Speech Writing: An Interesting Specific Purpose Statement Guide

A specific purpose statement (SPS) explains what the speaker will discuss and why they are speaking to an audience. It answers the question, “what do you want your audience to learn?” 

Generally speaking, a purpose statement refers to the speech’s broad intention. This statement dictates what the speaker wants to deliver.

Every speech should have a goal. A purpose statement ensures such a quality by reminding the speaker about the main idea of the piece. 

Furthermore, a purpose statement clarifies the speech, helping the audience understand your message. It keeps the crowd informed about what you’re trying to tell them.

The Importance of Having a Compelling Specific Purpose Statement

Here are some reasons to have a compelling specific purpose statement.

1. Serves as a Speech Outline

The purpose statement of a speech helps you draft your piece excellently.

It establishes the theme of your speech. Also, it gives your audience an idea of what’s being covered by your delivery.

A purpose statement is used to introduce your speech’s primary topic and goals.

2. Keeps You on Track

Next, the purpose statement helps you stick with your main idea whenever you drift away from the primary topic. It keeps you on track with the thesis statement and supporting details.

A purpose statement is essential to keep you on track because some speakers get lost during their delivery. When you drift away from the subject of your speech, the audience might get confused.

You wouldn’t want to bore your crowd, especially when they’ve had enough of your side comments and decide not to listen anymore.

3. Summarizes Your Speech

Lastly, the purpose statement summarizes your speech. 

It is a compact presentation of your message, allowing your audience to understand you better.

In other words, it sums up the overall idea of your piece like a conclusion.

How to Write a Purpose Statement?

Step #1: Choose a Topic

First, you must choose a topic you wish to discuss with your audience.

Make sure to research the subject you will talk about if you’re not yet an expert on it.

If you’re already knowledgeable about it, you should prevent becoming too technical. That way, you enable yourself to attract more audiences aside from those who are also familiar with your topic.

Step #2: Write Your Thesis Statement

The next thing you should do is write your thesis statement.

Your thesis statement should contain the three or more sub-topics you wish to discuss. You present the key points explaining your topic, arguments, and opinions here.

The thesis statement directs the structure of your purpose statement.

Step #3: Finalize Your Purpose Statement

After choosing your topic and writing your thesis statement, you may now finalize your purpose statement.

Your purpose statement needn’t be lengthy. The shorter and concise it is, the better.

Remember, the purpose statement intends to inform your audience about your topic’s summary. It guides them throughout your speech and keeps your message conveyance more effective.

To Summarize

Great speeches have excellently written specific purpose statements. As a public speaker, you should take note of the information shared above.

A purpose statement allows you to deliver your speech to the audience effectively. It helps you write your piece and serves as an outline. Also, it keeps you on track with the topic, preventing you from drifting away from the main idea when speaking. 

Lastly, it summarizes your speech, making it easier for the crowd to understand your message. However, you should choose a topic and write the thesis statement when writing one. After that, you can finalize your purpose statement.