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?
Summarize your/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.
