SPE 101: Oral Communications: Informative Speeches

When looking for information your speech, keep the requirements of the assignment in mind.

• Can you use magazine articles as well as scholarly journals?
• How many sources do you need?
• Do you have a topic in mind?  Is it acceptable to your instructor?
• Can you use Internet sources?

When using Internet sources, it's important to evaluate the content before using it in a speech or paper.  Ask these questions to determine whether the websites you find are credible and reliable.

1. Who created the page? Does the person or organization have the appropriate credentials?
2. Why was this site created? What is the purpose of the site?  For example, is it sponsored by a company that has a financial interest in the topic?
3. When was the page created and/or last updated? How current is the information?
4. Does the author cite trustworthy sources? How does the author support his/her argument?

An informative speech gives unbiased information and facts and on a topic, person, process, event, or concept. 

The infomative speech can also teach an audience  to do something such as tying knots or making donuts.