selecting a speech pattern meaning

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10.2 Using Common Organizing Patterns

Learning objectives.

Differentiate among the common speech organizational patterns: categorical/topical, comparison/contrast, spatial, chronological, biographical, causal, problem-cause-solution, and psychological.
Understand how to choose the best organizational pattern, or combination of patterns, for a specific speech.

A motivational poster of water running over rocks. The caption says

Twentyfour Students – Organization makes you flow – CC BY-SA 2.0.

Previously in this chapter we discussed how to make your main points flow logically. This section is going to provide you with a number of organization patterns to help you create a logically organized speech. The first organization pattern we’ll discuss is categorical/topical.

Categorical/Topical

By far the most common pattern for organizing a speech is by categories or topics. The categories function as a way to help the speaker organize the message in a consistent fashion. The goal of a categorical/topical speech pattern is to create categories (or chunks) of information that go together to help support your original specific purpose. Let’s look at an example.

In this case, we have a speaker trying to persuade a group of high school juniors to apply to attend Generic University. To persuade this group, the speaker has divided the information into three basic categories: what it’s like to live in the dorms, what classes are like, and what life is like on campus. Almost anyone could take this basic speech and specifically tailor the speech to fit her or his own university or college. The main points in this example could be rearranged and the organizational pattern would still be effective because there is no inherent logic to the sequence of points. Let’s look at a second example.

In this speech, the speaker is talking about how to find others online and date them. Specifically, the speaker starts by explaining what Internet dating is; then the speaker talks about how to make Internet dating better for her or his audience members; and finally, the speaker ends by discussing some negative aspects of Internet dating. Again, notice that the information is chunked into three categories or topics and that the second and third could be reversed and still provide a logical structure for your speech

Comparison/Contrast

Another method for organizing main points is the comparison/contrast speech pattern . While this pattern clearly lends itself easily to two main points, you can also create a third point by giving basic information about what is being compared and what is being contrasted. Let’s look at two examples; the first one will be a two-point example and the second a three-point example.

If you were using the comparison/contrast pattern for persuasive purposes, in the preceding examples, you’d want to make sure that when you show how Drug X and Drug Y differ, you clearly state why Drug X is clearly the better choice for physicians to adopt. In essence, you’d want to make sure that when you compare the two drugs, you show that Drug X has all the benefits of Drug Y, but when you contrast the two drugs, you show how Drug X is superior to Drug Y in some way.

The spatial speech pattern organizes information according to how things fit together in physical space. This pattern is best used when your main points are oriented to different locations that can exist independently. The basic reason to choose this format is to show that the main points have clear locations. We’ll look at two examples here, one involving physical geography and one involving a different spatial order.

If you look at a basic map of the United States, you’ll notice that these groupings of states were created because of their geographic location to one another. In essence, the states create three spatial territories to explain.

Now let’s look at a spatial speech unrelated to geography.

In this example, we still have three basic spatial areas. If you look at a model of the urinary system, the first step is the kidney, which then takes waste through the ureters to the bladder, which then relies on the sphincter muscle to excrete waste through the urethra. All we’ve done in this example is create a spatial speech order for discussing how waste is removed from the human body through the urinary system. It is spatial because the organization pattern is determined by the physical location of each body part in relation to the others discussed.

Chronological

The chronological speech pattern places the main idea in the time order in which items appear—whether backward or forward. Here’s a simple example.

In this example, we’re looking at the writings of Winston Churchill in relation to World War II (before, during, and after). By placing his writings into these three categories, we develop a system for understanding this material based on Churchill’s own life. Note that you could also use reverse chronological order and start with Churchill’s writings after World War II, progressing backward to his earliest writings.

Biographical

As you might guess, the biographical speech pattern is generally used when a speaker wants to describe a person’s life—either a speaker’s own life, the life of someone they know personally, or the life of a famous person. By the nature of this speech organizational pattern, these speeches tend to be informative or entertaining; they are usually not persuasive. Let’s look at an example.

In this example, we see how Brian Warner, through three major periods of his life, ultimately became the musician known as Marilyn Manson.

In this example, these three stages are presented in chronological order, but the biographical pattern does not have to be chronological. For example, it could compare and contrast different periods of the subject’s life, or it could focus topically on the subject’s different accomplishments.

The causal speech pattern is used to explain cause-and-effect relationships. When you use a causal speech pattern, your speech will have two basic main points: cause and effect. In the first main point, typically you will talk about the causes of a phenomenon, and in the second main point you will then show how the causes lead to either a specific effect or a small set of effects. Let’s look at an example.

In this case, the first main point is about the history and prevalence of drinking alcohol among Native Americans (the cause). The second point then examines the effects of Native American alcohol consumption and how it differs from other population groups.

However, a causal organizational pattern can also begin with an effect and then explore one or more causes. In the following example, the effect is the number of arrests for domestic violence.

