Organizing the Body of the Speech; Beginning and Ending the Speech; Outlining the Speech

Speeches need effective introductions and conclusions

-An effective introduction gets the speaker off on the right foot. -An effective conclusion ends the speech on a strong note.

The main points are the most important element in organizing the body of a speech.

-Because main points are the central features in the body of a speech, they should be selected carefully.

The ability to organize one's ideas clearly and coherently is a vital skill.

-Clear organization is essential to effective public speaking. -Clear organization is also connected to critical thinking.

The third objective of a speech introduction is to establish the credibility and goodwill of the speaker.

-Credibility is a matter of being perceived by the audience as qualified to speak on a particular topic. -Establishing goodwill is a matter of showing that the speaker has the audience's best interests in mind.

Once the main points of a speech are in strategic order, a speaker must make sure that the supporting materials are effectively organized.

-It is crucial that supporting materials be well organized because misplaced supporting materials are confusing to listeners. -Details and evidence need to be directly relevant to the main points they support.

Speeches should have a limited number of main points.

-Most speeches contain from two to five main points. -If a speaker discovers that she or he has too many main points, the points should be condensed into a few broad categories.

The first objective is to gain the attention and interest of the audience.

-One method of gaining attention is to relate the topic to the audience. -A second method is to state the importance of the topic. -A third method is to startle the audience. -A fourth method is to arouse the curiosity of the audience. -A fifth method is to question the audience. -A sixth method is to begin with a quotation. -A seventh method is to tell a story. -Other methods of gaining attention include referring to the occasion, inviting audience participation, using audio equipment or visual aids, relation to a previous speaker, and beginning with humor.

Organizing speeches

-Organizing speeches helps students understand the relationship between ideas. -The skills of critical thinking used in organizing speeches will benefit students in many aspects of their lives.

Preparation Outline

Detailed outline developed during speech preparation.

Delivery Cues

Directions for delivering key parts of speech

Bibliography

List of sources used in speech preparation

Speaking Outline

List of sources used in speech preparation Guidelines: -Use visual framework of prep. outline -Make legible -Keep brief -Include delivery cue

Visual Framework

Symbolization and indentation showing relationships among ideas. 1.)Main Point -Subpoint A -Subpoint B -Sub-subpoint -Sub-subpoint 2.) Main Point -Subpoint A -Subpoint B

The fourth objective:

The fourth objective of a speech introduction is to preview the body of the speech.

The second objective:

The second objective of a speech introduction is to reveal the topic of the speech.

The second function of a conclusion is to reinforce the audience's understanding of or commitment to the central idea of the speech. (A speech conclusion has two primary functions)

There are four methods of accomplishing this -One method is to summarize the main points of the speech -A second method is to conclude with a quotation. -A third method is to refer back to the introduction of the speech. (These methods can be used separately or in combination to create an effective conclusion.)

The first function is to signal the end of the speech (A speech conclusion has two primary functions)

-One way to signal the end of a speech is with a brief verbal cue such as "In conclusion" or "One last thought." -Another way to signal the end is by the speaker's manner of delivery.

There are four tips for preparing an effective conclusion.

-Speakers should keep an eye out for potential concluding materials as they research the speech. -Speakers should conclude with a bang instead of a whimper. -Speakers should not be long-winded in the conclusion. -Speakers should prepare the content and delivery of their conclusions with special care.

There are three tips for preparing effective main points.

-Speakers should keep their main points separate and distinct. -Speakers should try to use parallel wording in their main points. -Speakers should balance the amount of time devoted to each main point.

Guidelines for Outline Preparation

-State specific purpose -Identify central idea -Label intro, body, conclusion -Use consistent pattern of symbolication, indentation -State main points, sub-points in full sentences -Label transitions, internal summaries, internal previews -Attach bibliography -Provide title

There are five tips for preparing an effective introduction

-The introduction should usually be relatively brief. -Speakers should keep an eye out for potential introductory material as they research the speech. -Speakers should be creative when devising their introductions. -Speakers should not be concerned with the exact wording of the introduction until the body of the speech is finished. -The introduction should be worked out in detail so it can be delivered effectively.

Prep. Outline Contents

-Title -Specific purpose -Central idea -Introduction -Main points -Subpoints -Connectives -Conclusion -Bibliography

Connectives are words or phrases that join one thought to another and indicate the relationship between them. There are four types of connectives:

-Transitions indicate when a speaker has completed one thought and is moving on to another. -Internal previews let the audience know what the speaker will take up next. -Internal summaries remind listeners of what they have just heard. -Signposts are brief statements that indicate exactly where a speaker is in the speech or that focus attention on key ideas.

Main points should be organized strategically to achieve the speaker's purpose.

-When arranged chronologically, main points follow a time sequence. -When arranged spatially, main points follow a directional pattern. -When arranged causally, main points show a cause-and-effect relationship. -Main points can also be organized in problem-solution order. -Main points are most often arranged in topical order.