How many types of speech are there in English?

There are five main types of speeches in English, as defined by their purpose.

The Five Main Types of Speeches

According to the reference material, there are five primary types of speeches:

These categories are based on the speaker's intent and the desired outcome of the presentation.

To better understand the five types of speeches, let's delve into each category:

Informative Speeches: The goal is to educate the audience on a specific topic.
- Examples: A presentation about the history of the internet, a lecture on climate change, or a tutorial on how to use a new software.
Demonstrative Speeches: The focus is on showing the audience how to do something.
- Examples: Demonstrating how to bake a cake, how to perform CPR, or how to build a simple website.
Persuasive Speeches: The aim is to convince the audience to adopt a certain viewpoint or take a specific action.
- Examples: A speech advocating for stricter environmental regulations, a pitch for a new product, or a campaign speech.
Entertaining Speeches: The primary purpose is to amuse the audience.
- Examples: A comedic stand-up routine, a humorous wedding toast, or a storytelling performance.
Special Occasion Speeches: These are speeches tailored to a specific event.
- Examples: A graduation speech, a eulogy, an awards acceptance speech, or a keynote address.

Speech Type	Purpose	Examples
Informative	To educate the audience on a topic.	Lectures, presentations on historical events, explanations of scientific concepts.
Demonstrative	To show the audience how to do something.	Tutorials, cooking demonstrations, how-to guides.
Persuasive	To convince the audience of a viewpoint or action.	Debates, sales pitches, political campaigns.
Entertaining	To amuse the audience.	Comedy routines, humorous anecdotes, storytelling.
Special Occasion	To suit a specific event.	Graduations, eulogies, award ceremonies.