Public Speaking Choosing and Developing a Topic

Introduction and Overview Choosing a topic Choosing a topic Defining purpose Defining purpose Analyzing the speaking situation Analyzing the speaking situation Gathering Information Gathering Information

Choosing a Topic Look for a topic early Look for a topic early –Benefits of choosing a topic early: More time to prepare More time to prepare More ideas More ideas More resources More resources More comfortable More comfortable Choose a topic of interest Choose a topic of interest

Defining a Purpose General purpose General purpose –Three types To entertain To entertain To inform To inform To persuade To persuade Specific purpose Specific purpose –Includes a purpose statement receiver oriented receiver oriented specific specific realistic realistic

Defining a purpose, cont. Thesis statement Thesis statement –The central idea of a speech –Should be no more than one sentence

Analyzing the speaking situation The listener The listener –Audience Analysis: examination of certain pertinent characteristics of the audience 1. Audience type 1.passersby 2.captives 3.volunteers 2. Audience purpose

Analyzing the Speaking Situation, cont. Audience analysis, cont. Audience analysis, cont. 3. Demographics Number of peopleNumber of people GenderGender AgeAge Group membershipGroup membership 4. Attitudes, Beliefs and Values

Analyzing the Speaking Situation, cont. The occasion The occasion –Time –Place –Audience expectation

Gathering Information Internet research Internet research –Watch for credibility, objectivity and currency Library research Library research –Periodicals –Databases –Librarians Interviewing Interviewing Personal observation Personal observation Survey research Survey research