COM-212 2-2 2-1 Journal: What’s the Point?

Have you ever listened to a speech or watched a movie and wondered what the main point was? The purpose probably was not clearly defined. In this exercise, you will practice determining the purpose of a speech and observing its organization.

Choose a video from the following websites to watch, or search for a famous speech yourself:

• Great Speeches Volume 1
• Great Speeches Volume 2

Once you have selected the speech you would like to watch, answer the following questions in your journal:

• What is the speaker’s main purpose?
• How does the speaker communicate the main point?
• Did the speaker accomplish the purpose in the allotted time?
• Then reflect on how this activity is relevant to your life. Why is it important to know the main point of a speech or conversation? Use an example from your own life to support your claim.