Organizing a Speech

Select an organizational pattern that matches with

purpose
How will I
O Chronological pattern
organize my
O
O

Puts events or information in a time sequence

Example: Evolution of a nation

speech?

O Climactic pattern
O

Organizes information by order of importance, often saving the most

important or impact-filled statement for last
O Example: Types of lunches available in cafeteria

O Spatial pattern
O
O

Divides topic on the basis of space relationships

Example: Tour of the Learning Resource Center

O Cause-Effect pattern
O Explaining relationships between or among ideas
O Example: Causes and Effects of Anorexia
O Problem-Solution pattern
O Organization presents problem(s) and solution(s)
O Example: Recycling programs

What personal experience has taught you who you are and what is the
lesson that you learned?
Personal Experience Speech Topic: Getting my dog
Thesis: Adopting my dog Winnie has taught me many life lessons including
responsibility and the importance of forgiveness.

Personal Experience Speech Topic: When my grandma died of cancer

Thesis: My grandmother dying of cancer taught me the value of family
relationships and not to take small moments for granted.

Personal Experience Speech Topic: When my brother struggled with drug

addiction
Thesis: My brother struggling with drugs has taught me to never give up on
someone and to be a more compassionate person.

Outlining a Speech
Speaking outlines are very similar
to expository essay outlines!
O Three parts in a formal speech:
O Introduction
O Body
O Conclusion

Speeches have a preview

statement: a sentence at the end
of the introduction that gives the
audience an overview of the
major areas that will be
presented in the body of the
speech. Essays DO NOT.

I. Introduction
A. Attention-getter
B. Link
C. Thesis
D. Preview statement

Introduction
O Begin with an example related to the topic, but dont state

the topic

O
O
O

Example for Mandala *Sommer

A. Painting uses colors to portray
light and dark emotion.
B. I use dark and light colors to
show different tones and moods.
C. There are two colors on my
Mandala that help describe
who I am and how I paint.
D. Those colors are black and white.

I. Introduction
A. Attention-getter
B. Link
C. Thesis
D. Preview
statement

Introduction
O Begin with an example related to the topic, but dont state

the topic
Example Personal Experience
O A. Change is everywhere. In the
seasons, when we mature, and
when challenges meet us in life.
O B. Ive dealt with many changes.
O C. The experience that changed my
life is when I became a teacher.
O D. I became a teacher because I
have a passion for learning and to
help others succeed.

I. Introduction
A. Attention-getter
B. Link
C. Thesis
D. Preview
statement

Outlining a Speech
O Body paragraph

organization is
dependent on the speech
itself, but each body
paragraph must
O clearly state the

main idea
O support the main
ideas with details and/or
evidence
O explain the support
used in the speech

II. Body
A. First main idea
1. Sub-Idea
a. Detail
b. Support
c. Conclusion/ Trans.
2. Sub-Idea
a. Detail
b. Support
c. Conclusion

B. Second main idea

Outlining a Speech
O Conclusions are similar to expository essays, too!
O Restate your main idea
O Leave the listeners with a so what reflection
O

Could be a reference to your attention-getter in the introduction

O May use some of the same word choices as attention-getter or
linking sentences.

III. Conclusion
A. Summary
B. Reworded thesis

C. Clincher/ Speakers Comment

D. Thank You

Parts of a Speech
I. Introduction
A. Attention-

getter
B. Link
C. Thesis
D. Preview

statement

II. Body

III. Conclusion

Personal experience
or narrative
speeches
A. First main
idea
follow this format,
but it may be helpful to
1. Sub-Idea
a. Detail
plan for these
speeches using a
b. Support
chronological
outline.
Conc./
Trans.literature:
Think about the c.
plot
line from
2. Sub-Idea
personal experiences
can be communicated
a. Detail
through an exposition, rising action, climactic
b. Support
moment and resolution
(realization).
c. Conclusion
B. Second main idea

A. Reworded thesis
& preview statement
B. Clincher/
Speakers
Comment

Drafting a Speech
O Create a speaking outline
O Use the outline to remember your main ideas, details, and

supports
O Keep audiences attention with visual details
O Vivid imagery

Use the five senses to engage your audiences imagination

and need for visual images
O Include references to sight, sound, feel, taste, scent
O

O Metaphors
O

Use like or as to make a comparison statement

O Example: A high school diploma is the key that will give you
the potential to unlock many occupational doors later in life.

Drafting a Speech
O Plan for engaging word choices
O Alliteration repetition of the initial sound of two or more

words that are close together

O

Example: The will to win takes work toward a worthwhile

cause.

O Assonance repetition of vowel sounds

O

Example: We believe that peace means a chance for all of the

oppressed people of the world...

O Consonance repetition of consonant sounds anywhere

in the words
O

Example: I love to hike in the mountains and see the sunrise.

O Repetition of words repeating words or phrases for

effect
O

Example: Treat your car with respect. Your car will take care of
you as long as you take care of your car.

Practicing a Speech
O Practice, practice, practice!
O

Im going to rock this

speech!

Give your speech to a mirror

O Listen to your word choices
O Record yourself and watch your speech
O Watch for non-verbal gestures and time waster words

O Ask for peer feedback! Give speech to a friend or

family member
O Speech content
O

Are the main ideas clear? Did I engage the audience? Was
any part of the speech boring? Were my word choices
effective?

O Presentation format
O

Did I use effective presentation skills? Were my non-verbal

gestures appropriate? Did I make effective eye contact? Did I
eliminate time waster words? (Ex. Um, like, well, uh)

Presenting a Speech

Were beasts when it

comes to speeches!

O Preparation is key to an effective speech

O Use the process to plan for success
O Develop an effective speaking outline for you to use
O Practice well in advance of speech day
O Admit any fears and work to overcome them

O Dress appropriately on the big day!

O Dressing the part
O

Most presenters dress formally when giving a formal speech

O Wear what makes you confident, comfortable
O Being physically prepared to speak

Dont speak on an empty stomach; eliminate jitters

O Check physical appearance (teeth, clothing) before speaking
O Get a good nights sleep
O