Speech Help -- Writing a Thesis

Don't forget your assignment this week!  We will go over your thesis statements and 3-4 main points for your platform speeches in club.  Even if you don't plan to compete with a Platform this year, I would like everyone to work through this exercise. 

Here is the info on writing a Thesis Statement that I promised...

Writing a Thesis Statement

Whether you are writing a debate case, a platform speech, or an essay for English, knowing how to write a thesis statement is essential to communicating your ideas effectively.  It will be the cornerstone of all your arguments and critical starting point for your speech.

As you begin to read and gather initial ideas and information about your topic, you will need to begin to craft your thesis statement to provide direction for your speech. We'll call your initial thesis a working thesis statement.  You will want to refine and revise this statement all during the writing process to make sure it is the best possible thesis for your speech.

I've compiled some info from two very good sources on writing for you to digest, Writers Inc, by Sebranek/Kemper/Meyer, and Simon and Schuster's Handbook for Writers.

What is a thesis statement?  A thesis statement is the central message of an essay or speech.  It's the main idea you want to communicate.  As a writer/speaker, you want to write a thesis statement with great care so that it prepares your readers what follows in your speech.  A well-crafted thesis statement can make the difference between an outstanding speech and a mediocre one.

Know your goal.  It’s important to understand exactly what it is you are trying to achieve with your speech.  This way you can tailor your content to fit your goals.  Your thesis will be that statement that directly addresses the goal of your speech.

Basic Requirements for a thesis statement:

• It identifies a limited, specific topic.
• It conveys the speech's purpose-- either informative or persuasive.
• It focuses on a particular feature, feeling, or stand about the topic--the assertion that presents your point of view.
• It is stated in a clear sentence (or sentences) using specific language, not vague words.
• It may briefly state the major subdivisions of the speech's topic.
• It can be supported with convincing facts, details, and examples.

Formula for Thesis Statements:                       

A specific topic + a particular feature, feeling, or stand = an effective thesis statement.

SAMPLE THESIS STATEMENTS

Topic:                         High School Internships

Thesis Statement:    Internship programs give students real-world experiences.

Topic:                         General George McClellan

Thesis Statement:    General George McClellan’s overcautious tactics prolonged the war.

Topic:                         Use of barbed hooks for fishing

Thesis Statement:    Barbed hooks should be banned from fishing.

Topic:                         discomforts of city living

Thesis Statement:    Rising crime rates, increasingly overcrowded conditions and rising taxes make living comfortably in a large modern city difficult.

Topic:                         deceptive advertising

Thesis Statement:    Deceptive advertising costs consumers not only their money but also their health.

Check out  www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis for more information on writing a thesis statement for your speech.