Speaking Step 3

Outcomes

To achieve Step 3, learners will be able to make points in a logical order when speaking so that a listener can follow and understand the meaning of what is said.

Earlier steps focused on how to speak clearly. Now learners focus on the meaning of their communication.

Learners need to be able to:

• Understand what we mean by putting things in a logical order, and why it matters

• Learn some approaches to putting things in a logical order

Introduction

• A logical order is putting ideas in an order that means they make sense when they follow on from each other.

• If ideas are not put in a logical order, it is difficult for a listener to understand, process and remember what they are hearing.

Teach & Apply

There are three main ways to arrange your ideas in a logical order:

1. Talk about causes and effects: Making a clear connection between how one thing led to another thing.

2. Putting things in the order in which they happen: This makes it easier for listeners to remember the order and retell the story. It's also known as chronological order. 

3. Starting from the simplest idea: Thinking about what someone needs to understand first, starting with the simplest idea and building up from there.

Reflection & Assessment

Embed these strategies across your teaching and coaching to help learners apply what they’ve learnt.

• Explicitly model how you are putting ideas in a logical sequence when you are teaching.

Use these ideas for ways of assessing this skill step to help you check learners’ understanding and confidence.

• Ask learners to talk about an event, or to create instructions for completing a particular task, or to explain a concept.

• Ask these reflective questions:

  • What do we mean by putting ideas in a logical order?

  • Why does it matter?

  • How do you think you can put things in a logical order?