1. Speech Topic and Purpose
Chapter 5 Recap/Lecture
Speech Topic and Purpose

2. Choosing a Topic Topics you want to learn about
Topics you know a lot about
Introduction speeches
Brainstorming for topics
Personal inventory, clustering, internet search

3. Defining the purpose
General purpose (to persuade, to inform….to introduce)
Specific purpose
Full infinitive phrase
Statement, not question
No figurative language
Focus on one idea
Avoid vague statements
Ask yourself:
Does it work?
Does it fit in my time frame?
How will my audience feel (Relevant? Trivial? Too Technical?)

4. What’s wrong?
“To persuade my audience that the U.S. government should increase funding for stem cell research and support the development of hydrogen-fuel vehicles”
“What is an individual retirement account?”
“To inform my audience about New Zealand”
“Donate blood”
“To persuade my audience that something has to be done about the problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria”

5. Central Idea One, concise statement
A.K.A. thesis statement, subject sentence, major thought, residual message
Answers the question: “what are you going to say? What’s the overall point/message?”
Similar to summing up main points in one sentence
Guidelines
Full sentence
Statement, not question
No figurative or vague language

6. Example Topic: The benefits of living in Georgia
General Purpose: To inform
Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the several benefits of living in Georgia
Central Idea: Living in Georgia can be a wonderful experience because of its rich culture, various forms of entertainment, and the beautiful surroundings

7. Chapter 6 Recap/Lecture
Audience analysis

8. Audience Centered Speeches
Ask yourself
Who is your audience?
What is your goal/desired result?
How can you effectively reach that goal/desired result?
Create some type of bond
Make them choose to listen

9. Learning your audience: Audience analyses
Demographic audience analysis
Age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, race, group membership
Avoid stereotypes and insensitive language
Situational audience analysis
Size, physical setting (consider uncontrollable circumstances), disposition (towards speaker, topic, and occasion)
Gathering information
Adapting to the audience

10. In-Class Speech Workshop
What is your topic?
List out a rough draft of:
Your general purpose
Your specific purpose
Your central idea
Chat with 4+ of your classmates. How do they feel about the topic? Do they know anything about the topic?

11. In-Class Speech Workshop for Thursday
Partner speeches – practicing Audience Centered speeches