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Chapter 7 Selecting a Topic and Connecting to the Audience Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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 Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Techniques for Finding a Topic Self-Inventory Brainstorming Reviewing the Current Media Engaging Listeners with Social Media Surfing the Web Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Assessing the Appropriateness of a Topic Does the topic merit the audience’s attention? Can the audience see the connection between you, the topic, and them? Does the topic meet the objectives of the assignment? Does the audience have the knowledge to understand the topic? Can you make the topic understandable? Are you sufficiently motivated by the topic? Do you have adequate knowledge of the topic? Can you learn more about the topic? Is the topic appropriate for the situation? Narrowing the Topic My granddaughters Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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 Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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 Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Guidelines/Specific Purpose Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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 Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Audience Information Key Audience Information Demographic Analysis Age, gender, cultural or ethnic background, education, occupation, religion, geographical origins, group membership, etc. Psychological Analysis Size of audience Physical setting Knowledge level Attitudes and values related to the topic Attitudes related to the situation Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Wide World Photos Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Ways to Learn About the Audience Observation Survey Interview Questionnaires Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Using Information to Connect with Listeners Have any patterns occurred in the information? What conclusions can you make from your information? Are you comfortable with the reliability of your information? How can you connect this information in your speech? Can you connect with your audience? Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved