Organizing
your speech
Tell them what you’re going to tell
them. Tell them, and then tell them
what you told them.
What are the parts of the
speech?
Parts of the Speech
Introduction
– Attention Getter
– Thesis Statement
– Preview
Introduction
Body
– 3 main points
– Supporting data
Conclusion
Body
– Restate thesis
– Summarizes main points
– Clinches
Conclusion
What does the introduction
do?
What the introduction does
 Gets attention of the
audience
 Provides a link to your
thesis statement
 Gives your specific thesis
statement
 Previews what is coming
What are good attentiongetters?
Good attention-getters
are…
 Making References
 Making a Startling
Statement
 Giving a Quotation
 Telling a Story
What is the purpose of the
link?
What is the purpose of the
link?
 Goes between
attention-getter and
thesis and “links” the
two
 Develops a “bridge”
between the audience
and the topic. The link
motivates audience to
listen
Audience
Link
Topic
What is the thesis?
What is the thesis?
 It clarifies the overall goal of
your speech (to inform, to
persuade, or to entertain).
 It states your specific topic.
 It is the “theory” on which
your whole speech is based.
E=mc2
What’s the attention-getter,
link, and thesis?
“Girls, for just $10 you can learn what makes a guy fall in
love. You see, it’s all part of the ‘Get Him System’
published in Secrets of Kissing. And as the ad says, “No
longer will you have to rely on old-fashioned advice.”
This was taken from an actual ad found in the February
issue of Young Miss Magazine. Today, I am going to talk to
this very issue. But it is my opinion that we can still use
some “old fashioned” advice.
According to William Bennett, former Secretary of
Education and noted author, “Increasingly, Americans are
lacking a solid grounding in traditional values.” It is my job
today to persuade you that we all could benefit from taking
a step back.”
What’s the attention-getter,
link, and thesis?
Attention-getter: “Girls, for just $10 you can learn what
makes a guy fall in love. You see, it’s all part of the
‘Get Him System’ system published in Secrets of
Kissing. And as the ad says, ‘no longer will you
have to rely on old-fashioned advice.’” This was
taken from an actual ad found in the February issue of
Young Miss Magazine.
Link: Today, I am going to talk to this very issue. But it is
my opinion that can still use some “old fashioned”
advice. According to William Bennett, former Secretary of
Education and noted author, “Increasingly, Americans are
lacking a solid grounding in traditional values.”
Thesis: It is my job today to persuade you that we all could
benefit from taking a step back.”
What follows the thesis
statement?
The preview follows the
thesis statement.
One or two
sentences that give
the audience an
overview of the
major points
All the points will
then be examined
in detail in the body
A preview statement
example
“Today I am going to show you why alcohol
abuse is so dangerous. We first look at the
physical damage done by alcohol, followed
by its mental effects, and then the effects on
society.”
The Body
This is the
heart, the
brain, the
nerve center
of the
speech.
What is the map to the
speech?
The map is the
OUTLINE
 Purpose Statement at
the top
 You follow process of
subordination
 Three main headings
 Each is followed by
supporting information
 Can go deeper and
give details
Purpose Statement
Section
Pt. 1
Pt. 2
Pt. 3
Sample Outline
Purpose statement: The purpose of this speech is to inform the audience of the positive role that laughter can play in lives
I. Introduction
A., “Let a smile be your umbrella” and “Laugh and the world laughs with you?” Both of these
sayings show how a positive attitude and laughter can work to your advantage.
B. Laughter can do more than provide a pleasant smile.
C. I will discuss the various areas in your lives where laughter can play a significantly positive
role.
1. Laughter can help you on the job.
2. Laughter can help you with family and friends.
3. Laughter can help your health
II. Body
A. Laughter can help you on the job.
1. Can make you a more productive worker
2. Can cut down on absenteeism
B. Laughter and help you with family and friends
1. Northwestern University study says family disputes defused by jokes
2. People are drawn to laughter
3. Psychological study says those who laugh thought of as leaders
C. Laughter has health benefits
1. Changes attitude and helps overcome serious illness
2. Saves energy
3. Keeps vocal cords loose so fewer colds
Outline Continued
–
–
–
–
III. Conclusion
A. Thus, laughter can make change your life.
B. It can make you a better worker, more sensitive family member and friends, and a
healthier person.
C. So, “Let a smile be your umbrella” is certainly good advice.
What is in the conclusion?
The Conclusion
Restate the Thesis
Summarize points
Clincher - which
should tie back to
the attention getter
The Clincher
Must fit the mood of
speech
Must make sense
Must bring finality
Identify the three parts of
the Conclusion
“So, I hope by now you can see that laughter is
no joking matter. It can make you a more
productive and effective worker, a more
sensitive friend and family member, and
even a healthier person. So let’s establish
and maintain a ‘laughing attitude.’ It costs
nothing. Therefore, the words you heard at
the beginning of my speech, “Let a smile be
your umbrella,” might be sound advice. Go
ahead and laugh. Hopefully the world will
laugh with you.”
Identify the three parts of
the Conclusion
Restated Thesis: So, I hope by now you can see that
laughter is no joking matter.
Summary of main points: It can make you a more productive
and effective worker, a more sensitive friend and family
member, and even a healthier person.
Clincher: So let’s establish and maintain a ‘laughing attitude.’ It
costs nothing. Therefore, the words you heard at the
beginning of my speech, “Let a smile be your umbrella,” might
be sound advice. Go ahead and laugh. Hopefully the world
will laugh with you.”
Recalling the Facts
What does the introduction consist of?
 Why must the body of the speech be clearly
organized?
 What is subordination and why is it important?
 What is the most critical sentence in a speech?
What does the conclusion consist of?