SMOKING: INFORMATIVE SPEECH | Purposive Communication

Summary

In this engaging speech, Sha Luell, a second-year Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship student, discusses the pervasive culture of smoking among young people, who often see it as a symbol of coolness and sophistication. Despite knowing the health risks, many adolescents start smoking due to peer pressure and misconceptions about freedom and style. The speech emphasizes the dangers of smoking, including cancer and secondhand smoke exposure, and highlights the role of governments and families in combating this habit. With an inspiring quote from Barack Obama, Luell encourages smokers to seek change and emphasizes that quitting requires determination.

Takeaways

• 😀 Smoking is often seen by young men as a symbol of coolness, sophistication, and personal style, despite the known health risks.
• 😀 Many young people start smoking due to the misconception that it makes them appear free-thinking, liberated, and outgoing.
• 😀 Adolescents frequently try smoking because they enjoy the company of their peers, often sampling a puff or two from a friend's cigarette.
• 😀 Smoking typically starts later in life but becomes ingrained in one's habits, often leading to long-term addiction.
• 😀 Chain smokers are individuals who have engaged in smoking regularly over a long period, increasing their risk of serious health issues.
• 😀 Cigarettes contain harmful substances like arsenic, carbon monoxide, and nicotine, all of which contribute to health problems, including cancer.
• 😀 Despite health warnings on cigarette packs, smoking continues to be a major global issue, with companies profiting from its production.
• 😀 The government raises cigarette prices to reduce consumption, but many smokers continue the unhealthy practice, showing a lack of control.
• 😀 Secondhand smoke, or passive smoking, also poses significant health risks to those exposed to it, even if they don't smoke themselves.
• 😀 Quitting smoking requires strong willpower, but it is possible with determination, as change starts from within, as quoted by Barack Obama: 'We are the ones we've been waiting for.'

Q & A

What is the main topic of Sha Luell's speech?

The main topic of Sha Luell's speech is smoking, particularly focusing on its appeal to young people and the health risks associated with the habit.

How do young men perceive smoking according to the speaker?

Young men often view smoking as a symbol of coolness, sophistication, and personal style, despite being aware of the health risks.

What reasons do adolescents typically have for starting to smoke?

Adolescents often start smoking to fit in with their peers or to appear free-thinking and liberated, enjoying the social aspects of smoking.

What are 'chain smokers' as described in the speech?

Chain smokers are individuals who engage in smoking regularly over an extended period, leading to a significant addiction to the habit.

What health risks are associated with smoking?

Smoking is identified as a cancer-causing behavior that significantly increases the risk of developing various health issues, including cancer.

What harmful substances are found in cigarettes?

Cigarettes contain several toxic substances, including arsenic, carbon monoxide, methane, acetic acid, and nicotine, all of which are detrimental to health.

How do cigarette manufacturers respond to health concerns?

Cigarette manufacturers print health warnings on cigarette packs, yet many individuals continue to disregard these warnings.

What role does the government play in tobacco control?

The government plays a crucial role in tobacco control by increasing cigarette prices to reduce usage and by prohibiting advertisements that promote smoking.

What is the significance of secondhand smoke mentioned in the speech?

Secondhand smoke poses risks to those around smokers, often referred to as passive smokers, who are affected by the smoke inhaled from others.

What advice does the speaker give to smokers who wish to quit?

The speaker emphasizes that quitting smoking requires strong willpower, but it is achievable if one is determined and puts their mind to it.