The general purpose of any speech will be either to Inform; Motivate/Persuade; or Entertain your audience. As soon as you know the general purpose of your speech you can develop your Specific Purpose Statement (What the speaker will accomplish). Your Specific Purpose Statement is used to develop your speech. You don't acutally say it in your speech. Show
Restrict your Specific Purpose to one idea only. In Speech 151 for the informative speech your general purpose is to inform. For an informative speech you will want to start your specific purpose statement with "I will inform my audience about...." A Specific Purpose Statement for an informative speech will be phrased much like the following statements. Click here for more examples of Specific Purposes, Central Ideas, and Main Points. Informative speech specific purpose statements:
When you have your specific purpose statement you are ready to compose your Thesis Statement/Central Idea (they are one in the same). This is the most important part of your speech. This is one sentence that encompasses the central idea of your speech. Writing your thesis statement/central
idea is a four step process:
"The two major forms of hula that have played an important role in Hawaiian history and have developed into unique dances are the Kahiko and 'Auana." "Lifegaurding is a great way to spend your days on the beach, but the work includes training, teaching, and lots of practice making it more challenging than what you see on "Baywatch." Your next step is to compose the main points of your speech. Main points are complete sentences that create a dialogue with your audience. With your main points you want to create questions in the mind of your audience. You will answer the question in your support of your main points. You make a claim in your main points and you support your claim in your subpoints, sub-subpoints, sub-sub-subpoints and so on. The following are examples of Main points: Specific Purpose: I will inform my audience about the two major forms of hula. Central Idea: "The two major forms of hula that have played an important role in Hawaiian history and have developed into unique dances are the Kahiko and 'Auana."
The Public Speakers' Resources |Public Speakers' Page | Speech 151 | Speech 251 | Public Speaking Resources| |Supporting Your Speech | Sample Speeches | Speech Practice | Speaking Tips| |Speech Anxiety | Team Presentations | Group Communication | Interviewing| |Using Visual Aids | ESL Links | Anonymous Feedback | Ron St. John| |The Learning Center | MCC Library | Maui Language Institute| |Distance Education Academic Support Services| |The Ho'oulu OnLine (Student Newspaper)| |The University of Hawai'i at Manoa| Page Designer: Ron St. John Copyright � 2002 - Ka Leo Kumu Last Revised: September 16, 2002 The introduction and conclusion of a speech are essential. The audience will remember the main ideas even if the middle of the speech is a mess or nerves overtake the speaker. So if nothing else, get these parts down! IntroductionThe introduction gives the audience a reason to listen to the remainder of the speech. A good introduction needs to get the audience’s attention, state the topic, make the topic relatable, establish credibility, and preview the main points. Introductions should be the last part of the speech written, as they set expectations and need to match the content. Attention gettersThe first few sentences of a speech are designed to catch and maintain the audience’s attention. Attention getters give the audience a reason to listen to the rest of the speech. Your attention getter helps the audience understand and reflect on your topic.
Logical orientationOnce the audience is invested in the speech, logical orientation tells the audience how the speaker will approach and develop the topic.
Psychological orientationLike the logical orientation of a speech, the psychological orientation is also going to provide the audience with a map for how and why the topic is being presented.
Both the logical and psychological orientations give the audience a road map for the speech ahead as well as cues for what to listen to. This will help the audience transition from the introduction to the main points of the speech. ReferencesBeebe, S. A., & Beebe, S. J. (2012). A concise public speaking handbook. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Lucas, S. (2012). The art of public speaking. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Sprague, J. & Stuart, D. (2013). The speaker's compact handbook, 4th ed. Portland: Ringgold, Inc. Vrooman, S. S. (2013). The zombie guide to public speaking: Why most presentations fail, and what you can do to avoid joining the horde. Place of publication not identified: CreateSpace. Why is it important to preview your main points in the introduction to your speech?The introduction gives the audience a reason to listen to the remainder of the speech. A good introduction needs to get the audience's attention, state the topic, make the topic relatable, establish credibility, and preview the main points.
What is the purpose of the central idea in a speech?Just as you would create a thesis statement for an essay or research paper, the central idea statement helps focus your presentation by defining your topic, purpose, direction, angle and/or point of view.
Why do effective introduction include a thesis statement and preview of main points?A thesis statement helps your audience by letting them know “in a nutshell” what you are going to talk about. With a good thesis statement you will fulfill four basic functions: you express your specific purpose, provide a way to organize your main points, make your research more effective, and enhance your delivery.
What is the importance of a good introduction in writing and delivering a speech?Introductions are important because they provide a first impression, establish credibility with your audience, and prepare the audience for the speech's content. First, the introduction gives your audience the first impression of your speech.
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