Regular readers of this blog will know that I am a proponent of the Ancient Greeks’ way of thinking about organizing a speech known as the “problem-solution” method.  There are two versions of this speech structure, as follows:

The Basic Problem-Solution Structure.  Since I believe that the opportunity to persuade an audience is the only good reason to go to the trouble of giving a speech, the Problem-Solution structure is my favorite.  Begin by framing the problem at a high level, in 1 -3 minutes.  Then go into the problem in depth, making both intellectual and emotional arguments for the severity of the problem.  Assuming an hour-long speech, you should spend 15-20 minutes in the problem.  Then, give the solution, including the benefits of it to the audience.  Finally, give the audience something to do at the end – an action step, something simple and relevant to the solution.

The Variation for Partisan Speeches: the Residues Method.   If the subject has strong partisans on both – or more – sides of the issue, then use this method.  Here, you frame the problem quickly and then explore it in more depth.  Then, you tackle the possible solutions of your opponents.  You do this in a real, thoughtful way, first presenting the pro side of the solution, and then giving one or 2 reasons why you think it won’t work.  Do this for each of the other established positions.  Don’t play ‘straw man’ games; give these positions real credit, as if you believed them.  Then, once you’ve discussed all the other alternatives, and the problems with them, give your own.  It’s the residue, or the one that’s left when all the others have been shot down.

But these two variants don’t work in all settings and for all topics.  When you want to consider other options, there are a number of other good structural approaches to consider, depending on your subject.  Here are ten more.

The Cause-to-Effect Structure.  This approach is particularly good when you have a positive vision of the future (“if we plant trees now, in 20 years we’ll have a forest”) or its opposite (“if we fail to act today, our grandchildren will be living in a hellscape.”)

The Definition Structure.  The idea here is to define some aspect of the future as similar to the past and as such, either to be avoided or sought out.  “We have seen this approach before.  It’s just like what our ancestors did, and they lost the continent.  Let’s not make that mistake again.”

The Classification Structure.  A similar approach to the Definition Structure, Classification puts the point in question into a category either to be avoided or embraced.  “This is appeasement, pure and simple.  Don’t be fooled by the fancy words and emotional appeals.  This is appeasement.”

Appealing to Authority.  The experts weigh in here. You might begin by sampling several, or championing one.  “Jane Smith, the world’s reigning expert in the existence of parallel universes, argues that the awareness of one doesn’t imply that no others exist.”

Weighing Probabilities.  The danger with probabilities is that they can appear cold, logical – and heartless. Given that we humans make decisions based on the emotional valence of the options, probabilities can throw us off our game.  We think we’re using logic, but our minds are actually applying emotion to the numbers.  “Well, Mr. President, we have a 57 percent chance of success, and a 49 percent chance of unacceptable casualties.  What’s your call?”

Using Inductive Reasoning. Starting with particular bits of perceived evidence and moving to a general rule.  “Given that the temperature has been below freezing lately, most nights, and the tulips alongside the crannied wall have not yet opened, and the squirrels are rubbing their little paws in the morning as they dig up their nuts, I’m going to suggest that we wait three more weeks before our first evening sacrifice to the goddess Persephone.”

Using Deductive Reasoning.  The opposite of the foregoing, reasoning from a general rule to particulars.  “Given that the flowers bloom in the spring, and it is still winter, I’m going to predict that the tulips alongside the crannied wall will not yet have opened.”

Employing Comparative Advantages.  “The benefits of immersing yourself in a vat of ice cubes and water are manifold, including being really, really cold and looking forward with renewed intensity to being warm again.  Compare that with the benefits of not getting cold to begin with.  You stay warm, and. . . . “

Working From Criteria to Satisfaction.  Here, you describe the criteria the audience has established, either implicitly or explicitly, for making a particular choice.  And you then evaluate the possible solutions against the criteria.

Using Simple Chronology.  The best way to narrate a story is usually not chronologically.  But if the story is sufficiently enthralling, and the stakes are high enough, chronology can be effective.  “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”

Use these various approaches separately or in combination to vary your speeches and presentations for rhetorical effectiveness.