Structuring the Body of Your Speech
You should structure the body first, so that you can build an introduction and conclusion that fit your message. To develop the body, determine your main points, decide how to arrange them, then select effective supporting materials. To discover your main points, prepare a research overview of the information you have collected. This summary can help you spot major themes that can develop into main points.
Arrange your main points so that they follow natural mental patterns based on the principles of similarity, proximity, and closure. The similarity of objects or events may suggest a categorical design for structuring main points. Proximity suggests that things should be discussed as they happen together in space or time. If they occur in a time sequence, use a sequential design for your speech. If they occur in physical relationship to one another, a spatial design might be appropriate. The structure of the body satisfies the principle of closure when it completes the design it begins. Cause-effect and problem-solution designs require closure in order to be effective.
Supporting materials fill out the speech and buttress ideas. In an ideal arrangement, you should support each point with information, testimony, and an example or story that emphasizes its human aspects.
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