Consider Your Purpose

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Make sure that every main point you select relates to the specific purpose of your speech. Consider the following two sets of main points that might be used in a speech on information overload:

FIRST SET OF MAIN POINTS

  1. The history of the Internet.
  2. Background information on computer memory.
  3. The problem of information overload and potential solutions.

SECOND SET OF MAIN POINTS

  1. Technological advances have burdened college students with too much information.
  2. Information overload harms our mental capabilities.
  3. There are steps you should take to reduce the impact of information overload.

Which set of main points would be a better option? In the first set, main points I and II do not relate to the specific purpose but provide general background information about technological advances in society. Only main point III relates to the specific purpose. Conversely, in the second set, each main point relates to the specific purpose: the first demonstrates the existence of information overload, the second discusses the problems caused by it, and the third presents solutions. Given this contrast, the second set of main points would be a better alternative.