1. September 26, 2008

2.  This is noncritical free association to generate as many ideas as possible in a short time.

3.  These are speech subjects based on the speaker’s interests, experiences, and knowledge.

4.  These are speech subjects geared to the interests and needs of a speaker’s listeners.

5.  These are speech subjects derived from the particular circumstances, seasons, holidays, or life events.

6.  These are speech subjects discovered by investigating a variety of sources.

7.  This is an informal written outline achieved by free associating around a key word or idea.

8.  This is a speech designed to convey new and/or useful information in a balanced, objective way.

9.  This is a speech designed to influence listeners’ beliefs and/or actions.

10.  This is a persuasive speech designed to influence audience beliefs and attitudes rather than behaviors.

11.  This is a persuasive speech designed to influence audience behaviors.

12.  This is a speech designed to make a point through the creative, organized use of humorous supporting materials.

13.  This is the broad goal of a speech (such as to persuade, to inform, to entertain, etc.)

14.  This is a statement of the general purpose of a speech, the speaker’s intended audience, and the limited goal or outcome.

15.  This is a one sentence synopsis of the speaker’s message.

16.  It is important to focus your topic in order to guide your research.  It also allows you to address more substance in your speech.  Additionally, limiting your topic gives you time to support the ideas you present in your speech.  Unfocused topic: football  Focused topic: the Super Bowl

17.  Does this topic interest me? Don’t pick one that doesn’t, please!  Is this topic interesting or important to my listeners? Remember your audience  Am I likely to find sufficient supporting materials on this topic? Very obscure topics may be difficult to present  Do I know enough about this topic to start researching it and interpret what I discover? What prior knowledge do you have?