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12 Types of Organizational Arrangements
<A> OBJECTIVES
To use a pattern to help listeners process and retain information.
To choose from a variety of organizational patterns.
To be aware that subpoints need not follow the pattern selected for main points.
<A> CHAPTER CONTENT OUTLINE
I. Types of organizational arrangements
A. An arrangement suited to your particular topic and purpose offers a highly
effective way to link points together to maximum effect.
B. As important, a clear structure allows the audience to follow your ideas and
mentally link points together as you wish.
C. The five primary types of organizational arrangements are chronological, spatial,
causal (cause–effect), topical, and narrative. The problem–solution pattern is
typically used for persuasive speeches.
D. The three additional patterns designed specifically for persuasive speeches are
Monroe’s Motivated Sequence, refutation, and comparative advantage.
II. Arranging speech points chronologically
A. The chronological pattern of arrangement (also called the temporal pattern) is
useful when main points follow a natural sequential order.
B. Topics that describe a series of events in time or develop in line with a set pattern
of actions or tasks should be organized according to this pattern.
III. Arranging speech points using a spatial pattern
A. The spatial pattern of arrangement should be used when the speaker wants to
describe a place, a scene, or an object.
B. Logically, the main points should appear in order of physical proximity or
direction to one another.
IV. Arranging speech points using a causal (cause–effect) pattern
A. The causal (cause–effect) pattern of arrangement is used when the main points of
a speech compare something that is known to be a cause with its effects.
B. A topic can be discussed in terms of multiple causes for a single effect, or vice
versa.
C. Some causal speeches can be presented with the effect(s) first and the cause(s)
subsequently.
V. Arranging speech points using a problem–solution pattern
A. The problem–solution pattern of arrangement organizes the main points to
demonstrate the nature and significance of a problem and then to provide justification
for a proposed solution.
B. Many problem-solution speeches require more than two points to adequately describe
the problem and recommended solutions.
VI. Arranging speech points topically
A. Arranging speech points in the topical pattern of arrangement (also called the
categorical pattern) is a good approach when all speech points have relatively equal
levels of importance.
B. In a topical arrangement, points can be arranged in any order without affecting each
other or the speech purpose negatively.
C. Topical arrangements give you the greatest freedom to structure main points according
to how you wish to present your topic.
VII. Arranging speech points using a narrative pattern
A. A narrative pattern of arrangement consists of stories or a series of short stories that
include characters, settings, and a plot.
B. A good speech is more than simply telling a good story, and should include a clear
thesis, a preview, well-organized main points, and effective transitions.
VIII. Subpoints need not match the pattern of main points
A. Keep your main points in one organizational pattern, but feel free to use other patterns
for subpoints if they are more appropriate.
B. Organization should be driven by what’s most effective for the rhetorical situation.
<A> KEY TERMS
chronological pattern of arrangement a pattern of organizing speech points in a natural
sequential order; it is used when describing
a series of events in time or when the topic develops
in line with a set pattern of actions or tasks.
spatial pattern of arrangement a pattern of organizing main points in order of their
physical proximity or direction relative to each other; it is used when the purpose of a speech is
to describe or explain the physical arrangement of
a place, a scene, or an object.
causal (cause-effect) pattern of arrangement a pattern of organizing speech points in
order, first of causes and then of effects or vice versa; it is used when the cause-effect
relationship is well established.
problem-solution pattern of arrangement a pattern of organizing speech points so that
they demonstrate the nature and significance of a
problem first, and then provide justification for
a proposed solution.
topical pattern of arrangement (or
categorical pattern) a pattern of organizing main points as
subtopics or categories of the speech topic; of all
organizational patterns, this one offers the most
freedom to order speech points as desired.
narrative pattern of arrangement a pattern of organizing speech points so that the
speech unfolds as a story, with characters, plot, setting, and vivid imagery. In practice, this
pattern often is combined with other organizational patterns.
CHAPTER STUDY GUIDE
I. SUMMARY QUESTIONS
What are the main types of organizational patterns described in this chapter?
What are the differences between the six main
patterns of organization?
Chronological patterns of arrangement (also called temporal patterns) are used to reflect the
natural sequential order of the main points. Spatial patterns of arrangement are used when the
Do subpoints need to match the organizational pattern of the main points? Why or why
not?
