Charting Out the Process of Speechwriting

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University of Pittsburgh

Department of Communication

Charting Out the Process of Speechwriting

Step Analyze Your Audience Determine General Purpose (i) To persuade (ii) To inform (iii) To entertain Select and Narrow a Topic What am I interested in? What is my audience interested in? Is the topic significant? Can I find sources on my topic? Determine Specific Purpose Combine general purpose and narrowed topic. Phrase Central Idea This is the thesis of your speech: a single sentence that summarizes the essence of your message. To inform my audience about the symptoms, at-risk groups, preventative measures, and treatment of type-A influenza threatening our state. Because the type-A influenza threatening our state is extremely dangerous, people need to know its symptoms, who is at most risk to contract it, how to prevent it, and methods of treating it. (Use an assortment of credible sourcesnewspapers, magazines, journals, interviews, encyclopedias, transcripts, etc. Consult differing viewpoints. Supporting materials should be arranged strategically to (a) support the idea you are presenting and (b) gain maximum attention from the audience.) I.Symptoms of type-A influenza include nausea, headaches, muscle pain, high fever, delirium, and potentially death. II. Although type-A influenza can strike anyone, young children, the elderly, and General: Important medical issue Narrow: Type A influenza To inform Example A group of high school biology students interested in health science professions.

Gather Supporting Materials Facts, testimony, figures, statistics, narratives, and examples.

Identify Main Points These are the pillars of your speech.

http://www.speaking.pitt.edu/student/public-speaking/speakingchart.html

24-Apr-13

Charting Out the Process of Speechwriting

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Main points are the reasons your thesis should be believed.

people with immune system disorders are especially atrisk.

If a main point is complex, divide it into sub- III. There are three preventative measures points. one can take to reduce the risk of contracting type-A influenza. Organize Formal Outline Components include: Specific Purpose Central Idea Introduction (A) Gain attention (B) Establish credibility (C) Orient audience to topic/thesis (D) Relate topic to audience (E) Preview main points [transition] Body (Main Points and Sub-points with transitions) [transition] Conclusion (A) Summarize main points (B) Refer back to introduction (C) End with finality. List of Sources Revise Outline Check for good form, balance. Rearrange for clarity. Add supporting materials. Revise for parallel structure. Transfer key words to no more than 3-5 note-cards. (Practice often and before different audiences. And when you are done, practice some more.) (Refer to this link for specific guidelines.)

Create Key Word Outline

Practice (and again and again)

Revised 8/21/08 | Copyright 2007 | Site by UMC Web Team

http://www.speaking.pitt.edu/student/public-speaking/speakingchart.html

24-Apr-13