Public Speaking

Alternative Patterns (^123)

Alternative Patterns

Some speakers, because of their cultural backgrounds or personal inclinations, prefer a

less linear pattern. A more organic pattern, visualized as a wave, a spiral, or a star, can

provide a clear speech structure in a less linear form.^18

The wave pattern, illustrated in Figure 9.1, repeats and varies

themes and ideas. The crests of the waves are the main points, which

are developed with a variety of examples leading up to another crest.

Conclusions wind down and lead the audience gradually from the topic;

or they rebuild, so that the final statement is a dramatic peak. Women

and members of various ethnic groups often choose this pattern,^19

which is especially useful for eulogies and ceremonial speaking.

Perhaps the most familiar wave pattern speech is Dr. Martin

Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream.”^20 Throughout, he uses a number

of “crests” including “One hundred years later.. .,” “Now is the

time.. .,” and “I have a dream... .” He follows each repetition of the

phrase with examples that develop the idea. His conclusion dramati-

cally emerges from the final wave in the speech—the repetition and

variation of the phrase “Let freedom ring.”

The spiral pattern (Figure 9.2) shows points that increase in magnitude or effect.

For example, a speech on food waste could move from personal (e.g., food waste at

home) to institutional (e.g., waste at the university) to community levels (e.g., waste

at restaurants and other institutions in the area), each point spiraling in magnitude.

Because each major scenario has greater effects than the preceding one, the audience

would see the issue in different contexts.

The spiral pattern is useful for speeches on subjects that build in levels of dramatic

intensity such as bullying. Each scene builds in tension, with the most intense scenario

reserved for the final spiral.

The star pattern is a third visual form. Each point (see Figure 9.3), is more or

less equally weighted within a unifying theme. This pattern is useful for speakers

organic pattern alternative

pattern that provides a clear

speech structure in a less

linear form

wave pattern repetitive

pattern that presents

variations of themes and

ideas, with major points

presented at the crests

spiral pattern repetitive

pattern with a series of points

that increase in drama or

intensity

star pattern presents rela-

tively equally weighted speech

points within a thematic circle

that binds them together;

order of points may vary

© iStockphoto.com/Jamie Farrant

Figure 9.1

The Wave Pattern

© 3d_kot/Shutterstock.com

Figure 9.2

The Spiral Pattern

© beboy/Shutterstock.com

Figure 9.3

The Star Pattern

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