What are the different speech structures and outlines you can use?

1 Chronological structure

A chronological structure arranges your speech according to the order of time, such as past, present, and future, or from the beginning to the end of a process or event. This structure is useful when you want to narrate a story, explain a historical development, or describe a sequence of steps. To create a chronological outline, you need to identify the key stages or phases of your topic and arrange them in a logical order. For example, if you are giving a speech about the history of the internet, you can divide your speech into three main points: the origins of the internet, the evolution of the internet, and the future of the internet.

2 Topical structure

A topical structure divides your speech into several categories or subtopics that are related to your main topic. This structure is useful when you want to cover different aspects, perspectives, or dimensions of your topic, or when you want to compare and contrast different options or alternatives. To create a topical outline, you need to analyze your topic and determine the most relevant and interesting subtopics for your audience. For example, if you are giving a speech about the benefits of meditation, you can divide your speech into four main points: the physical benefits, the mental benefits, the emotional benefits, and the spiritual benefits of meditation.

3 Spatial structure

A spatial structure arranges your speech according to the physical location or direction of your topic, such as left to right, top to bottom, inside to outside, or north to south. This structure is useful when you want to describe a place, a scene, or an object in detail, or when you want to guide your audience through a visual representation of your topic. To create a spatial outline, you need to select the most important features or elements of your topic and arrange them in a clear and coherent order. For example, if you are giving a speech about the Eiffel Tower, you can divide your speech into three main points: the base, the middle, and the top of the tower.

4 Problem-solution structure

A problem-solution structure presents a problem and its causes, effects, and solutions in your speech. This structure is useful when you want to persuade your audience to take action, to agree with your point of view, or to support your proposal. To create a problem-solution outline, you need to define the problem and its significance, explain the causes and effects of the problem, propose one or more solutions to the problem, and justify why your solutions are feasible and effective. For example, if you are giving a speech about climate change, you can divide your speech into four main points: the problem of climate change, the causes of climate change, the effects of climate change, and the solutions to climate change.

5 Cause-effect structure

A cause-effect structure explains the causes and effects of a phenomenon, a situation, or a trend in your speech. This structure is useful when you want to inform your audience about the reasons and consequences of something, or when you want to analyze the relationships between different factors or events. To create a cause-effect outline, you need to identify the main causes and effects of your topic and arrange them in a logical and chronological order. For example, if you are giving a speech about the impact of social media on mental health, you can divide your speech into two main points: the causes of social media use, and the effects of social media use on mental health.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?