Chapter 5: Selecting Topic and Purpose in Public Speaking

Brainstorming

Generating ideas by free association

General Purpose

Broad goal of speech

Specific Purpose

Single infinitive phrase; States what speaker hopes to accomplish

Specific Purpose Guidelines

Full infinitive phrase; Statement, not question; Avoid figurative language; Limit to one distinct idea; Avoid being vague

Full Infinitive Phrase

Ineffective: Avalanches; More effective: To inform my audience about the three major kinds of avalanches.

Statement, Not Question

Ineffective: What is Día de los Muertos?; More effective: To inform my audience about the history of Mexico's Día de los Muertos celebration.

Avoid Figurative Language: Ineffective Example

Ineffective: To persuade my audience that the campus policy on student parking really stinks.

Avoid Figurative Language: More Effective Example

More effective: To persuade my audience that the campus policy on student parking should be revised to provide more spaces for students before 5 p.m.

One Distinct Idea: Ineffective Example

Ineffective: To persuade my audience to become literacy tutors and to donate time to Meals on Wheels.

One Distinct Idea: More Effective Examples

More effective: To persuade my audience to become literacy tutors; More effective: To persuade my audience to donate time to Meals on Wheels.

Avoid Being Vague: Ineffective Example

Ineffective: To persuade my audience that something should be done about gerrymandering.

Avoid Being Vague: More Effective Example

More effective: To persuade my audience that each state should create a nonpartisan commission to establish criteria for congressional redistricting.

Specific Purpose Questions

Meet assignment?; Accomplish in time allotted?; Relevant to audience?; Too trivial for audience?; Too technical for audience?

Central Idea

One-sentence statement; Encapsulates major idea of speech

Central Idea Guidelines

Express as full sentence; Don't express as question; Avoid figurative language; Don't be vague

Complete Sentence

Ineffective: Benefits of parkour; More effective: The benefits of parkour include working all muscle groups, developing cardiovascular endurance, and boosting self-confidence.

Central Idea: Statement, Not Question

Ineffective: What are nano robots?; More effective: Microscopic in size, nano robots are being developed for use in medicine, weaponry, and daily life.

Central Idea: Avoid Figurative Language (Ineffective Example)

Ineffective: Costa Rica is an awesome place for a vacation.

Central Idea: Avoid Figurative Language (More Effective Example)

More effective: Costa Rica has many attractions for vacationers, including spectacular beaches, lush rainforests, and stunning mountains.

Central Idea: Avoid Being Vague (Ineffective Example)

Ineffective: Studying abroad while in college is a good idea.

Central Idea: Avoid Being Vague (More Effective Example)

More effective: Studying abroad helps students expand their cultural horizons, develop their language skills, and enhance their employability.

Example Outline

General Purpose: To inform; Specific Purpose: To inform my audience of the three major races in alpine skiing; Central Idea: The three major races in alpine skiing are the downhill, slalom, and giant slalom.

Example Outline Main Points

Main Points: The first major race in alpine skiing is the downhill; The second major race in alpine skiing is the slalom; The third major race in alpine skiing is the giant slalom.