of music--country and western, rhythm and blues, rock, and pop." The internal preview provides specific information for the audience if a main point is complex or potentially confusing.

Internal summaries are the reverse of internal previews. Internal summaries restate specific parts of a main point. To internally summarize the main point dealing with Farm Aid performers, you might say: "You now know what types of people perform at the Farm Aid benefit concerts. The entertainers come from a wide range of musical genres--country and western, rhythm and blues, rock, and pop." When using both internal previews and internal summaries, be sure to stylize the language in each so you do not become redundant.

Signposts are brief statements that remind the audience where you are within the speech. If you have a long point, you may want to remind the audience of what main point you are on: "Continuing my discussion of Farm Aid performers . . . "

When organizing the body of your speech, you will integrate several references to your research. The purpose of the informative speech is to allow you and the audience to learn something new about a topic. Additionally, source citations add credibility to your ideas. If you know a lot about rock climbing and you cite several sources who confirm your knowledge, the audience is likely to see you as a credible speaker who provides ample support for ideas.

Without these references, your speech is more like a story or a chance for you to say a few things you know. To complete this assignment satisfactorily, you must use source citations. Consult your textbook and instructor for specific information on how much supporting material you should use and about the appropriate style for source citations.

While the conclusion should be brief and tight, it has a few specific tasks to accomplish:

Re-assert/Reinforce the Thesis

Review the main points, close effectively.

Take a deep breath! If you made it to the conclusion, you are on the brink of finishing. Below are the tasks you should complete in your conclusion:

When making the transition to the conclusion, attempt to make clear distinctions (verbally and nonverbally) that you are now wrapping up the information and providing final comments about the topic. Refer back to the thesis from the introduction with wording that calls the original thesis into memory. Assert that you have accomplished the goals of your thesis statement and create the feeling that audience members who actively considered your information are now equipped with an understanding of your topic. Reinforce whatever mood/tone you chose for the speech and attempt to create a big picture of the speech.

Within the conclusion, re-state the main points of the speech. Since you have used parallel wording for your main points in the introduction and body, don't break that consistency in the conclusion. Frame the review so the audience will be reminded of the preview and the developed discussion of each main point. After the review, you may want to create a statement about why those main points fulfilled the goals of the speech.

Finish strongly. When you close your speech, craft statements that reinforce the message and leave the audience with a clear feeling about what was accomplished with your speech. You might finalize the adaptation by discussing the benefits of listening to the speech and explaining what you think audience members can do with the information.

Remember to maintain an informative tone for this speech. You should not persuade about beliefs or positions; rather, you should persuade the audience that the speech was worthwhile and useful. For greatest effect, create a closing line or paragraph that is artistic and effective. Much like the attention-getter, the closing line needs to be refined and practiced. Your close should stick with the audience and leave them interested in your topic. Take time to work on writing the close well and attempt to memorize it so you can directly address the audience and leave them thinking of you as a well-prepared, confident speaker.

Outlining an Informative Speech

Two types of outlines can help you prepare to deliver your speech. The complete sentence outline provides a useful means of checking the organization and content of your speech. The speaking outline is an essential aid for delivering your speech. In this section, we discuss both types of outlines.

Two types of outlines can help you prepare to deliver your speech. The complete sentence outline provides a useful means of checking the organization and content of your speech. The speaking outline is an essential aid for delivering your speech.

The Complete Sentence Outline

A complete sentence outline may not be required for your presentation. The following information is useful, however, in helping you prepare your speech.

The complete sentence outline helps you organize your material and thoughts and it serves as an excellent copy for editing the speech. The complete sentence outline is just what it sounds like: an outline format including every complete sentence (not fragments or keywords) that will be delivered during your speech.

Writing the Outline

You should create headings for the introduction, body, and conclusion and clearly signal shifts between these main speech parts on the outline. Use standard outline format. For instance, you can use Roman numerals, letters, and numbers to label the parts of the outline. Organize the information so the major headings contain general information and the sub-headings become more specific as they descend. Think of the outline as a funnel: you should make broad, general claims at the top of each part of the outline and then tighten the information until you have exhausted the point. Do this with each section of the outline. Be sure to consult with your instructor about specific aspects of the outline and refer to your course book for further information and examples.

