Ch 4: Selecting the Topic, Purpose, and Thesis of Your Speech
About This Chapter
Selecting the Topic, Purpose, and Thesis of Your Speech - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
The lessons in this chapter will help you understand what to do when you can choose the topic of a speech and how to prepare when the topic is chosen for you. Instructors lead you through a series of steps that cover how to choose a good topic, expand on that topic and develop a thesis that will connect your ideas. By the end of this chapter, you should understand:
- How to choose a suitable speech topic
- How to determine the purpose of a speech
- How to formulate a thesis statement
- The definitions of focused and narrow topics
| Video | Objective |
|---|---|
| Understanding Reasons for a Public Speaking Event | In this lesson, we'll look at the reasons for giving a speech and how to develop a speech suited to that reason. |
| General Purpose vs. Specific Purpose of a Speech | You'll learn to tell the general purpose from the speech's specific purpose. |
| Choosing an Appropriate Speech Topic: Steps and Characteristics | Here, you'll find out what makes for a solid topic. |
| Public Speaking with Time Limits: How to Prepare | This lesson offers tips on how to fit your presentation into an allotted time. |
| Turning Your Topic in Main Points for Your Speech: Tips and Ideas | We'll explore methods of breaking down a big topic into smaller points. |
| Developing a Thesis Statement from Your Speech Topic | Learn what a thesis statement is and how to develop it from your topic. |
1. Understanding Reasons for a Public Speaking Event
In this lesson, you'll learn how to prepare for a speaking event. Learn how to tailor your speech to be appropriate for the event based on your background, the occasion and the audience.
2. General Purpose vs. Specific Purpose of a Speech
Understanding the general and specific purpose of your speech will help you develop and focus your speech to meet the needs of your delivery and of your audience. This lesson will help you understand the differences and how to create a specific purpose statement.
3. Choosing an Appropriate Speech Topic: Steps & Characteristics
In this lesson, learn tips and tricks for generating ideas for a speech. We'll explore how to select an appropriate topic and the methods of finding a good topic for your speech.
4. Public Speaking with Time Limits: How to Prepare
It can be overwhelming at times to find a topic that is just right for the speech you are giving. A great way to decide upon the best topic for time limits is to determine if your topic is too broad, too narrow, or if it is a focused topic.
5. Turning Your Topic into Main Points for Your Speech: Tips & Ideas
Once you have a topic in mind, it can sometimes be difficult to decide on main ideas. This lesson will show you brainstorming techniques to help when you get stuck in the speech writing process.
6. Developing a Thesis Statement from Your Speech Topic
The thesis statement is a vital part of your speech. In this lesson, learn how to create a thesis statement and identify problems in existing thesis statements.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Communications 101: Public Speaking course
- Introduction to Public Speaking
- Analyzing Your Audience
- Listening and Feedback
- Researching the Speech
- Organizing The Speech
- Outlining The Speech
- Language and Style
- Speech Delivery
- Selecting and Incorporating Visual Supports
- Types of Speeches
- Reasoning and Rhetorical Proof
- Speech Evaluation
- Preparing For an Impromptu Speech
- Required Assignments for Communications 101
- Studying for Communications 101