Choosing and developing a topic ch. 10

It is important that you select a topic of interest to you: Researching will be more fun Audience will be interested if you are

Choosing an interesting topic When looking for a topic consider:  Your favorite hobbies  Personal experiences  Values- what is important to you  Interests- what would you like to learn more about?

Criteria for selecting a topic: Is this topic appropriate to the occasion? Will this topic appeal to my listeners’ interests? Is this topic something I can speak about with enthusiasm and insight? Will I be able to offer a fresh perspective on this topic?

When narrowing your topic ask the following questions: 1. What does the audience most likely know about this subject? 2. What elements are most important to this topic? 3. How much can I competently research and report on in the time I am given to speak?

Defining the general purpose of your speech What do you hope to accomplish in presenting this speech? What topic do you want to speak about and why? How will your audience be affected by your speech?

Three general purposes for speaking To entertain- providing your audience with something pleasurable to listen to To inform- teaching your audience about a topic To persuade- to move your audience to a new attitude or behavior

After defining your general purpose you will need to define your specific purpose

Specific purpose (more focused than general purpose) First thing decided before constructing a speech Keeps you focused during construction of your speech Tells what outcome you expect after giving your speech

Specific purpose is expressed in the form of a purpose statement A Purpose statement is a complete sentence describing exactly what you want your speech to accomplish

Three criteria for a good purpose statement: 1.Should be receiver oriented 2.Should be specific 3.Should be realistic

Examples of Purpose Statements: After listening to my speech, the class will be able to list five important things to remember when scuba diving for the first time. (Informative) After listening to my speech, the class will realize the importance of voting, and feel encouraged to take part in the next election. (Persuasive)

The thesis statement Central idea of your speech is Main idea you want your audience to remember Stated in beginning and end of your speech Constructed at the end of creating your speech The thesis is much more focused than your purpose statement

Let’s review Why is it important to choose a topic of interest to you? Researching will be more fun Audience interest

True or False? When narrowing my topic I should not consider my audience. FALSE!!!!

What are the three general purposes for speaking? To entertain To inform To persuade

After defining your general purpose you need to define your________________ specific purpose

In conclusion Topic selection is a very important element in creating a successful speech When choosing a topic look for one that will interest you as well as your audience

Beginning and ending your speech

Introduction There are four functions of the introduction: 1. Capture audience attention 2. Preview main points of your speech 3. Set the mood and tone of the speech 4. Demonstrate why this topic is of importance

The conclusion Conclusion has three essential functions: 1.To review the thesis 2.To review your main points 3.To provide a memorable final remark

When Concluding Remember… Do not end abruptly Do not ramble, make it clear when speech is over Do not introduce new points Do not apologize Do end your speech in a strong manner, with a powerful concluding statement

Supporting material Four functions of supporting material 1. To clarify 2. To make interesting 3. To make memorable 4. To prove

Types of supporting material Definitions Examples -hypothetical examples Statistics Analogies/ Comparison-contrast Anecdotes Quotation/ Testimony

Styles of Support: Narration and Citation Narration- telling a story with your information Citation- a simple statement of the facts

Using Visual aids Used in a speech in order to support or help illustrate ideas being discussed They may show how things look Show how things relate to one another Show how things work Can be used as evidence

Types of visual aids Objects and models Diagrams Words and number charts Pie charts Bar and column charts Line charts

Presentation of visual aids May use the whiteboard in order to draw illustration, or post up graphics you would like class to see May use large flip pads or Poster Board May use handouts Overhead projector

Rules for using visual aids 1.Simplicity- keep your visual aids simple - each exhibit should contain no more than seven lines of text 2. Size- should be large enough for entire class to see clearly 3. Attractiveness- should be visually interesting, neat, and aesthetically pleasing

Rules continued… 4.Appropriateness- should be appropriate to speech. - should directly relate to speech -should add to speech -should emphasize the point you are trying to make 5.Reliability- should have ability to be in control of your visual aid at all times. ***make sure that you are facing the audience when presenting your visual aids

In Conclusion When constructing your speech remember the important elements for the introduction and conclusion Remember, only use visual aids in order to strengthen your speech