340 ChAPTER 15 stUdY GUide
study Guide: review and apply
Meet Your Objectives
15.1 List the three major goals of informative speeches.
To inform is to teach someone something you know. Public speakers use specific
goals, principles, and strategies to inform others. Informative speeches have three
goals—to enhance understanding, to maintain interest, and to be remembered.
key term
Speech to inform15.2 Describe five different types of informative speeches.
Speeches about objects discuss tangible things. Speeches about procedures
explain a process or describe how something works. Speeches about people can
be about either the famous or the little known. Speeches about events describe
major occurrences or personal experiences. Speeches about ideas discuss often
abstract principles, concepts, or theories.15.3 effectively and appropriately use four strategies to enhance audience
understanding.
To enhance your listeners’ understanding of a message, (1) speak with clarity,
(2) use principles and techniques of adult learning, (3) clarify complex processes,
(4) use descriptions effectively, and (5) combine spoken words, visuals, and kin-
esthetic opportunities to appeal to listeners with a variety of learning styles.
key terms
Pedagogy
Andragogy
Word picture15.4 effectively and appropriately use three strategies to maintain audience
interest.
To gain and maintain interest in your informative talk, follow four important
principles. First, motivate your audience to listen to you. Second, tell a story; a
well-told story almost always works to keep listeners focused on you and your
message. Third, present information that relates to your listeners’ interests;
in essence, be audience-centered. Finally, use the unexpected to surprise your
audience.15.5 effectively and appropriately use four strategies to enhance audience
recall of information presented in an informative speech.
Help your listeners remember what you tell them by being redundant. Be sure
to keep your main ideas short and simple. Pacing the flow of your information
helps listeners recall your ideas. Reinforcing important points verbally and non-
verbally can also help your audience remember them.