Exam 5: Selecting a Topic and a Purpose  

The following is an effective central idea for a speech to persuade: "You should vote for a $10 increase in student fees to pay for a new fitness center because the current one is too small and its equipment is out odate."

"To inform my audience about golf" is an example oan effective specific purpose statement for a speech.

"The three major factors to consider when purchasing a bicycle are the kind oriding you plan to do, the amount oriding you plan to do, and the amount omoney you are willing to spend" is an example oa

"To inform my audience how to build a birdhouse and about the migratory patterns obirds" is an example oan effective specific purpose statement for a speech.

"To persuade my audience that the U.S. space program should be continued because it provides important benefits to society" is an example oa _______________ .

"The three steps to breaking a bad habit are becoming conscious othe habit, keeping a log owhat triggers the habit, and finding a way to avoid or substitute for the habit" is an example oa _______________ .

The specific purpose reveals more about the content oa speech than does the central idea.

Outside the classroom, the topic oa speech is usually determined by the occasion, the audience, and the speaker's qualifications.

The following is an example oa well-worded central idea for a speech: "A diet that encourages eating only foods high in fat and protein has major advantages as well as serious risks."

According to your textbook, the specific purpose statement for a speech should be

Once you choose the central idea oyour speech, the next step is to formulate your general purpose.

"To explain how to write an effective job résumé" is a poorly phrased specific purpose statement because it

"To explain the causes and treatment ocompulsive hoarding" is an example oa well-worded specific purpose statement.

Whether the general purpose oyour speech is to inform or to persuade, the specific purpose statement should contain a reference to your audience.

The following is an example oan effective specific purpose statement for a speech: "The three major elements othe architectural style oFrank Lloyd Wright are low-pitched roofs, functional designs, and lines that blend into the landscape."

It is usually a poor idea to choose a speech topic that requires research.

"Improving our sleep habits" is a poorly phrased specific purpose for a speech because it is

"To explain how to keep your Internet data secure" is an example oa well-worded specific purpose statement.

Brainstorming is a method ogenerating ideas for a speech through free association owords and ideas.

Most often, your general purpose as a speaker is to inform or to persuade.