Patterns of Organization

Speech Patterns

Speech Patterns

Objectives

  • Demonstrate effective use of organizational patterns
  • Describe standard practices and methods for creating engaging speech content

Assignment Overview

In this practice exercise, you will explore the importance of organizing the main ideas of a speech into a pattern.

Deliverables

A two-page (500-word) paper and answers to exercise questions (This is all you will submit, two pages, about 500 words. If it takes you slightly more pages, that is okay. No worries. But, you must have a minimum of 500 words.)

Step 1 Write definitions for patterns of organization.

In a two-page (500-word) paper, write a brief definition or description in your own words for each of the following patterns used to structure the flow of information in a speech: (This is for the first section of your paper that includes at least 500 words. Just write definitions for these patterns of organization. )

  • Topical Pattern
  • Chronological Pattern
  • Spatial Pattern
  • Causal Pattern
  • Monroe’s Motivated Sequence

Step 2 Read the list below of statements about the topic of friendship.

Determine which of the patterns of organization might be useful to create a logical flow of information for the statements. Select one pattern of organization to use to organize the statements. It can be one of the six that you defined in Step 2 or another one from any of the lesson materials or another source.(Choose just one pattern of organization for the topic of friendship as shown next to Step 2 in the directions. If I were you, I would choose one that you defined in the first part of this assignment, but you can go to the remaining ones from any lesson materials. If you choose one different from the six you defined, then be sure to define it for us in the beginnning. This is provided for you to organize outside the assignment. If you see below, you will see that you will submit it eventually, but first, you need to organize it per your choice of style.)

Statements About Friendship*

  • We develop an acquaintanceship.
  • Friendship is an interpersonal relationship between two persons that is characterized by mutual positive regard.
  • We meet.
  • In order to understand friendships, we need to see what a friendship is and its stages of development.
  • Friendship is one of the most important of our interpersonal relationships.
  • We develop an intimate friendship.
  • Friendships develop through various stages.
  • Friendships don’t develop full blown but rather go through various stages-from the initial meeting to intimate friendship.
  • We develop a casual friendship.
  • By understanding friendship we will be in a better position to develop and maintain productive and enjoyable friendships.
  • Friendship-an interpersonal relationship characterized by mutual positive regard-is one of our most important assets.
  • We develop a close relationship.
  • Friendship is vital to all of us.

*These statements are from the Organizing a Scrambled Outline activity on the Course Compass website

Step 3 Arrange the statements about friendship.

Arrange the statements to form a logical flow. Modify your arrangement as many times as needed to fit one of the organizational patterns you learned about in the lesson.(Here is where you take the statements about friendship shown above and organize them in the arrangement you chose. You may have to think about this for a bit to make sure you organize it correctly for your chosen style.)

Step 4 Write the heading Introduction.

On the top of a sheet of blank paper, write the heading Introduction. Determine which statements you would include in the speech introduction. Then fill in the rest of the components of an introduction. (This is the second part of the assignment. Just start it on another page with the heading as described here. Use the statements about friendship shown above and choose which ones would be the introduction.)

Step 5 Write the heading Body.

On the top of a second sheet of blank paper, write the heading Body. Determine which statements you would include in the body of the speech. (This is NOT a separate page unless you are out of room on. Begin Body heading and then choose the statements that go in that area.)

Step 6 Write the heading Conclusion.

On the top of a third sheet of blank paper, write the heading Conclusion. Determine which statements you would include in the conclusion of the speech. Then fill in the rest of the components of a conclusion. (You may need more pages since headings take up room. That is okay, just use another page and follow the directions here for the Conclusion area. Be sure you label each area.)

Step 7 Enter the information.

In your word processing document, enter the headings and associated statements. (This just means to get your work ready to submit.)

Step 8 Answer the questions.

  • Which pattern of organization did you use to structure the flow of statements?
  • Are there any other patterns that you could have potentially used? If so, which one(s)? ( This would be the last paragraph or heading. So, write these questions and then respond to each one separately.) (You may have more pages than usual, but you will still have about 500 words or so. Just follow the directions for each section  and answer them fully. Do not get hung up on the word count.)