INDEX
1. Introduction
2. Types of Speeches
· Informative Speech
· Persuasive Speech
· Political Speech
· Motivational Speech
· Debate Speech
· Entertainment Speech
3. Examples of Famous Speeches
4. Covering Speeches
· Pre Speech Preparation
· During Speech
· Post Speech
5. Conclusion
Introduction
Definitions of Speech
Oxford Dictionary defines speech as a formal talk that a person gives to an audience.
Cambridge Dictionary defines speech as the ability to talk, the activity of talking, or a piece of spoken language.
Merriam and Webster Dictionary defines speech as the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words.
“Let thy speech be better than silence, or be silent.” ~Dionysius Of Halicarnassus
“He who wants to persuade should put his trust not in the right argument, but in the right word. The power of sound has always been greater than the power of sense.” – Joseph Conrad
“There are three things to aim at in public speaking: first, to get into your subject, then to get your subject into yourself, and lastly, to get your subject into the heart of your audience.” – Alexander Gregg
“The success of your presentation will be judged not by the knowledge you send but by what the listener receives.” – Lilly Walters
“Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
“A good speech has the power to change the world.” – Barack Obama
A speech refers to an informal or formal talk given to an audience. Giving a speech allows you to address a group of people to express your thoughts and oftentimes, your opinion. It can be given for various purposes, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire listeners. A speech often involves structured language and can be delivered in different contexts—such as public events, conferences, classrooms, media, or even private gatherings.
History
The study of public speaking began about 2,500 years ago in ancient Athens. Men were required to give speeches as part of their civic duties, which included speaking in legislative assembly and at court (sometimes to defend themselves as there were no lawyers for the average Athenian).
Citizens would meet in the marketplace and debate issues on war, economics and politics. Good speaking skills were also essential for a prominent social life and mixing with the wealthy.
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Importance of Speech
Speech is the process to address and interact with the audience to deliver some message. It is a process to convince the audience towards some particular agenda. It is a very important part of human development. Speech enables a person to directly connect to a large number of people.
Speech enables us all to develop deeper emotional, cognitive, and mental capacities within our own beingness . It helps us more easily get our needs met and it helps us to be better understood and to better understand others. I believe our ability to communicate by oral speech is what makes us human.
Speeches have the power to persuade and influence people's thoughts and actions. Leaders, activists, and even everyday individuals use speech to inspire change, advocate for causes, and rally others to take action.
Throughout history, speeches have been pivotal in sparking social movements, influencing public opinion, and pushing for political reforms (e.g., Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech or Winston Churchill’s wartime speeches).
Through speech, we engage in discussions and debates, allowing for the exchange of ideas and the process of critical thinking. This is essential in finding solutions to complex problems. Effective speeches can help resolve conflicts, facilitate negotiations, and find common ground, particularly in diverse or divided settings.
Types of Speeches
Since speeches occur in a variety of settings and for different purposes, they fall into different categories.
1. Informative speech
Informative speeches aim to educate an audience on a particular topic or message. The primary goal is to increase the audience's understanding and knowledge without attempting to persuade or argue for a particular point of view. The speaker presents clear, accurate, and well-organized details, often explaining complex concepts in a way that is easy to comprehend. These speeches are neutral in tone, focusing purely on facts and explanations. Examples might include a presentation on how renewable energy works.
Impact of Informative Speech
· Knowledge Transfer: The primary goal of an informative speech is to educate the audience on a specific topic. By presenting facts, statistics, research, and explanations, the speaker provides new insights or deepens the audience's understanding of the subject.
· Clarity and Simplification: A good informative speech takes complex ideas and breaks them down in an easy-to-understand manner, helping the audience grasp concepts they might not have been familiar with before. This simplification makes complex topics accessible to a wider audience.
Examples
Ken Robinson's "Do Schools Kill Creativity?" (2006) became one of the most-viewed Ted Talk Speeches of all time, is an insightful critique of the educational system.
