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McGraw-Hill Public Speaking |
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| Selecting a topic |
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Sometimes the speaking situation, such as a ceremonial occasion or an assignment, will dictate your topic. At other times, you will be expected to select a topic for your speech. Generate ideas for topics or enrich a known topic by brainstorming, clustering ideas, searching databases, or using other techniques. Choose topics you know about or want to learn about. Analyzing your audienceAge, political affiliation, gender, race, ethnicity, education and personal experience all influence how members of your audience react to your speech. Analyze your audience to identify topic suitability and presentation strategies.Assessing your speaking situationDifferent situations require different types of speeches and speech topics. Most speeches serve one of three general purposes: to entertain, to inform, or to persuade. An introductory, ceremonial, or commemorative speech often entertains. An informative speech informs. Problem, problem-solution, or policy speeches attempt to persuade.Developing and refining your central idea and purposeThe central idea, or thesis statement, is a single sentence that states your subject and purpose. Identify your topic and purpose. Combine your topic and purpose in an infinitive statement. |