Chapter Eleven and Twelve Main Points:
Chapter Eleven introduces us to the idea of creating a structure, that we will use to create and to deliver a speech. There are three main elements to this structure, the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. The introduction establishes the purpose of the speech and shows how it is relevant to the audience. The body presents the main points that fulfill the purpose of the speech. These purposes can include informing an audience, persuading an audience, and marking or commemorating a special occasion. Finally, the conclusion summarizes the speech and brings closure to the purpose/reason for giving the speech.
We should separate and organize the main points and the supporting points, in particular limiting the number of main points from around two to five main points. Important points should be saved and placed at the beginning (Primacy effect) or at the end (Recency effect) of a speech and should only introduce one idea. Additionally, we should strive to have a unified, coherent, and balanced organization. We should make use of transitions – words or phrases that help to move a speech along, create a flow or direction, and or introduce new topics.
Chapter twelve emphasizes the necessity of having an organizational pattern to your speech. By having an organizational pattern to your speech, you can create a flow in the speech that will help you to link your points together. It can also make the speech more understandable and enjoyable for your audience. You can create or define the purpose for your speech and you can make this purpose relative for your audience.
There are several common organizational patterns in this chapter, of which we look at six of them, including chronological (when events occur over a span of time), spatial (provides a description of a location or area), causal (shows cause and effect), topical (addressing a particular subject), narrative (tells a story), and the problem solution pattern (persuasive speech). As the chapter notes, you should use one common pattern for the main points of your speech. There are however times when it may be necessary to use a different pattern for the subordinate points.
Francis DeMers
SPC 100 – Journal
