Compose a Thesis Statement
Printed Page 52
After narrowing your topic and forming your specific purpose, your next step is to formulate a thesis statement. The thesis statement (also called central idea) is the theme of the speech, stated in the form of a single, declarative sentence. It concisely expresses what you will attempt to demonstrate or prove in your speech. The main points, the supporting material, and the conclusion all relate to the thesis.
The thesis statement and the specific purpose are closely linked. Both state the speech topic, but in different forms. The specific purpose describes in action form what you want to achieve with the speech; the thesis statement concisely identifies, in a single idea, what the speech is about. The specific purpose does not have to be stated in the speech itself. However, the thesis must be clearly stated because the entire speech rests on it. The difference can be seen in the specific purpose and thesis statement for a persuasive speech on donating food to the local food bank:
| SPECIFIC PURPOSE: | To persuade the audience to donate nonperishable food to the local food bank to fight hunger in our community. |
| THESIS: | A donation of nonperishable food to the local food bank is the best way to help needy community members stave off hunger. |
Postpone Development of Main Points
Whether the speech is informative or persuasive, the thesis statement proposes that the statement made is true or is believed. The speech is then developed from this premise; it presents facts and evidence to support the thesis as true. Thus, postpone the development of main points or the consideration of supporting material until you have formulated the speech purpose and thesis (see Chapter 12).
In a persuasive speech, the thesis statement represents what you are going to prove in the address. All the main points in the speech are arguments that develop the thesis:
| GENERAL PURPOSE: | To persuade |
| SPECIFIC PURPOSE: | To persuade my audience to back legislation calling for fuel-efficiency standards of 60 miles per gallon by 2017. |
| THESIS: | Mandating fuel-efficiency standards of 60 miles per gallon by 2017, as outlined in Bill X, is a necessary step in combating climate change and decreasing dependence on foreign oil. |
Notice that, after you read the thesis, you find yourself asking “Why?” or saying “Prove it!” This will be accomplished by the main points (see Chapter 12).
In informative speaking, the thesis describes what the audience will learn:
| GENERAL PURPOSE: | To inform |
| SPECIFIC PURPOSE: | To inform my audience of three benefits of keeping a blog |
| THESIS: | Maintaining a blog lets you sharpen your writing skills, network with persons who share similar interests, and develop basic Web site management skills. |
Checklist: Identifying the Speech Topic, Purpose, and Thesis
Checklist: Identifying the Speech Topic, Purpose, and Thesis
Have I identified the general speech purpose—to inform, persuade, or mark a special occasion?
Is the topic appropriate to the occasion?
Will the topic appeal to my listeners’ interests and needs?
Will I be able to offer a fresh perspective on the topic?
Have I identified what the audience is most likely to know about the subject and what they are most likely to want to learn?
Have I considered how much I can competently research and then report on in the time I am given to speak?
Does my thesis statement sum up in a single sentence what my speech is about?
Is it restricted to a single idea?
Does it make the claim I intend to make about my topic?
Quick Tip
Use the Thesis Statement to Stay Focused
As you develop the speech, use the thesis statement to keep yourself on track. Review your research materials to determine whether they contribute to the thesis or stray from it. When you actually draft your speech, work your thesis statement into it and restate it where appropriate. Doing so will encourage your audience to understand and accept your message.