Steps to Preparing Speech

1-Determine the Speech Purpose 2-Select a Topic 3-Analyze the Audience 4-Develop Main Points 5-Conduct Research and Develop Supporting Points 6-Organize and Outline 7-Practice 8-Deliver Speech

1. Determine Speech Purposes

General Speech Purpose-inform, persuade, special occasion

To Inform-people, objects, events, issues, processes, concepts

To Persuade-argument which has alternative side

Special Occasion-introductory, acceptance, toasts, roasts, eulogies, cultural artifact

Specific Speech Purpose- expresses topic and the general purpose in action form-focuses on the goals of the speech

Ex. General Purpose-To inform

Specific Purpose-To inform audience about President Abraham Lincoln

2. Topic Selection… Choosing a Topic-brainstorm and think of …….

-Interests, Current Events, Controversial issues

-Avoid common/overdone topics

-Relate to audience

  Narrow down topic-focus on specific aspects of topic

Write thesis statement single statement-central idea of speech-connects all parts of speech shows what you will try to prove in case of persuasive speech comes at end of introduction most important statement

Thesis Statements

EXAMPLES:

Although fad diets produce quick weight loss, they can lead to serious health problems by creating deficiencies in vitamins and minerals and by breaking down muscle tissue as well as fat.

Played on a smaller, enclosed field that resembles a hockey rink with artificial turf, indoor soccer involves faster action, more scoring, and different strategies than outdoor soccer.

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula has many attractions for vacationers, including a warm climate, excellent food, and extensive Mayan ruins

3. Audience Analysis

Audience Centered Approach Speech topic, information, delivery, style, language, etc should be

determined based on audience needs

Get to know your listeners ○ Who are they, what are they interested in, what would

grab their attention, etc..InterviewsQuestionnaires

4. Develop Main Points

• Main Points- evidence that will help support thesis

- Usually 3-4 - Main points are followed by supporting points that further develop idea -Order of main points is important-topical, chronological, spatial (will discuss

later)

.

5. Develop Supporting Points (Research)

Provides detail on main points/further develops and backs up main points

Supporting Material includes world of information available to speaker

○ Examples○ Statistics○ Facts

Follow up with sub-supporting points if necessary

Example• Thesis-Cal State LA has best nursing program in Los Angeles

• Main Points

-Main Point 1-High Passing Rate of Board Exam

Supporting Points

-Main Point 2-Experienced Faculty teaching courses

Supporting Points

-Main Point 3-Provide Hands on experience

Supporting Points

Sub-Supporting Point

6. Organize and Outline Process of organizing parts of speech

Use headings to label different partsIndentFollow outline format Use transitions

7. Practice Speech

Practice at least 5 times out loud in front of someone

8. Deliver Speech

Verbal and nonverbal components of delivery