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Speech10 cardsAbout 5 min to speakBeginnerSchool

Informative speech for class

An informative speech template that teaches the class about a topic: an attention getter, clear definitions, three main points with examples, a recap and a takeaway.

Use this template

Free to use, edit, print and study. No account needed: your set stays on this device.

The cards

  1. 1

    Attention getter

    Start with something curious about your topic: a question, a short story or an object you hold up.

    Model: Every day, you probably [everyday action linked to topic] without thinking about [hidden part of it].

  2. 2

    Topic and purpose

    Today I am going to explain [topic].

    My goal is to help you understand [what they will learn], so that [why it is useful].

  3. 3

    Credibility

    I became interested in this when [personal link], and to prepare I read / watched / interviewed [two or three sources].

  4. 4

    Key terms

    • [Term one]: [plain definition]
    • [Term two]: [plain definition]

    Use an everyday comparison: It works a bit like [analogy].

  5. 5

    Main point one

    [What it is / how it began]

    • Fact: [checked fact]
    • Example: [example]
  6. 6

    Main point two

    [How it works / why it happens]

    • Step or cause: [explanation]
    • Visual: show [diagram, picture or object]
  7. 7

    Main point three

    [Why it matters / how it affects us]

    • Impact: [effect on people, places or the future]
    • Example: [real case]
  8. 8

    Signposts

    Use these between points so the audience never gets lost:

    • First, let us look at ...
    • Now that we know what it is, let us see how it works.
    • Finally, why does this matter?
    • That brings me to my last point.
  9. 9

    Recap

    To recap: we have looked at [point one], [point two] and [point three].

  10. 10

    Takeaway

    The one thing I hope you remember is [takeaway].

    Next time you [everyday situation], you will know [link to topic]. Thank you. Any questions?

How to use this template

An informative speech teaches rather than persuades: your job is to explain a topic clearly so your classmates leave knowing something new. Use this template for an informative or expository speech in English, a public speaking unit, or a talk on any subject such as how volcanoes form, the history of a sport, or how a machine works. The cards follow a clear teaching structure: an attention getter, your topic and purpose, why you can speak about it, key terms explained in plain words, three main points that move from what to how to why, a recap and a single takeaway. It fits about five minutes and works from upper primary through to first-year university communication courses.

Tips

  • Stay neutral. If you notice yourself arguing that people should do something, you may be drifting into a persuasive speech.
  • Explain any term you would not expect a ten-year-old to know, and use an analogy to make abstract ideas concrete.
  • Arrange the main points in a logical order, such as time order, cause and effect, or problem and solution, and tell the audience which order you are using.
  • Use one visual per main point at most. A diagram you explain is better than a slide full of text.
  • Say your sources out loud, for example according to [source]. It shows research without slowing you down.
  • Practise the recap so it is quick; it should take ten seconds, not another minute.
  • Start your research with a broad, reliable overview such as an encyclopedia, then use one or two more specialised sources for detail.
  • Hold one surprising but checked fact back for your third main point, so the speech builds instead of fading.

Make it fit

  • For a three-minute speech, drop the credibility card and use only two main points.
  • For a demonstration speech, make each main point a step and bring the equipment to show it.
  • For a younger audience, replace key terms with one simple comparison and use more pictures.
  • For a university communication course, add citations in the format your lecturer requires on the credibility card.
  • For a how-to speech, such as how to make a paper plane or how to tie a knot, keep the steps on one card and practise with the real materials.

Updated October 28, 2026

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