Chapter 2: Your First Speech
There are seven steps in developing a successful speech. These are: (1) analyze the situation, (2) choose a suitable topic, (3) decide on a purpose, (4) write a thesis statement, (5) invent the substance of your speech, (6) organize your speech, and (7) present your speech effectively. The following is a brief description of each of these steps:
Analyzing the situation—consider the nature of the assignment as well as the audience
Choose a topic—there are an infinite number of topics and almost as many ways to pick a topic, but you should be sure that the topic is interesting to you and your audience, appropriate to the situation and time constraints, manageable, and worthwhile.
General purpose—the primary function of the speech. Is the purpose to inform, to persuade, or to entertain?
Inventing your speech—look for sources of information. There are many such sources, including your own experiences, interviews, books, and computerized sources.
Organize your speech—Open with impact, focus your thesis statement, connect with your audience, preview your main points, organize your ideas with three to five main points, summarize your main points, and close with impact.
Present your speech—Use your voice, face, and body. Speeches may be delivered by manuscript, memorization or in an impromptu fashion, although it is recommended that you use an extemporaneous delivery which involves fully preparing your speech, reducing it to note cards, and finally presenting it in a spontaneous fashion.
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