The problem-solution organizing pattern works best for persuasive speeches.
According to the provided reference, "The chronological, topical, spatial, or causal patterns may be better suited to informative speeches, whereas the Problem-Solution, Monroe's Motivated Sequence (Monroe, 1949) would work best for persuasive speeches."
This structure is particularly effective when you want to convince your audience to agree with your point of view or take a specific action. It naturally leads the listener through identifying an issue and then presenting a way to fix it.
Why Problem-Solution Suits Persuasive Speeches
The problem-solution pattern is inherently persuasive because it:
- Identifies a Need: It starts by establishing that a significant problem exists, making the audience aware of an issue they might not have considered or fully understood.
- Creates Urgency: By highlighting the negative impacts of the problem, it builds a sense of urgency and the need for change.
- Offers a Resolution: It then presents a clear, logical solution designed to alleviate or eliminate the problem.
- Calls to Action: Often, it concludes by urging the audience to adopt the proposed solution or take steps to support it.
This structure is intuitive for arguing for change or proposing a new approach.
Structure of a Problem-Solution Speech
A typical problem-solution structure includes:
- Introduction: Hook the audience, introduce the topic, and briefly mention the problem.
- Problem Section:
- Clearly define the problem.
- Explain its significance and impact (using facts, statistics, examples).
- Discuss the causes or consequences of the problem.
- Solution Section:
- Present your proposed solution to the problem.
- Explain how the solution works.
- Provide evidence or reasoning demonstrating why this solution is effective and feasible.
- Address potential counterarguments or explain why this solution is better than alternatives.
- Conclusion: Summarize the problem and solution, reinforce the benefits of the solution, and provide a call to action (e.g., vote, donate, change behavior).
Comparing Organizing Patterns
| Organizing Pattern | Best Suited For | Primary Goal | Example Topic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chronological | Informative | Presenting events in order | The history of the internet |
| Topical | Informative | Dividing a topic into parts | Types of renewable energy |
| Spatial | Informative | Describing physical layout | Layout of a specific museum |
| Causal (Cause-Effect) | Informative or Persuasive | Showing relationships | Effects of deforestation |
| Problem-Solution | Persuasive | Proposing a solution to a need | How to reduce plastic waste in your community |
| Monroe's Motivated Sequence | Persuasive | Motivating action via 5 steps | Get people to volunteer for a charity |
Using the problem-solution pattern helps structure your arguments logically, making your persuasive message clearer and more impactful for the audience.
