A single sentence that summarizes the major ideas of a speech is referred to as which of the following?

The term that succinctly summarizes the major ideas of a speech is known as the central idea. This concept encompasses the core message or main takeaway that the audience should grasp from the presentation. A well-defined central idea helps ensure that the speech remains focused and that the audience can easily follow along with the key points being made.

In contrast, the residual message refers to what the audience remembers after the speech has concluded, which may differ from the central idea if the speech is not effectively communicated. The specific purpose outlines the desired outcome from the speech, detailing what the speaker aims to achieve, such as to inform, persuade, or entertain. The general purpose is a broader categorization describing the overall intent of the speech but does not encapsulate the specific message that the audience should take away from it. Consequently, the central idea stands out as the correct choice due to its role in encapsulating the essence of the speech’s content.