Unit 5: Organizing Your Speech

5a. Develop main points to support the specific purposes of a speech

  • How do you derive the main points from the specific purpose statement?
  • Why must the main points be mutually exclusive?
  • How does the thesis statement dictate the selection of main points?
  • What is the result of having too many main points in a speech?

Main points for your speech are derived directly from your specific purpose statement. Main points are the key ideas or central themes that a speaker presents to support their thesis statement and achieve their specific purpose. Main points serve as the primary subtopics that break down the overall message into manageable and logical sections. For a classroom speech, which typically lasts five to seven minutes, the ideal number of main points is two to three. Having fewer main points allows the speaker to provide more in-depth supporting material for each one, ensuring the audience can process and remember the information within the short time frame. A thesis statement is a single, declarative sentence that encapsulates the central message of your speech. While a specific purpose statement is a tool for the speaker to stay on track, the thesis is the version shared directly with the audience. Every main point selected must directly support the thesis.

To derive main points from the specific purpose, a speaker must look at the specific purpose statement and ask, "What are the major subtopics needed to achieve this goal?" The specific purpose statement defines the finish line, and the main points act as the primary steps to get there. For example, if the purpose is to inform an audience about the life of a historical figure, the main points would likely be derived from the major chronological stages or significant contributions of that person's life.

Main points must be mutually exclusive to ensure that each point is distinct and does not overlap with the others. If points are not mutually exclusive, the speaker may end up repeating information, or the audience may become confused about where one idea ends and the next begins. Clear boundaries between points are essential for a logical flow and organized structure.

Having too many main points results in several negative consequences. The audience will struggle to remember the key takeaways for the presentation. The speaker will be forced to rush through each point, providing only surface-level information rather than meaningful supporting evidence due to time limitations. The speech is more likely to exceed the allotted time limit, which can lead to penalties in both classroom and professional settings.

Review

To review, see:


5b. Explain appropriate organizational patterns for presenting different types of information in a public speech

  • What are the common organizational patterns used for public speaking?
  • What are organizational patterns commonly used for informative speeches?
  • What are organizational patterns commonly used for persuasive speeches?
  • In what situation would a speaker use a problem-cause-solution pattern for an informative speech?

The organizational pattern of your speech should match the natural shape of the topic. There are eight common organizational patterns:

  1. A categorical/topical pattern divides the topic into natural, logical subtopics.
  2. A chronological pattern follows a time sequence, moving either forward or backward.
  3. In a spatial pattern, information is organized according to physical space or geographic location (like top to bottom or north to south).
  4. A biographical pattern is used to describe a person's life, often following their life stages or major contributions.
  5. A causal pattern is designed to explain cause-and-effect relationships between variables.
  6. A comparison/contrast pattern focuses on the similarities and differences between two or more items or ideas.
  7. A problem-cause-solution pattern is a three-part structure that identifies a problem, explains its underlying causes, and proposes a specific solution.
  8. A psychological pattern is where "a leads to b" and "b leads to c", designed to follow the natural logical flow of an argument.

Informative speeches aim to help an audience understand a topic without attempting to change their beliefs. The patterns most frequently used for this purpose are chronological (for explaining a historical sequence or demonstrating a process), spatial (for describing the layout of a place or the different parts of an object), categorical/topical (for subjects that naturally break down into distinct categories without a necessary time or space relationship), and causal (for explaining why certain events occurred and what their results were).

Persuasive speeches require structures that build an argument and motivate the audience to take action. The most common patterns are problem-cause-solution (to establish that a significant problem exists before offering a viable way to fix it), comparison/contrast (when comparing multiple solutions to show why one is superior to the others), and psychological (to persuade by leading the audience through a step-by-step logical sequence of claims).

A speaker might choose to use a problem-cause-solution pattern in an informative speech if they propose more than one possible solution to the problem, giving the audience the opportunity to choose a solution for themselves.

Review

To review, see:


5c. Describe effective transitions and signposts to improve the coherence and clarity of a speech

  • What is the difference between a transition and a signpost?
  • How does an internal preview help the audience?
  • When should a speaker use an internal summary?
  • Why are transitions considered the connective tissue of a speech?

We use transitions to help our audiences see the logical connections in our speeches.

A transition is a phrase or sentence that indicates a speaker is moving from one main point to another by summarizing the previous point and previewing the next. Transitions are called the connective tissue of the speech because, without them, a speech is just a collection of isolated facts and disjointed ideas. They provide the logical links that hold the entire structure together, ensuring that the speech flows naturally and that the relationship between various points is clear to the listener.

Internal previews are short statements within the body of a speech that give the audience advance warning of the specific points a speaker is about to cover. An internal preview helps the audience by acting as a mental roadmap within a specific main point and prepares them to listen for those specific details.