Using the Outline

If you use this outline as it is designed to be used, you will benefit from it. You should start the outline well before your speech day and give yourself plenty of time to revise it. Attempt to have the final, clean copies ready two or three days ahead of time, so you can spend a day or two before your speech working on delivery. Prepare the outline as if it were a final term paper.

The Speaking Outline

Depending upon the assignment and the instructor, you may use a speaking outline during your presentation. The following information will be helpful in preparing your speech through the use of a speaking outline.

This outline should be on notecards and should be a bare bones outline taken from the complete sentence outline. Think of the speaking outline as train tracks to guide you through the speech.

Many speakers find it helpful to highlight certain words/passages or to use different colors for different parts of the speech. You will probably want to write out long or cumbersome quotations along with your source citation. Many times, the hardest passages to learn are those you did not write but were spoken by someone else. Avoid the temptation to over-do the speaking outline; many speakers write too much on the cards and their grades suffer because they read from the cards.

The best strategy for becoming comfortable with a speaking outline is preparation. You should prepare well ahead of time and spend time working with the notecards and memorizing key sections of your speech (the introduction and conclusion, in particular). Try to become comfortable with the extemporaneous style of speaking. You should be able to look at a few keywords on your outline and deliver eloquent sentences because you are so familiar with your material. You should spend approximately 80% of your speech making eye-contact with your audience.

Delivering an Informative Speech

For many speakers, delivery is the most intimidating aspect of public speaking. Although there is no known cure for nervousness, you can make yourself much more comfortable by following a few basic delivery guidelines. In this section, we discuss those guidelines.

The Five-Step Method for Improving Delivery

  • Read aloud your full-sentence outline. Listen to what you are saying and adjust your language to achieve a good, clear, simple sentence structure.
  • Practice the speech repeatedly from the speaking outline. Become comfortable with your keywords to the point that what you say takes the form of an easy, natural conversation.
  • Practice the speech aloud...rehearse it until you are confident you have mastered the ideas you want to present. Do not be concerned about "getting it just right." Once you know the content, you will find the way that is most comfortable for you.
  • Practice in front of a mirror, tape record your practice, and/or present your speech to a friend. You are looking for feedback on rate of delivery, volume, pitch, non-verbal cues (gestures, card-usage, etc.), and eye-contact.
  • Do a dress rehearsal of the speech under conditions as close as possible to those of the actual speech. Practice the speech a day or two before in a classroom. Be sure to incorporate as many elements as possible in the dress rehearsal...especially visual aids.

It should be clear that coping with anxiety over delivering a speech requires significant advanced preparation. The speech needs to be completed several days beforehand so that you can effectively employ this five-step plan.

Anderson, Thad, & Ron Tajchman. (1994). Informative Speaking. Writing@CSU . Colorado State University. https://writing.colostate.edu/guides/guide.cfm?guideid=52

Business Speech: Types with Examples, Informative, Special, Persuasive

Good presentation and speaking habits may be considered soft skills in the workplace or in any type of organization. Today in this article, we have shared what is business speech and how many types of business speeches are there.

Anybody can relate to all these types of business speech because these all are equally important in social life as well. So let’s start our topic with the basics of business speech.

► What is Business Speech?

Speech refers to that action when a person stands among a great number of people and starts delivering any kind of information or statement. It may be or may not be useful for the whole audience but most of the time it is valuable for them.

A speech that is delivered in the workplace or in any business organization for some specific purpose is known as Business Speech.

This is one of the forms of Business Communication and the audience has to sit quietly while the speech is being delivered. Most of the time audience knows very well that the speech must contain anything that will be beneficial for them.

► Types of Business Speech:

types of business speech

There are mainly three types of speech that are as follow;

  • Informative Speech
  • Persuasive Speech
  • Special Occasion Speech

◉ Informative Speech

Informative business speech can be defined as speech that comprises the purpose to deliver useful information to the audience.

For Example  – In any organization, an Executive Coach or Trainer speaking about the new trends in the market to his trainees. It can be hard to understand for few trainees, but the fact is that he is delivering something informative that is beneficial for them.

