communication

Chapter 12 Learning Outcomes

1 Develop your speech body using

an appropriate main point pattern

2 Create an effective speech

introduction

3 Construct an effective

conclusion

4 Compile a formal speech outline and

reference list

American University of the Middle East | COM114 | Chapter 12 Organizing Your Speech 1

Identify Main Points (page 163)

List the ideas that relate to the speech

Eliminate ideas that the audience already understands or that are broad or complicated to understand within the time allotted

Check if any of the ideas can be grouped together

Choose two to four ideas that will help accomplish one’s speech goal

American University of the Middle East | COM114 | Chapter 12 Organizing Your Speech 2

Select a Main Point (page 166)

1) Time order arranges the main points by a

chronological sequence or by steps in a process

2) Narrative order dramatizes the thesis using a story or series

that includes characters, setting, and a plot

3) Topical order structures the main points using some logical relationship

among them

4) Logical reasons order structures the main points as reasons for

accepting the thesis as desirable or truth

American University of the Middle East | COM114 | Chapter 12 Organizing Your Speech 3

General Form for a Speech Outline (page 168)

Thesis statement

Outline Main point Subpoint

Supporting material

Transitions Signposts

American University of the Middle East | COM114 | Chapter 12 Organizing Your Speech 4

Create Transitions (page 169)

Organizing your

speech

Transitions

Section Transitions

Signposts American University of the Middle East | COM114 |

Chapter 12 Organizing Your Speech 6

Developing the Introduction (page 170)

Get attention

• Action • Jokes • Personal

references • Questions • Quotation • Startling

statements • Stories • Suspense

Establish listener relevance

• Motivate the audience to listen

• Link your speech to your audience

• Mention why and how your speech might affect your audience

Establish credibility

• Show that you are an authority on the topic

• Highlight that you are a credible speaker

State the thesis

• Main points should be stated in the introduction

American University of the Middle East | COM114 | Chapter 12 Organizing Your Speech 7

Develop the Body

Step 1 Select a specific and suitable speech goal

Step 2 Gather and evaluate

information to develop your speech

Step 3 Organize ideas into a

well-structured outline

American University of the Middle East | COM114 | Chapter 12 Organizing Your Speech 8

Construct an Effective Conclusion (page 173)

Effective conclusions enhance the impact of a

good speech

Summarize the speaker’s goals

and main points

Should be carefully designed as it is the shortest

part of a speech

Leave the audience with

a vivid impression

“All’s well that ends well” (William

Shakespeare)

Clincher • Short statement that provides a

sense of closure • Reiterates the importance of

one’s speech in a memorable manner

• Vivid imagery • Appeal to action

American University of the Middle East | COM114 | Chapter 12 Organizing Your Speech 9