Differences Between Informative and Persuasive Speeches

Introduction

Speech refers to the ability of an individual to express his or her thoughts with the use of spoken words. Speech can be informative or persuasive. These two forms of speech appear similar but have distinct features. An informative speech is a form of speech that is developed to convey specific information and knowledge (Kelp 368). Informative speech includes processes, objects, concepts, and events. Informative speech aims at educating the audience and strives to ensure that the main points within the speech are separated. On the other hand, a persuasive speech aimed at convincing the audience to perform a particular action, adopt an opinion or a belief. This paper will highlight the differences detailed differences between the two types of speeches.

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In an informative speech, the speaker has a given volume of information to be conveyed to the audience. For instance, organizations utilize informative speech when introducing new products and services, and its personnel require training to sell and work with these products and services. In addition, organizations apply informative speeches in the event of a merger or other practice that changes the structure of the company. Given the fact that informative speeches aim at informing the audience, they are entertaining as the speakers present them. In other words, the way information is delivered and deciphered in this type of speech depends on its presentation and how the speaker engages with the audience (Kelp 370).

On the other hand, persuasive speech focuses on convincing individuals to believe or do something. It ranges from a motivational speech to other forms of expression aimed at calling people to action (Altikriti 47). In addition, this form of speech advises and encourages individuals to take on desired actions. Therefore, an active persuasive speaker ensures that the audience is exposed to useful information, remains engaged and entertained throughout the speech. In other words, this form of speech should be delivered efficiently since it requires the audience to perform a specific action.

Differences

Although informative and persuasive speeches appear to be similar, they possess distinct features. First, informative speeches aim at presenting the information appropriately, train, and educate the audience. On the contrary, persuasive speeches seek to convince the audience to believe or take a specific action. In addition, towards the end of a compelling speech, the speaker ensures that the audience is entertained and ensure that they act on the speech's content. Given the fact that persuasive speeches aim to influence the audience, it calls the audience to action. However, this is not the case with informative speeches since the speaker seeks to pass information. In an informative speech, the speaker's responsibility is merely presenting arguments and sides regarding an issue. On the other hand, the persuasive speech calls the audience to take sides on the specific problem. Persuasive speeches are entertaining and exciting. Contrarily, in informative speeches, the speaker influences the compelling and engaging nature of such a speech. Nonetheless, this depends on the tools used by the speaker to present their speech.

Conclusion

In conclusion, persuasive speeches tend to be more exciting, engaging and keeps the audience more attentive. However, it still requires to be effectively delivered. Thus, it is safe to say that given its nature, an informative speech can be delivered with greater ease than a persuasive one. On the overall, the quality of either type of the expression depends on the speaker's talent.

Works Cited

Altikriti, Sahar. "Persuasive speech acts in Barack Obama's inaugural speeches (2009, 2013) and the last State of the Union Address (2016)." International Journal of Linguistics 8.2 (2016): 47-66.

Kelp, Christoph. "A practical explication of the knowledge rule of informative speech acts." European Journal of Philosophy21.3 (2013): 367-383.