Every speech should have a specific _______, an exact statement of what you want your audience to understand, do, or believe.

A specific purpose in a speech acts as a foundational element that drives the entire presentation. This purpose should clearly articulate what you want the audience to understand, do, or believe by the end of your speech. Having a well-defined purpose ensures that every part of your speech is aligned with this primary objective, making your points more impactful and easier for the audience to grasp.

By focusing on a specific purpose, you help maintain clarity and direction throughout your speech. It serves as a guide for both the speaker and the audience, making it much easier for listeners to follow the message and understand its significance. When the purpose is clear, it can motivate the audience to take the desired action or change their belief, thereby achieving the speaker's intended outcome.

While a main idea, outline, and goal share similarities with the concept of purpose, they do not encompass the same level of specificity or intent. The main idea summarizes the central theme, an outline organizes the content, and a goal may set a more general aim rather than focusing on the specific outcome desired from the audience.