Preparing Your SpeechIn some instances, speakers are given a specific topic. But, most of the time, you will be given a general type of speech with the choice of specific topic left up to you. Once you have identified what type of speech you will be making, follow these guidelines in choosing a specific topic:
You may also want to conduct a self-inventory to help you come up with possible topics. Ask yourself the following:
Narrowing Down the TopicOnce you have chosen your general topic, you are ready to narrow it down on the basis of your listener’s interests and needs. Here are the steps to follow in narrowing down a topic:
Some examples of narrowing down may be seen below: GENERAL TOPIC NARROWED DOWN NARROWED DOWN FURTHER NARROWED DOWN EVEN FURTHER Career Choices career choices of graduates of top American schools career choices of graduates of top American schools in the last 5 years factors affecting the career choices of MBA graduates of Wharton School of Business in the last 5 years Southeast Asia security problems in Southeast Asia roots of terrorism in Southeast Asia cooperation among governments of Southeast Asia in addressing the problems of terrorism Housing housing projects in the last 10 years housing projects in City X financing problems in the housing projects in City X Determining Your Exact PurposeThe basic purposes of public speaking are to inform, to instruct, to entertain, and to persuade. These four are not mutually exclusive of one another. A speaker may have several purposes in mind. It may be to inform and also to entertain. Another speaker may want to inform and at the same time convince, stimulate, or persuade. Although content, organization, and delivery may have two or more purposes, most have just one central purpose. Speeches thatinformoffer accurate data, objective information, findings, and on occasions, interpretations of these findings. Those thatinstructteach the audience a process or a procedure based on information provided in the speech. Those thatentertainprovide pleasure and enjoyment that make the audience laugh or identify with delightful situations. Finally, speeches thatpersuadetry to convince the audience to take a certain stand on an issue, an idea, or a belief, by appealing first to reason through logical arguments and evidences, and to the emotions by moving statements. Identifying the Objectives of the SpeechAn objective is more limited and specific than a purpose. It may target behavior or thought. What does the message communicated in the speech expect to accomplish? What response does it invite from the audience? Does it want to convince the listeners to support a cause by joining a movement? Does it want the listeners to buy a certain product or use a certain service? Does it want the listeners to modify their behavior through a process presented? Does it want to move the listeners to laughter and later to reflection about a significant social issue? Does it want to provide accurate and credible information to lead them to a decision? As answers to these questions are given, speech objectives can be identified and stated. Here are some examples: Topic Purpose Objective/s A Call for Support for Dependence of Old Age to persuade The speech will seek pledges of effort, time, or money to help establish an institution to support dependency of old age. Why My Goal in Life Is to Become a Lawyer to inform After hearing my speech, the audience will understand why my dream is to become a lawyer. |