Facultad de Ciencias Sociales

Departamento de Lenguas y Cultura

English 10 (LENG 1161(02) – 2021-1B)

MODULE 2: Speaking-to-Inform Speech
Types of Informative Speeches & Organizational Patterns

Organizational Patterns
There are several different ways to organize a speech to inform, but three of the most common are:
1. Chronological: Organizing according to a time-ordered sequence. When organizing a speech chronologically,
speakers use a beginning-to-end structure. These speeches are presented as their topic appears in time.
2. Spatial: Organizing according to how the topic exists in physical space. In this pattern, the speaker might describe
the elements or parts of a place or object. A few topics work well with spatial organization, but some do not.
3. Topical: Organizing by types or categories. This type of organization happens when speakers take their main topic
and decide what three main subtopics are the most important to discuss.

A. LET’S EXPLORE: Which organizational pattern(s) would you use for a speech to inform about…

1. … a concept? Choose an item.

Why? Click or tap here to enter text.

2. … a process? Choose an item.

Why? Click or tap here to enter text.

3. … an object? Choose an item.

Why? Click or tap here to enter text.
NOTE: More than one organizational pattern may be possible for each type of topic above. The best organization is the
one that achieves the purpose of your speech.

B. LET’S APPLY
On the next page you will find four informative speech outlines for different topics. Each outline is organized according
to one of the patterns above (chronological, spatial or topical). Read each outline and do these exercises:

i) Look at the specific purpose and choose if it corresponds to a concept, a process or an object informative speech.

ii) Choose the type of organizational pattern, chronological, spatial or topical, which best matches each outline
described below.

OUTLINE 1
Specific Purpose: To inform the audience about genetically modified (GM) animals, also known as designer animals.
Key ideas
I.The process of designing animals
II.
Benefits of GM animals
A. Medical uses
B. Commercial uses
III. Problems of GM animals
A. Animal health issues
B. Ethical issues
Type of informative speech: Choose an item.
Outline Pattern: Choose an item.

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 Facultad de Ciencias Sociales
Departamento de Lenguas y Cultura

OUTLINE 2
Specific Purpose: To inform the audience about how the urinary system works.
Key ideas

I. Locate and describe the kidneys and ureters

II. Locate and describe the bladder
III. Locate and describe the sphincter and urethra
Type of informative speech: Choose an item.

Outline: Choose an item.

OUTLINE 3
Specific Purpose: To inform the audience about the steps to a successful job interview.
Key ideas

I. Prepare thoroughly
II. Arrive promptly
III. Enter confidently
IV. Communicate effectively
V. Follow up immediately
Type of informative speech: Choose an item.

Outline: Choose an item.

OUTLINE 4
Specific Purpose: To inform the audience about the uses and misuses of Internet dating.
Key ideas

I. Define and describe Internet dating

II. Explain some strategies to enhance your Internet dating experience
III. List some warning signs to look for in potential online dates

Type of informative speech: Choose an item.

Outline: Choose an item.

C. DISCUSS: Look at the Speech to Inform topic you have chosen. Discuss with a partner:

i) Which type of organizational pattern do you think is best for your topic? Why?
ii) Does your partner agree or disagree with your choice?

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