There are multiple ways of presenting and discussing any topic.
It is important to look at a variety of ways of looking at your topic particularly when your topic is broad because you cannot cover every aspect of your topic in a single speech.
When you think about diverse approaches to the topic and the needs of a particular audience you will be more likely to find a perspective that will allow you to engage the audience and leave them thinking about your message.
The following tables demonstrate how different speeches can be developed from a single topic and for different audiences.
The approach that you take to your topic will be determined by the knowledge, attitudes and behavior of your audience regarding your topic.
The approach to your topic will also be influenced by your own attitudes towards the topic and the situation in which you will be speaking.
Below you will find examples of how three different topics have been adapted to a variety of audiences and purposes. Note the difference between a correctly worded purpose statement and thesis statement!
*Note that the topic for the speech to members of the family listed above sounds very general but if there are members of their family who have the symptoms of sleep apea the speaker is taking the opportunity to inform them of the risks of going undiagnosed or of not using the therapy device when they are sleeping along with informing the rest of the family of their seriousness of the condition. The speaker does not need to single out a family member but can speak in general terms to achieve the goal of informing their family. If the speaker wanted to persuade their family to take action such as having a sleep study for those members of the family who snore loudly when they sleep then they would need to be more specific in the actions they are persuading the family to take.
Note how this topic can be adapted for different audiences by focusing on what issues that particular audience needs to address.
*This informative speech could be developed as a problem/solution, categorical, or even a demonstration speech. Demonstration speeches are usually informative but could be persuasive as well.
The thesis statement of a demonstration speech that would be a speech to persuade could be: After I demonstrate how to prepare a few healthy snacks you will be able to do this at home!
It is persuasive because you are focusing on changing the behavior of the audience not just on showing them how something is done.
**In the case of a speech to family members the speaker is trying to persuade them to give up the snacks they currently eat for healthier snacks that will meet the health goals of the individual family members.
This approach to the topic can help build commitment in the family and a sense of community.
*Note how this topic is adapted specifically for a speech to members of the family to inspire rather than inform them which will help build positive feelings in the family.
It is important when you are speaking to your family and friends that you do not present information that they already know pretending that they do not know it.
For example, you would not need to introduce yourself to people who already know your name. That would be silly.
Also, look for ways to make the topic meaningful for your audience. For example, if their kids have already grown up then it would not make sense to tell you audience how to throw a kid's birthday party.