Overview
This lecture covers the major organizational styles used in public speaking, explaining when and how to apply each structure for effective speeches.
Introduction to Organizational Styles
- Organizational styles are templates for ordering the main points of a speech.
- Choosing an appropriate style depends on the speech's purpose and content.
Chronological Organization
- Chronological speeches arrange main points in time order, from earliest to latest.
- They work well for historical topics, life stories, or step-by-step demonstrations.
Topical Organization
- Topical speeches break the subject into main points that are related but separate.
- Each point covers an aspect or category of the overall topic.
Spatial Organization
- Spatial speeches organize information by physical or geographic location.
- This style is useful for describing layouts, places, or physical structures.
Comparative Organization
- Comparative speeches highlight similarities and/or differences between two or more items.
- They can compare subjects as a whole or compare specific attributes across subjects.
Problem-Solution Organization
- Problem-solution speeches describe a problem and then present one or more solutions.
- This style is common in persuasive and political speeches.
Causal Organization
- Causal speeches explain cause-and-effect relationships between events or concepts.
- They may start with the cause and show effects, or vice versa.
Choosing a Style
- Match your organizational style to your speech’s aims and main points.
- Informative speeches often use chronological, topical, spatial, comparative, or causal styles.
- Persuasive speeches may use problem-solution, refutation, or Monroe’s Motivated Sequence.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Chronological Speech — main points ordered by when events happened.
- Topical Speech — main points divided by categories or topics.
- Spatial Speech — main points organized by physical space or layout.
- Comparative Speech — main points structured around similarities or differences.
- Problem-Solution Speech — identifies a problem and offers solutions.
- Causal Speech — explains causes and effects between ideas or events.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review your upcoming speech topic and select the most effective organizational style.
- Read Chapter 16 for more on persuasive speech structures like refutation or Monroe’s Motivated Sequence.