Brainstorming for Topics. With a small group of students or with the entire class sitting in a circle, brainstorm for suitable speech topics. Be sure to appoint someone to write down all the contributions or use a recorder.

After this brainstorming session, consider:

a. Did any members give negative criticism (even nonverbally)?

b. Did any members hesitate to contribute really wild ideas? Why?

c. Was it necessary to re-stimulate the group members at any point? Did this help?

d. Did some useful speech topics emerge in the brainstorming session?