1. Chapter 7 Selecting a Topic and Connecting to the Audience
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2. Selecting a Speech Topic
Select an Appropriate Topic
Choose a meaningful topic
Choose a topic that allows you to convey an important thought to your audience
Choose a familiar and/or interesting topic
Think like a listener
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3. Techniques for Finding a Topic
Techniques for Finding a Topic
Surfing the Web
Brainstorming
Reviewing the Current Media
Engaging Listeners with Social Media
Self-Inventory
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4. Self-Inventory Hobbies/Personal Events People Sports/ Recreation
Objects
Books/Movies/Music
Running
Halloween
Barack
Obama
Football
Snowy Owls
The Hunger
Games
Eating
Breast
Cancer
Awareness
Gandhi
Yoga
iPhone 6s
Hip Hop
Traveling
Black Death
Princess
Diana
Table Tennis
Jewelry
American Horror Story
Health
Yom Kippur
Kanye
West
Fitness Clubs
Houston Zoo
Top Books of 2015

5. Assessing the Appropriateness of a Topic
Is your topic appropriate for you, your assignment, and your audience?
Narrowing the Topic
My granddaughters
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6. Determining the General Purpose, Specific Purpose, and Thesis
General Purpose or overall goal
Informative speeches enhance audience knowledge
Persuasive speeches attempt to change listeners’ beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors
Entertainment speeches provide enjoyment and amusement
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7. Purpose The Specific Purpose The Thesis
A single phrase that defines precisely what you intend to accomplish in your speech
Identifies the general purpose of the speech, the audience, and the exact topic to be covered
The Thesis
A sentence that states specifically what is going to be delivered in a speech
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8. Example Topic: Dogs General Purpose: To inform
Specific Speech Purpose: To inform my audience about Bichon Frises.
Thesis Statements: Bichon frises are hypoallergenic, sturdy, and cheerful household pets.

9. Audience Analysis: Connecting with the Listeners
The collection and interpretation of data about characteristics, attributes, values, and beliefs of an audience.
Understanding the Listeners’ Point of View
Captive versus Voluntary Participants
Captive participants are required to hear a particular speech
Voluntary participants choose to listen to a particular speech
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10. Audience Information Key Audience Information Demographic Analysis Age
Gender
Cultural or ethnic background
Education
Occupation
Religion
Geographical origins
Group membership
Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Wide World Photos
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11. Ways to Learn About the Audience
Observation
Survey Interview
Questionnaires
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12. Activity: Audience Analysis
Using the sticky note provided, write a question that you could ask an audience member, that will aid you in gathering additional information about the audience. Try to think of a question that addresses audience demographics.

13. Chapter 7
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