Exploring 5 Types of Speeches

Imagine preparing for your next Toastmasters meeting or an important presentation at work. You sit down, pen in hand (or at your computer), and ponder the best way to convey your message. Should you inform, persuade, entertain, demonstrate something new, or honor someone? Each type of speech has unique strengths and choosing the right one can captivate your audience and achieve your goals.

Identify the Right Speech Type

Just like different genres of movies, each type of speech has its own key elements. An informative speech is like a documentary—filled with facts and data. A persuasive speech is similar to a drama, full of emotional highs and lows. Entertaining speeches are like blockbuster comedies. A demonstrative speech is like a tutorial video, showing you how to do something. Ceremonial speeches are akin to heartfelt tributes. To identify the right speech type, consider your objective, audience, and context.

• Objective: Ask yourself, “What’s my goal?” Determine what you want to achieve with your speech. What approach will best achieve your goal? Will you primarily inform, persuade, entertain, demonstrate, or honor? Some speeches may combine elements of several types, such as one that aims to both inform and persuade its audience.
• Audience: Consider what will be most engaging and appropriate for your listeners. Imagine giving a ceremonial speech at a project update meeting at work—it just wouldn’t fit. “Assess your audience’s needs and what would be of value to them,” says Vickie Shoutz, DTM, of Hutchinson Toastmasters II in Hutchinson, Minnesota.
• Context: Consider the occasion and setting of your speech. In a formal business setting, an informative or persuasive speech might be most appropriate. For instance, if you’re presenting quarterly results, an informative speech with detailed data and visuals would be suitable. On the other hand, if you’re pitching a new project, a persuasive speech that combines logic and emotional appeal to win over stakeholders would be ideal.

Let’s look closer at the different types of speeches to get a better understanding so you can choose the right approach for the right occasion.

Informative Speeches

Informative speeches feature data, facts, and logical structure.

Example: A presentation on the latest trends in digital marketing

Think about the last time you sat through a presentation so packed with information that you felt like your brain was going to explode. Informative speeches are all about delivering facts, but that doesn’t mean they have to be overwhelming or boring. Take, for example, Sir Ken Robinson’s TED Talk on “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” His engaging storytelling and use of humor made complex ideas about education accessible and thought-provoking.

Informative speeches aim to educate the audience about a specific topic. You are the researcher, gathering data, facts, and statistics. Typically, these speeches follow a clear, logical structure—introduction, body, and conclusion. Visual aids can also help explain complex information and keep the audience engaged.

Persuasive Speeches

Persuasive speeches feature arguments, emotional appeal, and usually a call to action.

Example: A speech urging people to recycle more

Consider Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. It wasn’t just his powerful words that moved people; it was the emotional appeal and the call to action. Persuasive speeches are your chance to change minds and inspire action. For this speech type, you are the advocate building a case.

Persuasive speeches aim to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take specific actions. They are structured with an introduction, arguments supported by evidence, counterarguments, and a conclusion. Addressing counterarguments strengthens your position and makes your message more compelling.

Entertaining Speeches

Entertaining speeches feature humor and an engaging delivery.

Example: A humorous story about an embarrassing moment onstage

This speech type is all about engaging your audience. Think stand-up comedy or a story that has everyone on the edge of their seats. Picture yourself as a storyteller around a campfire, weaving a tale that captivates everyone. Use humor, suspense, and vivid descriptions. Knowing your audience and practicing your timing and delivery are also crucial for success. Engaging delivery and appropriate humor can make these speeches memorable and enjoyable.

If you don’t see yourself as naturally funny, start with storytelling and aim for mildly amusing. “I’m not naturally funny, so presenting a humorous speech can be quite challenging for me,” says Carolyn Becker, DTM, of the Lockyer Valley Toastmasters Club in Ropeley, Queensland, Australia. “I’m okay with storytelling, though, particularly if I can combine some lived experiences into the presentation.”

Over time, as you gain confidence and experience, you can work up to more side-splitting humor. Remember, the goal is to engage and entertain, so let your personality shine through, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Demonstrative Speeches

Demonstrative speeches feature visual aids and step-by-step instructions.

Example: Demonstrating how to decorate a cake

Have you ever watched a cooking show and felt like you could whip up a gourmet meal by the end? Demonstrative speeches are like live tutorials. Think of British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen, blending humor and skill to make even the most daunting recipes seem doable.

This speech is used when you want to teach the audience how to do something through step-by-step instructions. It requires clear explanations and often includes visual aids or hands-on demonstrations. Props can also significantly enhance understanding and keep the audience’s attention.

Ceremonial Speeches

Ceremonial speeches usually feature personal stories and heartfelt emotions.

Example: A toast at a special event (wedding, funeral, graduation, retirement, award ceremony, or tribute)

Weddings, funerals, and award ceremonies all call for a special kind of speech. These are moments where words carry extra weight. Picture yourself at a wedding, toasting the happy couple. Your words have the power to add to the joy of the occasion. Keep the tone appropriate and use personal anecdotes to make your speech memorable and heartfelt.

Ceremonial speeches are given during formal occasions and are often deeply personal. The structure of this type of speech varies depending on the occasion but often includes a personal touch and emotional appeal. The Toastmasters Pathways project “Deliver Social Speeches,” a Level 3 elective, teaches you how to compose various types of social speeches, including ceremonial speeches.

Experiment With Different Types

Sticking to one type of speech is like only ever eating your favorite meal. Sure, it’s great, but you miss out on all the other amazing flavors out there. Challenge yourself to use different speech types. “The only way to improve presentation skills is through practice,” says Shoutz, the member in Minnesota. “Do the work, show up, and deliver to the best of your abilities.”

Understanding and using different types of speeches can significantly enhance your public speaking repertoire and help ensure you are using the right approach during your presentations. By experimenting with various types, you improve your skills and keep your audience interested and focused on your message.

So, are you ready to try a new type of speech at your next Toastmasters meeting or work presentation?

“Seize every opportunity and have a go,” says Becker, the member from Australia. “Speak about what you know and speak from the heart.”

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