Individual Speech Structure

An effectively structured speech will have the following features (neither compulsory nor exhaustive):

• an interesting opening which captures the attention of the audience or helps it to warm to the speaker;
• a reasonably clear statement of the purpose and general direction of  the speech;
• a logical sequence of ideas which shows a clear development of the speaker’s argument;
• a proportional allocation of time  to the speech as a whole, and to each major point, which enables the objective of the speech to be accomplished;
• a conclusion or a summary of the major points made in the speech.

A good paradigm on structuring individual speech is signposting. When you want to say something, first you say what are the points that you are going to present, then you deliver those points, then you close it by saying what were the points that you have just brought up.

Time management is a crucial factor to a succesful presentation. Especially, avoid undertime and overtime speeches, because they will cost you points (in Method).