In this example, the possible causes for the difference might include stricter law enforcement, greater likelihood of neighbors reporting an incident, and police training that emphasizes arrests as opposed to other outcomes. Examining these possible causes may suggest that despite the arrest statistic, the actual number of domestic violence incidents in your city may not be greater than in other cities of similar size.

Problem-Cause-Solution

Another format for organizing distinct main points in a clear manner is the problem-cause-solution speech pattern . In this format you describe a problem, identify what you believe is causing the problem, and then recommend a solution to correct the problem.

In this speech, the speaker wants to persuade people to pass a new curfew for people under eighteen. To help persuade the civic group members, the speaker first shows that vandalism and violence are problems in the community. Once the speaker has shown the problem, the speaker then explains to the audience that the cause of this problem is youth outside after 10:00 p.m. Lastly, the speaker provides the mandatory 10:00 p.m. curfew as a solution to the vandalism and violence problem within the community. The problem-cause-solution format for speeches generally lends itself to persuasive topics because the speaker is asking an audience to believe in and adopt a specific solution.

Psychological

A further way to organize your main ideas within a speech is through a psychological speech pattern in which “a” leads to “b” and “b” leads to “c.” This speech format is designed to follow a logical argument, so this format lends itself to persuasive speeches very easily. Let’s look at an example.

In this speech, the speaker starts by discussing how humor affects the body. If a patient is exposed to humor (a), then the patient’s body actually physiologically responds in ways that help healing (b—e.g., reduces stress, decreases blood pressure, bolsters one’s immune system, etc.). Because of these benefits, nurses should engage in humor use that helps with healing (c).

Selecting an Organizational Pattern

Each of the preceding organizational patterns is potentially useful for organizing the main points of your speech. However, not all organizational patterns work for all speeches. For example, as we mentioned earlier, the biographical pattern is useful when you are telling the story of someone’s life. Some other patterns, particularly comparison/contrast, problem-cause-solution, and psychological, are well suited for persuasive speaking. Your challenge is to choose the best pattern for the particular speech you are giving.

You will want to be aware that it is also possible to combine two or more organizational patterns to meet the goals of a specific speech. For example, you might wish to discuss a problem and then compare/contrast several different possible solutions for the audience. Such a speech would thus be combining elements of the comparison/contrast and problem-cause-solution patterns. When considering which organizational pattern to use, you need to keep in mind your specific purpose as well as your audience and the actual speech material itself to decide which pattern you think will work best.

Key Takeaway

Speakers can use a variety of different organizational patterns, including categorical/topical, comparison/contrast, spatial, chronological, biographical, causal, problem-cause-solution, and psychological. Ultimately, speakers must really think about which organizational pattern best suits a specific speech topic.
Imagine that you are giving an informative speech about your favorite book. Which organizational pattern do you think would be most useful? Why? Would your answer be different if your speech goal were persuasive? Why or why not?
Working on your own or with a partner, develop three main points for a speech designed to persuade college students to attend your university. Work through the preceding organizational patterns and see which ones would be possible choices for your speech. Which organizational pattern seems to be the best choice? Why?
Use one of the common organizational patterns to create three main points for your next speech.

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A Deep Dive into Speech Patterns

Speech patterns are distinctive ways in which we speak and express ourselves, revealing nuances that go beyond understanding the literal meaning of words. They provide meaningful context that allows us to read between the lines we speak. These patterns can exist in a variety of mannerisms, each contributing to an individual’s own voice and communication style.

Understanding the intentions behind these speech patterns allows us to express and communicate our thoughts with clarity and influence, enhancing our communication skills in professional settings, social situations, and personal relationships.

Patterns such as extended pauses and dramatic narrative delivery can add depth to word choice, creating a deeper interpersonal connection with audiences. The profound impact of these patterns lies in their subtle utilization.

In this blog, we will discuss the various types of speech patterns, explore their applications, and look at how we can integrate them into our conversations for maximum impact.

Articulation and pronunciation, rate of speech, pitch and intonation, pauses and silences, rhythm and prosody, cultural variations in speech pattern, parallelism, pacing and pauses, questions and answers, declarative statements, understanding speech patterns.

Speech patterns that combine variations in characteristics such as articulation, pronunciation , and pace create a unique and expressive speaking rate and style.

Let’s look at these fundamental elements to understand the complexities involved in speech patterns.

Articulation comprises the clarity of speech sounds and affects how words are distinguished. Pronunciation involves the appropriate enunciation of words.

Individuals who use regional pronunciations or accents show distinct speech patterns that reflect the influence of their cultural background on media content and their verbal expressions.

The rate of speech develops the overall impression of a speaker’s communication style. A brisk talking pattern can imply excitement or nervousness, while a slower pace can imply thoughtfulness or emphasis.

Contextualizing the rate of speech can help uncover unspoken meanings in communication. Using concise language can help a person make the most of their limited time when meeting someone.

