Business Communications: Essential Topics 4 Informative And

Business Communications Essentialstopic 4informative And Persuasive Sp

Business Communications Essentials Topic 4 Informative and Persuasive Speaking Distinctions between Informative and Persuasive Speaking Informing versus Persuading • Informing: seeks to increase listeners’ knowledge • Persuading: seeks to alter attitudes and behavior • Distinction is slight; depends on goal of speaker • Information can be presented without persuading • All persuasion must provide information Information in Communication We send and receive vast amounts of information every day, in every kind of situation. It’s no wonder, then, that informative speech is often one of the first assigned in communication classes such as this one. Source: Stockfour/Shutterstock The Goals of Persuasive Speaking Persuasion • Using verbal and nonverbal messages to reinforce or change attitudes, beliefs, values, or behavior • Ultimate goal is action or change • Reinforce existing beliefs • Change existing beliefs • Lead to a new belief • Occurs over time Persuasion is Challenging Speakers whose topic is the environment face some stiff competition from listeners who believe the environment is a nonissue.

Source: Junfu Han/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group/AP Images Topics for Informative and Persuasive Speeches (1 of 3) The Informative Speech • Objects • Processes • Events • Concepts Topics for Informative and Persuasive Speeches (2 of 3) The Persuasive Speech • Suggestions for selecting a topic • Select a topic you are interested in or familiar with • Select a worthwhile subject of concern to your audience • Select a topic with a goal for influence or action Topics for Informative and Persuasive Speeches (3 of 3) The Persuasive Speech continued • Questions of fact • Questions of value • Questions of policy Preparing and Developing an Informative Speech (1 of 4) Gain and Maintain Audience Attention • Generate a need for the information • Create information relevance • Provide a fresh perspective • Focus on the unusual The Gates Foundation Melinda and Bill Gates, and Bill Gates Sr., oversee the Gates Foundation, a philanthropy benefitting scores of institutions and individuals around the world.

Melinda Gates is also in demand as a speaker because of her unique global perspective. Source: Jean-Christophe Bott/Epa/Shutterstock Preparing and Developing an Informative Speech (2 of 4) Increase Understanding of the Topic • Organize your presentation • Plan for repetition • Use advance organizers • Choose language carefully • Use concrete words • Use description Preparing and Developing an Informative Speech (3 of 4) Increase Understanding of the Topic continued • Use definitions • Contrast definition • Synonyms • Antonyms • Etymology Preparing and Developing an Informative Speech (4 of 4) Hints for Effective Informative Speaking • Avoid assumptions • One mistaken assumption could undercut your work • Personalize information • It holds audience’s attention and interest Demonstration Speech Teaching others the fine art of surfboarding requires an understanding of the listeners, careful organization, and planning.

When the instructor shares personal stories, the listeners are likely to remember more. Source: Eye35/Alamy Stock Photo Evaluating the Informative Speech (1 of 7) Topic • Merit audience’s attention • Take into account audience’s knowledge • Connection between topic and speaker and topic and audience • Narrow enough to cover in allotted time Speaker’s Self-Evaluation Form Evaluating the Informative Speech (2 of 7) General Requirements • Purpose should be clearly • Meet time requirements • Cite sources of information • Purpose should be relevant to assignment and relate to the audience • Show evidence of careful preparation Listener’s Evaluation Form Evaluating the Informative Speech (3 of 7) Audience Analysis • Shape speech to reflect audience analysis • Show listeners why topic is important to them • Connect with listeners at several points of speech Evaluating the Informative Speech (4 of 7) Supporting Materials • Well documented • Sources should be cited completely/accurately • Research should be up to date • Adequate and sufficient clarifying materials • Visual aids should be appropriate, add to audience’s understanding, and follow assignment guidelines Evaluating the Informative Speech (5 of 7) Organization • Introduction should be properly developed • Body should be clear and easy to follow • Conclusion should be properly developed Evaluating the Informative Speech (6 of 7) Delivery • Stance and posture should be suitable • Eye contact with audience should be appropriate • Method of delivery should follow assignment • Facial expressions should convey/clarify thoughts • Body movement should be appropriate and effective • Vocal delivery should enhance the speech Evaluating the Informative Speech (7 of 7) Language Choice • Appropriate to assignment and audience • Word choice appropriate for college-level students • Grammar should show college-level competence • Correct word pronunciations Persuasive Claims (1 of 2) Three Modes of Persuasion • Ethos • Logos • Pathos Persuasive Claims (2 of 2) Toulmin’s Model • Accept claim at face value • Reject claim outright at face value • Accept or reject according to evaluation of data and warrant Establishing Credibility (Ethos) (1 of 3) Competence • Demonstrate involvement • Relate experience • Cite research Personal Experience Adds to Credibility Actor Michael J.

