Speaking with Confidence: Different types of public speaking

Public speaking is when you stand before an audience and deliver a speech in a formal or an informal occasion. For many people, speaking in front of a large audience is a daunting task so it is quite natural to become very nervous (though with effective training this could be overcome).

However, to be a good speaker, it is necessary that one should know the following types of public speaking and the peculiarities of each one of them:

Different types of public speaking

1. Everyday Public Speaking : Every single day people across the United States and around the world stand up in front of some kind of audience and speak. In fact, there's even a monthly publication that reproduces some of the top speeches from around the United States called Vital Speeches of the Day. 

2 Informative Public Speaking : When a person gives a speech before an audience to impart information on a particular topic or issue it said to be an informative speech. Business presentations seminars in colleges, class presentations in schools are some examples of informative speeches, One of the most common types of public's speaking is informative speaking. The primary purpose of informative presentations is to share one's knowledge of a subject with an audience Reasons for making an informative speech vary widely. For example, you might be asked to instruct a group of coworkers on how to use new computer software or to report to a group of managers how your latest project is coming along.

Read more: 7 Guiding Principles of Public Speaking.

3. Persuasive Public Speaking : Persuasive speeches are those where one tries to persuade or convince a group of people. These speeches aim to influence and change the opinions of the audience. This can be a difficult task as you would be facing a group of people who may have totally opposite views from your own. The most important point that has to be kept in mind here is that if you want to influence others' views and ideas, you have to show your enthusiasm while speaking. 

4. Actuate Public Speaking : Speaking to actuate is a higher level of persuasive speaking. Here, the speaker goes a step beyond persuasion and convincing. The aim is to motivate people enough to take a specific step to act. This is a powerful level of speaking. Very few people have achieved this level of mastery of the art of persuasion where they could so deeply convince people that they move into action. This type of speech is common in conflict (war) situations. 

5 Entertaining Public Speaking : Entertaining speaking involves an array of speaking occasions ranging from introductions to wedding toasts, to presenting and accepting awards, to delivering culogies at funerals and memorial services in addition to after-dinner speeches and motivational speeches. Entertaining speaking has been important since the time of the ancient Greeks, when Aristotle identified epideictic speaking (speaking in a ceremonial context) as an important type of address. 

6. Ceremonial Public Speaking:  As the name implies, these are speeches given at ceremonies to mark important occasions. They include graduation talks, wedding toasts, anniversary speeches, funeral talks etc. Ceremonial speeches can be funny or sober depending on the occasion. In other words, it must be made to suit the occasion at hand. How Can You Do This Effectively? 

• Know the background facts about the occasion. This will help you know what to say on the occasion. 

• Tell stories about the person(s) The good things they've done in the past. Highlight their good qualities. This will be easy to do since these persons are usually those you already know

• Avoid harmful or hurtful remarks. 

• Don't make it too lengthy. Speeches such as these are usually short. 

7. Demonstrative Public Speaking : These kinds of public speaking employ the use of demonstrations to convey a message. They often use visual aid to show how certain things are done. These are mostly used at workshops and sales presentations. How Can You Do This Effectively? 

•  Select and arrange your visual materials ahead of time. 

• Test the equipment's you intend to use before you begin your speech. Be sure they are working as desired. 

• Arrive at the venue early to have ample time for point two above. 

8. Motivational Speaking : Motivational public speaking, like persuasive public speaking, involves making a connection with the emotions of your listeners. However, motivational public speaking involves the use of stories, anecdotes (short amusing stories), illustrations and real-life experiences to captivate your listeners, inspire them and uplift their spirits. These kinds of public speaking are usually intended to boost the power of self-will in the audience. To awaken their passion, fire up their determination and ultimately move them to action. They are mostly used in self- development seminars How Can You Do This Effectively? 

• Have background information about your audience. Know what their needs are. 

• Use only stories, anecdotes, illustrations and real-life experiences your audience can relate with. 

• Speak with enthusiasm, passion and conviction. Breathe live into your speech. 

• Charge them to take action. 

Public speaking is a skill that is best mastered through continuous practice. A talkative person may not be able to give the best speech. To give a great speech, one must first understand the type of speech one is expected to give and should prepare along those lines. A good public speaker is one who understands the needs of the audience and is flexible enough to adopt changes that may arise even while delivering the speech.