1. Ten steps to speech preparation

2. Select a topic Broad categories of potential topics:
--Subjects you know a lot about
--Subjects you are interested in
Begin to think about topic as soon as the assignment is announced.
--radio and TV
--newspapers and magazines
--class discussions and key concepts

3. Determine General Purpose
To inform—convey information in a clear, interesting way.
Act as a teacher
Desire audience to understand and know more
To persuade—to change the attitudes or actions of the audience.
Act as an advocate of a cause
Want audience to AGREE with your point of view—and either believe or do something as a result

4. Determine Specific Purpose
One aspect of the topic
Compose the “purpose statement”
Topic
Audience
Primary purpose
“The purpose of my speech is to inform my class how Penn State Football Team’s offence prepares each week for its next game.”

5. Analyze the audience Situational Audience Analysis
Knowledge
Attitudes
Background
Interests
Demographic Audience Analysis
Age
Group memberships
Sex

6. Research topic

7. Compose central idea or Thesis
Rewords purpose statement into exactly what you want to say to your audience.
Must be unified.
Must have precise wording.
Must target the audience’s needs and interests.
Must fit the occasion.
Must be specific and precise, not over generalized.

8. organizational pattern
Compose Speech
Select an
organizational pattern
Follow principles of informing
Time order—chronological
Spatial order
Compare/contrast
Classification
Cause/effect
Monroe’s motivational sequence
Problem Solution
Fulfill need to know
Connect information to feelings
Select supporting material
Limit main points—2-4
Use connectives
Avoid being too technical
Personalize the information

9. Develop intro & conclusion
The Introduction
The Conclusion
Get attention
Stimulate interest
Reveal the topic
Establish the credibility
Present thesis/central idea
Preview (forecast) body of the speech
Signal the end
Reinforce the thesis/central idea
Review main points
Make a final statement

10. Prepare outline/Notes/visual aids
Outlines/Note cards
Visual Aids

11. Rehearse the speech Up and on your feet with visual aids Time yourself
Make necessary changes
Solicit feedback on content and delivery
One hour for every minute speaking