SPEECH TOPIC AND PURPOSEChapter 5 Recap/Lecture

CHOOSING A TOPIC

Topics you want to learn about Topics you know a lot about

Introduction speeches

Brainstorming for topics Personal inventory, clustering, internet

search

DEFINING THE PURPOSE

General purpose (to persuade, to inform….to introduce)

Specific purpose Full infinitive phrase Statement, not question No figurative language Focus on one idea Avoid vague statements Ask yourself:

Does it work? Does it fit in my time frame? How will my audience feel (Relevant? Trivial? Too Technical?)

WHAT’S WRONG?

“To persuade my audience that the U.S. government should increase funding for stem cell research and support the development of hydrogen-fuel vehicles”

“What is an individual retirement account?” “To inform my audience about New Zealand” “Donate blood” “To persuade my audience that something

has to be done about the problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria”

CENTRAL IDEA

One, concise statement A.K.A. thesis statement, subject sentence, major

thought, residual message Answers the question: “what are you going to

say? What’s the overall point/message?” Similar to summing up main points in one

sentence Guidelines

Full sentence Statement, not question No figurative or vague language

EXAMPLE

Topic: The benefits of living in Georgia General Purpose: To inform Specific Purpose: To inform my audience

about the several benefits of living in Georgia

Central Idea: Living in Georgia can be a wonderful experience because of its rich culture, various forms of entertainment, and the beautiful surroundings

IN-CLASS SPEECH WORKSHOP

What is your topic? Rough draft of:

Your general purpose Your specific purpose Your central idea

Chat with your classmates; audience analysis How do they feel about the topic? Do they

know anything about the topic?

AUDIENCE ANALYSISChapter 6 Recap/Lecture

AUDIENCE CENTERED SPEECHES

Ask yourself Who is your audience? What is your goal/desired result? How can you effectively reach that

goal/desired result? Create some type of bond Make them choose to listen

LEARNING YOUR AUDIENCE: AUDIENCE ANALYSES

Demographic audience analysis Age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, race,

group membership Avoid stereotypes and insensitive language

Situational audience analysis Size, physical setting (consider uncontrollable

circumstances), disposition (towards speaker, topic, and occasion)

Gathering information Adapting to the audience

IN-CLASS SPEECH WORKSHOP

Partner speeches – practicing Audience Centered speeches