Once a speech topic has been chosen, what needs to be determined next?

Once a speech topic has been chosen, determining the general purpose is crucial because it establishes the overall aim of the speech. The general purpose outlines whether the speaker intends to inform, persuade, entertain, or motivate the audience. This foundational step guides the direction of the speech and helps to shape its content and style.

By clarifying the general purpose, the speaker can tailor their message to achieve the desired effect on the audience. Knowing whether the goal is to educate, influence, or entertain informs the choice of language, tone, and supporting materials, making this step essential in effective speech preparation.

Other aspects, like audience relevance, specific purpose, and central idea, while all significant, come after the general purpose has been established. They require a clearer understanding of what the speech aims to achieve before delving deeper into specifics.