Unit 2: Choosing a Topic

1. 1. What is the 'obscure-but-relevant' test used for?

   Evaluating whether a topic is both novel and meaningful to the audienceTiming a speechDesigning a visual aidChoosing a speaking order

2. 2. True or False?

   "A topic that is extremely familiar to most audiences is usually a strong Info choice."

   TrueFalse

3. 3. What should you write early to test a topic's relevance?

   The conclusionThe visual aid sketchA one-sentence 'this matters to you because...' statementA full outline

4. 4. What does 'angling' a topic accomplish?

   It shortens the speechIt adds a rebuttalIt removes the need for a visual aidIt gives a broad subject a sharper, more personal frame

5. 5. True or False?

   "A topic scoring poorly on two or more narrowing criteria should usually still be pursued if the speaker likes it."

   TrueFalse

6. 6. Why are overdone topics risky?

   They are banned by ruleThey cannot be memorizedThey require electronic aidsJudges have likely seen similar versions, raising the bar for freshness

7. 7. How can a persuasive-sounding topic be reframed as informative?

   Shorten it to five minutesRemove the thesisFocus on mechanism and explanation rather than urging behaviorAdd a call to action at the end

Apply the topic-selection tools from this unit.