Fox has been public with his struggles with Parkinson’s disease and shared personal experiences, which make him a credible and persuasive advocate for research to find a cure. Source: Rick Mackler/ZUMA Press, Inc./Alamy Stock Photo Establishing Credibility (Ethos) (2 of 3) Character • Trustworthiness • Ethics • Cite sources that are not your own; • Do not falsify/distort information to make your point • Show respect for your audience Establishing Credibility (Ethos) (3 of 3) Charisma • Appeal or attractiveness audience perceives • Contributes to the speaker’s credibility • Sincere interest Preparing and Developing a Persuasive Speech (1 of 6) Researching the Topic • Research must be especially thorough • Research should support/clarify views • Make note of research that contradicts views • Find information to refute opposing views • Anticipate possible objections to your claims Preparing and Developing a Persuasive Speech (2 of 6) Organizing the Speech • Should you present one or both sides of issue? • When should you present strongest arguments? • What is the best way to organize the speech?

Preparing and Developing a Persuasive Speech (3 of 6) Organizing the Speech continued • Problem-solution pattern • Cause-effect pattern • Monroe’s motivated sequence pattern 1. Attention 2. Need 3. Satisfaction 4. Visualization 5.

Action Preparing and Developing a Persuasive Speech (4 of 6) Supporting Materials • Appeals to needs • Physical needs • Safety needs • Social needs • Self-esteem needs Preparing and Developing a Persuasive Speech (5 of 6) Supporting Materials continued • Logical appeals (logos) • Deductive reasoning • Inductive reasoning • Causal reasoning • Reasoning by analogy Preparing and Developing a Persuasive Speech (6 of 6) Supporting Materials continued • Emotional appeals • Playing on people’s feelings • Can be powerful • Ethical speaker uses emotional appeals carefully Evaluating the Persuasive Speech General Requirements • Purpose should be clearly to persuade • Speech should include goal • Supporting materials should appeal to audience • Use a variety of supporting materials • Appropriate organizational pattern • Speaker should convey a positive attitude Speaker’s Self-Reflection Evaluation Form (1 of 2) For long description, see slide 51, Appendix C Speaker’s Self-Reflection Evaluation Form (2 of 2) For long description, see slide 52, Appendix D Sample Listener Evaluation Form for Persuasive Speeches For long description, see slide 53, Appendix E Unit 5: Case Discussion 1 Requirements · All responses in the discussion board must be written in your own words demonstrating your understanding and analysis of the topics being discussed. · Merely agreeing with another student’s answer is not enough, explain WHY you agree or disagree. · In all your responses assume that the reader has no idea what the topic is about. · Each discussion is worth 30 points.

Due Dates · Initial Post : Each student must answer the discussion questions in DETAIL by Thursday night. · Response Post : Later in the unit, re-enter the thread and respond to at LEAST 2 answers composed by your classmates. These peer responses should be thought provoking, stimulating further discussion of the topics with perceptions, ideas, and supported facts. 1. Compare and contrast the three options from the perspective of customer service. Which do you believe will provide the best level of service?

