Connective

TAKEN FROM STEPHEN E. LUCAS, THE ART OF PUBLIC SPEAKING, 10 TH

EDITION, 2012.

 Word or phrase connecting ideas

Speakers should use

connectives to strengthen their
organization in the body of the
speech.

Types of Connectives

Transition
Internal preview
Internal summary
Signpost

Transition
Indicates speaker has
finished one thought
& is moving to
another

Transition
Now that we have a clear
understanding of the
problem, let me share the
solution.

Transition
Now that you know how
easy and safe the solution is
to the lack of blood donations,
lets take a look at just how
much difference your
donations can make.

Transition
I have spoken so far of
bravery and patriotism,
but it is the sacrifice of
the Massachusetts 54th
that has etched them into
the pages of history.

Transition
Now you know the need for
Special Olympics volunteers. So
the question is: What can you
do to help? The answer is: Become
a volunteer.

Internal Preview
Statement in body of
speech indicating what
speaker will discuss next.

Internal Preview

In discussing how Asian

Americans have been
stereotyped in the mass media,
well look first at the origins of
the problem and second at its
continuing impact today.

Internal Preview
Sometimes it is combined with transitions:
[Transition] Now that we have seen how
serious the problem of faulty credit reports is,
lets look at some solutions. [Internal
Preview] I will focus on three solutionsinstituting tighter government regulations of
credit bureaus, holding credit bureaus
financially responsible for their errors, and
giving individuals easier access to their credit
reports.

Internal Summary
Statement in body of
speech summarizing
preceding point(s)

Internal Summary
A great way to clarify and reinforce
ideas.
It can also be combined with
transitions.
Use it when you feel you had just
finished a very complicated or
particularly important main point/s.

Internal Summary
[Internal Summary] First, we
have seen that Americas criminal
justice system is not deterring
crime. Second, we have seen that
prison rehabilitation programs are
not successful. [Transition] We
are now ready to explore the
solutions to these problems.

Signpost

Brief statement showing

where speaker is or
focusing attention on key
ideas

Signposts

The first cause of this problem

is inefficient agricultural
production.
The second cause is recurrent
drought in the affected
countries.
The final cause is

IMMIGRATION IN THE US
I. Over the years, millions of people have immigrated to the
United States.

Connectives Worksheet

A. Since the American Revolution, more than 90 million

people have immigrated to the U.S.
B. Today there are over 38 million Americans who were born
in other countries.
Transition:Now that we have a clear understanding of the
problem, let me share the solution.
II. There are several reasons why people immigrate to the
United States.
A. Many people immigrate in search of economic opportunity.
B. Others immigrate to attain political freedom.
C. Still others immigrate to escape religious persecution.
Internal Summary:

SHORTAGE OF NURSING STAFF

I.

The shortage of nurses has become a serious national problem.

A.

More than 60 percent of U.S. hospitals have nurse

shortages severe enough to threaten the quality of
health care.

B.

Experts warn that the shortage will become even

worse in the years ahead unless steps are taken to
solve it.

Transition and Internal Preview:_____________

II. The problem can be solved by offering nurses better salaries
and better working conditions.
A. Better salaries will attract more people to nursing as a
profession.
B. Better working conditions will improve morale and reduce
burnout among nurses