ASP_Chapter_5_-_Choosing_a_Topic

Overview of Speech Topics

• Examples of topics include:

  • Asthma

  • Native American art

  • Optical illusion

  • Driverless cars

  • Paralympics

  • Everglades

  • Habitat for Humanity

  • Identity theft

  • Martin Luther King

• Topics can range widely, highlighting endless possibilities.

Selecting a Topic

• Importance of Topic Selection: First step in speechmaking.

• Factors influencing topic choice: Occasion, audience, speaker’s expertise.

  • Public figures have defined topics (e.g., Bill Clinton on global citizenship).

• Classroom settings offer students more leeway in topic choice.

Categories of Topics

1. Familiar Topics

   • Topics often chosen based on personal knowledge and experience.

   • Examples:

     • Experience in Turkey: daily life presentation.

     • Jewelry expertise: judging diamond value.

2. Unfamiliar Topics

   • Topics chosen to explore areas of interest through research.

   • Example: Neuromarketing studied after marketing class.

Brainstorming Methods

• Personal Inventory: List personal experiences, hobbies, skills.

• Clustering: Segment ideas into categories for topic generation.

• Internet Search: Explore online resources for inspiration.

General and Specific Purpose

• General Purpose can either be to inform or persuade.

• Specific Purpose narrows focus, articulated in an infinitive phrase (e.g., "To inform..." or "To persuade...").

Formulating the Specific Purpose

• Tips for an effective specific purpose statement:

  1. Write as a full infinitive phrase.

  2. Phrase as a statement, not a question.

  3. Avoid figurative language.

  4. Focus on one distinct idea.

  5. Ensure clarity and relevance to the audience.

The Central Idea

• Definition: Concise statement summarizing what you expect to say in your speech.

• Functions to remind the audience of key points.

• Example development process:

  1. Narrowing from topic to general purpose to specific purpose.

  2. Refining to central idea including main points.

Guidelines for Writing Central Idea

• Ensure it’s a complete sentence and devoid of questions and figurative language.

• Must clearly indicate the main points to be developed in the speech.

• Be concise and relevant to the audience's interests.

Summary of Key Points

• Selecting a topic is crucial for effective speech making.

• Understand the difference between general purpose, specific purpose, and central idea to convey clear messages.

• Use brainstorming techniques to assist in topic selection and ensure relevance to your audience.