1. University of Northern IA
Presentation prepared by:
Marilyn Shaw
University of Northern IA
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2. Chapter 7 Selecting a Topic and Connecting to the Audience
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3. This Chapter Will Help You:
Apply the requirements for choosing a topic for your speeches.
Create general and specific purpose statements.
Evaluate the suitability and relevance of the topics to make better connections with the audience.
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4. 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
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5. Techniques for Finding a Topic
Self-Inventory
Brainstorming
Reviewing the Current Media
Engaging Listeners with Social Media
Surfing the Web
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6. 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
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7. 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
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8. 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
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9. Guidelines/Specific Purpose
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10. 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
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11. 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
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12. Ways to Learn About the Audience
Observation
Survey Interview
Questionnaires
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13. 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?
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14. Chapter 7
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