Week 12: Discussion Question 1

We have read in our textbook before on the different patterns of organization, but in chapter fourteen the Problem-Solution, Problem-Cause-Solution and Monroe's Motivated Sequence were reintroduced and discussed in a bit more detail because these three types of organization are most effective in persuasive speaking, which is the topic of chapter fourteen.

The Problem-Solution pattern is pretty self-explanatory; it presents the problem or issue at hand and then shows the correct protocol for a resolution, the solution. Like our textbook mentioned, if this pattern is to be used in a presentation, the first step must be clear (e.g. the problem). It is only after that the solution can be given. One must be a good speaker to make sure that the problem was clearly identified because if it is not, then the solution presented will not be very effective, let alone remembered.

Monroe's motivated sequence requires a little more than the problem-solution pattern. Because Monroe's sequence is primarily used for persuasive speeches, it allows one to "take an audience-centered approach" (pg. 285). The steps involved with this pattern of organization include 1) getting the attention of the audience/relating topic to them, 2) establishing the problem/current harm, 3) explaining the solution to the problem, 4) showing pros and/or cons of the solution and 5) explaining how the audience can implement the proposed solution. This is a very step by step pattern and gives the audience a more structured, organized way to keep track of the presentation.

Personally, for the final of this course I would prefer to use Monroe's motivated sequence, however I feel that it would be more effective with more time and given we only have five to six minutes, I'd be too concerned to tackle this process. The problem-solution pattern would be more simple because basically it just says, "because of X, Y can and should be followed." Anyway, I suppose I'd still go along with Monroe's because my topic would fit more with that pattern of organization.