Speech Body Structure

Depending on the speech purpose, you can choose from a variety of speech structures such as a timeline, cause and effect, problem and solution, compare and contrast, or step-by-step. These structures form the body of your speech. Which you decide to use, let it ease the flow of the speech and make it more easily understood.

Chronological: A chronologically organised speech follows a time line. e.g. a speech topic about historical events such as a trip you recently took, Process or procedure of carrying out a task such as how to repair a puncture or a cooking recipe.

Spatial: The speech is arranged according to space, orientation, or physical structure of the subject. It is best for topic dealing with parts of an object. For example a speech discussing muscles of the body, estates of a city, parts of a ship.

Causal: Organises a speech from cause to effect, or effect to cause. e.g. Identify a condition, its causes, it’s effect, such as social malady, a war or a disease.

Pro and Con: organises a speech according to arguments for and against some policy, position, or action.

Problem-Solution: This structure identifies and analyses a problem in terms of its consequence and then proposes a solution.

Gimmick: A speech is structured according to a special memory device, such as alliteration, rhyme, or acrostic.

Creating a Speech on Short Notice

Confirm the purpose: If you have only a few minutes to prepare a speech, focus hard on your single most important point. The specific purpose. This will keep you glued to the point. The specific purpose could be proposing a course of action, entertaining, informing, or inspiring your audience. Make sure you can state your purpose in one sentence and write it down. Then organize your thoughts around that purpose. As you write, restrict your information to what directly relates to your purpose. Try to use a story or personal experience to illustrate each point you want to mention. One well-illustrated point is stronger and more memorable than multiple points that are explained but not illustrated.

Practice ideas, not words. A speech that is memorized word for word is risky because  if you lose your place you are in trouble. Instead memorize the outline. You want to be spontaneous enough to be able to insert comments about something from earlier in the meeting. Having examples planned for each point will make it easier for you to remember what to say next.

Delivery - When you give the speech use a powerful opening. State each point clearly. If you have an illustration use it. But Don’t ramble or belabour the point! Then use a strong closing.  Never apologize for your lack of preparation or nervousness – chances are good no one will notice.

If time allows

o    Practice your speech a few times in your natural voice. If you miss a point, keep going. Then go back to the section you had trouble with and work on it until it’s smooth. 

o  Polish your speech by working on finer points such as vocal variety, then gestures, and then stance and pacing, focusing on one aspect of delivery at a time.

o    Create an attention-grabbing opening.
 o   Craft a catchy concluding statement that is both a call to action and summarizes your main point.