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Chapter 10: Topic Selection
Key Concepts
10-1 Identify a speech topic that is appropriate to your audience and situation.
10-2 Discuss the general purpose and the specific purpose of your speech.
10-3 Explain how to develop a clear thesis.
Suggested Activities and Exercises
Topic Selection Interview
Divide students into groups of five or six. In each group have Student A interview Student B
Group Outline
This activity spans several topics. Students should form small groups of four or five people.
These groups will remain the same throughout this exercise. Beginning on the day topic selection
Timely and Timeless Topics and Speech Types
In order to convey the idea that there are many different ways to develop a speech topic, hand
The Proposition
Proposition of Fact: That cloning technology can greatly extend the human lifespan.
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Tests
Correct answers are marked with an asterisk. The places in the Compact Handbook where the
information was presented are shown in brackets.
True/False Questions
Multiple Choice Questions
11. Which of the following is not a criterion for selecting a speech topic?
12. Which of the following questions should you first consider to help you brainstorm potential
topics?
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13. The phrase “to inform the audience about the three necessary elements to hosting a
successful party” would be considered a:
14. To narrow your topic effectively, you should consider all of the following except _____.
15. Which of the following intentions would be appropriate in a speech to invite?
16. Which of the following intentions would be appropriate in a speech to inform?
17. Which of the following is a proposition of policy?
Essay and Short Answer Questions
18. What is the specific purpose? Explain why you should not proceed with planning your
speech until you have clearly identified the specific purpose. [10d.2]
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