Organizing a Speech: Preparing Main Points

Introduction

• Finalizing discussion on organizing a speech
• Focus on preparing the main points
• Discussed strategies for ordering main points

Rules for Preparing Main Points

1. Keep Main Points Separate

• Each main point should be independent
• Avoid lumping two ideas together
• Ineffective Example:
  • "The third step is conducting the rehearsals and then performing the play."
• Effective Example:
  • "The third step is conducting the rehearsals."
  • "The fourth step is performing the play."

2. Use the Same Pattern of Wording

• Uniform structure aids audience in understanding transitions
• Consistent patterns signal movement to a new main point
• Ineffective Example:
  • "Regular exercise increases your endurance"
  • "Your sleeping pattern is improved by regular exercise"
• Effective Example:
  • "Regular exercise increases your endurance"
  • "Regular exercise improves your sleeping pattern"

3. Balance the Amount of Time Devoted

• Equal importance should be given to each main point
• Balance time spent on each point
• Avoid large disparities in time allocation for main points
• Treat shorter points as sub-points if needed

Importance of Consistent Time Allocation

• Maintains audience focus and structure
• Example of a history professor using equal time increments
• Avoid sudden short points without warning

Conclusion

• Formal presenters should ensure equal treatment of main points
• Devote the same amount of time and attention to each main point

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This concludes the guidelines for preparing main points in a speech.