Speech Organization Worksheet
Directions: Use this worksheet to map out the introduction + the body of your speech.
Topic Is social media making us more or less social?
INTRODUCTION
1. What is your general purpose? To inform
(circle one)
2. Provide compelling reasons why In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of
your audience should listen to your our lives, influencing how we communicate, interact, and perceive
speech. Highlight the relevance, the world around us. Understanding its impact is crucial for
importance, or potential impact of navigating modern social dynamics and maintaining meaningful
your topic. connections
3. Grab your audience's attention using 1. Did you know that on average, people spend nearly 2.5 hours a
4-5 different attention-getting day on social media platforms (thought-provoking statistic)
devices. 2. Have you ever noticed how easily we can get lost in the virtual
world of social media, even when surrounded by friends and family
in the physical world? (rhetorical question)
3. Imagine sitting at a dinner table where everyone is engrossed in
their phones, scrolling through Instagram or Twitter instead of
engaging in conversation (relatable anecdote)
4. Studies have shown that excessive social media usage is linked to
increased feelings of loneliness and depression. (startling fact)
5. Picture a scenario where instead of meeting a friend for coffee,
you opt for messaging them on a social media platform. What does
this say about the state of our social interactions? (vivid imagery)
4. Clearly connect ONE attention- The rhetorical question emphasizes the disconnection between
grabbing element to the topic you'll virtual and physical social interactions, setting the stage for
be discussing. discussing the impact of social media on our social lives.
5. Craft a concise thesis statement that While social media offers unparalleled opportunities for connection
encapsulates the main idea or and communication, its pervasive presence is reshaping the way we
argument of your speech, and it will interact socially, leading to both positive and negative
serve as a clear roadmap for what consequences.
your speech will cover.
6. Why should your audience listen to Understanding the implications of social media on social interaction
your speech? is vital for adapting to the evolving landscape of interpersonal
relationships and fostering healthier digital habits.
7. How will you establish your a. Competence
credibility during your speech? I have extensively researched the effects of social media on
society and have a deep understanding of relevant studies and
literature.
b. Trustworthiness
I will present balanced perspectives and evidence-based
arguments, ensuring transparency and honesty in my discourse.
c. Caring/goodwill
I am genuinely concerned about the well-being of individuals in
today's digitally driven world and aim to provide insights that
promote mindful engagement with social media.
SPEECH BODY
8. What are your three main body 1. The positive impacts of social media on social interaction
points? 2. The negative repercussions of excessive social media usage on
interpersonal relationships
3. Strategies for cultivating a healthy balance between online and
offline social interactions
9. Main point 1 -your strongest or Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate and
most compelling point. connect with others, fostering a sense of global community like
Provide evidence, findings, never before. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
examples to support your enable individuals to stay in touch with friends and family across
argument. vast distances, breaking down geographical barriers. Studies have
Explain why this point is shown that social media facilitates social support networks,
significant or relevant to your providing avenues for individuals to seek emotional support, share
overall message. experiences, and find like-minded communities. For example,
support groups on platforms like Reddit offer solace and advice to
individuals facing similar challenges, promoting empathy and
understanding.
Furthermore, social media serves as a powerful tool for raising
awareness about social issues and driving positive change. Activism
and advocacy movements often find their voice and mobilize
supporters through online platforms, amplifying their reach and
impact. For instance, the #MeToo movement gained significant
momentum on social media, sparking crucial conversations about
sexual harassment and gender equality worldwide.
10. Use a transition to smoothly While the positive aspects of social media are undeniable, it's
connect point 1 to the next. essential to recognize that excessive usage can lead to detrimental
effects on interpersonal relationships and overall well-being.
11. Main point 2. Despite its benefits, excessive use of social media has been
Provide evidence and examples associated with various negative consequences, particularly
to back up your argument. concerning interpersonal relationships. Research indicates that
Draw connections between this prolonged engagement with social media can lead to feelings of
point and the previous one, if loneliness, jealousy, and inadequacy, as individuals compare their
applicable. lives to curated and often unrealistic portrayals on social media
Highlight the importance of this platforms. Moreover, the constant connectivity offered by social
point in furthering your media can blur the boundaries between work and personal life,
message. leading to increased stress and burnout.
Additionally, the phenomenon of "phubbing," or snubbing someone
in favor of one's phone, has become increasingly prevalent, eroding
the quality of face-to-face interactions. This behavior can strain
relationships and hinder genuine communication, as individuals
prioritize virtual connections over meaningful engagement with
those physically present. Studies have also highlighted the role of
social media in facilitating conflict and misunderstandings, as the
lack of non-verbal cues and context can exacerbate
miscommunication and escalate tensions.
12. Use a transition to smoothly connect Recognizing the challenges posed by excessive social media usage,
point 2 to the next. it's crucial to explore strategies for maintaining a healthy balance
between online and offline social interactions.
13. Main point 3. To mitigate the negative effects of social media on interpersonal
Offer evidence and examples to relationships, individuals can adopt various strategies to promote a
reinforce your argument. balanced approach to digital engagement. Setting boundaries and
Tie this point back to the establishing designated times for social media use can help
overarching theme of your individuals reclaim control over their online behavior and prioritize
speech. meaningful offline interactions. Moreover, practicing digital detoxes
Emphasize how this point adds and limiting screen time can reduce dependency on social media and
depth or complexity to your foster mindfulness in daily life.
message.
Furthermore, nurturing genuine connections offline through face-to-
face interactions, hobbies, and activities can enrich interpersonal
relationships and cultivate a sense of belonging and fulfillment.
Engaging in meaningful conversations, practicing active listening,
and expressing empathy are essential components of building and
maintaining healthy relationships beyond the digital realm. By
striking a balance between online and offline social interactions,
individuals can harness the benefits of social media while
safeguarding their well-being and connection to the real world.
14. NB! A transition:
a phrase or sentence that indicates that a speaker is moving
from one main point to another main point in a speech
a sentence where the speaker summarizes what was said in one
point and previews what is going to be discussed in the next point
