What is a common purpose of public speaking?

The common purpose of public speaking is to inform. Effective public speaking aims to convey information or educate the audience about a particular subject, topic, or idea. This can involve delivering facts, sharing knowledge, or providing insights that enhance the understanding of the audience. Informative speeches are structured to ensure clarity and comprehension, guiding listeners through the information in a way that allows them to retain and apply what they have learned.

While entertainment and personal expression can also play significant roles in public speaking, they typically serve as secondary purposes or methods of engagement rather than the primary objective. Distracting the audience, on the other hand, goes against the fundamental goal of effective communication, which seeks to connect and resonate with the audience rather than divert their attention.