2. Persuasive speech
Persuasive speeches help convince an audience that the speaker has the right opinion on a particular topic. Persuasive speeches can cover any topic from entertainment to something more serious like politics.
Typically, speakers use concrete evidence to better persuade their listeners and gain their support. The speaker presents arguments, reasoning, and emotional appeals to persuade the audience to accept their perspective or take specific actions. Unlike informative speeches, which focus solely on providing facts and knowledge, persuasive speeches are intended to change or reinforce attitudes, opinions, or behaviors.
When a lawyer gives a speech to a jury about their particular client, for example, they use a persuasive speech with enough facts and claims to get the jury's support and have them vote in their favor.
Impact of Persuasive Speech
· Shifting Perspectives: One of the most significant impacts of persuasive speech is its ability to change the audience's beliefs or opinions about a topic. A well-crafted persuasive speech presents compelling arguments that challenge existing viewpoints and encourage the audience to reconsider their stance.
· Inspiring Action: Persuasive speeches often include a strong call to action, encouraging the audience to take specific steps. Whether it's voting for a candidate, donating to a cause, or changing personal habits, a persuasive speech aims to motivate people to act in line with the speaker’s message.
Examples
·Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech (1963) was delivered during the Civil Rights Movement. King used his words to call for racial equality and justice and to inspire hope for a future where people are judged by the content of their character rather than the colour of their skin.
3. Political Speech
A political speech is a type of address or communication delivered by a politician, government official, or political figure, designed to influence public opinion, inform citizens, or inspire action related to political issues. These speeches play a crucial role in shaping political discourse, advancing policy agendas, rallying support for political movements, and motivating citizens to take action, such as voting or participating in social or political movements. Political speeches can be delivered in various contexts, including during campaigns, legislative sessions, public protests, political conventions, or speeches made by elected officials in response to national or international events.
Impact of Political Speech
· Rallying Support: During elections or key moments in a political campaign, politicians deliver speeches to galvanize their base and attract undecided voters. These speeches are designed to build enthusiasm and create a sense of unity among supporters.
· Building Trust and Credibility: Politicians use speeches to establish or reinforce their authority and credibility. Through careful articulation of ideas, a politician aims to appear knowledgeable, competent, and trustworthy to the audience.
INFLUENCE MINDS OF THE VOTERS/
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Examples
· Indira Gandhi’s "Emergency Speech" (1975), delivered during the Emergency (1975–77), when Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency in India, suspending civil liberties and curbing political opposition. In this speech, Gandhi justified the imposition of the Emergency, claiming that it was necessary to maintain law and order and prevent threats to India's democracy.
4. Motivational speech
Motivational speeches aim to inspire an audience and give attendees the confidence to do something better or improve themselves. They essentially serve to lift the audience's spirits and improve their self-esteem. Motivational speeches help move a person or audience toward achieving a particular goal. The speaker often shares personal stories, challenges, and triumphs to demonstrate perseverance, resilience, and determination. While employers or managers give this type of speech to motivate their employees to perform better in the workplace, coaches give this type of speech to inspire their team to perform better on the field or court.
Impact of Motivational Speech
· Boosting Confidence and Self-Belief: Motivational speeches often center around themes of self-empowerment, overcoming adversity, and believing in one’s own abilities.
· Encouraging Positive Mindset and Optimism: One of the primary effects of motivational speeches is the promotion of a positive mindset.
Examples
· Steve Jobs’ Stanford University Commencement Address (2005), where he shared personal anecdotes from his life, including his struggles, successes, and lessons learned.
5. Debate speech
Debate speeches refer to a type of speech that often follows a certain set of rules and takes place during a debate event. During a debate, all sides have an equal amount of time to speak on behalf of their opinion or view. While a debate speech often uses the same mechanics as a persuasive speech and includes plenty of statistical figures to help support a claim, it's different from a persuasive speech. For example, rather than trying to convince someone to join a particular side as with a persuasive speech, debate speeches aim to justify an opinion on a particular matter.
