-
Step 1
Go for what you know and enjoy. If you have the flexibility, consider a topic you both know and enjoy. Researching, writing and giving a speech on a topic you're familiar with and enjoy will be almost seamless. It will also be much easier to find out information as you have probably several places you go to for your enjoyment of the topic.
-
Step 2
Be certain about the research. Pick a topic you know you can find information out about. The last thing you want is a topic that is impossible to find information on and leaves you suffering for more the day before your speech is due.
-
Step 3
Know your audience and setting. You can narrow your topic based upon your audience as well. If you're speaking to children, you're not going to talk about adult-oriented matters. If you're talking to adults, you won't pick a topic only children would enjoy. If you talking to a certain type of occupation, that alone may persuade your speech. Know if your speech must be formal or informal as well.
-
Step 4
Know your time limit. Being aware of how long you have to speak is key in selecting a topic. If you have ten minutes, you'll want to stay away from topics that you would need an hour to cover. Vice versa, if you have an hour, you'll need to find a topic that you can speak on for an hour and ten minutes.
-
Step 5
Know what type of speech you need to give. If you have to give an information speech, you can narrow down your topics by subjects you are informed about. If you have to give a demonstrative speech, you can narrow down your topics by subjects you know how to demonstrate. There are several types of speeches, finding out which one will suit your speech will help you narrow what you're going to say.
