Basic types of speeches



Basic types of speeches

Topical—this speech splits the main topic into sub-topics. For example, a speech about changing catering providers may involve discussion about different types of food and drink choices and their benefits.

Spatial—this type of speech follows a direction. For example, in a speech about planning a special event such as a wedding, you could first discuss placement of the tables and chairs (including appropriate seating for special guests at the front and less important guests at the rear) followed by discussion about the entertainment and catering options.

Chronological—the topic is arranged by time. For example, in a speech about your rise to an important position, you would begin with details about your humble roots and beginnings, followed by information about your own personal growth over the years, then your current status. This could be followed by your future aspirations.

Problem/solution—you present a problem that needs to be solved and then a solution to that problem. This type of organization is effective if you are trying to motivate your audience to take some kind of action. For example, a speech describing the effect of global climate change and pollution on people and the environment fits this organizational pattern, provided it lists the sources of the problem and describes what can be done to stop it.

Comparative—you compare and contrast different proposals or plans, usually to persuade the audience that one plan or proposal is better. For example, in a presentation to a company’s executives, you could compare and contrast two different advertising proposals concerning a new product to convince the executives that one proposal is better than the other.

Causal (both informative and persuasive)—this type of speech shows cause/effect relationships. Often the effect is discussed first, then the cause. A speech about natural disasters that describes how they occur and their destructiveness fits this organizational pattern.

One focus of persuasion is the question of fact. This refers to something that we can know to be either true or false, but right now we can argue about it: “To persuade my audience that media violence causes real-life violence.”

Another focus of persuasion is the question of value. Here we argue something is right or wrong, moral or immoral, or better or worse than another thing: “To persuade my audience that one product is better than another.” 

Another focus of persuasion can be questions of policy: “To persuade my audience that the ban on women in combat should be lifted.”

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