Types of speech

There are several types of speech one can use to deliver a message, to sell an idea, to
persuade, or impart knowledge to the intended audience. What are these types of speech, when to
use them, and perhaps give you some insights on which types of speech should be used based on
the occasion, the audience, and the desired result?
If you are curious to know what types of speech best fit your intended audience or message that
you want to pass across, then how to conduct an audience analysis, and the importance of
focusing on your audience to ensure higher success and engagement in your speeches.
This is the main post of our types of speech series, where you can get an idea of what each of the
10 types of speech is and when to use them. If you are interested in mastering a specific type of
speech at this point, and perhaps get some ideas of topics you can use.

The 10 types of speech

1. Demonstrative speech
2. Entertaining speech
3. Informative speech
4. Persuasive speech
5. Oratorical speech
6. Special occasion speech
7. Motivational speech
8. Explanatory speech
9. Debate speech
10. Forensic speech

Demonstrative Speech
The idea behind demonstrative speech is basically to educate the audience that is
listening to something they are not aware of. The unique thing about demonstrative speeches is
that they could include various visual aids which can help further demonstrate or describe in
practical terms how to effectively do something. At first glance, one can say that demonstrative
speech is more like informative, but the difference is in the fact that informative speeches do not
exactly include actual demonstrating of how to do or perform an action.
Entertaining Speech

Entertaining speech is quite a common or should I say a familiar one amongst the types

of speech in our contemporary society. If you have ever been to a birthday party or wedding,
which I know you most certainly must have, then you have experienced what an entertaining
speech is like. The main purpose of a best man’s speech in a wedding or an after-dinner MC is to
entertain the crowd. This form of entertainment is usually done by using interesting illustrations,
hilarious stories, and just flat out humor.

Informative Speech

Informative speeches are speeches mainly performed for the purpose of educating the
audience on new or relevant piece of information on a particular topic.

Persuasive Speech

A persuasive speech is a speech given solely for the purpose of convincing the audience
listening that the opinion of the speaker on a particular topic is the right or correct one. Whether
you are discussing what movie to watch next or which political standpoint is best for the
economy, you are making a persuasive speech.
In order to successfully convince an audience, most speakers tend to use concrete evidence and
facts to back up their argument. The use of those various facts makes their own argument seem
more sensible and believable, thereby persuading the audience to stand with them and support
their claim. This is one of the best ways to ensure your persuasive speech is very effective, by
giving solid facts you can easily get the audience to rally around you and give you their support.

Oratorical Speech

Oratorical speeches are a type of speech that is delivered in the style used by an orator. Its
name and definition are quite humorous because orator and oratorical both relate to the act of
giving a speech.

These type of speech is usually given on very special occasions like a graduation ceremony,
inauguration or ribbon-cutting event. This type of speech can take shape in two distinct forms,
they can be long and quite formal in situations like funerals, graduations, and inaugurations, or
they can be short and informal in situations like the speech given during a toast in a special
event.
Special Occasion Speech

Special occasion speeches are speeches that don’t exactly fall into any particular category
of speech. Hence, the name special occasion. They can include speeches that are given to
introduce a speaker or announce the arrival of a guest. They are designed to be short but
interesting and direct to the point.

Motivational Speech

One can consider the motivational speech as a special type of speech in which the general
self-improvement of the audience is the goal to be attained. A speaker generally engages in this
type of speech to encourage and inspire the confidence of his audience to do better with and for
themselves

Explanatory Speech

Explanatory speech is one of the types of speech which is given to critically explain a
situation or thing. They are somewhat similar in nature to the demonstrative speech. However,
the explanatory speech is different from the demonstrative speech in the sense that the
explanatory speech gives a detailed step by step and breaks down of how to do something. It is
also different in the sense that it does not make use of visual aid to assist in understanding.

Debate Speech

During the cause of a formal debate event, there is a lot of verbal exchanges being made
by the two or more parties involved. This act of debating takes shape in many forms in our
contemporary society. These forms include the following; classical, impromptu, parliamentary,
mock trails, extemporaneous and even public forum.

As the normal standard in general debate, all sides are given an equal amount of time to give a
speech on how why they think their opinion or view on a certain matter is the right one. Debates
are not quite like persuasive speeches because rather than trying to convince the other side to join
you on your side, you are simply trying to justify why you are of an opinion on a certain matter.
Forensic Speech

The term forensic speech is mainly regarded as the practice and study of public speaking
and debating. This definition is from the American Forensic Association, and they believe
according to their research that millions of high school students and college students engage in
this activity.

The reason why this type of speech is called forensic is because of its strong similarities to the
competitions at public forums during the time of ancient Greece.

This event can take place in a simple place like a classroom or in a more sophisticated setting
like a national or international event. During the activity, students are advised to research and
improve their speaking skills in order to learn other types of speeches.

Types of Speech Context

1. Intrapersonal
2. Interpersonal
3. Public
4. Mass Communication

Intrapersonal -  It refers to the communication with one’s self.

Interpersonal - This refers to communication between and among people and establishes
personal relationship between and among them.

Public - This type refers to communication that requires you to deliver or send the message
before or in front of a group.

Mass Communication -  This refers to communication that takes place through television,
radio, newspapers, magazines, books, internet, and other types of media.