An informative speech does what it says - it informs.

In an informative speech you'll either be explaining something to people, helping people to understand something or showing them how to do something.

You have to remember that the whole purpose of your speech is to teach the audience something that they don't already know.

When you're explaining to an audience you need to make extra use of the pause and make sure the pace isn't too quick.

The audience need time to take in what you've said.

If you speak too quickly your audience will be trying to understand one sentence while you're speaking the next sentence!

After each new thought you need to pause so that the audience have time to take in what you've said.

Don't be frightened of silence - it shows you are confident about your topic.

Are you giving a speech at school or college?

Most people who have to give an informative speech at school or college get a bit worried about it but there's no need to.

There are 5 steps to preparing a speech and 5 steps to practising your speech that will make it a much more enjoyable experience.

Want extra Ucas points?

If you want to get into university from 2008 onwards start having Speech and Drama lessons now and get up to the appropriate grade in time for the points to count.

LAMDA has come in line with National Curriculum guidelines and in so doing enables students to amass UCAS points - so when they apply for Universities they are able to increase their points score - just as they do when taking A levels and GNVQs and the like.

Lessons available from me if you live in Dorset, West Hants ot South Wilts. Click here for details.

More about informative speeches

Tips about reading aloud can be found here.

Here is a list of books to read aloud suitable for all ages

If you enjoy reading poetry - this is for you.

Titles for speeches

For a list of topics suitable for an informative speech click here.

For a list of persuasive speech topics click here.

For a list of debating topics click here.

Don't use too much jargon or you will just confuse your audience. Remember that although you are an expert - your audience isn't - so explain everything, including the basics.

The middle part of your speech is where the bulk of your explaining should be done.

In the conclusion of your speech go over the main points and try to anticipate and answer any questions the audience might have.

If you want your audience to concentrate on what you're saying you need to avoid any favourite words you may have.

Examples of this are 'okay', 'alright', 'um' or 'er'. If you can't stop saying them try thinking the words instead. The slight pause that this creates will also slow your speech down (which is good!).

Too much movement can also be distracting. Don't sway from foot to foot or wave your arms around! Your audience will get hypnotised by your movement.

If you need notes - don't be frightened to look at them but only write on one side of the card or paper and number them with big numbers so that you're always looking at the correct sheet.

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