1. Ch. 4 Selecting a Topic and Purpose
4 Ways to Brainstorm
General vs. Specific Purpose Statements
Specific Purpose vs. Central Idea
Writing Purpose Statements & Central Ideas

2. Choosing a Topic Consider speech directions & choose ASAP!
Brainstorming - Listing what comes to mind w/o judgment, then narrowing
-Inventory your skills interests, experiences
-Cluster possible topics into categories
-Browse through materials (reference room)
-Use search engines on computer

3. General vs. Specific Purpose
General:To inform (teach)
Specific: To inform my audience of three types of solar heating
General:To persuade (advocate)
Specific:To persuade my audience that solar heating is better than fossil fuel heating systems
:To persuade my audience to use solar heating in their homes

4. Central Idea Clarifies specific purpose
Concise statement sums up what you expect to say
A thesis with subject & main points
(reveals more than the specific purpose)
Usually written late in preparation process
Use:
Full sentence
No Questions
No figurative language
Not vague/too general