Public Speaking (Summer 2019)/Commemorative Arrangement Models

In class, we talked about three basic types of arrangement models. These aren't perfect, but they give you a place to start the writing process.

Topical

Built around key values

• Opening
• Value 1
• Value 2
• Value 3
• Conclusion

Here is a topical commemorative speech.

Narrative

Easy for audiences to follow and understand.

Option 1: The story structures the speech.

• Putting up lights
• Diwali and the start of the story of Ram and Ravan
• Her mother’s background
• How Ram and her mother faced challenges
• How the speaker faced challenges
• Ram’s homecoming and the value of Diwali

Option 2: Multiple stories linking to a central theme. Here is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's TED talk, which uses multiple stories.

Informative

Use informative arrangement when the audience doesn’t know much about the topic.

Option 1: Focusing on accomplishments

• Opener
• Accomplishments
• Personality/values
• Impact/lessons
• Closer

Option 2: Focusing on background pattern

• Opener
• Background
• Accomplishments
• Impact/lessons
• Closer

Here is an informative commemorative speech about Richard Allen (p. 56).

KISS example

We ended with a discussion of Tom Morello's speech inducting KISS into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Here's the speech.

Here's how I hear the arrangement.

Opener: he announces his purpose

Story:

• theme: “KISS is a people’s band”
• Discussion of impact and some humor

Criteria: formal preview

• Impact
  • Sales
  • Theatrics
  • All band members were good
  • Live albums
• Influence
  • List of artists inspired (testimony)
• Awesomeness
  • Hypothetical scenario with rich description
  • Build to the capper line

Members (evidence for each)

• Simmons
• Stanley
• Freely
• Kriss

Closer

• We were right/link to opener
• Capper line for applause