talking point

(noun)

A specific topic raised in a conversation or argument which is intended as a basis for further discussion, especially one which represents a point of view.

Related Terms

Examples of talking point in the following topics:

  • Make Connections

    • You will group similar ideas together and connect them to form the main points of your speech.
    • You use signpost transitions to help the audience organize ideas when you number the main points, such as first, second, etc.
    • You may provide a short introductory preview of what you are going to be talking about in order to prepare the audience for what will come next.
    • Additionally, you may want to summarize what you have just said to connect one main point to the next before you start talking about your next point.

  • Types of Transitions

    • While the preview in the introduction discloses to the audience the general points to be made in the speech, the internal preview outlines the critical points to be made within the body of the speech.
    • Internal previews cue the audience to listen for the key elements within major points.
    • Examples of internal summaries include statements like "I have reviewed…,""Now that I have talked about a couple of the key points," or "to summarize briefly what was just discussed…. " Each of these statements would be followed by more specific but still brief summaries.
    • Signposts are often the numerical indications of the main body points.
    • To begin with, we must talk about how The Office came to be.

  • Design Tips

    • Love it or hate it, PowerPoint, or PowerPoint type slides, are the most common form of visual aid seen during a presentation.
    • The following design tips can help users develop effective PowerPoint presentations, while keeping in mind PowerPoint etiquette .
    • Instead, create bullet points and headings no longer than three to five words that give the main points.
    • Make an outline of what you will be talking about so listeners can know what to expect from the presentation.
    • Use at least an 18-point font for main points and a smaller sized font for sub-points.

  • Definitions

    • One way to make sure that your answer is focused is to tell your audience what you are talking about.
    • It might be that your audience understands power in a Marxist way, and you want to approach the presentation from a feminist point of view.
    • Your audience may not agree with you, but that is not necessary to get your point across.
    • A definition makes sure you and your audience are talking about the same things.
    • Providing the definition of the key terms also works as a signal to your audience that you know what you're talking about.

  • The Role of Transitions

    • Keep main points separate (transitions separate ideas) and balance the time spent on each point.
    • You are driving, trying to get from point A to pont B.
    • How did you get to this point anyway?
    • There is also the chance that members of your audience will drift off and when they tune back in will wonder how you moved from talking about X talking about Y.
    • The words you use can lead them along, signal that you are moving from one point to another, or signal that you are stressing a point.

  • How to Incorporate Expert Testimony

    • The body of your speech should help you elaborate and develop your main objectives clearly by using main points, subpoints, and support for your sub points.
    • To ensure that your speech clearly communicates with your audience, try to limit both your main points and subpoints to three or four points each;this applies to your supporting points, as well.
    • When a claim or point is made during a speech, the audience initially may be reluctant to concede or agree to the validity of the point.
    • Search for and watch a TED talk by Barry Schwartz, Professor of Social Theory and Social Action at Swarthmore College.
    • A TED talk given by Barry Schwartz demonstrates how to incorporate the testimony of experts to support and clarify claims made during a speech.

  • Using Transitions

    • You may be talking about the present and then want to take your audience back to the past.
    • You may be talking about the present and then want to take your audience back to the past.
    • You may have been talking about something positive and now need to talk about something negative.
    • Both movements signal that you now moving into a negative aspect of your talk.
    • Expressing a negative point while shaking the head from side to side, or a positive point while nodding are standard devices for amplification.

  • Successful Rehearsing Habits: Mimic Timing and Context

    • Power Point or other timed events.
    • When working with Power Point you can control when each slide is projected for the audience by pre-programming to advance each slide while you speak.
    • Do not talk at your audience; pretend you are talking with your audience
    • Rehearse with your graphics and coordinate them to your talk and display them only when you are talking about them.
    • During final rehearsal make brief notes for yourself so you know how long each point in the speech takes and then mark your outline accordingly, so you know if you are spending too much time on a point during delivery.

  • Introducing the Topic, Thesis, and Main Points

    • Provide an overview of your topic, thesis, and main points early on to show your listeners why they should be interested in your speech.
    • Before your introduction is finished, give the audience an overview of your main points.
    • It may help to refer to your outline, which should provide a concise list of your main points, in order.
    • Scientists are flooding academic journals, fashion magazines, and talk shows with arguments about all things D, ranging from sunscreen to supplements.
    • Identify your topic, thesis, and main points early in your speech

  • Choosing Clear Words and Phrasing

    • When you think of your speech in delimiting the question and defining key terms, you have a great starting point for how to begin selecting the clearest words and phrasing.
    • I'm just supposed to talk about a business plan I've made for a fake company for an assignment in my entrepreneurship class. "
    • The importance of identifying the broader question to which your speech will speak not only helps your audience understand your point, but it pinpoints exactly how you need to tailor your speech to your audience.
    • This will usually point you in the direction of the broader question.
    • Even though you may have outlined your plan of attack by delimiting the question, it also helps to explain exactly what you're talking about to your audience.