The thesis statement summarizes your entire speech. If you are unable to present the main idea of your speech in those few sentences, people won’t be much interested in what you have to say. The thesis statement gives the listeners an insight into your topic and main ideas while simultaneously indicating that you have a lot more to say. So, how to write a thesis for a speech?
A thesis statement starts with a specific purpose statement. It is used to identify the audience to which the speech is targeted. The thesis statement also incorporates the main idea of the speech to alert listeners to what the speech is all about.
The thesis statement is your chance to draw the listeners in and keep them wanting more. It’s not easy to capture the attention of the audience. Hence, you have to ensure that your thesis statement does the trick? How?
Let’s find out!
How to write a thesis for a speech? Quick guidelines
Let’s make one thing clear. The thesis statement can help you in more ways than one. For one thing, you can use the statement in your introduction and conclusion of your speech to remind listeners of the main idea of what you want to say. The audience will be able to gauge the direction of your speech beforehand with your thesis statement.
But this is not all. By working on your thesis statement beforehand, you can also prepare a more effective speech. It will help narrow the topic and ensure that your focus does not deviate from the main point. The thesis statement proves invaluable when you are trying to develop a speech outline.
Therefore, it will work in your favor if you work on your thesis statement before creating the speech outline. You can narrow your topic and decide which points you want to focus on in your speech. And now, let’s talk about how to create a thesis statement for your speech.
Select The Purpose Statement
What’s the purpose of your speech? What’s the main point that you want to convey via your words. This is where it all begins. Perhaps you want to persuade your audience about using a particular technique. So, this is how you will start with your thesis statement.
If your speech is a persuasive one, identify the audience in the statement. For instance, if you want to convince a particular group of people to invest in mutual funds, you can begin like this.
“Young adults should start investing in mutual funds to plan their future.“
Move Onto The Main Idea
Once the primary purpose of your speech is clear, you have to figure out how you will convince the listeners to follow what you have to say. An insight into your main ideas should be given to the readers via your thesis statement. Here’s an example.
Young adults should start investing in mutual funds to plan their future, fulfill their dreams and enjoy an early retirement while also preparing for emergencies.
This statement makes it clear that the speech is about the importance and benefits of investments for young adults. It identifies the target audience and also sheds light on how your proposed technique can be beneficial to them.
Remember, an effective thesis statement leaves no confusion about your position. It should be clear to the listeners from the beginning which side you are on. It should include an outline of your ideas and help you stay focused on the topic.
The Features To Include In The Thesis Statement
You are now well aware of how to write a thesis statement and what should be included in it. But your work isn’t done. It’s easy to get carried away while writing a thesis statement. However, there are five things that you should always keep in mind.
Focus
The statement should be clear and to the point. It should give the listeners a quick peek into your main points without rambling. Make it as concise as possible. Here’s a tip. Once you have written the thesis statement for the first time, reread it and figure out if you can narrow it any further.
Position
Your thesis statement will never come across powerful and substantial if it doesn’t make your position clear. Your job is to put up a strong case in favor of your viewpoint via your speech. Remember, you will have to defend your thesis statement in your speech, so write it accordingly.
Back Your Claims
The thesis statement isn’t the place to rely solely on your personal opinion. You have to support your ideas and beliefs with enough evidence and research. If you are unable to back up your claims, your speech will lose its credibility. The audience won’t take it seriously, and you won’t be able to convince them of your position.
Length
There are no rules regarding how long the thesis statement should be. However, as we have already explained, keeping it concise will make it more powerful and effective. Indeed, a thesis statement can sometimes be completed in merely a sentence. All you have to do is establish your position and provide relevant information that supports your claims. The details will form the crux of your speech.
Where To Put It?
Where the thesis statement should be placed? Well, right there in the introduction! After all, you want to arouse curiosity about what you have to say, right? So, the best way is to end your introduction with your thesis statement. Of course, you have to go back to it in conclusion but not in the exact words. Rewrite your thesis statement to reemphasize your point in the conclusion.
Here’s another tip. If you feel you can add more to your thesis statement after you are done with your speech, don’t hesitate to go back to it. It’s possible that you find new material to include in your thesis statement as you proceed.
There’s no harm in reviewing the statement if required. Remember, the thesis statement is meant to serve as guidance for your listeners. Revise it according to the change in the direction of your speech.
