What is an informative speech? Definition and example topics
An informative speech explains a topic so the audience understands it or can do something they couldn't before, without asking them to take a side. It defines, describes, explains or demonstrates. If your speech ends with "so you should…", it has turned into a persuasive speech.
Types of informative speech
| Type | Purpose | Example topic |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Explain what something is | "What a credit score is and what goes into it" |
| Description | Paint a picture of a place, object or person | "Inside a working beehive" |
| Process or demonstration | Show how something is done | "How to fix a bike puncture in ten minutes" |
| Explanation | Explain why or how something works | "How noise-cancelling headphones work" |
| Event or history | Tell what happened and why it matters | "How the first transatlantic phone cable was laid" |
Example topics
For a class (three to five minutes):
- How bread rises
- What happens to a letter after you post it
- How a bill becomes law in your country
- Why cats purr: what's known and what isn't
For work (a lunch-and-learn or team talk):
- How our support tickets are routed
- What our new expense tool changes
- A beginner's guide to reading the sales dashboard
Informative or persuasive?
The same subject can go either way:
| Informative | Persuasive |
|---|---|
| "How four-day work weeks are being tested" | "Our company should try a four-day week" |
| "How composting works" | "Every household should compost" |
An informative speech can still have a point of view on what matters most, but it doesn't ask the audience to change their minds or act.
A simple structure
- Open with why the topic matters to this audience.
- Cover two to four main points, in a logical order: steps, time or parts.
- Recap the points in one or two sentences.
For explaining hard ideas in plain words, see how to explain complex ideas simply.
Questions people ask
What is the main goal of an informative speech?
To help the audience understand something or learn to do it, not to change their opinion.
How long is an informative speech?
In class, usually three to seven minutes. At 130 to 150 words per minute, five minutes is roughly 650 to 750 words.
Can an informative speech include my opinion?
A little, for colour, but the speech shouldn't argue for it. Keep the focus on explaining.
What makes a good informative speech topic?
Something you know well, that your audience doesn't, and that can be explained clearly in the time you have.