Which of the following is the method of selecting a speech topic that involves beginning with a broad subject and then drawing connections between associated topics using circles and lines?

The method of selecting a speech topic that involves starting with a broad subject and making connections between related topics through visuals like circles and lines is known as clustering. This technique is particularly effective for visual thinkers as it allows them to see the relationships between various ideas in a structured yet flexible manner.

In clustering, the central idea is placed in the middle, and as you brainstorm related subtopics, they are represented as branches or circles around that central theme. This visual representation helps in organizing thoughts and identifying the most interesting or relevant angles to develop into a full speech. By creating a sort of mind map, speakers can explore the depth and breadth of a topic, enabling them to discover connections and refine their focus based on the relationships observed in the clustering exercise.

This method stands out from others such as listing, which typically involves writing down ideas in a linear fashion, or outlining, which organizes ideas hierarchically without the visual connection aspect. Brainstorming, while also a creative idea generation method, usually doesn't involve drawing connections in the same visual manner as clustering does.