Printed Page 100

A well-organized speech is characterized by unity, coherence, and balance. Try to adhere to these principles as you arrange your speech points.

A speech exhibits unity when it contains only those points implied by the purpose and thesis statements. Each main point supports the thesis, and each supporting point provides evidence for the main points. Each sub-supporting point supports each supporting point. Finally, each point should focus on a single idea.

A speech exhibits coherence when it is organized clearly and logically, using the principles of coordination and subordination to align speech points in logical progression (see Table 12.1). In addition, the speech body should follow logically from the introduction, and the conclusion should follow logically from the body. Within the body of the speech itself, main points should follow logically from the thesis statement, and supporting points should follow logically from the main points. Transitions serve as logical bridges that help establish coherence.

Inexperienced speakers may give overly lengthy coverage to one point and insufficient attention to others; or they might provide scanty evidence in the speech body after presenting an impressive introduction. The principle of balance suggests that appropriate emphasis or weight be given to each part of the speech relative to the other parts and to the theme. The body of a speech should always be the longest part, and the introduction and conclusion should be of roughly the same length. Stating the main points in parallel form is one aspect of balance. Assigning each main point at least two supporting points is another. If you have only one subpoint, consider how you might incorporate it into the superior point. Think of a main point as a body and supporting points as legs; without at least two legs, the body cannot stand.