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.”