Problem-Solution Pattern of Arrangement

One commonly used design for persuasive speeches, especially (but not restricted to) those based on claims of policy, is the problem-solution pattern of arrangement (see also Chapter 12). Here you organize speech points to demonstrate the nature and significance of a problem and then to provide justification for a proposed solution:

  1. Problem (define what it is)
  2. Solution (offer a way to overcome the problem)

But many problem-solution speeches require more than two points to adequately explain the problem and to substantiate the recommended solution. Thus a problem-cause-solution pattern of arrangement may be in order:

  1. The nature of the problem (define what it is)
  2. Reasons for the problem (explain why it’s a problem, for whom, etc.)
  3. Unsatisfactory solutions (discuss those that have not worked) (optional step)
  4. Proposed solution (explain why it’s expected to work)

When arguing a claim of policy, it may be important to demonstrate the proposal’s feasibility. To do this, consider a four-point problem-cause-solution-feasibility pattern: (1) a need or a problem, (2) reasons for the problem, (3) a solution to the need or problem, and (4) evidence of the solution’s feasibility.

First comes a need or a problem. The policy must speak to a real issue that the audience would like to have resolved. If your claim is that “to prevent the collapse of the Social Security system, we should change eligibility requirements,” the need is for a lessening of financial challenges to funding Social Security. Second, the justification for a policy must provide reasons for the problem. One reason that the Social Security program faces financial shortfalls is that too many people are taking money out of the system and too few are putting money into it. (You can list multiple reasons.) Next, you must provide a solution to the problem, a specific way to address the need. The policy claim that Social Security should be changed must then offer an alternative policy, such as “The Social Security program needs to raise the normal retirement age from 65 to 70.” Fourth, the justification for the policy claim should offer evidence of the solution’s feasibility. In this case, the speaker could provide evidence showing that based on a retirement age of 70, budget analysts project X amount of savings over a 30-year period.

GENERAL PURPOSE: To persuade
SPECIFIC PURPOSE: To persuade my audience that the nation’s Social Security program is in danger of collapse and needs a major overhaul.
THESIS STATED AS NEED OR PROBLEM: Serious financial challenges to our nation’s Social Security program require that we take steps to ensure it will be able to meets its obligations to citizens.
MAIN POINTS: I. To keep Social Security funded, we need to raise both the full benefits age and the early eligibility age. (Need/problem)
II. People are living longer in retirement, which means they are collecting Social Security over a longer period. (Reasons for the problem; you can offer single or multiple reasons)
III. Congress needs to raise the early eligibility age from 62 to 67 and the normal retirement age from 67 to 70. (Solution to the problem)
IV. Social Security programs in countries X and Y have done this successfully. (Evidence of the solution’s feasibility)

ORGANIZING A CLAIM OF POLICY USING THE PROBLEM-CAUSE-SOLUTION PATTERN

image Describe the need or problem.

image Discuss reasons for the problem.

image Offer a solution to the need or problem.

image Offer evidence of the solution’s feasibility.