Learning Objectives

1.

Identify main and subordinate ideas. Organization is one of the main challenges facing the speech maker. Part of the organization challenge is to distinguish between main and subordinate ideas. Main ideas are the primary points of a speech. Subordinate ideas amplify the main ideas.

2.

Create a complete sentence outline. One of the best ways to organize your speech is to build its framework and prepare a complete sentence outline using the introduction-body-conclusion format. Since the body of the speech is the main part of your presentation, it should be prepared first.

3.

Identify five methods of ordering ideas. There are five generally accepted ways based on linear logic to order the ideas in a speech:
(1) chronological order, (2) spatial order, (3) cause-and-effect order,
(4) problem-and-solution order, and (5) topical order. Speakers from a number of cultural groups prefer to use configural logic to structure their ideas.

4.

Use internal summaries and transitions effectively. When you use linear logic, the body of your presentation must also have internal summaries and transitions to help listeners recall the content. (Professional speakers today must be prepared to give very short synopses-sound bites-to the media if they want to appear on the air.)

5.

Develop an effective introduction and conclusion. After the body of the speech has been completed, you are ready to prepare the introduction and conclusion. The introduction should gain the attention of the audience members, make them want to listen to your speech, and provide them with an overview of the subject to be discussed. Devices used to enhance introductions include humor, illustrations, questions, surprising statements, and statistics. The purpose of the conclusion is to summarize the material covered, heighten the impact of the presentation, and enable the audience to leave the occasion with your ideas freshly impressed on their minds. Devices used to increase the effectiveness of conclusions include surprising statements, rhetorical questions, quotations, and humor.

6.

Use a tryout to refine a speech. When you have completed the outline for the entire speech, you should become your own audience: Try out the speech and analyze the results. Be sure to take into account any cultural barriers that might affect your presentation to be sure that your presentation is clear to all members of your audience.

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