Unit 5 – Types of Speeches

Lesson 1 - Speeches According to Purpose

A. Expository/ Informative Speech

The purpose of expository (informative) speech is to describe, clarify, explain and/or

define an object, idea, concept, social institution or process.

B. Persuasive Speech

This kind of speech aims to affect the behaviour or the attitude of the audience. It
further influences in making the listeners understand the speaker’s opinion and eventually
accept such opinion. As a sign of acceptance, it is expected that there will be
a reaction or gesture to prove it.

A persuasive speech always starts with a purpose termed as a proposition. It should

express a want, need, aspiration, hope or a cultural goal (way of living). It may also wish to
stimulate, inspire, create morale or intensify ideals.

A proposition secures acceptance of new beliefs, development of new behaviour and

adoption of new courses of action. It may even present relevant and significant cultural
activities.

C. Entertainment Speech

An entertainment speech aims to put the audience in a relaxing mood through the use
of situations that may create a humorous experience. This may be presented in occasions like
dinners, banquets, seminars, family occasions and others. It can start with an anecdote or a
humorous story and end with a revelation of its purpose.
Lesson 2 – Speeches According to Delivery

A. Reading from a Manuscript

This kind of speech delivery requires the speaker to prepare/ write his speech ahead of time for
the occasion. It is usually speaking in broadcasting over the radio, school reports, presenting seminar
papers or researches. It deprives the audience with eye contact but gives less worry for the speaker
(fear of forgetting important details).

Because the speech is read, there might be a situation of boredom and loss of attention. To
avoid such, an oral reader should have a dry run / practice on the requisites of proper reading in front of
an audience. Using hand gestures, eye movements and facial expressions is also necessary. In
addition, It is a must for the reader to maintain the vocal clarity of the quality of facilities used the
delivery.

B. Memorized Speech

This kind of speech delivery is not always advantageous. This may result to forgetting and loss
of more realistic expression of the ideas of the speech. It must assure that the speaker has memorized
the speech word for word. There might also be a fear of feedback from the audience due a controlled
flow of ideas.

C. Impromptu Speech

An impromptu speaker is deprived of ample time to prepare for his speech. He organizes his
thoughts right before the actual delivery. The speech is composed even during the delivery. The
speaker is expected to possess self-confidence which is enough to sustain the time required for the
speech delivery.

D. Extemporaneous Speech

The extemporaneous speaker should be very knowledgeable in organizing his ideas in a very
limited time. He prepares an outline of the given topic and ready to expound on the details while
delivering the speech. He can always adjust to the reactions of his audience, whether they understand
him or not.

The speaker should have an ample stock of appropriate words to avoid gaps during the
delivery. Such delivery must be spontaneous and naturally appealing.