Behind the Scenes of Public Speaking
Informative Speech
A Conversation with the Speaker
The informative speech is the second graded speech in our public speaking class. One goal of the presentation is to enhance the audience's understanding of the controversial issue or problem. For example, in the speech below, the speaker begins the body of her speech by clarifying the provisions of Georgia House Bill 89. Then, she presents the most compelling arguments by supporters of the bill and concludes the body of the speech with the most compelling arguments by opponents of the bill.
A second goal of the informative speech is to present the complexities of the issue or problem to the audience. 
Too often, news media and political pundits oversimplify complex matters, which does not enhance the ability of the audience to make reasoned decisions about what should be done about the matter under consideration. I tell students to think of themselves as "good" journalists in reporting the information to the audience in their presentation. At the conclusion of the speech, the audience should not know what position the speaker takes on the issue (this is very challenging).
The third goal of the informative speech is to present different perspectives on the issue. For example, a student speaking about the controversial proposal to open the Arctic Refuge and coastal waters for oil and gas exploration should present the most compelling arguments from diverse perspectives. In so doing, the audience gains insight into the underlying assumptions and values of those advocating positions on the issue.
In the interview below, Jasmine asks Ashley about the process of creating the speech, crafting the thesis, maintaining balance, developing her main points and other aspects of the process.