Basic Speech Structure

I.                   Introduction

A.                 Attention getter

B.                 Psychological Orientation (Why should you listen to me?)

C.                  Logical Orientation (Why should you care about my topic?)

D.                 Thesis Statement & Preview of Main Points

[   Transition to first point  ]

 

II.                First Main Point

A.                 Subpoint

     1.                 Supporting Materials

B.                 Subpoint  

     1.                 Supporting Materials

[   Transition to second point  ]

 

III.             Second Main Point

A.                 Subpoint

     1.                 Supporting Materials

B.                 Subpoint  

     1.                 Supporting Materials

[   Transition to third point  ]

IV.              Third Main Point

A.                 Subpoint

     1.                 Supporting Materials

B.                 Subpoint  

     1.                 Supporting Materials

[   Transition to conclusion ]

V.                 Conclusion

A.                 Review of Main points

B.                 Psychological Closure

C.                  Clincher

Chapter 10: Arranging Points

¢  Arranging Points

—  Arrange your main points in a pattern that makes sense for the topic and the thesis statement

¢  Chronological

¢  Ideas are based in a time sequence

¢  Ex. European Music: Baroque Period, Classical Period, Romantic Period

¢  Spatial Pattern

¢  Based on geography

¢  Ex. Crime: Eastern Seaboard, Midwest, Pacific Coast

¢  Cause-Effect

¢  Problem-Solution

Chapter 8: Research

¢  How to Start Researching:

—  Sources of Information:

¢  Internet (Lexis-Nexis, academic journals)

¢  Library (books, encyclopedias, DVDs, etc.)

¢  Experts (your dad)

—  Formulate questions:

¢  What do you want to find out about your speech topic? Write a list of questions that you can answer throughout your research.

¢  This will help structure your research and be a way to know when you have “finished.”

¢  Learn the Lexicon

—  As you research you will discover new terms that are specific to the field

¢  Write down terms that are used frequently

¢  Make a list of definitions

¢  Learn to “talk the talk”

—  This will help you understand your research and add to your credibility

¢  Interviewing

—  Types of experts

¢  Educators

¢  Public Officials

¢  Agencies or Non-Profit Organizations

¢  Athletes

¢  Doctors

¢  Accountants

¢  Any professional

—  Make a list of questions

¢  Avoid vague questions

¢  Don’t disagree, argue, or interrupt

¢  Send a thank you note

¢  Record Your Sources

—  Use MLA or APA as your format for recording your sources

¢  Online resource for MLA citation

¢  Online resource for APA citation

—  Find an organizational system that works for you

¢  Note cards

¢  Notebook

¢  Word Document

—  Record quotes and data in a way that you can easily find it later

Chapter 4: Overcoming Fear of Speaking

Chapter 4: Overcoming Fear of Speaking

• Specify your fear
• A specific fear is easier to fix than a vague one. 
• "I'm totally freaking out!"  versus "I'm worried about blanking out!
• Good preparation will help you feel confident
• D&C 38:30 "...but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear."
• Develop a good outline and practice, practice, practice.
• Pray for help to remember what you studied and prepared.
• Visualize success
• When you are experiencing fear and anxiety try imaging yourself confidently delivering the speech
• Replace negative thoughts with positive ones
• Replace Negative: "I'm going to say "um" to much." with Positive: "No one will notice if I say "um" a few times. They will notice my great content and know how hard I worked."
• Try Relaxation Techniques
• Fight or Flight: Your body reacts to fearful situations by preparing it for "fight" or "flight." Public speaking isn't as intense as fighting a tiger or running from one. So... what do we do with the increased heart rate, rush of adrenaline, and tense muscles?
• Breathe! Force some oxygen to your brain. It will help you relax and focus.
• Inhale through the nose and exhale through your mouth. It's the best way to slow down your breathing.
• Go for a brisk walk
• Do some neck rolls, knee bends, or arm swings.