Chapter 11:Topic Selection and Development

COMM3Verderber, Sellnow, and Verderber

© 2014 Cengage Learning

Learning OutcomesLO11-1 Understand how the various factors that

create the rhetorical situation impact topic selection

LO11-2 Identify and select appropriate topics for your speech

LO11-3 Identify the general and specific goals of your speech

LO11-4 List the three different types of sources you can draw from to develop your speech and explain how to evaluate them

LO11-5 Know how to identify and cite sources

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ACTION STEPS

Action Step 1Select a Specific Speech Goal That Is Adapted to the Rhetorical Situation.Action Step 2Gather and Evaluate Information to Develop Your Speech.

Topic Selection and Development

Subjects and Topics• A subject is a broad area of knowledge. A

topic is a narrow, specific aspect of a subject.

• A good speech is one that interests you, is adapted to address the needs, interests, and expectations of the audience, and is appropriate for the occasion.

Learning Outcome 11-1

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Analyzing the Audience• To select an appropriate topic, you need to analyze

the audience’s demographic characteristics and subject-specific knowledge.

• You can use several different methods to gather data about your audience:– Conduct a survey.– Observe informally.– Question a representative.– Make educated guesses.

Learning Outcome 11-1

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Occasion• The occasion is the expected purpose for the

speech and the setting where it will be given.• What is the intended purpose of the speech?• What is the expected length?• Where will the speech be given?• When will the speech be given?• What equipment is necessary and available?

Learning Outcome 11-1

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Identifying Subjects

• Begin by listing subjects that: • You think are important• You know something about

• Topics in any subject area can be of interest when they are adapted to address the needs and expectations of the audience.

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Learning Outcome 11-2

Identifying Topics• Because a topic is a specific aspect of a

subject, you can identify many topics related to one subject.

• Two methods for identifying topics are:– Brainstorming, an uncritical, nonevaluative

process of generating associated ideas.– Concept mapping, a visual means of exploring

connections between a subject and related ideas.

Learning Outcome 11-2

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Selecting a Topic

• As you review your topic list:– Compare each to your audience profile– Consider the occasion

• The topics that remain should be appropriate for the rhetorical situation.

• Choose one that you would enjoy preparing and sharing with the audience.

Learning Outcome 11-2

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General Goals

The general goal is the overall intent of the speech. Most

speeches intend to entertain, inform, or persuade, even though each type can include elements of

the others.© 2014 Cengage Learning

Learning Outcome 11-3

Specific Goals• Once you have chosen your topic and

selected a general goal, you can write a specific goal statement tailored to the audience and occasion.

• The specific goal is a single statement that identifies the desired response a speaker wants from the audience.

Learning Outcome 11-3

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Personal Knowledge and Experience

• If you will be speaking on a topic you know something about, you can include examples from your personal experiences.

• If you have personal knowledge about and experience with the topic, you should share your credentials—your experiences or education that qualifies you to speak with authority on a subject.

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Learning Outcome 11-4

Secondary Research

• Secondary research is the process of locating information discovered by other people.

• Even if you are an expert on your topic, you may need to do secondary research as you adapt the information for your intended audience.

Learning Outcome 11-4

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Primary Research• When there is little or questionable secondary

research available, consider doing primary research.

• Primary research is the process of collecting data about your topic directly from the real world.

• Primary research is much more labor intensive, time consuming, and costly than secondary research.

Learning Outcome 11-4

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Identifying and Citing Information

• Once you have collected a variety of sources, you need to identify different types of information or evidence to use in your speech. These include:– Factual statements– Expert opinions– Elaborations

Learning Outcome 11-5

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Identifying and Citing Information

As you find information to use in your speech, you need to record it

accurately and keep a careful account of your sources so you can cite them

appropriately during your speech.

Learning Outcome 11-5

© 2014 Cengage Learning