Project: Developing a Thesis Statement

Once you determine the specific topic of the speech, you will need to narrow the focus further by defining what the audience is expected to know, do, believe, or feel based on information provided in the speech.

For example, if you chose to give a speech on Web site security features, your specific purpose might be: "I want to inform my audience about Web site security features." This statement is adequate, but not very effective. It states what you will do as the speaker, but not how the audience should respond. A more effective statement of purpose might be, "I want my audience to identify four types of Web site security features."

The next step, developing a thesis statement, is the focus of this project.

Objectives

Identify characteristics of thesis statements. Write a thesis statement for a speech.

What Is a Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement is a concise summary of a speech. It focuses on the central idea that a speaker wishes to communicate to his or her audience.

Focused Statement. Similar to a statement of purpose, a thesis statement should be narrowly focused. It should be written in specific language. Consider broad and narrow examples of thesis statements given below.

Example: Thesis Statements

Broad Narrow

Yosemite National Park is beautiful.The massive granite forms and the grove ofsequoia trees make Yosemite National Park oneof the most spectacular places in North America.

A dog is a person's best friend. Dogs are loyal and faithful to their owners.

Terrorism should be stopped.The formation of a special government agencyto track down terrorists will help prevent futureattacks.

Declarative statement. Thesis statements are declarative. A declarative statement states a fact, a possibility, or a condition. Declarative statements do not express a request ("Please believe that pollution is bad"), nor do they ask a question ("Why is pollution bad?").The statement states with confidence the focus of the speech.

Instructions

If you have already selected a topic and purpose for your speech, you should be ready to define a thesis statement. Use the guidelines above to complete the activities below.

List the possible topics areas that your speech addresses. Which appears to be the most important topic?

Efficient use of the voice

Actors vocal training

Everyday exercise for vocal care

Tension murders sound

Write out the central idea of your speech.

Physical tension in the body can obstruct the efficient use of the voice. Voice tutors, and practitioners can use exercises with their students and clients to ease these tensions and so lead to healthier more efficient vocal use.

Focusing on your central idea, write out your thesis statement. Be sure that your statement is declarative.

Simple exercises that will release tension to promote effect us of the voice for voice professionals.