Overview
This lecture covers effective ways to organize the body of informative and persuasive speeches, required outline format, use of connectives, and proper source citation.
Organizing Informative Speeches
- Main orders for informative speeches: chronological, spatial, causal, and topical.
- Chronological order: organize points by time sequence, e.g., a movement's history.
- Spatial order: organize by physical layout or structure, e.g., regions of Australia, parts of a hurricane.
- Causal order: explain causes of an event or phenomenon, like causes of depression.
- Topical order: divide topic into separate categories or parts, such as signs of depression or components of a wheel.
Organizing Persuasive Speeches
- Causal (cause-and-effect) order: show how one event leads to another, e.g., nurse shortage leads to healthcare strain.
- Problem-solution order: state a problem and propose a solution, e.g., puppy mills and needed legislation.
- Topical order: present reasons supporting a proposition, e.g., benefits of exercise.
- Speeches should have 2-4 main points due to time constraints (4:30-5:30 minutes).
Required Outline Format
- Outlines must be in alphanumeric (traditional hierarchical) format with Roman numerals.
- Essay formats will not be accepted.
Use of Connectives
- Internal previews: outline main points at the start of the speech.
- Transitions: phrases that connect and guide between points (e.g., "now that we've discussed").
- Signposts: brief cues to indicate where you are in your speech (e.g., "first point," "in conclusion").
- Summaries: restate main points clearly at the conclusion.
Verbal Source Citations
- Verbally cite sources in informative, persuasive, and optionally, impact speeches.
- Each speech must include four oral citations.
- Include author, qualifications, publication, and/or date.
- Use phrases like “According to…” or “In a study by…”
Key Terms & Definitions
- Chronological Order — arranging points by time sequence.
- Spatial Order — organizing by physical or geographical structure.
- Causal Order — explaining causes or cause-and-effect relationships.
- Topical Order — dividing a subject into categories or parts.
- Connectives — devices that link sections and points in a speech (transitions, signposts, previews, summaries).
- Internal Preview — a statement at the introduction outlining main points.
- Signpost — brief indicators of progression within a speech.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Select your informative speech topic and organizational order.
- Prepare a Roman numeral outline for your speech.
- Print and review the grading rubric.
- Incorporate at least four verbal citations in your informative and persuasive speeches.