Chapter 5 - Selecting A Topic And A Purpose

What is the difference between the specific purpose and the central idea of the speech? What are four guidelines for an effective central idea?

Central idea is a one sentence statement that SUMS UP or encapsulates the major IDEAS of a speech, sometimes called the thesis statement. The Specific Purpose is a single infinitive phrase that states precisely what a speaker hopes to accomplish in his or her speech; their GOAL.

What are five tips for formulating your specific purpose?

Full infinitive phrase Statement, not question Avoid figurative language Limit to one distinct idea Avoid being vague

What are the two general purposes of most classroom speeches? How do they differ?

Inform and persuade. Inform's goal is to communicate information clearly while persuade's goal is to win listeners over to your point of view.

What three brainstorming methods can you follow if you are having trouble choosing a topic for your speech?

Inventory - hobbies/interest Clustering Internet

Why is determining the specific purpose such an important early step in speech preparation? Why is it important to include the audience in the specific purpose statement?

It indicates precisely what your speech seeks to achieve. It helps keep the audience at the center of your attention as you prepare your speech.

What are five questions to ask about your specific purpose?

Meet assignment? Time frame okay? Relevant to audience? Too trivial for audience? Too technical for audience?

Brainstorming:

a method of generating ideas by free association of words and thoughts

Central Idea:

a one-sentence statement that sums up or encapsulates the major ideas of a speech

Specific Purpose:

a single infinitive phrase that states precisely what a speaker hopes to accomplish in his or her speech

General Purpose:

the broad goal of a speech

Topic:

the subject of a speech

Choosing a topic:

topics you know a lot about, topics you want to know more about, brainstorming for topics.

Residual Message:

what a speaker wants the audience to remember after they have forgotten everything else in a speech