Of all of the aspects of speechmaking, the idea of organizational arrangements may seem the most confusing. But the process of selecting and organizing speech points into a pattern is easier and more natural than it might seem.

Why be concerned about using an organizational arrangement, or pattern for your speeches? Very simply, an arrangement suited to your particular topic and purpose offers a highly effective way to link points together to maximum effect. As important, a clear structure partially compensates for listeners’ inability to review information delivered orally, helping them to process and retain points as they unfold. A good time to select an arrangement (or combination of them) is after you’ve gathered the supporting materials and prepared preliminary main points.

Speeches make use of at least a dozen different organizational arrangements of main and supporting points. Here we look at six commonly used patterns for all forms of speeches: chronological, spatial, causal (cause-effect), problem-solution, topical, and narrative. In Chapter 26, you will find three additional patterns designed specifically for persuasive speeches: Monroe’s motivated sequence, refutation, and comparative advantage.

As you review these organizational designs, bear in mind that there are multiple ways to organize any given speech. Each method communicates something different, even if the topic is the same. Regardless of the specific pattern, studies confirm that the way you organize your ideas affects your audience’s understanding of them, so you’ll want to make use of a pattern.¹ Your goal should be to choose one that your audience can easily follow and that will best achieve your speech purpose.