SPCM 101: Chapters 11 & 9

Central Idea

A single sentence that sums up or encapsulates the major ideas of a speech

• Blueprint of the speech
• Preview of the main points
• Introduction, body, and conclusion

Preparation Outline Guidelines

Visual Framework - the pattern of symbolization and indentation in a speech outline that shows the relationship among the speaker's ideas

Use a Consistent Pattern of Symbolization and Indentation

1. A. I.

2. B. II.

3. C. III.

Label key ideas throughout the outline

Guidelines Cont.

Use one, full sentence per point

Attach a Works Cited page (MLA citations)

• Full citations
• Parenthetical citations
• Verbal citations

Review the sample outline on D2L under the contents tab

The Speaking Outline

A brief outline used to jog a speaker's memory during the presentation of the speech (not memorized)

Help yourself remember the speech

Use index cards or note cards

Guidelines for the Speaking Outline

Clear, easy to see, and concise

Give yourself delivery cues (pg. 216)

• eye contact
• pause
• smile

Example speaking outline on pg. 216-217

Speech Organization

What do you think of when you think of organization?

Reasons to Organize

"Listeners demand coherence"

• Builds confidence as a speaker

• Linked to critical thinking skills

• Shows your preparation and expertise (credibility)

Strategic Organization

Main Points - the major point developed in the body of the speech. Most speeches contain from two to five main points

Time management (strategic)

• 4-6 min speech

• 30-60 sec. introduction, 4-5 min. body, and 30 sec. conclusion

main points (~1 min) add or subtract from the total time of the speech

Ordering Main Points

Chronological Order - speech organization in which the main points follow a time pattern

• Ex. The Great Wall of China was built in three major stages

Spatial Order - speech organization in which the main points follow a directional pattern

• Ex. The American language is composed of multiple dialects

Causal Order - speech organization in which the main points show a cause-effect relationship

• Ex. to show that certain financial factors lead to a recession

Ordering Main Points Cont.

Problem-Solution Order - speech organization in which the first main point deals with the existence of a problem and the second main point presents a potential solution to the problem

• Ex. to persuade my audience that the electoral college is unrepresentative and should be removed in favor of popular vote

Topical Order - speech organization in which the main points divide the topic into logical and consistent subtopics

• Ex. to inform my audience about the different research projects that are being conducted at the Sanford Underground Research Lab

Organization Examples

How do the following speeches organize the main points?

• 6.06 "Acupuncture"

• 8.10 "Lady Liberty"

Preparing Main Points

• Keep main points separate (cover one thing at a time)
• Ex. electronic music has become more popular in recent years and is performed by many famous artists

• Use the same wording for each main point
• be repetitive in your words (easier to remember)

• Balance the time spent on each main point

Connecting Main Points

Connectives - words or phrases that connect the ideas of a speech and indicate the relationship among main points

• Transitions
• Internal Preview
• Internal Summary
• Signposts