1. Selecting a Topic and a Purpose
Chapter 5

2. Choosing a Topic Consider the assignment! Topics you know a lot about
Topics you’d like to know more about
Brainstorming/searching for topics

3. The General Purpose
To inform
To persuade
To commemorate
To entertain

4. The Specific Purpose Designed to formulate an appropriate topic
It should:
be a full sentence, keeping your general purpose in mind
be a statement, not be a question
avoid figurative language
be limited to one idea
not be vague, general, or trivial

5. Phrasing the Central Idea (Thesis)
Include a background fact or a statistic
Clearly state the topic of your speech
Attempt to make it relevant to the audience

6. Once written, ask yourself the following questions:
Does it meet the assignment requirements?
Can it be accomplished in the time allotted?
Is the specific purpose relevant to the audience?
Too technical?
Too trivial?

7. Spot the Problem…
To persuade my audience to watch out for credit card fraud and to practice sound financial planning.
To inform my audience how to make perfect popcorn every time.
Learn CPR.
To inform my audience about Japan.
What is Attention Deficit Disorder?
To inform my audience to become a volunteer.