What are the 3 main points of a speech?
Previously, we learned how the rule of three improves speeches when used at the micro-speech level, to craft memorable triads of words, phrases, and sentences.
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In this article, we will learn how the rule of three improves speeches at the macro-speech level when applied to speech stories or to entire speech outlines. Storytelling and the Rule of ThreeLast week, my daughter and I visited our local library to fetch another bounty of children’s books. We returned with a diverse collection that included:
(Note to parents: All highly recommended!) The Golden Goose is the story of three brothers who attempt to chop down the thickest tree in the forest. First, the oldest brother fails; then, the middle brother fails; finally, the youngest brother succeeds — a three-part plot structure. “Every great movie, book or play that has stood the test of time has a solid Three-Act structure.” -- Stephen J. Cannell The three-part story outline is a common structure in folk tales, Biblical tales, and Hollywood plots:
The Three Act StructureThese fall under a general pattern known as a Three Act Structure. It is widely used in storytelling and screenwriting because it is a proven formula. Stephen J. Cannell claims that “Every great movie, book or play that has stood the test of time has a solid Three-Act structure.” Syd Field (author of The Screen Writer’s Workbook and other instructive screenwriting guides) asserts that most successful screenplays follow a structure like this:
He further asserts that these acts are separated by two plot points: events that thrust the plot in a new direction. For example, plot point #1 might be the pivotal moment when the reluctant hero is convinced to join the crusade for justice (after spending most of Act One refusing to do so). Plot point #2 might be the moment when the momentum swings from the villain to the hero, eventually leading to a triumphant climax. This three-part structure is so pervasive in movies, books, and other storytelling forms that audiences feel naturally comfortable when it is used. This comfort can be leveraged by a skillful public speaker. When you apply the rule of three to your speech outline, you gain all the benefits of the three-part structure. Your presentation gains warmth, familiarity, and understandability. With the three-part outline framing your ideas, your speech will be easier to follow and remember. Let’s examine a variety of three-part speech outlines, beginning with the most basic. Speech Outline #1A: Introduction, Body, and ConclusionIt doesn’t get any simpler than this. Even if you don’t read the rest of this article, you will improve as a speaker if you consistently apply this generic speech outline. It seems obvious. Almost too obvious. Yet two of the most common speaking blunders are:
Speech Outline #1B: Tell them what you’re going to say, Say it, Tell them what you said“Repetition is a powerful speechwriting technique.” This isn’t a new speech outline, but a slight elaboration of the first:
Some may say that this speech structure is almost too simplistic. If it is accompanied by boring content and lifeless delivery, that’s a fair critique. However, repetition is a powerful speechwriting technique, and you can do much worse than repeating your key points three times during a speech to persuade your audience. Take inspiration from Lewis Carroll in The Hunting of the Snark:
Speech Outline #2: Past, Present, FutureThis speech outline can either stand on its own:
or take the place of “Body” in the pattern above to make:
A common application is a persuasive speech where you pitch a solution to a business problem:
If you apply this speech outline well, your audience will more easily understand your message. On the other hand, your audience is more likely to be confused if you jump forward and backward in time repeatedly (talk about the decision first, then the future prosperity, then the root cause of the past problem, then another alternative, then…) Speech Outline #3: Complication, Resolution, ExampleAnother three part speech outline for persuasive speeches is the S.Co.R.E. method offered by Andrew Abela in Advanced Presentations by Design: Creating Communication that Drives Action (read the Six Minutes book review). Abela recommends starting your speech (Introduction) by establishing the Situation, and then iterating through a three-element series of Complication, Resolution, Example. In a sequence form, your speech might look like:
The three-part Complication-Resolution-Example structure can be repeated once (e.g. a five-minute speech) or many times (e.g. a one-hour seminar). Speech Outline #4A: Three Main Points“Limit yourself to your best three points. Any fewer, and your message won’t be compelling. Any more, and your message risks becoming tedious.” A basic three-part informative speech outline is as follows:
In this case, the rule of three magic lies in limiting yourself to your best three points. Any fewer, and your message won’t be compelling. Any more, and your message risks becoming tedious. Brainstorm many, but select your best three. The Decker Grid System (from You’ve Got to Be Believed to Be Heard – reviewed here) is built on this foundation. Bert Decker goes on to say that, for longer speeches, each of your three supporting points can be reinforced with (no surprise) three sub-points each. Speech Outline #4B: Three StoriesStories can strengthen any type of speech, but are especially powerful in motivational speeches where making an emotional connection with your audience is required. When you tell stories, pattern them on the three-act structure for maximum impact. The Three Main Points speech outline can be given a storytelling slant with the following: “When you tell stories, pattern them on the three-act structure for maximum impact.”
Speech Outline #5: Pros, Cons, RecommendationWe’ll conclude with a common speech outline used for persuasive speeches where you are recommending a course of action.
Other Three-Part Speech Outlines?Do you use other speech outlines that follow the rule of three? Please share in the comments. Conclusion of the Rule of Three Article SeriesThe final article addresses how the rule of three applies to speech humor. What are the main points of a speech?Main points are the key ideas you present to enable your speech to accomplish its specific purpose.
What are the 3 parts of a speech and what do they do?Speeches and presentations include three basic parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. These three parts are held together by transitions, which allow the speaker to flow smoothly from introduction to body and from body to conclusion.
What are the three 3 main elements of speaking in public?Most people think effective communication is just about what you say or the words you use. In the 1970s, Prof. Albert Mehrabian conducted several studies and discovered that it consists of 3 important elements. The 3 elements are: Words, Voice, Body Language.
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