Selecting a topic, purpose and central idea

Class Activity – Brainstorming

When a speaker is enthusiastic about his or her ideas, how do listeners usually react?

List the six criteria discussed in this chapter for writing a specific purpose statement.

What is the difference between the specific purpose and the central idea?

Select a topic that…Fits requirements of assignmentShowcases your experiences and knowledgeInterests youYou can make interesting and valuable to your audience

Establish a general purpose to help bring your topic under control.

◦ To inform

◦ To persuade

◦ To entertain

What exactly to you want to accomplish in your speech?◦ Topic: Foodborne illnesses◦ General Purpose: To inform◦ Specific Purpose: To tell my listeners how to

protect themselves from foodborne illnesses

What exactly to you want your audience to remember from your speech?◦ Topic: Foodborne illnesses◦ General Purpose: To inform

◦ Specific Purpose: To tell my listeners how to protect themselves from foodborne illnesses

◦ Central Idea: Monitoring food temperatures is a great way to avoid foodborne illnesses

Football- Explain divisions / conferences- Explain job of coaching- Explain history - Explain artificial vs. natural turf

Let’s use football as an example:

Brainstorm for possible main points Narrow to 3 – 5 possible main points

Narrow down the following broad subjects to specific, manageable topics:◦Outdoor recreation◦Musical groups◦Illegal drugs◦Saving money