Types of Presentations
1. Informative Presentations
The purpose of informative presentations is to promote understanding of an idea or to convey
information. They are often used to provide people with information about a concept or idea that
is new. A presentation on “Endangered Species in the South American Rain Forest” is an
example of an informative presentation.
2. Argumentative/Persuasive Presentations
The second type of presentation is a persuasive presentation. The goal of a persuasive
presentation is to influence a change in the belief, attitude, or behavior of another person when
that person has some degree of free choice. Expanding upon the example provided above, a
persuasive presentation would not only inform the audience members about the South American
rain forest and its endangered species, but would also try to get them to take specific and
appropriate actions to save these species.
3. Inspirational Speeches
These speeches are designed to make your audience move. Also considered a “motivational”
speech, this is designed to encourage participants to go after their goals, whatever they may be.
Inspirational speeches will tell stories and the hope is that the audience will feel an emotional
connection to the topic. These are also a great way to get the audience’s attention.
Think about Apple CEO Steve Jobs and the presentations he gave when he introduced a new
product. He gives you information, he shows you how to use a new product, tells you how you
can use the product to solve a problem, makes you understand why you need it, and closes by
letting you touch and feel the product. He lets the entirety of his speech stand for decision-
making and then by letting you get your hands on the new iSomething, you see why the new
product will help you. In truth, the best presentations will embody a little bit of each one of these
kinds, but you can take a specific type to help move you along the right path.
4. Demonstrations/Process speeches
A demonstration puts words into action. With this type of presentation, you will show how
to do something at the same time you tell how to do it. There is a finished product at the
end. If you have given a successful demonstration, the audience should leave knowing how
to do what you have demonstrated.
Examples of demonstrations are:
How to braid hair
How to drive a car
How to make tea
How to sew on a button
How to pot a plant
A demonstration is usually the easiest type of presentation to do. It often has a step-by-step
Process that makes planning and organizing simple. The hardest part may be to remember
to keep talking while you are demonstrating or doing something. Try not to have long periods of
silence. If time doesn’t permit you to complete each step, it’s okay to skip some as long as you
tell about them. You might make examples of some parts ahead of time to show each stage of the
process. An example would be demonstrating how to make bread. You wouldn’t have time to let
dough rise or to bake it, but you could show how to make the dough and then have a sample of a
completed loaf. You might even be able to show a sample of risen dough, started earlier, and
demonstrate how to punch it down.
5. Illustrated Talks
An illustrated talk is a way to share information with the audience. The topic should be
educational in nature, but it can be very basic.
No finished product is necessary, but visual aids must be used to help explain what is being
said. Visual aids can include posters, slides, transparencies, models, or actual items.
Examples of illustrated talks are:
· Evolution of the horse using pictures of the various stages
· Nutritional requirements using charts and graphs
· Milking parlor requirements using a scale model
· Items in a first aid kit using samples of the items
