Page 249 - Essentials of Human Communication

228 CHAPTER 11 Public Speaking Preparation (Steps 1–6)

sPatial Pattern
Organizing the main points of a speech on the basis of its spatial patterns is similar to temporal
patterning. Discussions of most physical objects fit well into spatial patterns. For example, a
presentation on the structure of a hospital, a school, a skyscraper, or even a dinosaur might lend
itself to this pattern. Here, a speech on places to visit in Central America uses a spatial pattern.
General Purpose: To inform
Specific Purpose: To inform my audience of a great way to visit Central America
Thesis: You can have a great visit to Central America by visiting four countries.

I. First, visit Guatemala.
II. Second, visit Honduras.
III. Third, visit Nicaragua.
IV. Fourth, visit Costa Rica.

tOPical Pattern
The topical pattern divides the speech topic into subtopics or component parts. The world’s
major religions, great works of literature, and the problems facing the college graduate are other
examples of speech topics that lend themselves to a topical organizational pattern. This pattern
is an obvious choice for organizing a speech on a topic such as the branches of government:

General Purpose: To inform
Specific Purpose: To inform my audience of the ways the three branches of government work
Thesis: Three branches govern the United States.

I. The legislative branch is controlled by Congress.
II. The executive branch is controlled by the president.
III. The judicial branch is controlled by the courts.

PrOBleM-sOlutiOn Pattern
As its name indicates, the problem-solution pattern divides the main ideas into two main
parts: problems and solutions. Let’s say you’re trying to persuade an audience that home
health aides should be given higher salaries and increased benefits. In the first part of the
speech, you might discuss some of the problems confronting home health aides. In the sec-
ond part, you would consider the possible solutions to these problems. The speech, in outline
form, might look like this:
General Purpose: To persuade
Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience of the solutions to the three main problems
of the home health care industry
Thesis: The home health care industry can be improved with three changes.

I. Three major problems confront home health care.
A. Industry lures away the most qualified graduates.
B. Numerous excellent health aides leave the field after a few years.
C. Home health care is currently a low-status occupation.
II. Three major solutions to these problems exist.
A. Increase salaries for home health aides.
B. Make benefits for health aides more attractive.
C. Raise the status of the home health care profession.

cause-effect/effect-cause Pattern
Similar to the problem-solution pattern of organization is the cause-effect, or effect-cause,
pattern. Using this pattern, you divide the speech into two major sections: (1) causes and