Page 256 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking

Chapter 9 Organizing Messages 223

Thesis

Main Point Main Point Main Point
I II III

Subpoint Subpoint Subpoint Subpoint Subpoint Subpoint Subpoint Subpoint Subpoint
A B C A B C A B C

1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
Supporting Points
Exhibit 9.1
Relationship of Points
Traditional Patterns of Organization in a Traditional Speech

A number of different patterns can be used to organize the body of a speech. In
Chapter 2, we introduced three of those patterns: time, spatial, and categorical.
We now add eight traditional patterns of organization: extended narrative, al-
phabetical, problem-solution, stock issues, comparative advantage, refutational,
causal, and Monroe’s motivated-sequence. We begin by briefl y reviewing the
three patterns introduced in Chapter 2: time, spatial, and categorical, which can
be seen in Exhibit 2.2. We will then introduce the additional organizational pat-
terns in more detail.

Time

Many speech topics are best organized in a simple time pattern. Speeches on time pattern
historical events or that deal with a process are well suited to this pattern. View- A pattern of organization
ers of The History Channel are familiar with this pattern
based on chronology or
a sequence of events.
Spatial

A spatial pattern is an organization based on physical space or geography. spatial pattern
Some topics, usually informative, lend themselves to a spatial or geographic or- A pattern of organization
der. Every time you turn to the weather channel, you will see the weather de- based on physical space
scribed using this pattern. or geography.

Categorical
categorical pattern
A categorical pattern is an organization based on natural divisions in the A pattern of organiza-
subject matter. Animals can be divided into mammals, reptiles, birds, and so tion based on natural
forth. When using this pattern, however, we need to be careful that we don’t cre- divisions in the subject
ate false categories. Much social and ethnic prejudice is rooted in stereotyping matter.
people into arbitrary categories.