Arranging Speech Points Using the Narrative Pattern
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Storytelling is often a natural and effective way to get your message across. In the narrative pattern of arrangement, the speech consists of a story or series of short stories, replete with character, settings, plot, and vivid imagery.
In practice, a speech built largely upon a story (or series of stories) is likely to incorporate elements of other designs. For example, you might organize the main points of the story in an effect-cause design, in which you first reveal why something happened (such as a drunken driving accident) and then describe the events that led up to the accident (the causes).
Whatever the structure, simply telling a story is no guarantee of giving a good speech. Any speech should include a clear thesis, a preview, well-organized main points, and transitions, so be certain to include these elements as you organize the speech.
Checklist: Choosing an Organizational Pattern
Does your speech . . .
Describe a series of developments in time or a set of actions that occur sequentially? Use the chronological pattern of arrangement.
Describe or explain the physical arrangement of a place, a scene, or an object? Use the spatial pattern of arrangement.
Explain or demonstrate a topic in terms of its underlying causes or effects? Use the causal (cause-effect) pattern of arrangement.
Demonstrate the nature and significance of a problem and justify a proposed solution? Use the problem-solution pattern of arrangement.
Stress natural divisions in a topic, in which points can be moved to emphasize audience needs and interests? Use a topical pattern of arrangement.
Convey ideas through a story, using character, plot, and settings? Use a narrative pattern of arrangement, perhaps in combination with another pattern.