Speech Purpose

Identifying the General Speech Purpose

Chapter 7

Professor Tonya Seavers Evans

Speech PurposeSPEECH PURPOSE

•TO INFORM

•TO PERSUADE

•FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Speech PurposeHow Do You Inform ?

•Define, describe, explain, or demonstrate your knowledge on the topic.

•Increase the audience’s understanding and awareness of the topic.

•Build on the knowledge your audience already has about the topic.

Speech PurposeGeneral Informative Topic Categories

issues

processes

concepts& theories

events

people

objects

InformativeTopic

Categories

Speech PurposeFrom Topic & Purpose to Thesis

Step 1: Determine your topic.

Step 2: Decide on your general purpose.

Step 3: Write down your specific purpose statement.

Step 4: Devise your thesis statement.

Speech PurposeThesis Statement

•Clearly expresses the central idea of your speech

•Concisely identifies your speech topic for the audience

•Typically includes phrases about each of your main points

•Indicates your perspective on a persuasive topic

•Guides your speech preparation and keeps you on track while you are writing

Speech Purpose

Channels of

Non-erbal

Communication

Aural Channel Paralanguage Visual Channel

Speech PurposeFunctions of Nonverbal Communication

•Clarifies the meaning of verbal messages

•Facilitates feedback from the audience to the speaker

•Establishes a relationship between the speaker and the audience

•Establishes speaker credibility

Speech Purpose

Use gesturesthat feel natural

Dress appropriately Be aware of general body movement

Animate your facial expressions

Maintain eye contact

Body Movement

Effective Body Movement

Speech Purpose Appropriate Dress

•Presenting a professional image is essential for improving speaker credibility.

•Some listeners will not listen to speakers who are dressed inappropriately.

Speech Purpose

Practice the

Delivery

Practice the

Delivery

1. Focus on your message, not yourself

2. Record the speech

3. Revise your speaking notes

4. Time your speech

5. Plan ahead and practice often

Tips:

Speech PurposeBibliography

O’ Hair, Dan, Stewart, Rob, Rubenstein, Hannah, A Speaker’s Guidebook, Bedford St. Martin (2009)