While persuasive and informative speeches are related, they are distinct in several ways. The process of preparing and presenting informative and persuasive speeches may have a common element. Principally, the method and process first involved the identification of the goal and purpose of the addresses. Informative speeches are the most predominant, and the primary goals are to pass information. Though persuasive speeches tell the audience what to do with the knowledge, Informative speeches do not have a call to action. Identifying the goal of a persuasive and informative speech is necessary for clarity purposes. Secondly, we determined the thesis, core argument of the address. Thus, it was easy to identify the stylistic strategies in quest of the end purpose. The core argument of a speech will determine whether it is informative or persuasive. The process for each presentation took into consideration the envisioned audience addressed in the presentation. A persuasive presentation aims to relay information to the audience and influence their views and beliefs.
Notably, there are instances where the goals of a presentation are not achieved. However, a few pointers contributed to the success of our speeches. First, having a clear proposition of an address influenced the process of research and writing, ensuring that the thesis statement mirrored down to a specific topic. Also, narrowing down the topic should match the intended purpose and the target audience (Smith). A contracted argument ensured that the subject had direction and clarity for easy understanding. One of the most challenging parts of speech writing and delivery is the lack of audience consideration. Audience analysis entails acquiring information about the audience to establish and understand their values, beliefs, needs and expectations, and opinions (Smith). Having recognized our audience’s needs ensured that the topic considerations were appropriate for the given audience.
Even though the objective of the presentation was to remain cohesive and straightforward, there were significant elements that need practice. Communicating to an audience is outstandingly tricky, and the struggle to stay consistent in the speech was evident. Some instances of rush through the address might have made the audience overlook the most critical points. One major limitation that we faced was the timeframe of our presentation concerning the topics. For instance, trying to get together and deliver information in ten minutes may not be realistic for a broad topic. Trying to squeeze all of our ideas to fit a short time frame did not work in our favor. Narrowing our ideas into portions that would be more manageable and deliverable within the allocated time would be appropriate. Focusing on material that can be within a specific timeframe was more probable to archive the objectives of the sessions at the end of the expositions.
The vocal delivery of presentations needs improvements to make the speeches clearer, credible and engaging. Some components of speech delivery, such as rate, articulation, volume, and fluency, are essential elements to consider. On the one hand, vocal delivery can aid in engaging and drawing the attention of the audience. Contrarily, it will ensure that information and thoughts are communicated clearly. Additionally, scholars argue that one can never be too prepared for anything. Vigilant, well thought, and timely preparation is essential to avoid a last-minute rush. It is always a good idea to prepare early for a staging which helps to manage speech nerves. Another strategy that I would polish is to begin the presentation with an interesting question or story (Smith). Queries and reports will help to draw the audience’s attention from myself to the speech itself.
Comparing the Muhammad Ali informative speech and the Fake News Should Be Illegal persuasive speech is completely interesting because they are different topics and different types of addresses. Firstly, both speeches have a precise topic and a narrowed down thesis statement that ensure the speeches are informative and persuasive. Both speeches have a common objective: to be clear and ensure that the audience understands the intended information and ideas. In contrast, the Mohammad Ali speech shares information to provide and increase fundamental understanding of a topic, i.e., the career and legacy of Mohammad Ali. Fake News Should Be Illegal speech pauses a problem and provides a solution. For instance, the narrator gives background information to persuade the audience of the impact of fake news and the solution; Fake News Should Be Illegal. The Mohammad Ali speech gives straightforward facts about the topic. At the same time, Fake News Should Be Illegal speech gives vital comparable points for each side, making informative and comparative speeches different.
In essence, some speeches may cover both aspects of persuasive speeches and educational speeches. Moreover, persuasive speeches use information just like informative speeches. The difference is usually in the design and the intended purpose. Compelling presentations depend on the audience’s emotions to convince and relay a viewpoint. Moreover, one should make a deliberate effort to evade some shared faults that people make in speeches. The success of the address would be dependent on the outcome of the
Work Cited
Smith, Jordan. “Presentations.” Communication @ Work, Simple Book Publishing, 2019.