Impact of Debate Speech
· Encourages Critical Thinking: One of the most important impacts of debate speeches is the promotion of critical thinking.
· Fosters Public Discourse and Dialogue: Debate speeches play a pivotal role in promoting open dialogue on critical societal, political, and moral issues.
Examples
· Debate Speech given by Donald Trump and Kamala Harris during US Presidential Elections of 2024.
6. Entertaining speech
Entertaining speeches aim to amuse a crowd of people. Often less formal and shorter than traditional speeches, entertaining speeches communicate emotions rather than giving the audience facts and figures.
These speeches often rely on humor, storytelling, anecdotes, and a lively delivery to capture the audience's attention and evoke positive emotions. Entertaining speeches can be given in various settings, such as at social events, parties, or informal gatherings. The key to an entertaining speech is to keep the audience engaged and leave them with a positive, memorable experience.
Impact of Entertainment Speech
Emotional Lift: The primary impact of an entertainment speech is its ability to lift the mood of the audience. Through humor, light-hearted stories, and relatable content, the speaker can help the audience relax, laugh, and forget their daily stresses.
Creating Joyful Atmosphere: A good entertainment speech fosters a sense of fun and excitement in the room. It allows people to enjoy themselves, promoting happiness and creating a positive environment, whether it's at a corporate event, a wedding, or a comedy show.
Examples
Ellen DeGeneres' 2014 Academy Awards Monologue was packed with humor, jokes, and witty commentary.
7. Demonstrative Speech
A demonstrative speech is a type of informative speech that explains how to do something or how something works. The purpose of a demonstrative speech is to teach the audience a process, skill, or task through step-by-step instructions, often with visual aids or demonstrations. The key is for the speaker to show the audience how to accomplish or understand something, making it easier for the audience to follow along and replicate the process themselves.
Impact of Demonstrative Speech
Visual Learning: By demonstrating a process or task visually, the speaker helps the audience grasp complex concepts more easily. People tend to remember information better when they see it in action rather than just hear about it.
Clearer Communication: A demonstrative speech eliminates confusion by providing clear, practical instructions. It ensures that the audience can follow along step by step, which is especially useful for complex or technical subjects.
Examples
Julia Child, a famous chef and television personality, became well-known for her cooking demonstrations on The French Chef. Her ability to break down complex French recipes into manageable steps, explaining each process with enthusiasm, made her a beloved figure in the culinary world.
8. Impromptu Speech
An impromptu speech is a type of speech delivered with little or no preparation. The speaker is typically given a topic or prompt at the moment of speaking and must quickly organize their thoughts and respond. The goal of an impromptu speech is to speak spontaneously, without the aid of notes or detailed planning, while still delivering a coherent and engaging message.
Impact of Impromptu Speech
Impromptu speeches require the speaker to think on their feet and adapt quickly to unexpected situations. This helps sharpen critical thinking, decision-making, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. The audience also witnesses the speaker’s ability to handle pressure, which can make the speech more engaging and demonstrate the speaker’s flexibility and confidence.
Example
Amalini Fernando representing the University of Kelaniya, delivered one of the finest impromptu speeches, titled “Speech Is Power, Or Is It?” at the Grand Finals of the All Island Inter University Best Speaker Contest 2015 organized by the Gavel Club of University of Kelaniya.
9. Oratorical Speech
An oratorical speech is a formal, prepared speech that is delivered with eloquence and skill, often designed to inspire, persuade, or motivate an audience. The term "oratory" refers to the art of public speaking, and oratorical speeches are typically delivered in a structured and compelling manner. These speeches are usually well-researched, rehearsed, and crafted to engage and influence listeners through powerful language, rhetoric, and emotional appeal.
Impact of Oratorical Speech
Inspires and Motivates Audiences: Oratorical speeches often aim to uplift and inspire listeners, encouraging them to take action or embrace a particular cause. The emotional power of a well-delivered speech can spark passion and drive social, political, or personal change.
