Chapter 12: Organizing and Finding Support for Your Speech

Question 1

State your purpose and thesis*

Answer 1

• one of the 1st steps of planning a speech is to choose the message of the speech
• after you have identified your topic, choose your general purpose, such as to inform, to persuade, or to entertain
• then you will need to narrow the scope of the speech by clarifying the specific purpose, or the main goal of the presentation, and focusing on the thesis, or the main message

Question 2

purpose statement

Answer 2

• craft a statement for your specific purpose
• a declaration of your specific goal for your speech
• identify your topic
• identify your general goal of the speech
• ex. demonstrate the process of making ravioli; teach listeners the differences among 5 italian red wines

Question 3

thesis statement

Answer 3

• one sentence version of the message in your speech
• be concrete
• make a statement
• treat your thesis statement as a work in progress
• ex. although sales of herbal supplements are growing, medical research shows they are no more effective than placebos
• ex. because gold prices rise even in a weak economy, investing in gold is a sound financial decision

Question 4

introduction

Answer 4

• previews the information to be presented
• tell the story of your speech
• generates interest in your topic
• present a quotation
• tell a joke
• pose a question
• cite an opinion
• startle your listeners
• note the occasion
• identify major ideas you plan to address
• place your preview at the end of your introduction

Question 5

body

Answer 5

• composed of specific main points (2-5)
• main points- expressing a specific idea
• they should be related
• should be distinct
• should be equally important
• organize main points by:
• topic
• time
• space
• cause and effect
• problem and solution

Question 6

transitions

Answer 6

• that connect the main points to one another
• help your speech flow smoothly
• logically connect one point in a speech to the next
• previews
• summaries
• signposts
• nonverbal transitions

Question 7

conclusion

Answer 7

• summarizes the message
• reinforces your central message
• reiterate your thesis statement
• create a memorable moment

Question 8

working outline*

Answer 8

• rule of subordination- some concepts are more important than others -> prioritize
• rule of division- each main point should have at least two subpoints
• rule of parallel structure- outline should be consistent
• title
• purpose statement
• thesis statement
• introduction
• main points and subpoints
• conclusion
• bibliography of sources

Question 9

speaking outline/notes

Answer 9

• delete the title, purpose statement, and thesis statement
• add a brief reminder about your introduction
• abbreviate your main points and subpoints
• add a brief reminder about your conclusion

Question 10

support

Answer 10

• identify places in your speech where you need support
• factual claims need evidence of their accuracy
• opinion statements can be supported by experts who share those opinions
• type of support:
• definitions
• examples
• statsitics
• quotations
• narratives

Question 11

evaluating supporting material

Answer 11

• credibility
• objectivity
• currency

Question 12

plagiarism

Answer 12

• copyright infringement
• global theft
• patchwork theft
• incremental theft
• use verbal footnotes
• visit plagarism.org