Informative Speech is further divided into four types;

  • Speeches about Objects
  • Speeches about Events
  • Speeches about Processes
  • Speeches about Concepts

The following are known kinds of informative speech.

✔ Speeches about Objects :

It can be about any object related to that particular organization where the speech is being delivered.

For Example  – how various wildlife animals look, what is the smell of medicine, information about any product.

✔ Speeches about Events :

Those speeches that inform the audience about any events like historical incidents or about any situations are called speeches about the event.

For Example  – New President’s speech about future goals after the oath-taking ceremony.

✔ Speeches about Processes :

The main purpose of this type of informative speech is to inform the audience about anything which is currently happening or about how to do any particular task or work.

For Example  – a Yoga teacher explaining how to perform specific yoga poses.

✔ Speeches about Concepts :

Speeches about concepts are those speeches that inform the audience about any concept such as the peace of the world, freedom of rights, or love, fundamentals of any study topic.

For Example – a Science teacher explains Einstein’s theory of general relativity to his students in the class.

Must Read : Skills of HR Manager

◉ Persuasive Speech

Persuasive Speech refers to those speeches where the intention of the speech is to convince the audience to accept the particular opinion or fact and create influence on the audience to do anyhow.

In short, the speech which influences the listeners or audience to follow a certain idea is called a persuasive speech.

Persuasive speech is also an informative speech. because here speaker gives information in a lucrative manner to influence others.

For Example  –  in any debate, every person is try to persuade others to follow their given point of view. It is a form of persuasive speech.

In another example, During the advertising and promotional functions of any business, the sales manager or speaker uses his persuasion skills to influence the audience. Here the main purpose of speech is to change the thinking, beliefs, or behaviors of the audience towards his product.

Persuasive speech can be divided into three types that are as follows:

  • Factual Persuasive Speech
  • Value Persuasive Speech
  • Policy Persuasive Speech

✔ Factual Persuasive Speech:

The Factual Persuasive Speech is such a speech that contains facts and it is based on a concrete proof about the certainty of anything that had happened.

The main purpose of this factual persuasive speech is to persuade the listeners whether the certain thing happened or not, exists or doesn’t exist.

For Example – If a student is giving a speech about the first man, who landed on the surface of the Moon. Nobody in the class knows whether it did happen or not, yet it possesses concrete proof.

✔ Value Persuasive Speech:

A Value Persuasive Speech is such a speech that tells the listeners about anything, whether it is wrong or right. The purpose of this speech is to challenge the ethical or moral aspects of a certain issue.

For Example –  If someone is giving a speech about capital punishment, whether it is moral or immoral, right or wrong, done or prevented. this type of speech is a value persuasive speech.

✔ Policy Persuasive Speech:

The policy persuasive speech refers to that speech where the speaker is trying to persuade the audience to either following a policy or rejecting it. It is not limited to just a policy, but it can be about accepting or rejecting a rule or a candidate is also a policy persuasive speech.

For Example – Suppose If the President of a country is not satisfied with the present foreign policy and wants to change it. The president gives a speech to higher authorities for convincing them to change the current foreign policy and support the new policy then it is known as policy persuasive speech.

Must Read : Types of Communication

◉ Special Occasion Speech:

Special Occasion speech refers to that speech which is given on the special occasion like;  A speech of farewell allows someone to say good-bye to one part of his or her life as he or she is moving on to the next part of life. Maybe you’ve accepted a new job and are leaving your current job.

Special occasion business speech is something which anyone can face at some point in their lives.

For example –  If your company won an award of the year for excellence. And you are receiving that award on the behalf of your company. The speech given by you after getting the award can be considered as a special occasion business speech.

In another example, If you are getting retirement from your job and want to thank your subordinates, superiors, and top management at the farewell party.

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Informative Speeches — Types, Topics, and Examples

Daniel Bal

What is an informative speech?

An informative speech uses descriptions, demonstrations, and strong detail to explain a person, place, or subject. An informative speech makes a complex topic easier to understand and focuses on delivering information, rather than providing a persuasive argument.

