Speeches on Questions of Value: Common Organizational Structures
Speeches addressing questions of value aim to persuade the audience to accept a particular judgment about something's worth, importance, or morality. Effectively structuring such a speech is crucial for maximizing impact and achieving persuasion. While there's no single "right" way, several common and effective organizational patterns exist. Understanding these structures helps speakers craft compelling arguments and resonate with their listeners.
1. The Criteria-Satisfaction Pattern: Establishing Standards and Meeting Them
This approach is particularly effective when dealing with complex value judgments. It involves:
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Step 1: Establishing the Criteria: First, clearly define the standards or criteria the audience should use to evaluate the subject. What makes something "good," "bad," "important," or "worthwhile" in this context? This section lays the groundwork for your argument. For example, if arguing for the value of volunteering, you might establish criteria such as personal fulfillment, community benefit, and skill development.
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Step 2: Demonstrating Satisfaction: Next, you systematically show how the subject meets each of the previously established criteria. Each criterion becomes a point of argumentation. Using the volunteering example, you'd present evidence showing how volunteering satisfies each criterion – providing anecdotes, statistics, or expert opinions.
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This pattern provides a logical and structured approach, making it easy for the audience to follow your reasoning.
2. The Comparative Advantages Pattern: Weighing Options
When your speech involves choosing between competing options, the comparative advantages pattern is highly effective. It works by:
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Step 1: Identifying the Options: Clearly present the various options available to the audience. This establishes the context for your comparison.
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Step 2: Comparing and Contrasting: Systematically compare the options, highlighting the advantages of your preferred choice over the alternatives. Focus on the unique benefits and strengths of your preferred option. You can use direct comparisons, showcasing where your preferred option excels.
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Step 3: Refuting Counterarguments: Anticipate potential objections and address them directly. Acknowledge the weaknesses of your preferred option while reinforcing its overall superiority.
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This pattern is particularly useful when the audience already recognizes the need for a solution but is unsure which option is best.
3. The Motivated Sequence Pattern: Engaging Emotion and Action
This five-step pattern, popularized by Alan Monroe, is excellent for speeches aiming for audience action. It involves:
- Attention: Grab the audience's attention with a compelling opening.
- Need: Clearly demonstrate the problem or need that your solution addresses.
- Satisfaction: Present your solution as the best way to meet the need.
- Visualization: Help the audience visualize the positive outcomes of adopting your solution.
- Action: Clearly call for a specific action from the audience.
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This approach taps into the audience's emotions and motivates them to take action.
Conclusion:
The choice of organizational pattern depends on your specific topic, audience, and persuasive goals. By carefully selecting and employing one of these structures, you can significantly enhance the clarity, persuasiveness, and overall effectiveness of your speech on questions of value. Remember to tailor your approach to resonate with your specific audience and achieve your desired outcome.
