Working in small groups, brainstorm a list of potential speech topics. Then decide which topics would be most interesting to the group and which would be less interesting. Have group members explain why they decided that certain topics would be more interesting than others.

Divide into small groups. Have each group use one topic-generation process (brainstorming, word association, or mind mapping) to create a list of potential topics. Have each group share the topics they listed with the class. Discuss how different processes can result in different topic ideas.

Discuss potential topics with other students in your public speaking class. Which topics are already familiar to students? Which topics are likely to be familiar to your instructor? For the topics that are familiar, discuss ways they could be narrowed to present new and original perspectives to the audience.

Read through the op-ed pages in a national newspaper or the commentary in a newsmagazine. How successful are the topics in catching your interest? How do you think columnists come up with their topics? Are they always about current events?

Watch Elie Wiesel’s speech. How can you tell that Wiesel’s rhetorical purpose is to commemorate a special occasion? What do you believe is the thesis of his speech?