Page 254 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking

Chapter 9 Organizing Messages 221

Obviously, the second example is easier to remember. The repetition of the
phrase “pop music transcends” in all three main points stresses the focus of this
speech.
We want to be clear that mere repetition is not the same as parallel structure.
What is important is that in constructing the main points, a key phrase or con-
cept begins each point. Repeating words randomly throughout the speech is not
the same thing as having a parallel structure for your main points.

Simplicity Versus Complexity

A reader can reread anything that is complex or confusing. An audience has
only one chance to process information. Main points phrased as complex sen-
tences may lose an audience. Concise and simple language makes the structure
of a speech clear. Compare the following two examples:

I. AIDS is transmitted through unprotected sexual relations, including ho-
mosexual and heterosexual encounters.
II. AIDS is transmitted when drug users, often desperate for their next fi x,
share dirty needles.
III. AIDS is transmitted by the exchange of blood, such as in a transfusion or
between a mother and her unborn child.
I. AIDS is transmitted by unprotected sex.
II. AIDS is transmitted by sharing needles.
III. AIDS is transmitted by blood.

Which of the two do you think the audience will remember? Main points
should be as simple as the subject will allow.

Balance
The main points of the speech should be in balance. For example, if one main
point composes two-thirds of the speech, audience members may become con-
fused and wonder what they missed.

Subpoints

Subpoints are to main points what main points are to the thesis statement. A subpoint
subpoint is an idea that supports a main point. Each main point should have An idea that supports a
between two and fi ve subpoints. Consider, for example, our speech on diversity main point.
in pop music.

I. Pop music transcends national boundaries. [main point]
A. The pop music charts feature artists from not only the U.S. but Brazil, [sub point]
Canada, and France, to name a few.
B. The most popular recording artist in the world is from Spain. [sub point]
II. Pop music transcends cultures.
A. African American and Caribbean cultures are well represented in
today’s pop music.
B. Many Anglo musicians have adapted the music of their ancestral cul-
ture to the contemporary pop scene.