Speeches – Short, Long, Formal, and Informal
Sooner or later, you may be asked to “say a few words.”
For many, that is TERRIFYING.
But, it doesn’t have to be, and I can help you!
Do You Fear Public Speaking?
I Know Tips and Tricks That Can Help You
Some surveys about our fears consistently show fear of public speaking at the top of the list. Some folks say they actually fear giving speeches more than death! Are you one of them? If you are, I can help you.
If you’re not “one of those,” but simply need to improve your style and content, I can help you, too.
I can help you create effective presentations, learn tools to help you stress less, and – if I wrote the content – I probably can give the speech for you if something prevents you from doing it!
We also can discuss when and whether to use AI to create the material and how to do it, if you chose to use it.
Define a Speech!
Speech categories range from wedding toasts to formal debates, from retirement kudos to sales pitches. They might be for a class you are teaching or a business plan you must present. Perhaps, yours is about a topic for which you have great passion, and you want to persuade others to adopt your point of view. In today’s world, however, “speeches” are often online podcasts, webinars, short posts on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and may be far less formal than was acceptable historically. Before we address that, let’s remind ourselves of the primary kinds of talks people are often hired to present for single occasions or a series.
The Primary Types of Speeches
Below are the primary types of speeches presented in professional, educational, and public settings.
Informative Speeches
These speeches aim to educate an audience on a specific topic without attempting to change their opinions or persuade them to act. They focus on delivering clear, factual details, breaking down complex concepts, or explaining historical events, processes, and objects (e.g., a lecture on renewable energy or a brief on quarterly data).
Persuasive Speeches
Designed to influence the audience’s beliefs, values, attitudes, or behaviors, persuasive speeches use logical arguments, emotional appeals, and credibility to convince listeners to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action (e.g., a policy pitch, a sales presentation, or a call-to-action campaign).
Demonstrative Speeches
Similar to informative speeches, demonstrative speeches focus on teaching, but they specifically show how to do something through step-by-step instructions and practical visual aids or actions (e.g., a cooking demonstration, a software tutorial, or a CPR instruction session).
Motivational Speeches
These speeches seek to inspire, uplift, and energize the audience by appealing to human emotions, shared values, and personal potential. Presenters often use powerful storytelling and personal anecdotes to encourage self-improvement, resilience, or team cohesion (e.g., a keynote address, a commencement speech, or a coach’s pep talk).
Special Occasion / Ceremonial Speeches
Delivered to mark specific social, cultural, or professional events, these speeches are typically shorter and focus on emotional resonance, tradition, or community building. Subtypes include eulogies, toasts, award acceptances, introductions, and retirement tributes.
Entertaining Speeches
Primary focused on engaging and amusing the audience, entertaining speeches often use humor, narrative storytelling, lighthearted satire, or dramatic flair. While they may convey a subtle message, the main goal is enjoyment and connection (e.g., an after-dinner speech, a comedy monologue, or a roast).
Explanatory Speeches
When you engage me for help, the speech can be of any length. You may choose whether we use the magic of PowerPoint (or similar) presentations, submit the text in typed format, or utilize some combination of styles and techniques.
A 30-minute initial consultation is free! See details below.
You Ask, “Why Should I Pay Someone To Create a Presentation?!”
Because creating a speech is HARD WORK and takes a lot of time.
You already know that, which is why you’d like some help! Here’s what we do for you.
Speeches & PowerPoint Presentations – Guidelines
What is your topic and how can we make it both persuasive and forever memorable?
We’ll discuss the details of your speech assignment by asking these important questions:
- When, where, and for how long will you speak?
- Will there be a question and answer period; will you take questions during the talk?
- Who are your listeners (interest group, age, ethnicity, educational background, professionals, laypeople, etc.)?
- How many people are expected to attend?
- What is their probable attitude towards your point of view? Positive? They are not sure what to think? Negative? Why?
- What topics are appropriate for the occasion?
- Which topics or perspectives interest you and would be of interest to your listeners?
We’ll Research Speech Topics By Looking For Relevant:
- Background information
- Charts
- Comparisons
- Definitions
- Descriptions
- Developments (Recent or historic)
- Evidence, Facts, Examples, Statistics (some of which can be put into chart form)
- Graphics
- Humor
- Music
- Opposing opinions, beliefs, arguments, values, and policies, if applicable.
- Perspectives
- Policies
- Quotes
- Statements
- Trends
- Videos
Speech Related Materials
- I teach a class for individuals or groups about creating persuasive “elevator speeches.”
- In occasional blogs, I’ll share samples of speeches for special occasions that you may feel free to use without charge and to customize for your own needs. I’ve done this for things like: graduation speeches, commemorative speech guidelines for burials at Arlington National Cemetery, addressing employees after major layoffs, and more.
- I provide many services, including documentation, flyers, and other forms of writing you may need as ancillary to your presentation. Click Here to learn more.
- Most of the content on this website was created without using AI. However, I do use AI for research, effective in mid-2025. In fact, I teach how to write great prompts to get great results, and I can share that with you, too.
Shall We Chat First in a Sip & Share Session on Zoom?
I hope this has been helpful to you. Feel free to take advantage of my free initial consultation to see how best I can meet your needs. Email me at MyPersuasivePresentations@gmail.com and put “Request Sip & Share Session” in the subject line. In the body of your email, let me know what kind of topic you want to discuss. We’ll coordinate schedules, and I’ll create a link for you to click on to join me in the Zoom session. The first one is FREE and lasts about 30 minutes. I look forward to talking with you!
Do It The Write Way! Let My Fingers Do Your Talking!
