Organizing the
Speech
Choosing the Main Points
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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
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Point 1: Why animals are not always successfully
transported
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Point 2: Lack of laws governing the safe transportation of
animals
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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
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Spatial/functional
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Chronological
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Causal
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Problem-solution
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Topical
Spatial/Functional
Arrangement
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Group points according to a proximity
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Stages of construction
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Foundation and Framing
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Wiring, Plumbing, Ductwork
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Finishing
Parts of a cathedral and their functions
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Narthex
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Nave
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Transcept
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Apse
Chronological Arrangement
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All points follow a specific order that cannot be changed
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Historical or time sequence
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Anyone can air layer a plant by following four easy
steps.
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Step 1: Select a plant and branch
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Step 2: Prepare air layer material and tie
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Step 3: Water and wait
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Step 4: Transplant newly developed plant
Causal Arrangement
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States cause and resulting effect
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Must be absolute
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Medicare fraud affects everyone through
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higher taxes and
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higher medical costs.
Overwatering a lawn can be just as detrimental as under
watering one.
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Effects of under watering
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Effects of overwatering
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How to determine amount of water needed
Problem-Solution
Arrangement
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Present problem and describe solution
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Background of how problem came to exist
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Statement of problem and whom it affects
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Exacerbating issues/sub-problems
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Potential solutions
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Best solution(s)
Topical Arrangement
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Place items into logical groupings (can be ordered in
any sequence)
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Successful, healthy weight loss includes regular exercise.
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aerobic

non-aerobic
Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina for vacation.
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Beach vacations
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Historic destination vacations
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Hiking/camping vacations
Tips
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No overlaps in points
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Use consistent word patterning
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Clearly distinguish among all points
Entire speech should incorporate same style
Equal time = equal importance
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Balance time on each point
Transitions
Connecting thoughts and introducing new ideas
Signpost
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Alerts the audience to what comes next or tracks where
you are:
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“Here are three things you should do the next time you
catch a cold.”
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“First, you should…”
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“Second, you should…”
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“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.”
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“If you take with you only one idea from this speech…”
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“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.
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II. Bulimia nervosa involves recurring episodes of binge
eating followed by extreme efforts to disgorge food.
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“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
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Reminds audience what you just discussed:
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“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.”