OK, Shark! What Is Your Purpose?

Before you do anything, first consider the purpose. What is your goal? What do you hope to achieve? If you are a shark swimming around in the ocean, your purpose is probably dinner. For a SpeechShark, you should consider that there are three basic purposes for a speech: informative, entertaining, and motivational. Some speeches will address just one purpose, but many speeches will include all three. Here is information to help.

Informative speeches are designed for the speaker to provide interesting and useful information and to add knowledge to the listener’s existing understanding of the topic. For this type of speech, the speaker takes on the role of an instructor and will teach, instruct, explain, report, and/or describe.

Entertaining speeches are enjoyable speeches. Some organizations list this type of speech as a humorous speech. Although not all speeches are categorized as entertaining speeches, it is possible for speeches to contain entertaining aspects. Audiences enjoy speeches that are light-hearted, incorporate humor, and provide entertaining factors within the speech. Storytelling is considered one strategy for delivering an entertaining speech. Special Occasion Speeches usually include entertaining aspects. Due to the nature of this type of speech, speakers build relationships, bond with the audience, and enhance networking possibilities.

Motivational speeches are designed to inspire the audience to act on information. Most often, Persuasion and Special Occasion Speeches will incorporate motivational strategies. Speakers who have the purpose of motivating the audience will need to consider incorporating information, research, and stories that will influence the audience’s values, beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors. More information about this is covered in the Persuasion Speech section of this book.

Before you decide which type of speech to present, determine the purpose of the speech and ask yourself:

· What must I say to the audience to provide content they want to hear?

· Is your purpose to introduce yourself or someone else?

· Do you need to inform your audience about a specific topic?

· Will you need to demonstrate a process, product, or procedure?

· Do you want to persuade your audience to solve a problem?

· Is this a special occasion and will require a roast, toast, or presentation about the occasion? Is it a ceremony, work-related, or a social event?

· Are you making a group presentation or trying to sell a project?

Unsure about how to write a speech? The Speech Shark App for IOS and Android devices was created just for you! Select the type of speech you need, answer the questions in full sentence format, and Speech Shark will do the rest of the work. Looking for your purpose? You’ve got this!