What Is The General Purpose Of A Speech

What is the General Purpose of a Speech? A Deep Dive into Persuasion, Information, and Entertainment

The seemingly simple act of giving a speech is actually a multifaceted endeavor. While the specific content varies dramatically depending on the context – a wedding toast differs greatly from a scientific presentation – all effective speeches share a common thread: a clearly defined general purpose. Understanding this overarching goal is crucial for crafting a compelling and successful speech that resonates with your audience. This article will delve into the three primary general purposes of a speech – to persuade, to inform, and to entertain – exploring their nuances and providing practical examples.

The Three Pillars of Speech Purposes: Persuade, Inform, and Entertain

At its core, the general purpose of any speech falls into one of three categories: to persuade, to inform, or to entertain. These aren't mutually exclusive; many speeches successfully blend elements of all three. However, identifying the primary purpose is crucial for structuring your content and selecting the appropriate rhetorical strategies.

1. Persuasive Speeches: Changing Minds and Inspiring Action

The primary goal of a persuasive speech is to influence the audience's beliefs, attitudes, or actions. This requires more than simply presenting information; it necessitates employing rhetorical techniques to convince the audience to adopt a specific viewpoint or take a particular course of action. Persuasive speeches often involve:

• Establishing Credibility: The speaker must build trust and demonstrate expertise on the subject matter. This can be achieved through personal experience, research, or citing credible sources.
• Appealing to Emotions: Evoking feelings like fear, hope, anger, or empathy can be powerful tools for persuasion, making the message more relatable and memorable.
• Using Logic and Reasoning: Presenting compelling arguments supported by evidence and logical reasoning is crucial for persuading a rational audience. This often involves using deductive or inductive reasoning, presenting statistics, and providing examples.
• Addressing Counterarguments: Acknowledging and refuting opposing viewpoints demonstrates fairness and strengthens the speaker's position. This shows the audience that the speaker has considered all sides of the issue.

Examples of Persuasive Speeches:

• Political speeches: Aiming to garner votes or support for a specific policy.
• Sales presentations: Designed to convince potential customers to buy a product or service.
• Motivational speeches: Intended to inspire the audience to achieve a goal or overcome challenges.
• Advocacy speeches: Urging the audience to support a cause or take action on a social issue.

2. Informative Speeches: Sharing Knowledge and Building Understanding

Informative speeches aim to educate the audience on a particular topic. The focus is on clarity, accuracy, and providing valuable information in a concise and engaging manner. Successful informative speeches require:

• Clear Organization: A well-structured speech with a logical flow of information is essential for audience comprehension. This often involves using outlines, transitions, and summaries.
• Precise Language: Using accurate and precise language avoids ambiguity and ensures the audience understands the information correctly. Technical jargon should be explained or avoided depending on the audience.
• Visual Aids: Charts, graphs, images, and other visual aids can enhance understanding and make the information more memorable.
• Engaging Delivery: While the focus is on information, a monotone delivery can bore the audience. Varying tone, pace, and using storytelling techniques can maintain interest.

Examples of Informative Speeches:

• Lectures in academic settings: Presenting research findings or explaining complex concepts.
• Presentations at conferences: Sharing new discoveries or updates in a specific field.
• Explanatory speeches: Clarifying a process, explaining a concept, or defining a term.
• News reports: Providing factual information about current events.

3. Entertaining Speeches: Engaging Audiences through Humor and Storytelling

The general purpose of an entertaining speech is to captivate the audience and provide enjoyment. While information might be shared, the primary focus is on creating a pleasurable experience. Effective entertaining speeches often rely on:

• Humor: Jokes, anecdotes, and witty remarks can keep the audience engaged and create a positive atmosphere.
• Storytelling: Sharing compelling narratives can transport the audience to another world and create an emotional connection.
• Relatability: Connecting with the audience on a personal level through shared experiences or relatable situations.
• Strong Delivery: Vocal variety, gestures, and confident stage presence are essential for delivering an engaging performance.

Examples of Entertaining Speeches:

• After-dinner speeches: Lighthearted and humorous speeches delivered at formal events.
• Roast speeches: Humorous speeches making fun of the honored guest (in a good-natured way).
• Stand-up comedy routines: Designed to elicit laughter and amusement.
• Motivational speeches with a comedic element: Using humor to lighten the mood and make the message more accessible.

Blending Purposes: The Art of Multifaceted Speeches

While the three general purposes – persuade, inform, and entertain – are distinct, they are rarely used in isolation. Many effective speeches incorporate elements of all three. For example:

• A persuasive speech on climate change might incorporate informative elements by presenting scientific data and entertaining elements by using storytelling to personalize the impact.
• An informative speech on the history of a particular art form could incorporate persuasive elements by arguing for its continued relevance and entertaining elements by sharing anecdotes about famous artists.
• An entertaining speech at a company holiday party could subtly persuade employees to embrace new company initiatives while informing them about recent successes.

The key is to identify the dominant purpose. While you might use humor in a primarily persuasive speech, the ultimate goal remains to convince the audience to adopt your viewpoint. Similarly, while an informative speech might aim to entertain to keep the audience engaged, the core objective remains the delivery of accurate and accessible information.

Analyzing the Purpose: A Crucial First Step in Speechwriting

Before writing a single word, you must carefully consider the general purpose of your speech. This will inform every aspect of your speech, from your research and organizational structure to your choice of language and delivery style. Ask yourself:

• What do I want my audience to believe, feel, or do after hearing my speech? (Persuasive)
• What key information do I want my audience to learn? (Informative)
• How can I best engage my audience and create a memorable experience? (Entertaining)

Answering these questions will provide the foundation for a speech that is both effective and engaging, achieving its desired impact on the audience. By understanding the interplay between these three core purposes, speakers can craft compelling narratives that inform, persuade, and entertain, leaving a lasting impression on their audience.

Beyond the Three Pillars: Considering Specific Goals

While the three main purposes provide a solid framework, it's vital to refine your approach further by defining specific goals. What exactly do you want your audience to take away from your speech? This might involve:

• Increased knowledge: For informative speeches, specify the precise information you want your audience to acquire.
• A shift in attitude: For persuasive speeches, articulate the specific change in belief or attitude you aim to achieve.
• A specific action: For both persuasive and informative speeches, outlining the desired action (e.g., signing a petition, visiting a website, donating to a charity) is crucial.
• Enhanced appreciation: For entertaining speeches, define the emotional response you hope to elicit (e.g., laughter, joy, reflection).

By clearly defining these specific goals, you can tailor your content and delivery to maximize your impact, ensuring your speech achieves its intended purpose effectively and efficiently. This level of specificity is critical for creating a truly resonant and successful speech. The more precise you are in defining your objectives, the easier it will be to craft a compelling and effective presentation. Remember that a well-defined purpose is the cornerstone of any impactful speech.