Presented by Ranga Rodrigo based on Toastmasters Competent Communication Manual Organize Your Speech
Main Points Opening Body Conclusion
General-Specific-General
Steps Select your topic Make an outline Develop the opening Draft the body The conclusion
Steps Select your topic Make an outline Develop the opening Draft the body The conclusion
Sample Outline Opening Conclusion Body Capture audience attention Leads into speech topic Body Main point Subpoint Support material Conclusion Review or summary Call to action or memorable statement
Make an Outline Assemble your ideas logically. Use a good sequence.
Outline: Sequence I Chronological Department’s 40th anniversary speech Spatial Expose floor plan Causal (effect cause) Hurricanes
Outline: Sequence II Comparative Two proposals to improve literacy skills Topical Splits main topic into subtopics: How can E-club serve Problem-Solution Illiteracy educate parents
Main Points Opening Body Conclusion
Catch Audience’s Attention A startling question or challenging statement An appropriate quotation, illustration or story A display of some object or picture An attention-getting generalization
Avoid An apologetic statement Unrelated story or joke A commonplace observation delivered in a commonplace manner A long or slow-moving statement or story A trite question, such as “Did you ever stop to think … ?”
Main Points Opening Body Conclusion
Body Main part Three to five main ideas or facts Small note cards, one per idea Main points and sub points
Developing the Body Main point Subpoint Support material
Example: Benefits of Eating Fruits and Vegetables Eating fruits and vegetables provides nutrients your body needs to function. Easting fruits and vegetables protects against the effects of aging. Eating fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Example: Illiteracy in Sri Lanka Reasons for illiteracy Vicious cycle of illiteracy Solving illiteracy by education
Subpoints Clarify Emphasize Prove
Sub Points Can Include: Statistics Testimony Examples, stories, anecdotes Visual aids Facts
Example: Vegetables and Fruits “They contain carbohydrates, proteins and fats the body uses to generate energy or build cells.”
Example: Illiteracy According to the findings of Prof. Chandra Gunawardana, one out of four children attribute absenteeism to economic reasons, but only one out of six parents do so. Although parents do not want to accept, children suffer do to the family economic situation.
Transitions Help audience move smoothly from one point to the next.
Transition Words Afterwards Also But Consequently Consider Finally Instead Later Meanwhile Moreover Next Than Yet
Transition Phrases According to As a result For Example For instance In addition Let’s begin with More importantly This means To illustrate
Questions “We must consider three things in developing this new product. First is …. Second is … Third is ….” “Illiteracy is real, but why does it continue? “
Main Points Opening Body Conclusion
Conclusion Convey main points memorably. Leave a lasting impression. Suggest a course of action. Final remark: challenge, question, anecdote or quotation.
Main Points Opening Body Conclusion