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1. Explain the major differences between informative and persuasive speech purposes.
2. List three topics suitable for a persuasive speech.
3. List three types of special occasion speech.
4. If you were assigned to write a speech based on your personal interests, what four topics
would you consider for your speech?
5. Identify two current events or controversial issues appropriate for a classroom speech.
6. How can speaking about grassroots issues provide a speaker with opportunities to engage
with the community?
7. Compare and contrast the brainstorming techniques of word association and topic
mapping.
8. How can you use Internet tools to brainstorm and narrow potential speech topics?
9. Discuss at least two things to consider when narrowing a speech topic.
10. How does the general speech purpose differ from the specific speech purpose?
11. Explain what makes a speech ethical.
12. Choose a speech topic. Then write (A) a general speech purpose, (B) a specific speech
purpose, and (C) a thesis statement.
13. How can a speaker make a thesis statement relevant to, and motivating for, the audience?