The Basics of Speech

Chapter 9: Introduction to Public Speaking

Overview

Public speaking occurs when one person addresses a group for a specific purpose. The main purposes for public speaking are to inform and to persuade. A speech to inform is designed to increase the knowledge of the listeners. A speech to persuade is designed to convince the listeners to hold a certain belief or to act in a certain way. In preparing to speak, public speakers follow three important steps: select a topic, analyze the audience, and set an audience goal. When selecting a topic, you should choose one that interests you and will interest your audience.

As an effective public speaker, you want to connect your audience and your message. To do this, you need to gather information about your audience that includes basic data, beliefs or opinions, knowledge of topic, and expectations. After you think about your purpose for giving a speech and consider your audience, you must decide on your specific audience goal. Your audience goal describes what your listeners should be able to do after you give your speech. Your audience goal helps you decide what you should include in your speech and what parts of your speech you should emphasize.