Successful speech
Tuesday, August 4th, 2009To give a successful speech, you must find a good topic, realize the general function and specific purpose of your speech, frame a clear thesis statement, and expand your knowledge so that you can speak responsibly. A good topic is one that involves and fascinates both you and your audience. It will be limited so that you can research it adequately and develop a speech that will fit within the allotted time.
Finding a Good Topic. One way to discover promising topic areas is to chart your interests by using prompt questions and by scanning the media. Next, chart audience interests as disclosed in previous speeches and class discussions and match them with your own. To develop topic possibilities, use an analysis based on six questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how. When applied to a topic area, these questions can guide you to specific topics. As you move toward your selection, consider whether a given topic fits the assignment, whether you can speak on it within the time limits, and why you would want to speak on it.