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Chapter 6Selecting Your Speech Topic

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Choosing Your Speech Topic

You should. . .• First, generate a list:

– Self-generated– Audience-generated– Occasion-generated– Research-generated

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Choosing Your Speech Topic cont.

• Second, select a topic.– Am I interested?– Is the topic important?– Can I find supporting material?– Do I understand the topic?

• Third, focus the topic.

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Visual Brainstorming

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Choosing Your Speech Topic cont.

• Fourth, determine the general purpose.– To inform– To persuade– To entertain

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Choosing Your Speech Topic cont.

• Fifth, formulate your specific purpose.– General purpose– Intended audience– Goal of your speech

• Finally, word your thesis statement.• If necessary, develop your speech

title.