Different Types of Speeches - Essay Example

In general terms, speech refers to vocalized human communication, which is constructed through the syntactic combination of names –that are formulated from a huge collection of vocabulary – and lexical. From a more specialized point of view, speech refers to the vocal communication of feelings, thoughts, or perceptions – which is aimed at passing given information or message to the target audience (Read 33-40). A speech is used for an audio communication setting and not in a situation where they will be read.

The speech is used to keep the attention of the audience, by communicating the ideas to be communicated in a manner that depicts drama, color, and humor (Cornbleet and Carter 4). Speeches are the framed audience addresses used in different settings, including weddings, inspirational grounds, eulogies, birthdays, and in discussing issues requiring persuasion (Crystal 1-5). For the different settings, the speech is the connecting link between the communicator and the audience, who are supposed to be informed about the issue of discussion.

Different types of speeches There are different types of speeches, and the different types are used for different models of communication and in a wide array of settings (Crystal 1-5). The first type is informative speeches, which are presented to inform the audience of an event or other settings, about the event, the topic of discussion, or the area of knowledge in question. Some topics for informative speeches could include the ones instructing teens on responsible drinking and how they can use the internet to foster their lives and futures (Cornbleet and Carter 15).

The second type of speech is instructional speech, which is the one used when the speaker intends to offer information about the ways of doing something. These types of speech are more inclined towards instructing the audience so that they can identify with the outline structure or the model of doing the particular thing in question. Some topics of instructional speeches include the following: making a bag out of old clothes, how to shape eyebrows perfectly and how to stand on the head (Read 35).

The common thread about these different speeches is that they are presented, to offer the audience information about the course of doing different things or how the activity in question can be done. The third type of speech is a persuasive speech, which is presented in a manner that is expected to persuade or convince the audience about some issue (Crystal 1-5). Examples of speech topics that can fit under this speech type include the following: abstinence can save your life, studying abroad is life-enhancing, and the benefits of volunteering.

The common characteristic between the different speech topics for this area is that all of them are presented to change the ideas of the audience, or influence them to accept the information presented through the interview. The fourth type of speech is an entertaining speech, which is presented with the sole aim of entertaining the audience. Some topics that might fit under this type include the following: Marshmallows should be regarded as a food group and life is more like a dirty dorm (Cornbleet and Carter 14).

The major characteristic that identifies this type of speech is the fact that they are presented to entertain the audience, without necessarily communicating any important information or changing their views. Special occasion speeches are the ones presented to inform or entertain the audience in attendance at a given event or occasion. Some topics that are relevant for this type include wedding toast, graduation speech, and campaign speech. The main characteristic of this type of speech is that they are presented to communicate the theme of the event or the occasion, and the desired course – if any.

Ordinarily, speeches are delivered by individuals who are special, knowledgeable or have a command of the area of discussion. In many other cases, the speaker is supposed to be the one in the middle of the event or the focus of the subject covered by the speech. An example is a speech made by a presidential candidate during the eve of the presidential campaign; their speech is the tool to persuade voters to elect them, and their speech is most important at that point. In other settings, the speaker can be the delegation, representation, or orator moderating the proceedings of an event or a function (Halliday 44).

For example, during a burial, the bereaved may delegate their speech to another person – due to the different factors that may make it hard for them to deliver the speech successfully. The three major elements of a speech include the introduction, which is the attention-getter, the point of establishing relevance, proving credibility, and the preview of the areas covered by the speech. The second main element is the body of the speech, which is characterized by the communication of the main points; the main points should be bridged by well-developed transitions, which are used by the speaker so that they can ensure that their message is highly clear (Crystal 1-5).

The third main element of the speech is the conclusion, which reviews the points covered and offers final thoughts that are to be communicated to the audience. A speech disorder refers to communication impediments, which are characterized by the disruption of normal speech. Some example of speech disorders includes lisps and stuttering, which can make it hard for the speaker to present their ideas clearly (Pinto et al. 91)