Developing Your Thesis

Your thesis is your central idea for the talk. Generally this is a one-sentence assertive statement. Communication experts Beebe and Beebe recommend that your thesis meet these criteria:

1. Central ideas use specific language;
2. Central ideas must express only a single idea; and
3. Central ideas should be audience-centered.

Generally, identifying your central idea comes after you have explored and researched your topic. As communication expert Grice and Skinner assert, "A thesis statement is one sentence that summarizes the main points you are trying to communicate or prove." This is your argument, from which your main points will stem. While developing your talk, refer back to your thesis statement often and ask yourself, "Does this prove my thesis to be true?"

Here is an example: Thesis: The New York Yankees will likely win the next World Series Championship. Can you imagine what three main points that might support this thesis? Main point #1: The Yankees have excellent pitching. Main point #2: The Yankees have excellent fielding. Main point #3: The Yankees have excellent hitting. Your audience will question whether your main points "prove" your thesis to be true. Furthermore, they will question whether your argument is accurate, comprehensive, and clear. Can you think of other points that might be needed to further support this thesis?

For more tips on developing a thesis statement, go to communication expert Nan Peck's site at http://www.nvcc.edu/home/npeck/spd100/blueprintfiles/thesis.htm. Or check out this interactive public speaking site by starting with the homepage at http://www.nvcc.edu/home/npeck/spd100/default.htm, then clicking on “Thesis” to learn how to “focus your topic by developing your thesis statement.”