Unit 8: The Body of a Speech
This unit of the course deviates from the order of content presented in the textbook by presenting material on developing the body of your speech before material on developing the speech's introduction. This has been done because an introduction introduces the body of the speech, but if the body of the speech does not exist yet, the speaker has nothing to base the introduction on. This unit also begins the second half of the course, which focuses on actually developing a speech. Moreover, because public speaking requires performance as well as comprehension, starting with this unit, the rest of this course includes a number of assignments which challenge you to apply the information you obtain to specific tasks associated with writing or presenting a speech.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- develop main points to support the specific purposes of your speech;
- identify appropriate organizational patterns for presenting different types of information to a listening audience;
- identify effective transitions and signposts to improve the coherence and clarity of a speech;
- identify the role and purpose of previews, internal summaries, and signposts; and
- point out the major elements (main points, supporting detail, transitions, signposts) used in the body of a sample speech.
8.1: Determining Your Main Ideas
Read the chapter 10 introduction and section 10.1. Your main points are a combination of your topic, purpose, and strategy. For example, if your topic is cats and your purpose is to inform your audience, then your specific purpose might be to inform your audience of the differences in cat breeds. "Differences" is a keyword associated with the strategy and pattern of using contrast. Keep this relationship in mind. Attempt the questions at the end of the section.
8.2: Using Common Organizing Patterns
This section describes the seven most frequently-used organizational patterns in speeches. Most of these patterns are associated with informative and entertaining speeches. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.
This article describes nine organizational patterns used in informative, entertaining, or persuasive speaking. Note the different patterns and the types of material each pattern is best suited for. Sometimes your topic naturally leads you to a certain organizational pattern.
Watch these examples of organizational patterns. These videos give creative ways to remember these organizational patterns and one professional's thoughts on crafting a simple and successful presentation.
8.3: Keeping Your Speech Moving
This section covers the elements that create the flow of an effective speech. Pay attention to Table 10.1, which lists transitional phrases that work in specific organizational patterns. Inexperienced speakers often struggle to come up with effective phrases. This section also covers four transitional elements: transitions between main points, internal previews, internal summaries, and signposts. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.
These videos give additional examples of transitions.
8.4: Analyzing a Speech Body
This section presents the body of a sample speech and analyzes it for you. Pay attention to the transitional devices that make the speech flow. Use this speech as a model for an effective body of a speech.
8.5: Unit 8 Exercises
After you finish this unit, answer these questions. If you get any questions incorrect, review that material from the chapter.