Cadet Competition Written Practice Exam

The crucial component that every speech should have, specifying the intended outcome for the audience, is the purpose. The purpose defines what the speaker aims to achieve with the speech, such as informing, persuading, or entertaining the audience. Having a clear purpose allows the speaker to structure their content effectively and guide the audience toward the desired takeaway or action. Without a well-defined purpose, the speech may lack direction and fail to engage the audience meaningfully. The other components mentioned, like a hook, while important for capturing attention, do not inherently address the intended outcome. Transitions serve to connect different parts of the speech and maintain flow, but they are not focused on the desired result. The message encompasses the main points, but it is grounded in and shaped by the speech's purpose. Thus, while all these elements play vital roles in crafting a speech, the purpose is fundamental to guiding both the speaker's preparation and the audience's understanding.