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Module VIII: Public SpeakingSection 5: The BodyAfter completing this section, students should be able to:
After doing an audience analysis, selecting a topic considering the audience’s needs and interests, and creating the thesis, we need to develop the body of the speech. The body is the largest component of the speech, about 85 percent, and where we actually do what the thesis says. In the body, the speaker gives the information or arguments necessary to fulfill the intention of the thesis. “Writing” a Speech When a student says, “I’m going to write my speech,” we cringe. The way we use language is different when spoken versus when written. Inevitably, if a student sits down to write a speech, they will slip into a written style of language, like they are writing a paper for class. However, when this written speech is presented orally, it will sound dull, awkward, and artificial; it will sound like someone reading a paper for class. Instead, we develop or create speeches. We work from outlines to plan the flow of ideas and to keep the oral style of language. Avoid writing out any more than necessary to keep the speech in a conversational style of language. Read more about the differences between speaking and writing.Most commonly, speeches are broken into 2-4 main points. Main points are the major subdivisions of the thesis. Having too many main points can be overwhelming to the audience; fewer main points are more manageable for the speaker and the listener. Imagine hearing a speaker say, “Today I want to review 14 types of financial aid.” Chances are most audience members would feel a sense of dread over how long they assume the speech will be. If, however, that speaker groups those 14 types into 4, saying “Today I want to review four categories of financial aid,” most would find the thesis far less overwhelming. Coordination and SubordinationMain points have two key issues. First, the main points are coordinate with each other. The main points are of relatively equal importance, justifying them being set off as separate points. Second, each main point is part of the thesis, and once they are addressed, they fulfill the thesis. The main points are subordinate to the thesis; they fit within it and are part of it. Image 1 is a generic sample of an outline demonstrating coordination and subordination. There are many different formats for outlines, so be aware that specific expectations for instructors will vary.
Organizing the Main PointsWhen developing the speech, an important step is to decide the order in which to present the main points. Speakers need to remember although they will have a thorough understanding of the content, they need to stop and think what will work well with the given audience. Just because the speaker is well versed in the information does not mean the audience will understand it clearly, unless the speaker presents it in a well-planned structure based on the audience’s needs. Clear organization is important for three reasons:
In ordering the main points, use a logical idea development pathway. The speaker considers which order of presentation will be most effective with the audience in leading them to an understanding of the material. There are no concrete rules about what does/does not work because it depends on the topic and audience, but there are some common ways to do this:
Regardless of how the speaker orders the main point, the goal is always the same, move the audience along an idea development pathway that is logical, easy to follow, enhances memory value and understanding. The SubstructureThe substructure of the speech is the content included within each main point. The substructure contains the actual information, data, and arguments the speaker wishes to communicate to the audience. Within the substructure, the speaker must continue to determine the best order for items to be presented so the speaker and the audience can follow the development of ideas. This is the core of the speech. How to use evidence and sources will be addressed in a later sectionSee Module VIII, Section 4. Incorporating TransitionsTransitions are a vital component of any good speech. Their role is to verbally move the audience from point to point, keep the audience on track, and to clearly lead the audience through the organization. It is important to have the audience on track from the start, and to keep them on track. If a reader gets lost, they can simply go back and re-read, but in speaking, if the audience gets lost, it can be very hard to get them back on track. In public speaking, we like to use signpost transitions which are blatant transitions, such as “My second point is….” We are far less subtle in speaking than in writing. There are five types of transitions we use in speaking:
"Today I will be telling you about some other forms of financial aid. I'll be looking at special scholarships, work reimbursement programs, and grants designed for individuals in special cases." Note the thesis and the brief reference to the three main points. Another version of a preview is incorporated directly into the thesis. For example, “Today I will tell you about three forms of financial aid you probably have not considered.” Although not as detailed as the first example, it does let the audience know there are three main points to be covered. Regardless of which type is used, a key to a good preview is that it is not overdone, and merely mentions what is coming up. Do not over-preview.
“One type of alternative financial aid is special scholarships.” When heard back-to-back, they seem redundant. There will be discourse between the main point statements, so when they appear, they jump out as main point markers.
Key ConceptsThe terms and concepts students should be familiar with from this section include: Body of the Speech Writing a speech versus Developing a speech Main Points
Organization Patterns
What should be included in a transition between main points?Transitions between Main Points
A transition is a phrase or sentence that indicates that a speaker is moving from one main point to another main point in a speech. Basically, a transition is a sentence where the speaker summarizes what was said in one point and previews what is going to be discussed in the next point.
What are the 3 main points of a speech?Speeches are organized into three main parts: introduction, body, and conclusion.
What is internal preview in a speech?Internal Previews.
While the preview in the introduction discloses to the audience the general points to be made in the speech, the internal preview outlines the critical points to be made within the body of the speech. Internal previews cue the audience to listen for the key elements within major points.
What previews the order of the speech to the audience in the beginning of the speech?Introduction. The introduction gives the audience a reason to listen to the remainder of the speech. A good introduction needs to get the audience's attention, state the topic, make the topic relatable, establish credibility, and preview the main points.
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