Internal summaries are brief restatements within the body of a speech that remind the audience of the information or points just covered in a section. A speaker should use an internal summary after they have finished discussing a complex or particularly long main point. It is most effective when the information presented is dense, as it allows the speaker to reinforce the key takeaways and ensure the audience has grasped the essential concepts before moving on to a new topic.

Signposts are short, simple verbal markers, such as "first", "next", or "finally", that help orient the audience by signaling exactly where the speaker is in the structure of the speech.

Transitions and signposts serve similar but different purposes. A transition is a full sentence or phrase that bridges two main points by looking backward at what was just said and forward to what is coming next. In contrast, a signpost is a very brief, often one-word verbal marker used to help the audience keep track of the speaker's place in the speech's sequence.

Review

To review, see:


5d. Explain the functions of an introduction

  • What are the five functions of an introduction?
  • Why is establishing credibility an important part of the introduction?
  • What function does the preview serve?

There are five functions of an introduction:

  1. Gain audience attention and interest. This is the first step of any speech. A speaker must use an attention-getter to pull the audience away from their internal thoughts and focus them on the speaker.
  2. State the purpose of your speech. Once you have their attention, you must clearly tell the audience what you are going to talk about. This involves stating your thesis so the audience doesn't have to guess the topic. It ensures everyone is on the same page from the beginning.
  3. Establish credibility. This function explains why the audience should listen to you. You establish credibility by briefly mentioning your expertise, your personal experience with the topic, or the extensive research you have conducted, which builds trust and shows you are a reliable source.
  4. Provide a reason to listen. Also known as establishing relevance, this step connects the topic to the audience's needs or interests. You must tell the listeners how the information will benefit them, solve a problem they have, or why the topic is significant to their lives.
  5. Preview main ideas. This is the roadmap of the speech. A speaker should briefly forecast the main points they will cover. This helps the audience mentally prepare for the structure of the presentation and makes the information easier to follow and retain.

These functions work together to engage the audience, set the context for the topic, demonstrate the speaker's expertise, establish relevance, and outline the speech's structure.

Review

To review, see:


5e. Apply effective techniques for attracting the attention of an audience based on an audience analysis or profile

  • How does a rhetorical question attract attention compared to a direct question?
  • What are the risks of using humor as an attention-getter?
  • Why is a startling statistic effective for a persuasive speech?
  • How can a reference to the occasion build an immediate bond?

There are eleven primary attention-getting devices for your speech introduction. These techniques are designed to pique audience interest, build rapport, and set the stage for the speech's topic.

  1. Reference to subject: This is the most direct method where the speaker tells the audience what the subject of the speech is. It is best used when the audience is already interested in the topic or when the subject itself is highly significant.
  2. Reference to audience: This technique involves a speaker acknowledging the audience and their relationship to the topic. It builds immediate rapport by showing the audience that the speaker understands who they are and why the topic matters to them specifically.
  3. Quotation: Using a quote from a famous person, an expert, or a literary work can be a powerful way to start. The quote must be directly relevant to the topic and should serve to illustrate a key point or set a specific tone for the speech.
  4. Reference to current events: This involves mentioning a news story or event that is happening right now. It helps the audience see the topic as timely and relevant, making it feel more urgent.
  5. Historical Reference: A speaker can start by mentioning a past event or a specific date in history. This helps put the current topic into a broader context and can show how things have changed or remained the same over time.
  6. Anecdote: A brief, focused story used to illustrate a point. It can be a true story, a parable (fictional story with a moral), or even a joke. Anecdotes are effective because people are naturally drawn to narrative structures.
  7. Startling statement: This technique uses a shocking statistic, a surprising fact, or a bold claim to grab the audience's attention. The goal is to jar the audience out of their routine thoughts and make them curious about the rest of the speech. A startling statistic is effective for persuasive speeches because it creates that immediate cognitive jolt. The audience may start with a sense of apathy or a belief that the problem isn't urgent. A well-chosen, shocking statistic disrupts that complacency by providing objective, numerical evidence of the scale or severity of an issue. It forces the audience to stop and re-evaluate their preconceived notions, making them more likely to listen to the arguments and solutions that follow.
  8. Question: A speaker can ask a response question or a rhetorical question. A rhetorical question is designed to make the audience think without expecting an oral response. It attracts attention by triggering an internal mental process, forcing listeners to engage with the topic personally as they formulate a silent answer. In contrast, a direct question (or response question) seeks a physical or verbal reaction, such as a show of hands. It attracts attention by breaking the "fourth wall" and demanding active participation, which shifts the audience from passive listeners to active participants in the speech's introduction.
  9. Humor: Using a joke or a witty observation can break the ice and build a positive relationship with the audience. However, it is risky; the humor must be relevant to the topic and appropriate for the specific audience and occasion. If the audience doesn't find a joke funny, it can damage the speaker's confidence and credibility early on. Additionally, humor can easily backfire if it is perceived as offensive, culturally insensitive, or inappropriate for the specific occasion. Finally, if the humor isn't clearly tied to the speech's topic, it can distract the audience or make the speaker appear unprofessional or trivial about a serious subject.
  10. Personal reference: This involves the speaker sharing a personal story or their own connection to the topic. It is highly effective for building credibility and showing that the speaker has direct experience with the subject.
  11. Reference to occasion: This technique is used when a speech is given at a specific event (such as a wedding, graduation, or ceremony). This technique builds a bond by acknowledging the shared reality that both the speaker and the audience are experiencing at that exact moment. By mentioning the specific reason everyone has gathered, the speaker demonstrates that they have tailored their message for this specific group and time. This creates a sense of community and shared purpose, making the audience feel seen and respected by the speaker.
Review

