Ch 4 Flashcards
What are the three broad purposes of a speech?
To inform, to persuade, and to inspire (or entertain).
Why is it important to consider both topic and purpose when preparing a speech?
It helps to focus the speech content and makes it more audience-centered.
What is the general purpose of an informative speech?
To inform the audience about a specific subject.
How can considering the purpose early in speech preparation benefit the speaker?
It helps the speaker make strategic decisions about organization, evidence, and visual aids.
What are the two key questions to consider when starting a speech?
What value does my topic have for the audience? Why would they consider me a credible source?
What acronym can be used to keep the audience’s perspective in mind?
WIIFM (“What’s In It For Me?”).
How are the three speech purposes not mutually exclusive?
A persuasive speech can also be informative and entertaining.
What traditional rhetorical process helps guide speech preparation?
The canons of rhetoric, especially invention (inventio).
How can audience analysis improve your speech?
It helps tailor content to the audience’s interests and needs.
Why should the speaker consider the audience’s needs?
Addressing the audience’s needs ensures the speech is relevant and engaging.
What should the speaker aim to answer for the audience in their speech?
The questions in the audience’s mind about the topic’s relevance and credibility.
What is the relationship between topic and purpose in speechwriting?
The topic provides the subject, while the purpose guides the speech’s direction.
What broad purpose guides a speech designed to change an audience’s actions?
The persuasive purpose.
What is one method to make your speech more audience-centered?
Answer the WIIFM question for your audience throughout your speech.
What are “topoi” in rhetorical terms?
Topoi are questions used to discover arguments and content for a speech.
What broad purpose guides a speech designed to evoke emotional responses?
The inspirational purpose.
Why should speakers not focus solely on expressing themselves?
Because effective speeches are audience-centered and address the audience’s interests.
What should speakers use to support their speech’s purpose?
Strategic evidence, organization, and visual aids.
How can understanding the audience help when deciding on a topic?
It helps choose a topic that resonates with the audience’s experiences and concerns.
Why is it important for speakers to reflect on their purpose before speechwriting?
It ensures the speech stays focused and achieves its intended outcome.
What are the three elements that help determine the specific purpose of a speech?
The speaker’s interests, the audience, and the context.
What is the relationship between the general purpose and specific purpose of a speech?
The specific purpose builds on the general purpose to create a focused speech goal.
What is a specific purpose statement?
A statement that clearly defines what the speaker intends to accomplish with the audience.
Why should a specific purpose statement be singular and focused?
To ensure the speech stays on track and covers one clear idea.
How does the audience factor into creating a specific purpose statement?
The speaker must consider the audience’s interests, needs, and relevance to the topic.
What should a speaker avoid including in a specific purpose statement?
Multiple topics or purposes connected by “and.”
What format should a specific purpose statement follow?
“To [communication verb] my [audience] about [content].”
Give an example of a strong specific purpose statement for an informative speech.
“To inform my classmates about the history of NASA’s Shuttle program.”
Why is context important when crafting a specific purpose?
Context shapes how the audience will receive the message, based on time, place, and situation.
Why should the specific purpose statement not include persuasive language in an informative speech?
It creates confusion between informing and persuading, which are different purposes.
What should a speaker consider when selecting a speech topic?
The speaker’s interests, the audience’s needs, and the time available.
How can a speaker refine a broad topic into a manageable specific purpose?
By narrowing the focus to a particular aspect of the topic relevant to the audience.