An informative speech is one where you give information about a topic. It should be presented with authority and plenty of details to interest your listeners. Yet some people are concerned when assigned an informative speech, and can’t figure out exactly how to generate informative speech topics.
While you may feel a little concerned when faced with writing a speech, remember that you know plenty of things. We are all authorities on something, and have lots of information. The goal is merely to decide what kind of information we may want to present when we choose informative speech topics.
The informative speech is usually one of four forms. You can give a speech about objects like animals, vehicles, washing machines, buildings, and et cetera. You can also speak about a process — either describing how something is done or how to do something. Another theme is to discuss an event, either one that already occurred or one that will occur. Lastly, you can discuss ideas or concepts, though this type of speech may be harder because it can easily become a persuasive speech.
With a speech focused on objects your goal is to come up with informative speech topics that will be easy to clearly describe. You could choose to give a speech on an animal you find fascinating, or describe virtually anything. Since you usually are composing a speech that will have time limitation, you want to make sure your information is specific and stays on topic.
Process speeches can be some of the easiest to do, especially when they are the “how to” type. You can demonstrate how to make a sandwich or you can talk about anything you know “how to” do. There are plenty of process speech subjects including how to prevent illnesses, how to lose weight, how to eat healthfully, how to play a specific sport, how to save money when shopping, and the list can go on.
With speeches focused on an event, informative speech topics could be so many different things. Describe a historical event, talk about an upcoming event in your community, or discuss an event you attended like the opening of a business, or the first night of your county fair. You can even discuss things like pet shows, fashion shows, rock concerts, school plays or anything else that comes under this heading.
When you’re going to choose conceptual informative speech topics, the most important thing is to stay away from highly contentious issues. It is extremely difficult to give an information only speech on things like abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, animal rights, and a few other topics which people are likely to take strong sides. You can talk about other concepts, such as mercy, love, forgiveness, anger, but these can be awfully vague. If you want to give a speech on ideas, try to come up with a concept that will be easy to describe within the time limits of your speech.
If you search online, you will find many websites that list hundreds of informative speech topics. These may be great if you’re really having a hard time. As you view these topics keep asking yourself, “What do I know about this subject?” Sometimes the best speeches are those delivered by people who are experts on a particular subject. So use topic suggestions to remind yourself where your expertise lies.
