Organizing the Speech

Choosing the Main Points

Can be self-evident based on topic Why audience should become blood,

organ, or marrow donors Can be contextual

To inform the audience of the dangers of transporting animals via air

Point 1: Why animals are not always successfully transported

Point 2: Lack of laws governing the safe transportation of animals

Point 3: What can be done to change the law

Audience attention span: 4-5 points Class: 3 points due to time

constraints

Strategies for Organizing Body

Spatial/functional Chronological Causal Problem-solution Topical

Spatial/Functional Arrangement

Group points according to a proximity

Stages of construction

Foundation and Framing

Wiring, Plumbing, Ductwork

Finishing

Parts of a cathedral and their functions

Narthex

Nave

Transcept

Apse

Chronological Arrangement

All points follow a specific order that cannot be changed

Historical or time sequence

Anyone can air layer a plant by following four easy steps.

Step 1: Select a plant and branch

Step 2: Prepare air layer material and tie

Step 3: Water and wait

Step 4: Transplant newly developed plant

Causal Arrangement

States cause and resulting effect

Must be absolute

Medicare fraud affects everyone through

higher taxes and

higher medical costs.

Overwatering a lawn can be just as detrimental as under watering one.

Effects of under watering

Effects of overwatering

How to determine amount of water needed

Problem-Solution Arrangement

Present problem and describe solution

Background of how problem came to exist

Statement of problem and whom it affects

Exacerbating issues/sub-problems

Potential solutions

Best solution(s)

Topical Arrangement

Place items into logical groupings (can be ordered in any sequence)

Successful, healthy weight loss includes regular exercise.

aerobic

non-aerobic

Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina for vacation.

Beach vacations

Historic destination vacations

Hiking/camping vacations

Tips

No overlaps in points

Clearly distinguish among all points

Use consistent word patterning

Entire speech should incorporate same style

Equal time = equal importance

Balance time on each point

TransitionsConnecting thoughts and introducing new ideas

Signpost

Alerts the audience to what comes next or tracks where you are:

“Here are three things you should do the next time you catch a cold.”

“First, you should…”

“Second, you should…”

“And finally,…”

Provides a sense of symmetry

Spotlight

Focuses attention on what’s important:

“We have come to the most important thing I have to tell you.”

“If you take with you only one idea from this speech…”

“What I’m going to explain now will help you understand the rest of the speech.”

Bridge

Connects two main points:

I. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an obsession with thinness and an extreme loss of appetite.

II. Bulimia nervosa involves recurring episodes of binge eating followed by extreme efforts to disgorge food.

“We have seen that anorexia nervosa is a very dangerous illness that can lead to death, but what about its close cousin, bulimia nervosa—is it also dangerous?”

Internal Summary

Reminds audience what you just discussed:

“By now I hope I’ve convinced you that all animal bites should be reported to a doctor or health official immediately because of the possibility of rabies. [Bridge] And while you’re waiting for an ambulance or an examination by a doctor, you should do one other important thing.”