To review, see:


5f. Construct clear and complete thesis statements

  • What is the difference between a topic and a thesis?
  • Why must a thesis be a single declarative sentence?
  • How does the thesis focus the speaker's research?
  • What is the consequence of a vague thesis?

Constructing a clear and complete thesis statement provides a foundation for your speech. The thesis statement functions as the essential, single-sentence focal point of a presentation, articulating a clear, specific, and arguable claim. It functions as a foundational organizational tool that guides research, sets audience expectations, and ensures all main points support the central idea of the speech. The thesis statement is first drafted during the beginning of the speech preparation process in tandem with the specific purpose statement. As you conduct research for your presentation, you will revise your thesis statement to reflect the content of your speech. By the time you write your speech introduction, the thesis statement should be in its final form.

A topic is the broad subject area or general category of your speech. It is essentially the "what" of your presentation. A thesis is the specific argument or central claim you are making about the topic.

A thesis must be a single declarative sentence to ensure clarity and focus. If a thesis spans more than one sentence, it often means the speaker is trying to cover too many unrelated ideas, leading to a disjointed speech. By forcing the thesis into a single declarative statement (which makes a clear assertion rather than asking a question), it ensures that the speaker maintains a unified focus throughout the presentation. This helps the audience understand the core message in one clear, digestible bite.

The thesis acts as a filter for the research process. Once a clear thesis is established, the speaker can evaluate every piece of information, statistic, or anecdote they find: "Does this directly support my thesis?" If the answer is no, the information is discarded, no matter how interesting it might be. This prevents the speaker from collecting irrelevant data and ensures that every minute spent researching is dedicated to building a coherent, persuasive case for their central claim.

The consequence of a vague thesis is audience confusion and a lack of direction. If the thesis is not specific, the speaker will likely ramble or jump from one loosely related point to another without a clear destination. This makes it difficult for the audience to follow the speech's logic or retain the information. A vague thesis makes the speaker appear unprepared, as it suggests they haven't fully committed to a specific stance or purpose for their presentation.

In summary, a thesis statement should be used during speech preparation as a filter for content and stated explicitly in the introduction to establish a psychological contract with the audience.

Review

To review, see:


5g. Explain the functions of an effective conclusion

  • What are the three main functions of a conclusion?
  • Why should a speaker never say "In conclusion" and then talk for five more minutes?
  • How does the restatement of the thesis differ from the original thesis?
  • What is the purpose of a clincher?

There are three main functions of a conclusion to your speech. The first goal is to signal the end of the speech, mentally preparing the audience for the wrap-up. The second goal is to provide a concise summary of the key points discussed in the body to ensure they stick in the audience's memory. The third goal is to provide a sense of closure, which involves finishing the speech in a way that feels complete and leaves the audience with a meaningful final thought. The conclusion is your last chance to make an impression.

When a speaker says "In conclusion", they are making a psychological contract with the audience that the speech is ending. If the speaker continues to talk for several more minutes, they break that trust. The audience, having mentally prepared to finish, will often tune out, stop taking notes, or become restless and annoyed. This causes the listeners to miss the final points and damages the speaker's credibility and professional image.

Restating your thesis is a simple way to conclude a presentation. While the wording may be similar, the function of the thesis statement is different in the conclusion. The original thesis in the introduction is a preview statement. The restatement in the conclusion is a review statement. It is retrospective, framed to remind the audience of what has been discussed. It reinforces the central message now that the audience has the full context of the supporting evidence provided in the body of the speech.

The clincher is the very last sentence of the speech, and its purpose is to provide a powerful, memorable finale. Just as the attention-getter starts the speech with a bang, the clincher ensures the speech ends on a high note. It should be designed to stick in the audience's minds long after they leave the room, whether through a compelling story, a call to action, or a meaningful quotation that ties the entire message together.

