Public speaking is an essential skill that has four primary goals: to inform, persuade, entertain, and commemorate or celebrate. While there are many purposes for public speaking, some of the most common include informational talks, demonstrations, persuasive or motivational speaking, and ceremonial or celebratory speeches. Unlike interpersonal communication, public speaking is focused on one person delivering a message to a group. The main objective is to inform or influence the audience's thoughts and actions. Modern public speaking scholars categorize speeches into three general purposes: to inform, persuade, and entertain. However, the general purpose of most speeches can fall into one of four categories: to inform, persuade, entertain, or commemorate or celebrate. There are two types of purpose for public speaking: general and specific. Purpose statements can help guide speakers in preparing their speeches.