Organizing a Speech
Importance of Organization
For the speaker:
– helps you to understand the relationships between ideas – organization and critical thinking are connected -- and an important asset in life – enhances audience’s perception of your competence and trustworthiness – you will be more successful if you are organized!
Importance of Organization, cont.
For the Audience:
– well-organized speeches are easier to comprehend – well-organized speeches make key points easier to remember
Main Points
Should be selected carefully Should be few in number (2-5) Should be organized strategically to achieve the speaker’s purpose
Ordering Main Points
Chronologically Spatially Cause-Effect Problem-Solution Topically
Supporting Materials
Must be well organized Details and evidence must be directly relevant to the main points they support
Connectives
Words or phrases that join one thought to another and indicate the relationship between them. 4 Types:
– transitions
(e.g., ‘in addition to’, ‘now that you have seen’, ‘since we know’, ‘let us turn’)
– internal previews – internal summaries – signposts