Review

To review, see:


5h. Apply effective techniques for concluding a speech

  • How can a speaker circle back to the introduction in their conclusion?
  • What characterizes a strong call to action?
  • Why is a quotation a common concluding technique?
  • How can a speaker use visualization to conclude a persuasive speech?

Just as there are many ways to start a speech, there are also many ways to end a speech. Here are ten conclusion devices.

  1. Concluding with a challenge: This device involves the speaker explicitly calling on the audience to engage in a specific task or change their behavior. It is a way to push the audience to take the information they've learned and apply it to their lives.
  2. Concluding with a quotation: A speaker uses the words of someone else, often a famous or authoritative figure, to provide a polished and poignant final thought. The quote should encapsulate the core message of the speech.
  3. Concluding with a summary: This is a brief restatement of the main points covered in the speech. While it is a standard part of any conclusion, using it as a final clincher ensures the audience walks away with the most important information fresh in their minds.
  4. Concluding by visualizing the future: The speaker paints a word picture for the audience, showing them what the world will look like if they adopt the speaker's ideas or what will happen if they don't.
  5. Concluding with an appeal for action: Often used in persuasive speeches, this device tells the audience exactly what they should do next. It is more immediate than a challenge, often involving a specific, tangible step like signing a petition or making a donation.
  6. Concluding with inspiration: The goal here is to stir the audience's emotions. The speaker uses uplifted language and a positive tone to leave the audience feeling motivated, hopeful, or empowered.
  7. Concluding with advice: The speaker offers a personal recommendation based on the information presented. It is a way to provide practical value to the audience as they depart.
  8. Concluding with a proposal or solution: In a problem-oriented speech, the speaker finishes by offering a specific way to fix the issue discussed. This gives the audience a sense of hope and a clear direction for resolving a problem.
  9. Concluding with a question: By ending with a rhetorical or thought-provoking question, the speaker prompts the audience to keep thinking about the topic after the speech ends.
  10. Concluding with a reference to the audience: This device brings the speech full circle by directly addressing the listeners. It reinforces how the topic specifically affects them or their community, strengthening the bond between the speaker and audience.

Four popular conclusion devices are summary, call to action, a quotation, and visualization. First, a speaker circles back (summarizes) by referencing the specific attention-getter they used at the beginning of the speech. For example, if you started with a story about a specific person, you would conclude by revealing the ending of that story or explaining how that person's situation relates to the points you just made. This technique provides the audience with a satisfying sense of completion and structural unity.

Second, a call to action is characterized by specificity, actionability, and immediacy. Instead of a vague suggestion like "be more environmentally friendly", a strong CTA gives the audience a clear task, such as "sign this specific petition on your way out" or "switch to LED bulbs this weekend". It tells the audience exactly what to do with the information they just received and empowers them to make tangible change. Third, quotations are popular because they allow a speaker to borrow the authority, eloquence, and credibility of another person to summarize their own point. A well-chosen quote can capture the essence of a complex topic in a brief, punchy, and highly polished way that is often more memorable than the speaker's own phrasing.

Finally, in a persuasive context, visualization involves showing the audience the consequences of their choices. A speaker can use "positive visualization" to describe a future where the audience adopts the speaker's ideas (for example, "Imagine a city where every park is safe and clean"). Conversely, they can use "negative visualization" to show the grim reality that will persist if the audience fails to act. This emotional appeal helps the audience see the importance of the speaker's message.

Review

To review, see:


Unit 5 Vocabulary

This vocabulary list includes terms you will need to know to successfully complete the final exam.

  • anecdote
  • attention-getting devices
  • biographical pattern
  • categorical/topical pattern
  • causal pattern
  • chronological pattern
  • clincher
  • comparison/contrast pattern
  • concluding by visualizing the future
  • concluding with a challenge
  • concluding with a proposal of solution
  • concluding with a question
  • concluding with a quotation
  • concluding with a reference to the audience
  • concluding with a summary
  • concluding with advice
  • concluding with an appeal for action
  • concluding with inspiration
  • historical reference
  • humor
  • internal previews
  • internal summaries
  • main points
  • personal reference
  • problem-cause-solution pattern
  • psychological pattern
  • question
  • quotation
  • reference to audience
  • reference to current events
  • reference to occasion
  • reference to subject
  • signposts
  • spatial pattern
  • startling statement
  • thesis statement
  • transition
Callback before_footer in local_aigrade component should be migrated to new hook callback for core\hook\output\before_footer_html_generation
  • line 7225 of /lib/moodlelib.php: call to debugging()
  • line 7292 of /lib/moodlelib.php: call to {closure}()
  • line 71 of /lib/classes/hook/output/before_footer_html_generation.php: call to get_plugins_with_function()
  • line 987 of /lib/classes/output/core_renderer.php: call to core\hook\output\before_footer_html_generation->process_legacy_callbacks()
  • line 154 of /mod/book/view.php: call to core\output\core_renderer->footer()