What is a common purpose of public speaking, aside from informing?

A common purpose of public speaking, aside from informing, is to persuade. Persuasive speaking aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular point of view, change opinions, or take a specific action. This type of communication is crucial in many settings, such as political speeches, business presentations, and advocacy efforts where the speaker seeks to influence the beliefs or behaviors of listeners.

Persuasive speaking relies on various techniques, such as logical reasoning, emotional appeals, and credible evidence, to effectively engage the audience and support the speaker's message. The ability to persuade is vital in public speaking as it fosters dialogue and can inspire change within a community or organization.

The other options do not reflect the common objectives typically associated with public speaking in a constructive context. While entertaining can sometimes accompany persuasive efforts, it is not the primary function, as entertaining alone may lack the necessary motivational aspects. Confusing an audience is counterproductive to effective communication, and while criticism may be a component of specific discussions, it does not represent a primary or common purpose of public speaking.