Informative Speech Structures

Topical AKA Categorical Good for when each main point is a subtopic of the main topic When each main point is of equal importance When the order of presenting the main points is not that important Gives the greatest freedom for structuring main points

Sample: Florence, Italy is an excellent town for sightseeing Main point #1 Accessible transportation Main point #2 Variety of Attractions Main point #3 Flexible hours and prices

Chronological Organization AKA: Temporal Pattern Follows natural order of events Locks in a particular sequence of events Would look ‘weird’ if events were re-arranged Good for topics that: Describe a series of events in steps Develop a procedure Demonstration/Process speeches like cooking Historical/Biographical topics

Example: Seeing Florence in a Day Main point #1 Morning Main point #2 Afternoon Main point #3 Evening

Spatial Organization Purpose: describe or explain the physical arrangement of A place Scene Object Good for providing a ‘tour’ Good for providing a geographic break down

Example: Seeing Florence by Neighborhood The San Lorenzo Neighborhood Dante’s Stomping Grounds Santa Croce Neighborhood

Example: Market Growth Across the Country p. 187 Sales rates in the Eastern Zone Sales rates in the Central Zone Sales rates in the Western Zone

Example by object: Getting to know your car Main point #1 What’s under the hood Main point #2 What’s in the trunk Main point #3 What’s connected to the chassi

Cause-Effect items such as: Events leading to higher interest rates Designed to show relationship between two of school Usually done in two areas Cause Effect items such as: Events leading to higher interest rates Reasons students drop out