Patterns of Organizing a Speech

After reading chapter 8 in the textbook ”The Art of Public Speaking,” by Stephen E. Lucas, I found that organization is key for a successful speech. I am going to focus your attention on the three of the five basic patterns of organization.  

1. Chronological order - follows a time pattern and puts all the series of events in order from beginning to the end.  It also can be used in speeches explaining a process or demonstration.

Example in book:

“Specific Purpose: To inform my audience how the Great Wall of China was built.”

“Central Idea: The Great Wall of China was built in three major stages.”                          

“Main Points:

      I. Building of the Great Wall began during the Qin dynasty  of 221-206 B.C.

     II. New sections of the Great Wall were added during the Han  dynasty of 206 B.C. – 220 A.D.

    III. The Great Wall was completed during the Ming dynasty of  1368-1644.”

2. Spatial Order- follows a directional pattern. The main points follow a pattern that is from top to bottom, left to right, inside to outside, etc.

Example in book:

“Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the structure of a hurricane.”

“Central Idea: A hurricane is made up of three parts going from inside to outside.”

“Main Points: 

     I. At the center of a hurricane is the calm, cloud-free eye.

    II. Surrounding the eye is the eyewall, a dense ring of    clouds that produces the most intense wind and rainfall.

    III.Rotating around the eyewall are large bands of clouds  and precipitation called spiral rain bands.”

3. Causal Order- the main points show a cause-effect relationship.  You have two main points when using this method. The two main points should deal with the cause of the event and the effects of the events. It doesn’t matter in what order you put them.

Example in book:

“Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience that the widespread use of Ritalin to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is a serious problem.”

“Central Idea: Widely prescribed for young children who suffer from ADHD, Ritalin has a number of serious side effects.”

“Main Points:

     I. Ritalin is widely prescribed for young children who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

     II. Ritalin has been linked with a number of serious side effects, including liver damage, heart disease, depression, stunted growth, and Tourette’s syndrome.”

I think that for the next upcoming demonstration speech I will definitely use the chronological order pattern.  I feel that it would be the easiest method in conveying my point to the audience.

References: The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen E. Lucas. 9th edition. Chapter 8. Pages 210-212.

 

Christian