PUBLIC SPEAKING Selecting a Topic and Purpose Copyright 2012
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Brainstorming Generating ideas by free association of words
Right way Wrong way Copyright 20122
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General Purpose Broad goal of speech To introduce To
commemorate To demonstrate To inform To persuade Copyright
20124
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Specific Purpose Single infinitive phrase States what speaker
hopes to accomplish Copyright 20125
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Specific Purpose Guidelines Full infinitive phrase Statement,
not question Avoid figurative language Limit to one distinct idea
Avoid being vague Copyright 20126
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Full Infinitive Phrase Ineffective: Calendars More Effective:
To inform my audience about the four major kinds of calendars used
in the world today. Copyright 20127
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Statement, Not Question Ineffective: What is Da de los Muertos?
More Effective: To inform my audience about the history of Mexicos
Da de los Muertos celebration. Copyright 20128
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Avoid Figurative Language Ineffective: To persuade my audience
that campus policy on student parking really stinks. More
Effective: To persuade my audience that the campus policy on
student parking should be revised to provide more spaces for
students before 5 p.m. Copyright 20129
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One Distinct Idea Ineffective: To persuade my audience to
become literacy tutors and to donate time to the Special Olympics.
Copyright 201210
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One Distinct Idea More Effective: To persuade my audience to
become literacy tutors. More Effective: To persuade my audience to
donate time to the Special Olympics. Copyright 201211
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Avoid Being Vague Ineffective: To persuade my audience that
something should be done about medical care. More Effective: To
persuade my audience that the federal government should adopt a
system of national health insurance for all people in the United
States. Copyright 201212
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Specific Purpose Questions Does purpose meet assignment? Can I
accomplish purpose in time allotted? Is purpose relevant to
audience? Is purpose too trivial for audience? Is purpose too
technical for audience? Copyright 201213
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Central Idea One-sentence statement Encapsulate major ideas of
speech Otherwise known as a thesis statement Copyright 201214
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Phrasing the Central Idea Copyright 201215
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Central Idea Guidelines Express as full sentence Dont express
as question Avoid figurative language Dont be vague Copyright
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Complete Sentence Ineffective: Problems of fad diets. More
Effective: Fad diets can lead to serious health problems by
creating deficiencies in vitamins and minerals and by breaking down
muscle tissue as well as fat. Copyright 201217
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Statement, Not Question Ineffective: What are nanorobots? More
Effective: Microscopic in size, nanorobots are being developed for
use in medicine, weaponry, and daily life. Copyright 201218
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Avoid Figurative Language Ineffective: Mexicos Yucatan
peninsula is an awesome place for a vacation. More Effective:
Mexicos Yucatan peninsula has many attractions, including a warm
climate, excellent food, and extensive Mayan ruins. Copyright
201219
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Avoid Being Vague Ineffective: Paying college athletes a salary
is a good idea. More Effective: The NCAA should allow athletes in
revenue producing sports to receive a $250 monthly salary as part
of their scholarships. Copyright 201220
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Example General Purpose: To inform Specific Purpose: To inform
my audience of the three major races in alpine skiing. Central
Idea: The three major races in alpine skiing are the downhill,
slalom, and giant slalom. Copyright 201221
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Example Main Points: The first major race in alpine skiing is
the downhill. The second major race in alpine skiing is the slalom.
The third major race in alpine skiing is the giant slalom.
Copyright 201222