This document provides examples of different organizational structures that can be used when presenting information: chronological order, spatial order, causal order, problem-solution order, topical order, and internal previews with sign posts. Each example outlines the specific purpose and main points that would be covered using that particular organizational structure.
3. Chronological Order
Specific Purpose: To inform my audience how
the Great Wall of China was built.
Main Points:
IV.Building of the Great Wall began during the
Qin dynasty of 221-206 B.C.
V.New sections of the Great Wall were added
during the Han dynasty of 206 B.C.-220 A.D.
VI. The Great Wall was completed during the
Ming Dynasty of 1368-1644.
5. Spatial Order
Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the
structure of a hurricane.
Main Points:
IV.At the center of a hurricane is the calm, cloud-free
eye.
V.Surrounding the eye is the eyewall, a dense ring of
clouds that produces the most intense wind and
rainfall.
VI.Rotating around the eyewall are large bands of
clouds and precipitation called spiral rain bands.
7. Causal Order
Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the
possible causes for the collapse of Mayan civilization.
Main Points:
•Mayan civilization flourished for over a thousand
years until 900 A.D., when it mysteriously began to
disintegrate. (EFFECT)
•Scholars have advanced three major explanations
for the causes of this disintegration. (CAUSE)
9. Problem-Solution Order
Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience that
legislation is needed to control the abuses of
fraudulent charity fund-raisers.
Main Points:
IV.Fraudulent charity fund-raising has become a
widespread national problem.
V.The problem can be solved by a combination of
government initiative and individual awareness.
11. Topical Order
Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the
achievements of Ida Wells-Barnett.
Main Points:
IV.As a teacher, Wells-Barnett spoke out against
inferior school facilities for African-American
children.
V.As a journalist, Wells-Barnett campaigned against
lynching.
VI.As a civic organizer, Wells-Barnett helped found
the NAACP.
16. How might the
organization of your
speech change the
theme of your topic?
.
(Compare three approaches:
topical, chronological, and
spatial)
Editor's Notes
A method of speech organization in which the main points follow a time pattern.
Here is an example of a Chronological Pattern This method works best when the main idea of the speech is a process. For example, if you were to use this pattern on MLK, your focus would likely be on his growth as a leader.
A method of speech organization in which the main points follow a directional pattern
Use the spatial pattern if direction is your focus. This organizational pattern forces us to focus on the location of things. Another MLK example: MLK’s influence in the South, North, and Northeast.
A method of speech organization in which the main points show a cause-effect relationship.
We typically see this organization pattern in Persuasive speeches. Probably because we are trying to justify a policy. That is, if x causes Y, then we need to change X. MLK Example Why was MLK so influential (what was the cause of his influence).
A method of speech organization in which the first main point deals with the existence and seriousness of a problem and the second main point presents a solution to the problem.
The Proble/solution Method is also used primarily with persuasive speaking. Do this if you are proposing a change in policy. You first must begin by highlighting a particular issue, then explain how your solution deals with that problem. MLK Example To persuade my audience that we need to have class on MLK day. (Problem kids are not learning enough about MLK, Solution instead of canceling class on MLK day, dedicate an entire school day to explore his contributions.
A method of speech organization in which the main points divide the topic into logical and consistent subtopics.
This method is the most common. Three ideas based on a given topic. Please keep in mind, this is not the “random” organizational pattern. All three of the main points must be related and parallel in some way. Bad Example MLK History, His Policies, and his appearance. (This is bad because there is no logical sequence. It looks like just a random selection of facts, not good organization. Good Example MLK’s work as a preacher, as a speaker, and as a leader. (This is better, as it is parallel, we can see a logical progression.)
Along with organizing main points, it is important that you guide your audience through the speech. Connectives are words or phrases that connects the ideas of a speech and indicates the relationship between them. There are four different types of connectives, including internal previews, summaries, transitions, and signposts.
A word or phrase that indicates when a speaker has finished one thought and is moving on to another. You will need a transition between each main point. They should show a logical connection and must connect both ideas. Bad Next, I am going to talk about… (bad because it does not connect, it simply introduces a new idea) Good So we discussed x, which helps us understand Y (where x is the first point and Y is the next point)
You have probably always heard this, but in your speeches, you should always “Tell them what you are going to say, say it, tell them what you said.” This repetition will solidify the speech structure for the audience. Thus they will get it! Internal preview A statement in the body of the speech that lets the audience know what the speaker is going to discuss next. Internal summary A statement in the body of the speech that summarizes the speaker’s preceding point or points.
A very brief statement that indicates where a speaker is in the speech or that focuses attention on key ideas. Include these often. Whenever you can. First, next, in conclusion. These words trigger the brain to pay attention and organize the idea.