Researching the Topic

Researching the Topic

Page 245

Anyone can make a speech. But a good speech should offer listeners something new, some information, insight, perspective, or idea that they didn’t have before.

Anyone can make a speech. But a good speech should offer listeners something new, some information, insight, perspective, or idea that they didn’t have before. Such original thoughts are usually the product of both deep reflection and careful research.

In a speech, research is information that helps support the points that you make, strengthening your message and credibility. For many students, the prospect of researching for a speech or presentation might seem boring, overwhelming, or both—and it can be. But if you are working with a topic that intrigues you and you approach your research in a practical way, the research process can be better than you think.

Table 11.1 Generating a Thesis Statement
Topic General Purpose Specific Purpose Thesis Statement
Low-carbohydrate diets To inform To inform listeners about low-carbohydrate diets so that they can make good decisions about their own eating habits Before choosing to start a low-carbohydrate diet, it is important to have a thorough understanding of how carbohydrates affect your body and what the possible benefits and risks of the diet are so that you can make an informed decision about your health.
Study-abroad programs To persuade To have listeners realize that studying abroad is an exciting opportunity and encourage them to consider spending a semester taking classes in another country Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity to learn about another culture, to enhance your educational experience, and to make yourself more appealing to prospective graduate schools and employers.
My grandparents To honor an amazing couple on their fiftieth wedding anniversary (special occasion) To celebrate with my family and my grandparents’ friends in light of this happy milestone in their lives In big and small ways, my grandparents have shared their fifty years of love and commitment with their family, their congregation, and their students, having been dedicated teachers for three decades.