Informative Organizational Patterns

Informative speeches use chronological, spatial, and topical organizational patterns, while persuasive speeches are frequently organized using problem-solution, and Monroe’s Motivated Sequence. Special occasion speeches vary the organizational pattern based on the goal of the speech. In this section, we will examine the chronological, spatial and topical organizational patterns for informative speeches.

The chronological pattern arranges ideas in terms of time. You might organize a speech in terms of historical periods, or past, present, and future times. Chronological speech layouts can also be used when demonstrating how something works from start to finish, usually in a sequence of steps (first, second, third, etc.).

The spatial organizational pattern arranges ideas by location or geography. You might organize a speech in terms of north, south, east and west. Spatial speech layouts can also be used to explain the different parts of an object, such as the anatomy of a guitar: headstock, tuners, and fingerboard.

A topical pattern organizes the main points by categories of ideas. For some topics, there may be many ways to arrange ideas. The topical organizational pattern provides flexibility for the speaker to present ideas in a way that organizes sub-topics logically according to natural divisions.

It is sometimes possible to combine the chronological and spatial organizational patterns for a topical arrangement of the speech. For example, the first main point may cover the topic's history and would be organized using a chronological pattern. The second main point may cover critical areas of location related to the topic following a spatial pattern. Finally, the third main point may cover a final area that does not fit within a historical or spatial structure; and therefore, would fall under a topical pattern.

Creating an Outline

Outlining allows the speaker to arrange ideas and create a potential structure for the speech. The outline also allows the speaker to envision how information supports the thesis statement. While this process takes time, it provides the essential blueprint for the final speech presentation.

Incorrect

1. First main point

   1. Subtopic 1
      

2. Second main point

   1. Subtopic 1

3. Third main point

Correct

1. First main point

   1. Subtopic 1

   2. Subtopic 2

   3. Subtopic 3

2. Second main point

   1. Subtopic 1

      1. Sub supporting point

      2. Sub supporting point

   2. Subtopic 2

   3. Subtopic 3

Sample Template: Chronological, Spatial, or Topical speech outline

Introduction

1. Attention Getter

2. Statement of Credibility

3. Motivate Audience to Listen

4. Preview Main Points/Thesis Statement

Body

1. First main point

   • Subtopic 1

   • Subtopic 2

   • Subtopic 3

2. Second main point

   • Subtopic 1

     1. Sub supporting point

     2. Sub supporting point

   • Subtopic 2

   • Subtopic 3

3. Third main point

   • Subtopic 1

   • Subtopic 2

   • Subtopic 3

   • Subtopic 4

Conclusion

1. Cue audience

2. Review Main Points

3. Memorable Closing