Shapes Public Opinion: A powerful oratorical speech can shape public opinion, particularly when delivered by influential leaders or speakers. It can shift the way people think about important issues, prompt new perspectives, and encourage societal change.
Examples
Susan B. Anthony – "Women's Right to Vote" (1873) speech delivered at the court where Susan B. Anthony was tried for voting in the 1872 election, passionately advocating for women’s suffrage is a good example of oratorical speech
Famous Speeches
1. We Shall Fight on the Beaches
Winston Churchill was the British Prime Minister during WW2. When WW2 started and France was defeated, he gave his most inspirational speech “We Shall Fight on the Beaches”. And when London was suffering from its worst bombardment during the Blitz, his speeches motivated the British to “never surrender”.
2. We Choose to Go to the Moon
John F. Kennedy was the thirty-fifth president of the United States from 1961-63. His speeches were very powerful and inspirational. His speech “We Choose to Go to the Moon” is considered as one of the most influential to persuade the Americans for the space expedition to the moon.
3. I Have a Dream
Martin Luther was a black civil rights activist in the United States who fought against racial discrimination. He always believed in non-violence and respect for humanity, irrespective of colour, race or creed. His most famous speech, “I Have a Dream” has been listen to by millions since he delivered it. Due to its powerful message, he got the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the year 1997.
4. Ain’t I a Woman by Sojourner Truth
Hailing from a background of slavery and oppression, Sojourner Truth was one of the most revolutionary advocates for women’s human rights in the 1800s. At the 1851 Women’s Rights Convention held in Akron, Ohio, she delivered her illuminating, forceful speech against discrimination of women and African Americans in the post-Civil War era, entrenching her status as one of the most revolutionary abolitionists and women’s rights activists across history.
Covering Speeches
The process of covering speech is broadly classified into 3 phases
Phase 1: Pre-Event Preparation
Events are usually announced in advance and journalists often have time for thorough preparation.
Preparing for the speech story
· Not every speech will demand a great deal of research. Many speeches will be dry and routine. The person giving the speech will be some influential person or someone who holds authority. At other times, you might get an assignment on short notice and be forced to find background information after hearing the speech. In either case, never take the speaker or the topic for granted. Not getting enough background on the speaker and the speech almost leads to failure to write a comprehensive speech story.
• If you haven’t covered the speaker before, the first step is to research and identify the person correctly. Get their middle name, their name initials, and the background information of that person so you don’t mix them with someone else who has a similar or same name.
• You may need to understand the topic and research the topic thoroughly so that you have a deep insight into the topic and can ask the questions relevant to the topic.
• Next, check your organization’s (news station’s) library to see if the reporters had interviewed the person previously and what they had to say about the speaker. If you have access to the national database of newspaper and magazine stories refer to it and use it.
• If the speech is important enough, you might want to contact the speaker beforehand for a brief interview. You might go ahead of time to interview the speaker after the speech. You might have questions or points to clarify.
• Not every speech demands this much effort. But even the most routine speech assignments require preparation. Doing a good job demands that you read the news and know what is going on. You must keep up with current events.
• If you don’t regularly listen to or read the news, subscribe to a feed from one of the major news organizations or like any of the big news organizations to get news from them.
· It is important to confirm each detail, place, time, etc, and ensure that we have all the permission and permits to attend the same.
· To set the stage for effective real-time reporting, arriving early is important. This allows you to secure a prime position and provides time for equipment setup and testing. Verify the functionality of your recording devices, cameras, and any other tools crucial for your coverage
· Choosing your position at the venue is a critical aspect of successful real-time reporting. Choose the position with a clear line of sight and audibility. Depending on your role – whether a photographer, videographer, or journalist – consider how your position impacts the quality of your coverage.
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· Preparing to cover an event is only the beginning. Knowing what to do when you get there is equally important.
