What part of a speech can the speaker use to determine the main points of the speech?

Developing Topics for Your Speech

General Purpose- the broad, overall goal of a speech; to inform, to persuade, to entertain, etc.

Specific Purpose Statement- an infinitive phrase that builds upon the speaker’s general purpose to clearly indicate precisely what the goal of a given speech is.

Central Idea Statement- a statement that contains or summarizes a speech’s main points.

Organizing and Outlining Your Speech

Chronological pattern- an organizational pattern for speeches in which the main points are arranged in time order.

Spatial pattern- an organizational pattern for speeches in which the main points are arranged according to movement in space or direction.

Parallelism- the repetition of grammatical structures that correspond in sound, meter, and meaning.

Connectives- a phrase or sentence that connects various parts of a speech and shows the relationship between them.

Internal summaries- a type of connective that emphasizes what has come before and reminds the audience of what has been covered.

Internal previews- a type of connective that emphasizes what is coming up next in the speech and what to expect with regard to the content.

Transitions- a type of connective that serves as a bridge between disconnected (but related) material in a speech.

Signposts- a type of connective that emphasizes physical movement through the speech content and lets the audience know exactly where they are; commonly uses terms such as First, Second, Finally.

Bridging statements- a type of connective that emphasizes moving the audience psychologically to the next part of a speech.

Introductions and Conclusions

Attention getter- the statement or question that piques the audience’s interest in what you have to say at the very beginning of a speech.

Anecdote- a brief account or story of an interesting or humorous event.

Rhetorical Question- A question to which no actual reply is expected.

Rapport- a relationship or connection a speaker makes with the audience.

Clincher- something memorable with which to conclude your speech.

Inspire- to affect or arouse someone’s emotions in a specific, positive manner.

Delivery

Impromptu Speaking- the presentation of a short message without advance preparation.

Manuscript Speaking- the word-for-word iteration of a written message.

Extemporaneous Speaking- the presentation of a carefully planned and rehearsed speech, spoken in a conversational manner using brief notes.

Memorized Speaking- the rote recitation of a written message that the speaker has committed to memory.

Vocal Cues- the subtle but meaningful variations in speech delivery, which can include the use of pitch, tone, volume, and pace.

Lectern- a small raised surface, usually with a slanted top, where a speaker can place notes during a speech.

Volume- the relative softness or loudness of your voice.

Pitch- the relative highness or lowness of your voice.

Monotone- a continuing sound, especially of someone’s voice, that is unchanging in pitch and without intonation.

Rate- the speed at which you speak; how quickly or slowly a speaker talks.

Vocalized Pauses- pauses that incorporate some sort of sound or word that is unrelated to what is being said; “uh,” “um,” and “like” are well-known examples.

Special Occasion Speaking

Special Occasion Speech- a speech designed to capture an audience’s attention while delivering a message.

Speech of Introduction- a mini-speech given by the host of a ceremony that introduces another speaker and his or her speech.

Speech of Presentation- a brief speech given to accompany a prize or honor.

Speech of Acceptance- a speech given by the recipient of a prize or honor.

Speech of Dedication- a speech delivered to mark the unveiling, opening, or acknowledging of some landmark or structure.

Toast- a speech designed to congratulate, appreciate, or remember.

Roast- a humorous speech designed to both praise and good-naturedly insult a person being honored.

Eulogy- a speech given in honor of someone who has died.

Lament- to express grief or sorrow.

Console- to offer comfort in a time of grief.

Speech of Farewell- a speech allowing someone to say goodbye to one part of his or her life as he or she is moving on to the next part of life.

Speech of Commencement- a speech designed to recognize and celebrate the achievements of a graduating class or other group of people.

After-Dinner Speech- a humorous speech that makes a serious point.

Motivational Speech- a speech designed not only to make an audience experience emotional arousal (fear, sadness, joy, excitement) but also to motivate the audience to do something with that emotional arousal.

Hero Speech- a motivational speech given by someone who is considered a hero in society.

Survivor Speech- a speech given by someone who has survived a personal tragedy or who has faced and overcame serious adversity.

Religious Speech- a speech designed to incorporate religious ideals into a motivational package to inspire an audience into thinking about or changing aspects of their religious lives.

Success Speech- a speech given by someone who has succeeded in some aspect of life and is giving back by telling others how they too can be successful.

How do you determine main points for a speech?

In which part of a speech should the speaker develop each main point?

What section of the speech tells the audience what the main points are going to be in the speech?

What types of information are used to support the main points of a speech?