Types of informative speeches

The most common types of informative speeches are definition, explanation, description, and demonstration.

Types of informative speeches

A definition speech explains a concept, theory, or philosophy about which the audience knows little. The purpose of the speech is to inform the audience so they understand the main aspects of the subject matter.

An explanatory speech presents information on the state of a given topic. The purpose is to provide a specific viewpoint on the chosen subject. Speakers typically incorporate a visual of data and/or statistics.

The speaker of a descriptive speech provides audiences with a detailed and vivid description of an activity, person, place, or object using elaborate imagery to make the subject matter memorable.

A demonstrative speech explains how to perform a particular task or carry out a process. These speeches often demonstrate the following:

How to do something

How to make something

How to fix something

How something works

Demonstrative speeches

How to write an informative speech

Regardless of the type, every informative speech should include an introduction, a hook, background information, a thesis, the main points, and a conclusion.

Introduction

An attention grabber or hook draws in the audience and sets the tone for the speech. The technique the speaker uses should reflect the subject matter in some way (i.e., if the topic is serious in nature, do not open with a joke). Therefore, when choosing an attention grabber, consider the following:

What’s the topic of the speech?

What’s the occasion?

Who’s the audience?

What’s the purpose of the speech?

Attention grabbers/hooks

Common Attention Grabbers (Hooks)

Ask a question that allows the audience to respond in a non-verbal way (e.g., a poll question where they can simply raise their hands) or ask a rhetorical question that makes the audience think of the topic in a certain way yet requires no response.

Incorporate a well-known quote that introduces the topic. Using the words of a celebrated individual gives credibility and authority to the information in the speech.

Offer a startling statement or information about the topic, which is typically done using data or statistics. The statement should surprise the audience in some way.

Provide a brief anecdote that relates to the topic in some way.

Present a “what if” scenario that connects to the subject matter of the speech.

Identify the importance of the speech’s topic.

Starting a speech with a humorous statement often makes the audience more comfortable with the speaker.

Include any background information pertinent to the topic that the audience needs to know to understand the speech in its entirety.

The thesis statement shares the central purpose of the speech.

Demonstrate

Include background information and a thesis statement

Preview the main ideas that will help accomplish the central purpose. Typically, informational speeches will have an average of three main ideas.

Body paragraphs

Apply the following to each main idea (body) :

Identify the main idea ( NOTE: The main points of a demonstration speech would be the individual steps.)

Provide evidence to support the main idea

Explain how the evidence supports the main idea/central purpose

Transition to the next main idea

Body of an informative speech

Review or restate the thesis and the main points presented throughout the speech.

Much like the attention grabber, the closing statement should interest the audience. Some of the more common techniques include a challenge, a rhetorical question, or restating relevant information:

Provide the audience with a challenge or call to action to apply the presented information to real life.

Detail the benefit of the information.

Close with an anecdote or brief story that illustrates the main points.

Leave the audience with a rhetorical question to ponder after the speech has concluded.

Detail the relevance of the presented information.

Informative speech conclusion

Before speech writing, brainstorm a list of informative speech topic ideas. The right topic depends on the type of speech, but good topics can range from video games to disabilities and electric cars to healthcare and mental health.

Informative speech topics

Some common informative essay topics for each type of informational speech include the following:

Informative speech examples

The following list identifies famous informational speeches:

“Duties of American Citizenship” by Theodore Roosevelt

“Duty, Honor, Country” by General Douglas MacArthur

“Strength and Dignity” by Theodore Roosevelt

Explanation

“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” by Patrick Henry

“The Decision to Go to the Moon” by John F. Kennedy

“We Shall Fight on the Beaches” by Winston Churchill

Description

“I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Pearl Harbor Address” by Franklin Delano Roosevelt

“Luckiest Man” by Lou Gehrig

Demonstration

The Way to Cook with Julia Child

This Old House with Bob Vila

Bill Nye the Science Guy with Bill Nye

COMMENTS

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    19. World's longest bridges. Your speech on the world's longest bridges should educate viewers about vital facts, such as the bridges' geographic location, span, support system, purpose, and construction timeframes. You can also add interesting bits of history about each bridge to make the subject matter more exciting.

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