Chapter 2: Beginning the Speech Making Process

Now that we have a handle on public speaking from a theory perspective, we are going to examine speech development. In order to deliver a speech, you must work through the process of speechmaking. We cannot deliver an extemporaneous speech without this ground-work essential to effective speech delivery. In this chapter, you will learn effective brainstorming skills to narrow down your topic, create a general and specific purpose for your speech topic, construct a thesis statement, preview the main points of your speech, consider the support for your main points, construct an introduction and conclusion, and organize your speech material into an outline.

This section is essential for the success of your delivery. Oftentimes, students breeze through this process believing that this is time-wasted. However, as you read through this chapter, you will see each step is an essential part of the overall speech making process. Take your time with each section, take notes, and think creatively. You will not be disappointed if you spend copious amounts of time thinking through each of these sections.