Assignment 6.1: Post-It Patterns
This assignment supports the following lesson objectives:
6.2 Demonstrate knowledge of efficient organizational methods and good form in speech writing
6.3 Prepare engaging speech content using standard practices and methods
Assignment Overview
This practice exercise explores the importance of organizing the main ideas of a speech into a pattern. It also provides you with the opportunity to practice arranging ideas into a pattern of organization.
Deliverables
A two-page paper (12-point font, about 600 words) written in a word processor, such as MS Word
Assignment Details
In this activity, you will organize a series of statements into a cohesive structure that could be used as a framework on which to base a speech.
Perform the following tasks:
Step 1: Review the information presented in the lesson that covers concepts and issues related to efficient organizational methods.
Recall that the three main sections of a speech or presentation are the introduction, body, and conclusion.
Step 2: In a word processing document, write a brief definition or description for each of the following patterns of organization that can be used to structure the flow of information in a speech:
Topical Pattern
Temporal Pattern
Spatial Pattern
Problem-Solution Pattern
Cause-Effect Pattern
Monroe’s Motivated SequenceStep 3: Read the following list of statements about the topic of friendship.
Determine which of the patterns of organization might be useful to create a logical flow of information for the statements. Select one pattern of organization to use to organize the statements. It can be one of the six that you defined in Step 2 or another one from any of the lesson materials or another source.
Statements about Friendship*We develop an acquaintanceship.
Friendship is an interpersonal relationship between two persons that is characterized by mutual positive regard.
We meet.
In order to understand friendships, we need to see what a friendship is and its stages of development.
Friendship is one of the most important of our interpersonal relationships.
We develop an intimate friendship.
Friendships develop through various stages.
Friendships don’t develop full blown but rather go through various stages—from the initial meeting to intimate friendship.
We develop a casual friendship.
By understanding friendship we will be in a better position to develop and maintain productive and enjoyable friendships.
Friendship—an interpersonal relationship characterized by mutual positive regard—is one of our most important assets.
We develop a close relationship.
Friendship is vital to all of us.*These statements are from the Organizing a Scrambled Outline activity on the Course Compass website (Links to an external site.)
Step 4: Neatly write each statement about friendship on a separate Post-It note.
Stick the 13 separate Post-It notes to the edge of your desk or work table.
Step 5: Start arranging the Post-It notes to form a logical flow of the ideas represented by the statements.
Modify the arrangement as many times as needed to get it to fit into one of the organization patterns that you learned about in the lesson.
Step 6: Separate the Post-It notes into three groups: one group for the speech introduction, another for the body, and a final one for the conclusion.
Step 7: On the top of a sheet of blank paper, write the heading Introduction.
Determine which statements you would include in the speech introduction. Keeping them in order, stick the Post-It notes that contain these statements to the Introduction page.
Step 8: On the top of a second sheet of blank paper, write the heading Body.
Determine which statements you would include in the body of the speech. Keeping them in order, stick the Post-It notes that contain these statements to the Body page.
Step 9: On the top of a third sheet of blank paper, write the heading Conclusion.
Determine which statements you would include in the conclusion of the speech. Keeping them in order, stick the Post-It notes that contain these statements to the Conclusion page.
Step 10: Enter the information.
In your word processing document, enter the headings and associated statements.
Step 11: Copy and paste the questions below into your word processing document, and enter your answers.
Which pattern of organization did you use to structure the flow of statements?
Are there any other patterns that you could have potentially used? If so, which one(s)?
Based on your experience, do you think you will use the Post-It note technique to organize information for other assignments or projects? Why or why not?Step 12: Save and submit your document.
When you have completed the assignment, save a copy for yourself in an easily accessible place and submit a copy to your instructor using the drop box.
