You can choose any topic as long as it defines, describes, explains, or demonstrates something. While you might actually persuade your audience by providing information about a topic in an informative speech, the intent of your speech is to inform, not to change behavior or attitudes, which is the intent of a persuasive speech.
A few topics considered “off-limits” are listed here: how to perform CPR, how to make any sort of food, how blood donation works, and the dialysis process. Anything that you have studied for another class is off-limits. Check with your instructor if you are unsure about your topic choice.
Steps for Your Informative Speech
Choose a topic. Is your speech a definition, description, explanation, or demonstration?
Purpose Statement: Include your General Purpose Statement, Specific Purpose Statement, and Central Idea Statement in your Outline.
Introduction with a thesis statement: Tell the audience your topic and a preview of what is to come.
Body with 2–3 main points: Here you will elaborate your main points and define, describe, explain, or demonstrate.
Conclusion: Summarize your thesis/main topic and give a brief review of what you said.
Practice! Practice by yourself, for your friends, or in the mirror—whatever works for you.
Make sure the speech is within the time limit—between 4 and 6 minutes.
Delivery : You may extemporaneously glance at your notes or speaking outline, but do not read.
Notes and Aids: A visual aid is required. Examples of a visual aid may include a hand-held object, chart, graph, or photo.
