Finding Topics

Here are four ways to find topics: topic lists, surveys, news items, and brainstorming.

Topic Lists.Most public speaking textbooks contain suggestions for topics suitable for public speeches.

Surveys.Survey data are easier than ever to get now that many of the larger poll results are available on the Internet. Many search engines and browsers provide lists of "hot topics," which are often useful starting points. These lists pinpoint the subjects people are talking about and therefore often provide excellent speech topics.

News Items.Another useful starting point is a good newspaper or magazine. Here you'll find the important international and domestic issues, the financial issues, and the social issues all conveniently packaged in one place. The editorial page and the letters to the editor also help indicate what people are concerned about.

Brainstorming.Another useful method is brainstorming. Using brainstorming to generate topics is simple. You begin with your "problem," which in this case is "What will I talk about?" You then record any idea that occurs to you. Allow your mind to free-associate. Don't censor yourself; instead, allow your ideas to flow as freely as possible. Record all your thoughts, regardless of how silly or inappropriate they may seem. Write them down or record them on tape. Try to generate as many ideas as possible. The more ideas you think of, the more chance there is that a suitable topic may emerge from the pile. After you've generated a sizable list – it should take no longer than five minutes – read over the list or replay the tape. Do any of the topics suggest other topics? If so, write these down as well. Can you combine or extend your ideas? Which ideas seem workable?

Limiting Topics

As we've seen, to be suitable for a public speech – or for any type of communication – a topic must be limited in scope; it must be narrowed down to fit the time constraints. Narrowing your topic also will help you focus your collection of research materials. If your topic is too broad, you'll be forced to review a lot more research material than you're going to need.

Your Purpose

The purpose of your speech is the goal you hope to achieve by making your speech. It identifies the effect that you want your speech to have on your audence. In constructing your speech, identify first your general and second your specific purpose.

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