1. A SPEAKER’S GUIDEBOOK 4TH EDITION CHAPTER 7
General Speech Purpose

2. Purposes for Speaking
TO INFORM
TO PERSUADE
FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS

3. To Inform
Define, describe, explain, or demonstrate your knowledge on the topic.
Increase the audience’s understanding and awareness of the topic.
Build on the knowledge your audience already has about the topic.

4. General Informative Topic Categories

5. Brainstorming Informative Topics
Brainstorming is the spontaneous generation of ideas through word association or topic mapping.
ACTIVITY: Go back to the diagram on the previous slide and as a group write down 3 ideas for each topic category. Now you have a list of possible topics from which to choose for your informative speech assignment.

6. Narrowing Down Your Topic
All speeches are confined by a time limit.
As a student, your speeches will be timed by your instructor.
You will not have time to cover all of the information that exists on your topic.
Narrow your topic down to be more specific.

7. Determining Your Specific Purpose
To inform the audience about ________________.
ACTIVITY: Jot down your specific purpose statement and keep it near you while you are writing your speech!

8. From Topic & Purpose to Thesis
Step 1: Determine your topic.
Step 2: Decide on your general purpose.
Step 3: Write down your specific purpose statement.
Step 4: Devise your thesis statement.

9. Thesis Statement Clearly expresses the central idea of your speech
Concisely identifies your speech topic for the audience
Typically includes phrases about each of your main points
Indicates your perspective on a persuasive topic
Guides your speech preparation and keeps you on track while you are writing

10. A SPEAKER’S GUIDEBOOK 4TH EDITION CHAPTER 7
Determining Your Purpose for a Persuasive Speech

11. Purpose of a Persuasive Speech
To change the audience’s attitudes, beliefs, or values on a topic
To change or reinforce the audience’s behavior
Controversial issues, such as immigration reform, stem cell research, and underage drinking, work best for persuasive speeches because people hold strong opinions about these topics.

12. Thinking about Your Persuasive Speech
Begin by thinking about a variety of controversial issues.
Listen to the news or read about some current events which you could turn into a speech topic.
Don’t choose a topic on which you’ve heard many speeches throughout your lifetime.

13. Question A. Abortion B. Immigration
Class poll: About which persuasive topic on this list would you would MOST like to hear a speech?
A. Abortion
B. Immigration
C. Conversion to a particular religion
D. Death Penalty
E. Environmental Concerns

14. Question
Class poll: About which persuasive topic on this list would you LEAST like to hear a speech?
A. Abortion
B. Immigration
C. Conversion to a particular religion
D. Death Penalty
E. Environmental Concerns

15. Discussion: Can a topic be overused?
When you answered the previous questions, your decision may have depended on how many speeches/messages you’ve heard on that topic.
Why wouldn’t an overused topic work for your classroom speech? After all, research information is readily available.

16. Determining Your Specific Purpose
To convince the audience to ________________.
To persuade the audience to ________________.
ACTIVITY: Brainstorm: Choose your topic and write it in the blank.
Keep your specific purpose statement near you while you are writing your speech!

17. Chapter 7 Key Terms for Review
general speech purpose
informative speech
persuasive speech
special occasion speech
brainstorming
word association
topic map
specific speech purpose
thesis statement