Understanding Constraints
True or False: You can ignore your audience’s interest if your topic is exciting to you.
False
What should a good topic do for both the speaker and the audience?
Pique curiosity and maintain genuine interest
What is “brainstorming”?
Thinking of lots of ideas quickly, A technique for generating ideas spontaneously
What are the three general purposes of a speech?
To inform, to persuade, or to celebrate
What should you always consider before choosing your topic?
The rhetorical situation (audience, occasion, purpose)
What kind of topics are often boring or overused in classroom speeches?
Overused topics like drunk driving or quitting smoking
In “word association,” what do you do after writing your first idea?
Write down the first thing that comes to mind related to it, Writing words that come to mind from one topic
What does an informative speech do?
Teaches the audience something new
What kind of topics should you avoid?
Overused or boring topics
Why is it helpful to consider local (grassroots) issues for your topic?
Because they are often relevant and engaging to your audience
What is “topic mapping”?
Drawing a web of connected ideas, drawing a visual diagram to connect related ideas
What does a persuasive speech do?
Tries to convince the audience
Name one place to find new or trending ideas for topics.
Google Trends or social media
What’s one way to make a common topic more interesting?
Add a new idea or personal story
Why do we narrow a topic?
To make it small enough to cover in the time we have
A clear goal of what you want your audience to learn or do
What is a “specific purpose”?