Why? · Compare from the perspective of customer service - Between Option 1 and Option2 the PFC is improving the order fulfillment speed. Option 1 is improving this by expanding warehouse automation with smaller shipments. While Option 2 is achieving this by adding more DC’s to allow for the smaller shipments to closer locations to the DC. · Contrast from the perspective of customer service – The differences between the 3 companies is with Option 1 is improving the standing DC but incorporating multiple orders and smaller shipments while improving speed and efficiency but they will still be transporting the products to possibly far distances while doing it in smaller shipments so it still will take time.

Option 2 is instead expanding the fulfillment network by adding more DC’s and changing the operational process to fulfill smaller or larger orders based on the customers needs. The added DCs allow for shorter transportation time to customers in the order fulfillment they need. Option 3 is outsourcing and doesn’t specify how the company is going to fulfill orders…

Paper For Above instruction

Business communication plays a vital role in the dissemination of information and persuasion within organizations and to external stakeholders. The distinction between informative and persuasive speaking is nuanced yet significant, as each serves different purposes—informing aims to increase knowledge, whereas persuading seeks to alter attitudes and behaviors (Beatty, 2019). Understanding these differences facilitates the development of effective communication strategies tailored to specific goals.

In practice, the goals of persuasive speaking encompass reinforcing existing beliefs, changing attitudes, and ultimately inspiring action (O’Rourke, 2021). For example, environmental advocates often face the challenging task of persuading audiences who may be skeptical or indifferent about ecological issues. This underscores the importance of employing credible evidence, emotional appeals, and compelling narratives to influence audience perceptions effectively (Bitzer, 1968).

When preparing informative speeches, speakers should focus on delivering clear, well-organized content that enhances audience understanding. This involves selecting appropriate topics such as objects, processes, events, or concepts, and utilizing organizational strategies like advance organizers, definitions, and descriptions (Beebe & Beebe, 2021). To maintain interest, speakers can incorporate visual aids, storytelling, or demonstrations. For instance, Melinda Gates’ global perspective on philanthropy exemplifies how storytelling and credible information can engage and inform audiences (Gates Foundation, 2020).

Effective evaluation of informative speeches hinges on clear criteria including topic relevance, organization, supporting materials, delivery, and language use (Adelson & Keinan, 2020). A well-structured speech should have an engaging introduction, logical body, and memorable conclusion. Delivery aspects like eye contact, voice modulation, and body language significantly impact audience engagement (Mehrabian, 1967).

Persuasive speaking, in contrast, employs three primary modes of persuasion: ethos, logos, and pathos (Aristotle, 385–322 BC). Establishing credibility involves demonstrating competence, character, and charisma (Cialdini, 2001). A credible speaker shares relevant experience, cites trustworthy sources, and displays genuine interest, which enhances persuasive impact (Petty & Cacioppo, 1986).

Structuring persuasive speeches often involves organizational patterns like problem-solution, cause-effect, or Monroe’s motivated sequence—each designed to guide the audience toward the desired action (Monroe, 1935). Supporting arguments include logical reasoning, emotional appeals, and addressing counterarguments to strengthen the case (Toulmin, 1958). For example, health campaigns often combine statistics with emotional stories to motivate behavioral change (Loewenstein et al., 2001).

Evaluating the effectiveness of persuasive speeches requires attention to the clarity of purpose, appropriateness of evidence, and speaker’s attitude. Skilled speakers also adapt their message based on audience analysis, ensuring relevance and resonance (Adams & Loh, 2020). Incorporating visual aids, rhetorical questions, and stories can enhance persuasiveness when used ethically and judiciously (Luntz, 2007).

In sum, mastery of informative and persuasive communication techniques is essential for effective business communication. While informing builds understanding and credibility, persuading motivates action and attitude change. Both require careful planning, ethical considerations, and audience awareness—to achieve impactful and ethical communication outcomes in organizational settings.

References

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• Gates Foundation. (2020). Annual report 2020. Gates Foundation.
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• Stockfour/Shutterstock. (n.d.). [Image of a communication scene].
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