What is a specific purpose statement?

As a communication expert with a background in public speaking and rhetoric, I understand the critical role that a Specific Purpose Statement plays in crafting a successful speech. A Specific Purpose Statement is a clear and concise declaration of the precise outcome you intend to achieve with your speech. It serves as the foundation upon which the entire speech is built, guiding your content development, organization, and delivery.

**The Importance of a Specific Purpose Statement**

The primary purpose of any speech is to inform, motivate/persuade, or entertain the audience. However, to achieve this, you need to narrow down your focus with a specific purpose. This statement is not a vague goal but a definitive one that states what you will accomplish. It answers the question, "What do I want my audience to know, feel, or do by the end of my speech?"

Developing a Specific Purpose Statement

Here's how you can develop a Specific Purpose Statement for your speech:


1. Identify Your Central Idea: Start with the general purpose of your speech. What is the broad topic you are addressing? This will be your central idea.


2. Define the Audience: Consider who your audience is. What are their interests, needs, and expectations? This will help you tailor your specific purpose to resonate with them.


3. Determine the Action: Decide what you want your audience to do as a result of your speech. This could be to learn something new, change their perspective, or take a specific action.


4. Be Specific: Avoid generalities. Your statement should be precise and focused. It should clearly state what you will do in your speech, not what you might do.


5. Use Action Verbs: Your statement should include an action verb that indicates what you want the audience to do. This verb should be specific and measurable.


6. Keep It Simple: Your statement should be straightforward and easy to understand. Avoid jargon or complex language that might confuse your audience.

7.
Test Your Statement: Once you've drafted your statement, test it. Does it clearly state what you want to achieve? Can you explain it to someone else without using additional words?

Example of a Specific Purpose Statement

Let's say you're giving a speech on the importance of environmental conservation. Your general purpose might be to inform, but your Specific Purpose Statement could be:

"To persuade my audience to reduce their carbon footprint by adopting three specific sustainable practices within the next six months."

This statement is specific, it uses an action verb ("persuade"), and it outlines a clear, measurable outcome (adopting three specific sustainable practices).

Benefits of a Specific Purpose Statement


1. Clarity: It provides a clear direction for your speech, helping you stay focused and on-topic.


2. Organization: It helps you structure your speech logically, ensuring that each part contributes to achieving your specific purpose.


3. Audience Engagement: By knowing what you want your audience to do, you can engage them more effectively and make your speech more relevant to their needs.


4. Evaluation: It serves as a benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of your speech. Did you achieve your specific purpose? Did your audience respond as you hoped they would?


5. Preparation: It guides your preparation, from research to the creation of your speech outline.

In conclusion, a Specific Purpose Statement is a crucial tool in speech crafting. It provides clarity, focus, and direction, ensuring that your speech is effective and achieves its intended outcome. By following the steps outlined above, you can develop a Specific Purpose Statement that will serve as a strong foundation for your speech.

The general purpose of any speech will be either to Inform; Motivate/Persuade; or Entertain your audience. As soon as you know the general purpose of your speech you can develop your Specific Purpose Statement (What the speaker will accomplish). Your Specific Purpose Statement is used to develop your speech.Sep 16, 2002