It was important to choose a topic and purpose that was both interesting and significant.
| Note | Symbol Key: | Interpretation |
| ! = |
SUPERIOR |
Very good choice of topic and specific purpose. It was clear you were striving for a "significant contribution to the lives and beliefs of your audience." |
| + = |
EFFECTIVE |
Your topic was interesting and audience-centered. You pointed out that your topic is relevant to us, the audience. |
| + = |
PROBLEMATIC |
Your topic and purpose were well selected, the audience found it interesting; but next time, strive for a topic that is more of a "significant contribution to the knowledge and belief of your audience." You should go further in directly relating your topic to the lives of your audience. How does it affect them? Why is it important to them? |
| – = |
DETRIMENTAL |
Your topic and specific purpose were not well selected. Look for the following abbreviations: |
| TRIVIAL |
TRIVIAL TOPIC |
Your topic and specific purpose were too trivial for an academic setting. |
| EDIT |
REFINE SPECIFIC PURPOSE |
Your speech was significantly overtime. While it is worse to be under time, being overtime indicates you tried to do too much. Re-examine your specific purpose. Is it too broad? Narrow the scope of what you hope to achieve in the speech and edit as necessary. Any item that does not serve your refined purpose can be removed. |