How to Select a Topic for Your Speech
In some instances you may not have a choice as to what your speech is
about. You will be given the topic and the length of presentation and a
certain amount of time to prepare it, such as a speech for a class
presentation. However, in most other speaking engagements you may be
given a basic theme for the speech, but the actual topic is for you to
decide. For example if you are presenting at a conference on hearing
loss you may decide to give a speech on new developments in hearing
aids, which could be your area of specialty. Being able to give a speech
on a topic you know well and are comfortable with is the most preferable
scenario. Here are some tips for selecting the topic of your speech:
1. Firstly select a topic that fits the parameters of the speech. How
long is your speech to be? What will the audience expect? What are your
objectives for the speech? There is no point giving a talk on doll
making at a sports function and if you only have to give a five-minute
speech and you want to discuss the theory of relativity then perhaps you
will need to re-think your topic.
2. Talk about what you know. If possible present a speech on a topic you
are well versed in and are comfortable speaking about. These are the
best speeches to give in many aspects. You will feel relaxed speaking
about a topic you are knowledgeable in and your preparation will be
easier than if you had to research a subject you know nothing about.
3. So you are going to write your speech on something you know – is it
also something you are passionate about? Or something you are very
interested in? It is much easier to write a speech on a topic that is
interesting to you than one you may know a lot about but isn't of any
interest to you.
4. And how about your audience – what topics will interest them? As in
Tip 1, if you want to talk about your excellent rose garden but you have
been asked to speak as Best Man at a wedding reception, you may need to
readdress your topic. Is there some way you can interpret your passion
for roses into a theme that will get their attention? Perhaps your roses
were an inspiration for the groom to ask out the bride.
Learn to think laterally when choosing a topic that will be of interest
to you and your audience.