The melodic aspects of speech, consisting of pitch and intonation, form another layer of voice patterns. Pitch refers to the highness or lowness of the voice, and intonation comprises the rise and fall of pitch.

Variations in pitch and intonation can change the emotional and contextual subtleties of communication, underscoring how a message is received.

A well-timed pause can enhance the point of a message, allowing the listener to better absorb a crucial point without requiring outright emphasis.

Extended silences may convey uncertainty or introspection, which helps audiences understand the gravity of the topic.

The rhythmic flow of speech, called prosody, involves variations in pitch, pace, and stress, adding an element of musicality to communication.

A monotonous talking pattern lacks prosodic vocal elements and can potentially cause audience disengagement. A dynamic and rhythmic voice actor can captivate listeners and enhance the overall effectiveness of the message.

Communication styles are deeply influenced by cultural and regional variations, creating distinct speech patterns across regions. These variations, rooted in regional dialects and societal norms, shape how individuals interact with others.

Regional dialects reflect the geographical differences of a community. These dialects can consist of differences in using simple language, pronunciation, rare vocabulary, and grammatical structures.

Societal norms tend to define conventional communication styles within a given culture. Whether it be regarding formality, politeness, or directness. In some cultures, a more indirect communication style may be valued, and cultures that prefer directness tend to value straightforward communication techniques. For example, Japanese culture tends to emphasize politeness and values indirect communication, whereas American culture typically values direct communication to prioritize clarity.

Examples of Speech Patterns

Speech patterns consist of diverse styles that help facilitate effective communication. Let’s look at several speech pattern examples and explore their unique characteristics and impact on communication.

A repetition speech pattern involves intentionally repeating words or phrases for added emphasis. Speakers can highlight certain sections by repeating specific verbiage to amplify their significance and make them more memorable.

For instance, motivational speakers tend to use repetition in persuasive speeches to reinforce a positive message and inspire an audience, essentially functioning as a positive call to action.

Parallelism is a speech pattern where the structure of one character or sentence is reflected in that of another to create a rhythmic effect. This technique can help add more musicality to the voice and a sense of symmetry to the message.

A parallel structure can establish a powerful flow, making the overall message more profound and impactful.

An anaphora involves repeating a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, creating a powerful and rhythmic flow. Using an anaphora for a large audience can help reinforce a sense of collective empowerment and unity.

Pacing and strategic pauses involve variations in a person’s speech and rate, which can convey specific emotions, emphasize points, and ultimately enhance audience engagement.

Effective pacing and well-timed pauses can allow audiences to absorb messages more effectively and broaden their reach.

This speech pattern involves asking the person a question and immediately giving the answer.

This pattern can help capture the audience’s attention and simultaneously guide and talk them through a preconceived thought sequence to emphasize certain points and develop a connection with the audience.

Declarative statements signify confidence and authority. Leaders often use these words to explain their message while conveying certainty and decisiveness.

Through informative speech, the speaker can communicate and establish conviction, instilling confidence in the audience and showing a commitment to the subsequent message. This unique speech pattern can be a powerful effective leadership communication method.

In conclusion, speech patterns serve as a strategic means to deliver messages with impact. Diverse patterns, such as repetition, parallelism, anaphora, and many more, can play a vital role in shaping the dynamic way in which we speak and express ourselves.

Understanding and using these speech patterns can help enhance clarity, emphasize main points, and develop engagement. The speaker’s ability to harness them appropriately involves using the right pattern for the right context, depending on the desired impact of communication.

Navigating subtle and complex speech patterns empowers us to connect with others more meaningfully, helping to compensate for linguistic barriers and develop mutual understanding. They serve as effective and practical techniques for enhancing communication in an increasingly globalized world.

1. What are speech patterns?

Speech patterns are the distinctive ways in which individuals can articulate themselves. They can consist of subtle elements such as rhythm, tone, and pacing, enhancing the overall expressiveness and impact of communication and emphasizing main points.

2. Can speech patterns be learned, or are they entirely natural?

While most people may inherently feel more natural with a specific and dynamic speech pattern, it can certainly be learned through effort and practice.

We can enhance our communication skills by analyzing spatial speech and intentionally adapting various speech patterns depending on the desired outcomes.

3. What are the different patterns of speech?

Different types of speech and different organizational patterns of speech include repetition, parallelism, anaphora, pacing and pauses, question-and-answer dynamics, and many others. Each unique speech organization pattern adds a unique flavor to our verbal expression and message.

4. How do speech patterns differ across cultures?

Speech and organizational patterns can vary heavily across cultures due to differences in societal norms and preferred communication styles. Cultural influences decide the formality, directness, and levels of politeness conventionally favored in a region.

5. Can speech therapy effectively address speech disorders?

Therapists specializing in speech therapy can help individuals improve aspects of their speech, such as pronunciation, and provide specific exercises and methods to improve their overall communication skills.