No, subpoints need not match the pattern of main points, because organization of speech points
II. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
How does the choice of main points affect the organizational structure that should be used
to present a speech?
It is essential for students to understand that formulation of main points and the gathering of
How does audience analysis factor into choosing an organizational pattern?
Audience analysis is important in determining a pattern that will be easily recognized and
followed. For example, some audience members do not think in a linear fashion, as is done in
III. ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
AND ACTIVITIES
QUESTIONS
The following questions may help you illustrate important points in the chapter and facilitate
students’ learning of the
material. These questions can be used as:
homework questions
quizzes
in-class work (individually or in groups)
topics to generate discussion
question-and-answer sessions between instructor and students
Identify and explain the six types of organizational arrangement.
Chronological pattern of arrangement: Describe a series of developments in time or a set of
actions that occur sequentially
Which organizational pattern gives you the greatest freedom to structure main points
according to the way you wish to present your topic?
ACTIVITIES
Getting Organized (also for online courses)
Purpose: To allow students to practice choosing organizational patterns for speeches.
Instructions: Write the name of the organizational pattern best suited to a speech on the
following topics. In addition to listing the organizational pattern, give three main points that
might be used to develop the topic. Remember to choose main points that match the
organizational pattern selected.
What Does the Audience Expect?
Instructions: Make a list of students’ chosen speech topics and organizational patterns on the
board. As a class, consider the following questions for each topic:
1. Does the organizational plan you have selected convey the information listeners expect or
need in a way that they will be able to grasp?
2. How much does the audience know about this topic?
3. How likely is the audience to accept the planned conclusion for the speech?
4. What level of complexity is appropriate for this audience? What special considerations
should be made to explain specific terms related to this topic?
5. Does the arrangement move the speech along in a logical and convincing fashion?
6. Do the ideas flow naturally from one point to another, leading to a satisfying conclusion?
7. Does the organizational pattern lend the speech momentum?
Organizational Patterns of Historical Speeches (also for online courses)
Purpose: To allow students to study the organizational patterns used in famous historical
speeches.
Instructions: Locate a famous historical speech and identify the organizational pattern that was
utilized. Come to class prepared to discuss the speech topic and organizational pattern.
Additionally, consider how the speaker utilized knowledge of his or her audience in order to
select an appropriate organizational pattern.
What Works with This Pattern?
Purpose: To help students consider topics that could be organized using each of the
organizational patterns.
Instructions: Give an example of a topic that can be presented according to each of the
following types of arrangement: chronological, spatial, causal, problem-solution, topical, and
narrative.
Explanations and examples of topics under each category:
Chronological speeches are those that convey points in progression or things that happen
in time relative to one another. Examples include advances in technology, historical
accounts, or the lives of historical figures.
Spatial or geographical speeches arrange main points according to how they are placed
relative to each other or describe or explain the physical arrangement of a place, a scene,
or an object. Examples include layouts of cities, parts of machines or equipment, or
vacation spots to visit.
Causal speeches illustrate cause-effect relationships among main points. Examples
include how viruses or diseases are contracted or the development of natural phenomena
such as hurricanes.
Problem-solution speeches use the main points to argue a problem and to propose a
solution. Examples include solving the national debt or preventing illness.
Topical speeches stress natural divisions in a topic and are used when each of the main
points is a subtopic or category of the speech topic. Examples include college majors,
places or cities in which to live, and so forth.
Narrative speeches consist of stories or short stories with characters, plots, and settings.
using all six organizational patterns. This question also works well as an online discussion board
prompt.
Six Ways to Organize One
Topic
Purpose: To teach students how each of the six organizational patterns can be used with one
speech topic; to allow students to see how certain organizational patterns work better than others
for a given topic.
Instructions: Ask the class to form six groups, and think of one speech topic that all groups will
utilize to complete the assignment. Each group will be assigned one organizational pattern
(chronological, spatial, causal, problem-solution, topical, and narrative) to brainstorm. Using the
same speech topic for all six groups, each group should prepare a three- to five-minute speech
that demonstrates its assigned organizational pattern. Each group should choose one member to
present the speech to the class.
Discuss the similarities and differences among the speeches. Which organizational pattern was
most effective for the topic? Which pattern did not seem to work well for the topic? Why?
