Chapter 5 Selecting a Topic and a Purpose

Chapter 5 - Selecting a Topic and a Purpose PHRASING THE CENTRAL IDEA

Choosing a Topic: Two The subject of a speech categories of topics include: Subjects you know a lot about Subjects you want to know more about

Choosing a Topics Many you know a lot about speak better when they know more about the topic Draw on your own knowledge and unique experiences

Choosing a Topics you want to know more about: Making it a learning experience for you and your audience Something you have interest in but don’t know as much about

Choosing a Topic Brainstorming: A method of generating ideas for speech topics by free association of words and ideas Personal Inventory: Make a list of personal experiences, interests, hobbies skills, etc. Clustering: Divide into People, Places, Things, Events, Processes, Concepts, Natural Phenomena, Problems, Plans and Policies- Find what stands out to you Internet Search: Browse for specific topics online

Determining the General Purpose General Usually To Purpose: A broad goal of a speech will fall into the following categories: inform Act as a teacher/lecturer to convey information clearly, accurately, and interestingly Goal To is to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the listeners persuade Act as an advocate and go beyond simply giving information Goal is to change or structure the attitudes or action of the audience

Determining the Specific Purpose: A single infinitive phrase that states precisely what a speaker hopes to accomplish The statement must include the audience Example: To inform my audience about the benefits of music therapy for people with psychological or cognitive disabilities

Determining the Specific Purpose Tips formulating: No fragments Ex. No Avalanches questions What No is Dia de los Muertos? figurative language The campus policy on parking really stinks Limit to one distinct idea To become literacy tutors and donate time to Meals on Wheels Not too vague or too general Something should be done about unsafe school buses

Determining the Specific Purpose Questions to ask about your specific purpose: Does my purpose meet the assignments? Can I accomplish in the time allotted? Is the purpose relevant to my audience? Is it too trivial Inform Is my audience about the parts of a backpack it too technical? To inform my audience about the principles of encryption technology

What is the Central Idea? Central Idea: A one sentence statement that sums up or encapsulates the major ideas of a speech Also known as thesis statement More precise than your topic or specific purpose Also known as the residual message: What a speaker wants the audience to remember after it has forgotten everything else in a speech It is common to come after research has been done and the main points have been decided on

What is the Central Idea? Example: Topic: Music Therapy General Purpose: To inform Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the benefits of music therapy for people with psychological or cognitive disabilities Central Idea: Music Therapy developed as a formal mode of treatment during the 20 th century, utilizes a number of methods, and is explained by several theories that accounts for its success

What is the Central Idea? Example: Topic: Dia de los Muertos General Purpose: To inform Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about history of Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos celebration Central Idea: Dia de los Muertos can be traced to the Aztecs, was moved from summer to fall by Spanish priests, and today is celebrated in a number of ways in different regions of Mexico

Guidelines for the Central Idea The Central Idea should: Be expressed in a full sentence Not be in the form of a question Should Not avoid figurative language be vague or overly general

Guidelines for the Central Idea Informative Example: Ineffective: vacation More South Africa is an awesome place to effective: South Africa has many attractions for vacationers, including beautiful scenery, exotic, wildlife, and bustling cities

Guidelines for the Central Idea Persuasive Example: Ineffective: Paying college athletes a monthly stipend is a good idea More effective: Because college athletes in revenueproducing sports such as football and basketball generate millions of dollars in revenue for their schools, the NCAA should allow such athletes to receive a $300 monthly stipend as part of their scholarship

Now You Try! For each set of main points, supply the general and specific purpose and the central idea I. The first event in a triathlon is swimming II. The second event in a triathlon is cycling III. The third event in a triathlon is running

Now You Try! I. III. General Purpose: To Inform Specific Purpose To inform my audience about the many stages of a triathlon Central Idea: Triathlons are not comprised of only one event, but three separate events Main Points: The first event in a triathlon is swimming The second event in a triathlon is cycling The third event in a triathlon is running

Lets Review! What three brainstorming methods can you follow if you are having trouble choosing a topic for your speech 2. What are the two general purposes of most classroom speeches? How do they differ? 3. Why is determining the specific purpose such an important early step in speech preparation? Why is it important to include the audience in the specific purpose statement? 1.

Lets Review! What three brainstorming methods can you follow if you are having trouble choosing a topic for your speech Personal Inventory, Clustering, Internet Search 2. What are the two general purposes of most classroom speeches? How do they differ? To inform and to Persuade. To explain, report or demonstrate vs. to sell, advocate, or defend 3. Why is determining the specific purpose such an important early step in speech preparation? Why is it important to include the audience in the specific purpose statement? It allows you to indicate precisely what you want to accomplish with your speech. If you do not include the audience in your purpose statement, you may incorrectly prepare for your speech and lose your audience’s attention 1.