Organizational Patterns for Informative Speeches An organized speech or presentation is the foundation of a well-written speech. After deciding on your purpose and conducting research, begin creating a preparation outline by developing main points and examples. However, selecting an effective organizational pattern is of utmost importance. The main points of an informative presentation can be organized using the following patterns:

Chronological or Temporal Pattern o o o o

Explains a topic systematically Main points are often ordered in relation to time (start to finish or most recent to least recent) Best pattern for “how to” speeches, because it can lay out a step-by-step process Example purpose: To inform the audience about UW-L’s Cowley Hall §

Main point 1: UW-L’s science instruction facility is Cowley Hall, which has a long history of serving the campus and its students.

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Main point 2: Since its original construction, few improvements have been made to the building, leaving it currently unfit for UW-L’s growing College of Science and Health.

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Main point 3: There are plans to design and construct a new building to replace Cowley Hall, which is scheduled to be completed in 2018.

Spatial Pattern o Explains a topic in relation to how it exists in space o Main points are ordered according to how they are arranged in position or proximity to each other (geographically or in relation to other things) o Useful when describing the elements of a place, object, or scene in terms of their location o Example purpose: To inform the audience about La Crosse’s natural areas §

Main point 1: Bordering La Crosse on the west is the Mississippi River, which flows from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico and connects La Crosse to nine other states.

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Main point 2: The La Crosse River Marsh, a central point for the city, is a delicate ecosystem that is a source of contention among citizens and lawmakers.

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Main point 3: Along the east side of La Crosse is vast bluff land and Hixon Forest.

Topical or Categorical Pattern o Explains a topic using “chunks” of relevant information o Main points are separated into “chunks” or categories (often people, places, things, or processes) based on what the audience needs to know in order to understand the topic o Example purpose: To inform the audience about UW-La Crosse athletics §

Main point 1: Stryker the Eagle plays an integral role in UW-L athletics as the mascot.

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Main point 2: Without all the dedicated student athletes, there would be no athletic program at UW-L.

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Main point 3: UW-L is home to several topnotch athletic facilities where student athletes showcase their skills and prepare for competition.

Narrative Pattern o Explains a topic in the context of a vivid story o Main points are connected using a detailed story (with characters, plot, setting, and plot) and usually incorporate elements of other organizational patterns o Imagery and personal stories can add value to your speech o Example purpose: To inform the audience about the nature in Arizona’s Sabino Canyon §

Main Point 1: The first thing I noticed when I arrived at Sabino Canyon was the landscape, which was mountainous and full of different types of cacti, trees, and shrubs.

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Main Point 2: Mid-way through our hike, a rattlesnake slithered straight across the trail and reminded me that Sabino Canyon is full of animals, some of which are dangerous.

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Main Point 3: Just as we rounded the bend and saw Bear Canyon, it started raining and I was scared it would be the start of a monsoon, a severe weather event that occurs in the southwestern areas of the U.S. during the summer months.

Cause-Effect or Causal Pattern o o o o

Explains a topic using cause-effect relationships Main points are a description of the cause and effect of a phenomenon and vice versa For informative speeches, make sure the cause-effect relationship is relatively undisputable Example purpose: To inform the audience about rhinos as endangered animals §

Main Point 1 (effect): There is only small population of wild rhinos remaining on Earth.

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Main Point 2 (cause): The decreasing rhino population is human-caused, through habitat encroachment and poaching for their valuable horns.

Comparison Pattern o Explains a topic through comparison and contrast o Shows the main similarities and/or differences of the chosen topic(s) o Example purpose: To inform the audience about frogs and toads §

Main Point 1 (similarities): Frogs and toads are members of the same order, which means they are closely related and have many similarities.

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Main Point 2 (differences): Despite their various similarities, frogs and toads are not in the same family and have a several distinct differences.

This guide sheet was created by Public Speaking Center peer consultants Bailey Benedict and Nellie Cupp. Content has been adapted from Real Communication (Macmillan Education).

Public Speaking Center

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