· You must cover the entire event, Be at the venue well before the speech begins to ensure you have ample time to set up your equipment and secure a good vantage. All the aspects should be well covered- the content of the speech, the number of people involved; and the possible consequences of what was said or the actions taken.
· As the speaker takes the stage, your focus should shift to active listening. Capturing the essence of the speech involves not just noting the words spoken but understanding the key messages, anecdotes, and any statements that resonate.
· Your ability to discern the nuances of the speaker's tone and emotion contributes to the depth of your real-time coverage. A story about a speech often requires direct quotes. For example, if a speaker gives you supporting evidence for an argument, you would be unfair if you didn’t quote them. Quotes can be misleading if you carelessly or deliberately juxtapose them. Combining quotes with no indication that something was said in between them can lead to inaccuracies and to charge of unfairness.
· The art of note-taking becomes paramount during real-time reporting. Armed with a notepad or recording device, record notable quotes, key points, and any visual aids or presentations used by the speaker. Effective note-taking ensures accuracy in your reporting and provides a foundation for your subsequent analysis.
· Social media engagement can be an important aspect in various cases as Leveraging social media during the speech allows for immediate audience engagement. Live-tweeting, sharing quotes, and posting highlights on platforms like Twitter can provide real-time updates to your audience. Use event-specific hashtags to maximize visibility and foster interaction.
· Beyond the podium, the audience becomes a canvas of reactions that enrich your coverage. Observing audience responses – whether applause, laughter, or moments of silence – adds a layer of authenticity to your reporting. If time permits, consider engaging with attendees for their immediate reactions and perspectives.
· Real-time reporting demands adaptability, especially in the face of unexpected events. Technical glitches, interruptions, or deviations from the prepared speech can occur. Being prepared to adjust your approach at the moment ensures your coverage remains agile and responsive.
· An audio recording does not capture a speaker’s facial expressions and gestures. These are sometimes more important than the words themselves.
· Simply reporting the words of a speaker does not indicate the volume and tone of voice, inflections, pauses, emphases and reactions to and from those in attendance, you mightn’t that a speaker deliberately winked while reading a sentence. Or you might notice unmistakable sarcasm in the speaker’s voice.
· Regardless of who the speaker is or where the speech is taking place, you should always note the speaker’s background. A person’s words must often be measured against that individual’s background. The speaker’s personal history.
· In events featuring a question-and-answer session, your participation becomes a valuable asset. Pose questions that seek clarification and provide additional context or delve deeper into the key themes of the speech. Actively engaging in the Q&A session adds a participatory element to your reporting.
Phase 3: Post Speech
After the speech, go through your notes to extract the most important information and themes. Clarify any points that were unclear during the speech.
Use your notes to craft an article, report, or social media post, summarizing the key points and highlighting significant quotes or moments.
Add background information on the speaker, the event, and the significance of the speech to offer a well-rounded perspective.
If applicable, respond to comments or questions from readers or viewers who engaged with your coverage.
DOUBT— CLEAR - OR LEAVE
Conclusion
Speeches are powerful tools of communication that serve a variety of purposes, from informing and persuading to entertaining and inspiring. Whether it's an informative speech providing knowledge, a persuasive speech convincing an audience, a motivational speech encouraging action, or a special occasion speech celebrating a significant event, the core goal is to engage and connect with the audience. The effectiveness of a speech lies in the speaker's ability to convey their message clearly, passionately, and in a way that resonates with their listeners. Regardless of the type, a well-delivered speech has the potential to leave a lasting impression and inspire change, making it an essential form of communication in many aspects of life.
HISTORICAL DOCUMENTATION
SOCIAL ENVIRONMET -
PERSPECTIVE
ACADEMIC PERSPECTIVE
BACGROUNDER—
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT IN JOURNALISM
References:
https://virtualspeech.com/blog/history-public-speaking
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/types-of-speeches
https://highspark.co/famous-persuasive-speeches/
(Compiled by Chiya Bisht, 1st Year)
