1. Finding and Developing a Topic for an Original Oratory

2. Introduction
• Who am I?
• What are we talking
about today?
• Remember to ask
questions as we go
along if you have them

3. What is an Oratory topic?
• Topics for original oratories most often
identify societal problems
• Topics are conceptual not specific problems
• Topics must be something you have a
personal connection/commitment to
• Topics must have the qualities of a good
topic

4. What is an Oratory topic?
• Topics for original oratories most often
identify societal problems
• Topics are conceptual not specific problems
• Topics must be something you have a
personal connection/commitment to
• Topics must have the qualities of a good
topic

5. Examples of Past Topics
• Ugly Duckling Syndrome
• Friendship is a shell of what it used
to be
• We’ve lost imagination
• We don’t know how to forgive
• We’ve stopped playing
• We need to learn to be better
leaders by being better followers
• We are not grateful

6. What is an Oratory topic?
• Topics for original oratories most often
identify societal problems
• Topics are conceptual not specific problems
• Topics must be something you have a
personal connection/commitment to
• Topics must have the qualities of a good
topic

7. Specific VS Conceptual Problems

8. What is an Oratory topic?
• Topics for original oratories most often
identify societal problems
• Topics are conceptual not specific problems
• Topics must be something you have a
personal connection/commitment to
• Topics must have the qualities of a good
topic

9. Finding a Personal Connection
Start with an example, fact, or idea
that you feel passionate about
• Look to your own life and to real
world examples
• Look to recent studies, books, or
articles

10. 10 Things
• Compile a list of 10 things you would change
about the world
• Each item must be accompanied by an
example, fact, or story
• Identify top 5 items that you have strongest
connection to
• Cross off any ideas that are cliché or trite, or
overly complicated

11. 10 Things
• Identify top 5 items that you have strongest
connection to
• Cross off any ideas that are cliché or trite, or
overly complicated
• Consider your audience and cross off any topics
that might be too controversial, too difficult, or
inappropriate for the situation
• You should have 1 or 2 good ideas left

12. What is an Oratory topic?
• Topics for original oratories most often
identify societal problems
• Topics are conceptual not specific problems
• Topics must be something you have a
personal connection/commitment to
• Topics must have the qualities of a good
topic

13. Qualities of a Good Topic
• Validity
• Relevance
• Depth
• Digestibility

14. Choosing a Topic
• Once you have 1-2 good topic ideas you should begin
developing them
• Write a purpose statement
• Finish the sentence “I want to persuade people
to…”
• Brainstorm problems, causes, effects, and solutions
• Choose the topic that meets the quality standards and
that you are most connected to

15. Naming Your Topic
• Naming is the process of finding
the correct way to frame or “name”
your topic so that it is the most
clear, interesting, and significant
• Spin
• Flip it!
• Wrap it!
• Put it in context!

16. Writing a Thesis
• Your thesis statement is what will
drive your entire speech
• It must be clear and have depth
• It must identify the problem you are
addressing and what that problem
does.
EXAMPLE: “We have become our own biggest critics
– ruthless down to the nitty gritty details, which is often
incredibly paralyzing.”

17. Next Steps
• Research
• Chose organizational pattern
• Write outline
• Write draft
• Edit
• Memorize
• Practice
• Perform