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PUBLIC SPEAKING Selecting a Topic and Purpose Copyright 2012 1

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Brainstorming Generating ideas by free association of words Right way Wrong way Copyright 20122

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General Purpose Broad goal of speech To introduce To commemorate To demonstrate To inform To persuade Copyright 20124

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Specific Purpose Single infinitive phrase States what speaker hopes to accomplish Copyright 20125

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Specific Purpose Guidelines Full infinitive phrase Statement, not question Avoid figurative language Limit to one distinct idea Avoid being vague Copyright 20126

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Full Infinitive Phrase Ineffective: Calendars More Effective: To inform my audience about the four major kinds of calendars used in the world today. Copyright 20127

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Statement, Not Question Ineffective: What is Da de los Muertos? More Effective: To inform my audience about the history of Mexicos Da de los Muertos celebration. Copyright 20128

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Avoid Figurative Language Ineffective: To persuade my audience that campus policy on student parking really stinks. More Effective: To persuade my audience that the campus policy on student parking should be revised to provide more spaces for students before 5 p.m. Copyright 20129

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One Distinct Idea Ineffective: To persuade my audience to become literacy tutors and to donate time to the Special Olympics. Copyright 201210

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One Distinct Idea More Effective: To persuade my audience to become literacy tutors. More Effective: To persuade my audience to donate time to the Special Olympics. Copyright 201211

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Avoid Being Vague Ineffective: To persuade my audience that something should be done about medical care. More Effective: To persuade my audience that the federal government should adopt a system of national health insurance for all people in the United States. Copyright 201212

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Specific Purpose Questions Does purpose meet assignment? Can I accomplish purpose in time allotted? Is purpose relevant to audience? Is purpose too trivial for audience? Is purpose too technical for audience? Copyright 201213

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Central Idea One-sentence statement Encapsulate major ideas of speech Otherwise known as a thesis statement Copyright 201214

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Phrasing the Central Idea Copyright 201215

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Central Idea Guidelines Express as full sentence Dont express as question Avoid figurative language Dont be vague Copyright 201216

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Complete Sentence Ineffective: Problems of fad diets. More Effective: Fad diets can lead to serious health problems by creating deficiencies in vitamins and minerals and by breaking down muscle tissue as well as fat. Copyright 201217

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Statement, Not Question Ineffective: What are nanorobots? More Effective: Microscopic in size, nanorobots are being developed for use in medicine, weaponry, and daily life. Copyright 201218

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Avoid Figurative Language Ineffective: Mexicos Yucatan peninsula is an awesome place for a vacation. More Effective: Mexicos Yucatan peninsula has many attractions, including a warm climate, excellent food, and extensive Mayan ruins. Copyright 201219

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Avoid Being Vague Ineffective: Paying college athletes a salary is a good idea. More Effective: The NCAA should allow athletes in revenue producing sports to receive a $250 monthly salary as part of their scholarships. Copyright 201220

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Example General Purpose: To inform Specific Purpose: To inform my audience of the three major races in alpine skiing. Central Idea: The three major races in alpine skiing are the downhill, slalom, and giant slalom. Copyright 201221

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Example Main Points: The first major race in alpine skiing is the downhill. The second major race in alpine skiing is the slalom. The third major race in alpine skiing is the giant slalom. Copyright 201222