Chapter 7 Selecting a Topic and Connecting to the Audience

Learning Objectives 7.1 Apply the requirements to choose topics for your speeches and presentations. 7.2 Create general and specific purpose statements. 7.3 Evaluate the suitability and relevance of the topics to make better connections with the audience.

Select a Speech Topic (1 of 6) Learning Objective 7.1: Apply the requirements to choose topics for your speeches and presentations.

Select a Speech Topic (2 of 6) Public speaking is the art of effective oral communication with an audience. Select an Appropriate Topic The topic and your interest and motivation are vital to your success as a speaker.

Select a Speech Topic (3 of 6) Techniques for Finding a Topic A self-inventory is a list of subjects you know about and find interesting. Brainstorming is a technique used to generate as many ideas as possible within a limited amount of time. Reviewing the current media involves looking at possible topics in current publications, television, movies, and other forms of public communication. Engage listeners with social media. Surf the web.

Select a Speech Topic (4 of 6) Assess the Appropriateness of a Topic (1 of 2) Ask yourself these questions: Does the topic merit the audience’s attention? Will the audience see a connection between you and the topic and a personal connection to the topic? Will the topic meet the objectives of the assignment? Does the audience have sufficient knowledge and background to understand the topic? Can you make the topic understandable to everyone in the audience?

Select a Speech Topic (5 of 6) Assess the Appropriateness of a Topic (2 of 2) Ask yourself these questions: Is the topic of sufficient interest to you that you will be motivated to present it effectively? Do you have adequate knowledge of the topic? If you are not already familiar with the topic, will you be able to learn enough about it to give an informed speech? Is the topic appropriate for the class assignment and situation?

Select a Speech Topic (6 of 6) Narrow the Topic A well-focused speech is much easier to research than one that is too general. Narrowing your topic increases its potential depth.

Determine the General Purpose, Specific Purpose, and Thesis of a Speech (1 of 4) Learning Objective 7.2: Create general and specific purpose statements.

Determine the General Purpose, Specific Purpose, and Thesis of a Speech (2 of 4) The general purpose is the overall goal of a speech. Informative Speeches An informative speech enhances an audience’s knowledge of a particular subject. The goal is to clearly and accurately share information. Persuasive Speeches A persuasive speech attempts to change listeners’ behaviors or attitudes. Speakers must present evidence and arguments to justify their positions. Entertainment Speeches Entertainment speeches provide enjoyment and amusement. They may be dramatic or humorous in nature and often occur at special occasions.

Determine the General Purpose, Specific Purpose, and Thesis of a Speech (3 of 4) A specific purpose is a single phrase that defines precisely what you intend to accomplish with your speech. An effective specific purpose identifies: The general purpose of the speech The audience The exact topic to be covered

Determine the General Purpose, Specific Purpose, and Thesis of a Speech (4 of 4) The Thesis The thesis is a sentence that states specifically what is going to be discussed in a speech. A thesis concisely states the content of the speech.

Audience Analysis: Connecting with the Listeners (1 of 7) Learning Objective 7.3: Evaluate the suitability and relevance of the topics to make better connections with the audience.

Audience Analysis: Connecting with the Listeners (2 of 7) Audience analysis is the collection and interpretation of data about characteristics attitudes, values, and beliefs of an audience. Understand the Listeners’ Point of View The audience refers to the collection of individuals who come together to watch or listen to a speech. The reason individuals come together is an important point for the speaker to consider.

Audience Analysis: Connecting with the Listeners (3 of 7) Captive versus Voluntary Participants Captive participants are required to hear a particular speech. Voluntary participants choose to listen to a particular speech.

Audience Analysis: Connecting with the Listeners (4 of 7) Key Audience Information (1 of 2) Demographic analysis is the collection and interpretation of basic information such as: Age Gender Culture or ethnic background Education Occupation Religion Geographical origins Group membership

Audience Analysis: Connecting with the Listeners (5 of 7) Key Audience Information (2 of 2) Psychological analysis is the collection of data on audience members’ values, attitudes, and beliefs. Size of audience Physical setting Knowledge level Attitudes and values related to the topic Attitudes related to the situation

Audience Analysis: Connecting with the Listeners (6 of 7) Ways to Learn about the Audience Through observation, the speaker watches audience members and notes their behaviors and characteristics. A survey Interview is a carefully planned and executed person-to-person, question-and-answer session during which the speaker tries to discover information that will help in the preparation of the speech. A questionnaire is a set of written questions distributed to respondents with the aim of gathering desired information.

Audience Analysis: Connecting with the Listeners (7 of 7) Use Information to Connect with Listeners Although it is never easy to win over people who oppose your views, you can try to do so by discussing their views first and then discussing yours.