selecting a topic

Selecting a Topic

When selecting a speech topic, speakers are often restricted by the assignment or engagement's nature but still have flexibility to develop unique angles. A well-developed topic and clear purpose aid in organization and direction.

Key steps in topic selection include:

  1. Identify the nature of the speaking engagement: Determine if the goal is to inform, persuade, or commemorate.

  2. Establish interest areas: Speakers perform better on familiar topics. Explore personal interests: what books, movies, or media do you like? Are there connecting themes? What do you know about, not know, and want to learn more about? Your passion can resonate with an audience.

  3. Consider topic categories: Most public speeches fall into categories like people, events, processes, places, and things.

  4. Explore databases: Use keywords in paper or electronic databases. Resources like the Library of Congress subject headings, online databases (ERIC, Lexis/Nexis, EBSCO), or search engines can inspire original topics. A focused search is crucial for internet searches to avoid being overwhelmed.

Identifying the General Purpose

The three main genres of public speech—informative, persuasive, and ceremonial—each have distinct functions and requirements:

  1. Informative speech: Aims to communicate ideas, typically detail-oriented, and may use visual aids or hands-on experiences.

  2. Persuasive speech: Seeks to sway an audience to the speaker's position and often includes rhetorical techniques (e.g., metaphors, repetition) and evidence from expert sources.

  3. Ceremonial speech: Celebrates or denigrates a subject, often using artful language and narratives as primary evidence.

Establishing the general purpose helps calibrate the appropriate style, evidence, and reasoning for effective public speaking.

Identifying the Specific Purpose

After determining the general purpose, refine it further to state the particular goal of your speech. This typically follows the format: "To [general purpose verb] [audience] [specific topic]."

Examples:

  • Informative: To inform the