Persuasive Organizational Patterns

The problem-solution organizational pattern presents a need or problem, then provides a solution. In order to use this organizational pattern effectively you must clearly establish the problem’s existence. This is extremely important because if your audience is not convinced that there is a relevant problem, then the solution becomes null-in-void, rendering your speech ineffective. Also, it’s important that the solution flows nicely with the problem and is not too extreme in comparison to the issue at hand. For example, the problem is parents allowing their children to play violent video games. A valid solution would be for parents to discontinue allowing their children to play such games, or to introduce them to other types of games instead. However, if your solution was that parents will be ticketed and fined for allowing children to play violent video games, audience members would likely find this solution to be too extreme. There is also an extension to the problem-solution pattern called the problem-cause-solution pattern. This version adds an additional step to the original pattern, which is the cause of the problem. In this pattern the first main point would represent the problem, the second main point would be dedicated to the cause of said problem, and the third main point would provide the solution to the problem.

The monroe’s motivated sequence is a five-step thought process which encourages the audience not only to agree with you, but to take action. This is an audience-centered approach, which has you focusing each part of your speech on what you would like the audience to do. As I said earlier this approach is broken down in to 5 steps; Attention, Need, Satisfaction, Visualization, Action.

ATTENTION- Here you relate the topic to the audience, helping them to grasp the importance of the topic and see it as being relevant to them.

NEED- Establish the problem so that the audience will be aware of it and know that it deserves their attention.

SATISFACTION- Provide the audience with a satisfactory solution.

VISUALIZATION- Show the benefits of the proposed solution and/or the costs of not implementing it.

ACTION- Explain how the audience can implement this solution, and make them feel motivated to do so.

When I look at the two patterns of organization, I feel like the monroe’s motivated sequence seems like it would be most effective for a persuasive speech. Both patterns are effective, but since persuasive speeches usually aim to sway the audience and call them to action, the monroe’s motivated sequence seems to be more fitting (in my opinion). This is why I suppose I would prefer to use monroe’s motivated sequence for the final speech (which is good for me since that’s the one we HAVE to use). It just feels like this sequence does a better job focusing on the audience and motivating them to take action. The problem-solution pattern just feels (to me) more like someone is talking at you rather than tailoring their speech to fit your needs. Although I must admit that looking at the examples in the book for the monroe’s motivated sequence and then viewing the sample on blackboard makes me feel a bit confused as to the exact model to follow. I think maybe it’s the excessive labeling? Well I’m hoping that Carol can elaborate a little more at our next class meeting…good luck everybody!