Selecting a topic and purpose

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Selecting a topic, purpose and central
idea Class Activity Brainstorming
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Selecting topic, purpose and central idea

• 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?

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Guidelines for Finding a Good Topic

• Select a topic that
• Fits requirements of assignment
• Showcases your experiences and knowledge
• Interests you
• You can make interesting and valuable to your
  audience

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Defining the General Purpose

• Establish a general purpose to help bring your
  topic under control.
• To inform
• To persuade
• To entertain

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Defining the Specific Purpose

• 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

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Defining the Central Idea

• 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

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Narrow your topic
Lets use football as an example

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

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Determine the Main Points

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

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Brainstorming Activity

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

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