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
First main point
Subtopic 1
Second main point
Subtopic 1
Third main point
When outlining the content of your speech, do not use single subpoints. Each symbol represents divisions of a whole, meaning when you divide anything you will always have at least two parts. In other words, if you have an A., you must also have a B. Likewise, a 1. Should be followed by a 2. Each idea has its main point, and the supporting evidence will make up the various sub- and sub-points.
Correct
First main point
Subtopic 1
Subtopic 2
Subtopic 3
Second main point
Subtopic 1
Sub supporting point
Sub supporting point
Subtopic 2
Subtopic 3
Sample Template: Chronological, Spatial, or Topical speech outline
Introduction
Attention Getter
Statement of Credibility
Motivate Audience to Listen
Preview Main Points/Thesis Statement
Body
First main point
Subtopic 1
Subtopic 2
Subtopic 3
Second main point
Subtopic 1
Sub supporting point
Sub supporting point
Subtopic 2
Subtopic 3
Third main point
Subtopic 1
Subtopic 2
Subtopic 3
Subtopic 4
Conclusion
Cue audience
Review Main Points
Memorable Closing