After deciding on a topic, you must determine the purpose for which you will speak. As your book's authors write, "Clarifying your objectives at this state will ensure a more interesting speech and a more successful outcome" (118).
This page will help you:
First, review the three general purposes of speaking. Refer to your book on pages 118-119 for a more complete review.
Informative speeches "define, describe, or explain a thing, person, place, concept, process, or function" 118). Speeches of this nature try to educate the audience and increase their knowledge about certain topics.
Persuasive speeches "try to change or reinforce an audience's convictions and often to urge some sort of action" (119).
Entertainment speeches "get the members of the audience to relax, smile, perhaps laugh, and generally enjoy themselves" (119).
After reviewing the three general purposes, select the one for your speech. By filling in your email address, your choice will be emailed to you. If your instructor wishes to see your choice, fill in his or her email address in the appropriate space.
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