Chapter 5 of "The Art of Public Speaking: 2023 Release" by Stephen Lucas and Paul Stob discusses the process of selecting a topic and determining both a general and specific purpose for a speech.
When choosing a topic, it is beneficial to consider topics that you know a lot about or topics that you want to learn more about. This ensures that you have a strong foundation of knowledge or a genuine interest in the topic, which will make the speech more engaging for both you and your audience. For example, if you are passionate about environmental conservation, you may choose a topic related to sustainable practices or the impact of climate change.
If you are unsure about potential topics, brainstorming can help generate ideas. This involves writing down any ideas that come to mind without judgment or evaluation. You can then review your list and identify topics that you find intriguing or that align with your interests and expertise.
Once a topic is chosen, it is important to determine the general purpose of the speech. The general purpose is the overall goal or objective of the speech, and it can fall into one of three categories: to inform, to persuade, or to entertain. For example, if your topic is healthy eating, your general purpose might be to inform the audience about the benefits of a balanced diet.
After determining the general purpose, the next step is to develop a specific purpose statement. This statement should clearly state what you want to accomplish with your speech, and it should be focused and concise. Tips for formulating the specific purpose statement include making it achievable, specific, and relevant to your topic. For example, a specific purpose statement for a speech on healthy eating might be: "To persuade the audience to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their daily meals."
To ensure that your specific purpose is appropriate, there are several questions you can ask yourself. These questions include: "Is the purpose relevant to my topic?" "Is it achievable within the time constraints of my speech?" and "Is it specific enough to guide the content of my speech?" By asking these questions, you can refine and clarify your specific purpose statement.
The next aspect to consider is phrasing the central idea. The central idea is the main point or thesis of your speech, and it should be a concise and declarative sentence that encapsulates the essence of your topic and specific purpose. For example, the central idea for a speech on healthy eating might be: "Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your daily meals can improve overall health and well-being."
When phrasing the central idea, there are several guidelines to follow. It should be a complete sentence, it should express a single idea, and it should be phrased positively rather than negatively. Additionally, the central idea should be tailored to your specific audience and should convey the importance or relevance of your topic to them.
Overall, selecting a topic and determining a purpose for a speech is a crucial step in the speech writing process. By choosing a topic that you are knowledgeable or passionate about, brainstorming for ideas, and formulating a clear and specific purpose, you can set a strong foundation for a successful speech. Additionally, phrasing the central idea in a concise and engaging manner will help guide the content of your speech and capture the interest of your audience.
