Your next speech is coming up and it’s time to choose a topic for that speech. Below are some suggestions that may help you select your next topic.
 

Plan Ahead:

·         Read every speech outline and the objectives in your manual

·         Be particularly aware of the framework and the objectives of the next 3-4 speeches

·         Consider the type of speech that would be appropriate for those objectives

What do you know?:

·         Work - Good, but don't overdo this topic.

·         Sport - Serious aspect - developing skills, attitudes etc. Humorous aspect - Taking up tennis after 15 years. Exaggeration is OK

·         Hobbies - Instructional or humorous

·         Interests - Theatre, literature, chess, dog obedience etc

·         Travels - Your experiences or your response to a particular place or circumstance

Match the Topic or Subject to the Framework and Objectives:

·         Not the other way around - REMEMBER - the framework of a house shapes the cladding

·         A narrative or anecdotal speech is more successful in achieving the purpose when rich body language and spoken language is required. (Rather than a very serious speech or one with many precise details and statistics)

Topics from Other Areas:

·         Newspapers, magazines, plays, films, books may contain fictional, biographical, historical facts or ideas.

·         Research a topic that interests YOU.  Your enthusiasm will be transferred to your audience.

a) Social Issues – appeal to your audience to adopt a specific belief or approach

b) Informative – the interpretation of body language – make it interesting

c) Narrative: – The life story of…

d) Anecdotal – one of or a series of your own experiences

e) Instructional – The structure of a violin, installing your own security system

How will you have these topics to hand when you need them?:

Back To Point 1 - Plan Ahead:

·         Cut out newspaper / magazine articles - staple to appropriate speech in your manual.

·         Note in margin any appropriate ideas for a particular speech. Make notes about a book or article that has statements / ideas that interest you.

·         A speech might evolve from a single thought, statement, news item, experience. Toss it around in your mind. Play "The Devil's Advocate" to your own ideas.

·         Three to five points are sufficient for a 5 - 7 minute speech, allowing time for an interesting introduction and a thought provoking conclusion for your speech.