Chapter 12, p. 363
CHAPTER 12
Selecting an Organizational Pattern
CHAPTER CONTENT OUTLINE
I. Arranging speech points chronologically
A. A chronological pattern of arrangement (also called a temporal pattern) follows the
natural sequential order of the main points and works well for arranging main points
II. Arranging speech points using a spatial pattern
A. A spatial pattern of arrangement is useful when the speaker wants to describe the physical
arrangement of a place, an object, an event, or a geographical region.
III. Arranging speech points using a causal (cause-effect) pattern
A. The causal (cause-effect) pattern of arrangement is useful when the main points of a
speech have a cause-effect relationship.
1. Sometimes a topic can be discussed in terms of multiple causes for a single effect, or
a single cause for multiple effects.
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IV. 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
B. This type of arrangement is most often used in persuasive speeches.
V. Arranging speech points topically
A. A topical pattern of arrangement (also called a categorical pattern) is a good approach
when all main speech points are subtopics of the speech topic.
VI. Arranging speech points using the narrative pattern
A. The narrative pattern consists of a story or a series of short stories that include characters,
settings, plot, and vivid imagery.
KEY TERMS
chronological pattern pattern of organizing speech points in a natural sequential order; 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 pattern of organizing main points in order of their physical proximity or direction
causal (cause-effect) pattern pattern of organizing speech points in order first of causes and then
in order of effects, or vice versa
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problem-solution pattern 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 (also categorical pattern) pattern of organizing main points as subtopics or
CHAPTER STUDY GUIDE
I. SUMMARY QUESTIONS
What are the main types of organizational patterns described in this chapter?
This chapter describes six main types of organizational arrangement: chronological, spatial,
What are the differences between the six main patterns of organization?
Chronological patterns are used to reflect the natural sequential order of the main points.
Spatial patterns are used when the main points are arranged in order of their physical proximity or
Chapter 12, p. 366
II. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. 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 is necessary before
they can decide on the arrangement of those main points. Sometimes the arrangement of main
2. 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
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CONTENT PRESENTATION IDEAS
I. STUDENT ACTIVITY
1. 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.
II. GROUP ACTIVITIES
1. Together with four or five of your classmates, take a speech topic and think about what kind of
main points might be used for the topic using a spatial organizational pattern. How might those
main points be different if you used a chronological pattern?
This activity can be used as an in-class oral or written assignment. Either ask groups of
students to present the three main points for a spatial and chronological organizational pattern,
or have them write a mini-outline using each organizational structure. Have students write
down descriptions of how the speaker will use transitions to get from one main point to the
next.
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III. ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
QUESTION
The following question may be used by instructors to help illustrate important points in the chapter
and to facilitate students’ learning of the material. This question can be used as:
• Homework
• Quiz
1. Identify and explain the six types of organizational arrangement.
Chronological pattern: used to reflect the natural sequential order of the main points
Spatial pattern: used when the main points are arranged in order of their physical proximity
or direction to one another
Causal (cause-effect) pattern: used when the main points of a speech compare something
that’s known to be a cause with its effect (or vice versa)
Problem-solution pattern: used when the main points are organized to demonstrate the
nature and significance of a problem and then to provide justification for a proposed solution
ACTIVITIES
Getting Organized
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 each of the
pattern selected.
1. How to change a tire
3. Violence on children’s television
5. Multicultural education
6. How to pack for a camping trip
What Does the Audience Expect?
Purpose: To help speakers consider their audience before choosing an organizational pattern.
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
Chapter 12, p. 371
4. What level of complexity is appropriate for this audience? What special considerations
should be made to explain specific terms related to this topic?
RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTARY RESOURCES
Bower, G. H. (1970). Organizational factors in memory. Cognitive Psychology, 1, 18–46.
Foss, S. K. (2004). Rhetorical criticism: Exploration and practice (3rd ed.). Prospect Heights, IL:
Waveland Press.
Foss, S. K., & Foss, K. A. (2003). Inviting transformation: Presentational speaking for a changing
world (2nd ed.). Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press.
Mino, M. (1991). Structuring: An alternative approach to developing a clear organization. Speech
Communication Teacher, 5, 14–15.
Payne, L. V. (1969). The lively art of writing. New York, NY: Mentor.
Sharp, H., & McClung, T. (1966). Effects of organization on the speaker’s ethos. Speech
Monographs, 33, 182ff.
Chapter 12, p. 372
SUGGESTED WEBSITE
Auditory Organization of Speech