Lecture #3
Types of Speech According to Purpose
There are three main types of speeches, but what
kind a speaker delivers depends upon the speaker's
objective. The three main types of speeches are the
informative, the persuasive, and the special
occasion.
The Informative Speech
As the word “informative” implies, an informative
speech “informs” those in attendance by providing
them with information. Therefore, the speaker is a
teacher, and his or her purpose is to educate the
audience regarding a topic; and that topic may be
an object, an event, a concept, or a process.
The Persuasive Speech
A persuasive speech usually challenges an
audience’s beliefs and/or tries to move those in
attendance to change existing viewpoints or at least
recognize the validity of opposing viewpoints. For
this reason, persuasive speeches are the most
difficult to deliver, at least successfully, since they
usually deal with controversial topics about which
people in the audience already hold strong, deeply
engrained opinions.
Speeches for Special Occasions
There are myriad special occasions in life, for
example, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations,
weddings, bar mitzvahs, christenings, award
presentations, retirement dinners, and funerals. In
fact, there are so many special occasions that it’s
impossible to list them. However, whatever the
occasions, chances are that someone will be asked
to deliver a speech, which could be anything from a
toast to a couple who have been married for 50
years to the eulogy for a departed loved one.
What is a Eulogy?
- Comes from the Greek word ‘eulogia’
meaning praise
- A speech or piece of writing in praise of
someone or something
- Often delivered during a funeral service
A eulogy should include…
- Sentiments for whom you dedicate your
eulogy
- Happier times with the deceased
- Include anecdotes and real-life experiences
- Nothing that might be considered offensive
or vulgar
How to write a eulogy?
1. Introduce yourself in a few words
Ex. For anybody who doesn’t know me, I’m…
2. Personalize your eulogy
Ex. I’ll miss the fishing trips we made.
3. Share happy memories
4. Tell anecdotes real life experiences that capture
his/her personality
5. Describe the deceased person’s character
6. Express the values that were important to the
deceased
7. Highlight memorable accomplishments, special
knowledge, skills or capabilities
8. Mention travel, if it is relevant
Lecture #3
Types of Speech According to Purpose
There are three main types of speeches, but what
kind a speaker delivers depends upon the speaker's
objective. The three main types of speeches are the
informative, the persuasive, and the special
occasion.
The Informative Speech
As the word “informative” implies, an informative
speech “informs” those in attendance by providing
them with information. Therefore, the speaker is a
teacher, and his or her purpose is to educate the
audience regarding a topic; and that topic may be
an object, an event, a concept, or a process.
The Persuasive Speech
A persuasive speech usually challenges an
audience’s beliefs and/or tries to move those in
attendance to change existing viewpoints or at least
recognize the validity of opposing viewpoints. For
this reason, persuasive speeches are the most
difficult to deliver, at least successfully, since they
usually deal with controversial topics about which
people in the audience already hold strong, deeply
engrained opinions.
Speeches for Special Occasions
There are myriad special occasions in life, for
example, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations,
weddings, bar mitzvahs, christenings, award
presentations, retirement dinners, and funerals. In
fact, there are so many special occasions that it’s
impossible to list them. However, whatever the
occasions, chances are that someone will be asked
to deliver a speech, which could be anything from a
toast to a couple who have been married for 50
years to the eulogy for a departed loved one.
What is a Eulogy?
- Comes from the Greek word ‘eulogia’
meaning praise
- A speech or piece of writing in praise of
someone or something
- Often delivered during a funeral service
A eulogy should include…
- Sentiments for whom you dedicate your
eulogy
- Happier times with the deceased
- Include anecdotes and real-life experiences
- Nothing that might be considered offensive
or vulgar
How to write a eulogy?
1. Introduce yourself in a few words
Ex. For anybody who doesn’t know me, I’m…
2. Personalize your eulogy
Ex. I’ll miss the fishing trips we made.
3. Share happy memories
4. Tell anecdotes real life experiences that capture
his/her personality
5. Describe the deceased person’s character
6. Express the values that were important to the
deceased
7. Highlight memorable accomplishments, special
knowledge, skills or capabilities
8. Mention travel, if it is relevant