1. Consider the Context:
* Occasion: What is the event? A wedding, a graduation ceremony, a conference? The occasion often dictates the general purpose.
* Audience: Who is the speaker addressing? Their age, background, and interests can shape the purpose.
* Setting: Where is the speech being delivered? A formal setting might suggest a more serious purpose than a casual setting.
2. Analyze the Speech's Content:
* Theme: What is the overarching idea or topic of the speech? Identifying the central theme helps determine the speaker's aim.
* Tone: Is the speech serious, humorous, persuasive, or informative? The tone reveals the speaker's intention.
* Key Arguments: What are the main points the speaker is making? These points provide clues about the purpose.
* Evidence: What kind of evidence does the speaker use to support their arguments? Is it emotional appeals, facts, or stories?
3. Look for Clues:
* The Speech's Title: The title often hints at the general purpose.
* The Speaker's Introduction: The opening usually establishes the main objective.
* The Speaker's Conclusion: The closing often summarizes the purpose and leaves a lasting impression.
* The Speaker's Body Language: Nonverbal cues like facial expressions and gestures can offer insights.
General Purpose Categories:
Once you've considered these factors, you can classify the general purpose into one of three categories:
* To Inform: The speaker aims to educate the audience on a topic, provide information, or explain a concept.
* To Persuade: The speaker aims to convince the audience to agree with a viewpoint, adopt a behavior, or take action.
* To Entertain: The speaker aims to engage the audience, amuse them, or provide enjoyment.
Remember:
* A speech can have more than one purpose. For example, a speech could aim to both inform and persuade.
* Understanding the general purpose helps you better appreciate the speaker's message and analyze its effectiveness.