Communications & Speech Research Guide: Informative Speech (General)
A guide to resources for choosing a speech topic, presentation tips, and information sources for speech and interpersonal communication topics.
What's an Informative Speech?
According to your textbook, The Norton Field Guide to Speaking, the purpose of an informative speech is to "provide new information, explain complex concepts and processes, and/or clarify and correct misunderstood information...by instructing, defining, enlightening, describing, reminding, and demonstrating." Though your words may persuade listeners to try a new hobby or respect an new idea, keep in mind that an informative speech is a factual speech, not opinion-based.
Some common types/topics of informative speeches are:
- Objects (people, places, animals, etc.)
- Processes or How-to/Demonstration
- Events (historical events, holidays, activities/sports, etc.)
- Concepts (beliefs, ideas, theories)
Speech Topics
- Selecting Your Speech TopicHelpful advice on selecting a topic and topic suggestions from the University of Hawaii Maui Community College Speech Department
- TED TalksNearly 3,000 short, informational videos on a wide range of topics "from science to business to global issues"
Statistics - Facts by Number
- Statistical ResourcesA list of popular, credible statistical sites on the Internet selected by Carroll librarians
Great places to start
- Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
Encyclopedias give you background information and define new ideas. A great place to start when learning about a topic! - Academic Search Complete This link opens in a new windowYou can find magazine, newspaper, and research articles on lots of different topics here.
- ProQuest Newspapers This link opens in a new windowThis database searches 5 different newspapers, including the Baltimore Sun (which publishes articles from the Carroll County Times) - good for local research!
Subject-Specific Encyclopedias
For more in-depth information
For more detailed information, search for a whole book on your topic, or even a just a chapter in a book.
He Said, She Said - Quotations
- Bartleby.com: QuotationsSearches a collection of well-known quotation reference sources.
- LifeQuotesLib.comLinks to quotations from thousands of famous people, with a list of themes as well as searchable by person.