1. Choosing an Overall Organizational Pattern

Time-tested, Logical Organizational Patterns

• Chronological/Sequential – trace something historically, then project into the future; explain something in the exact order in which it occurs (trace history of conservation practices; how to operate a machine).

• Cause/Effect – show both negative and positive effects of specific actions (review factors that effect water quality).

• Question-Answer – think about all the major questions related to your topic and consolidate them into 2-4 key ones (“Today we will answer three basic questions”).

• Three Ideas – focus attention on key concepts, topics, issues, or themes that serve as advance organizers (three goals; the good, the bad and the ugly).

• Spatial or Physical Order – describe the parts of an object that occupies space or things that occur at various locations (what happens where on a farm).

• Topical Grouping – divide your topic into logical segments or subtopics (steps in planning and delivering an effective presentation).

• Problem/Solution – state a problem and offer a solution (how to increase attendance at annual meeting).

• Key phrases – use the same short or descriptive phrase to introduce each new idea (“Soil and Water Conservation Districts of the Future”: The difference between SWCDs of the future and SWCDs today… Of the many changes shaping the SWCDs of the Future, four stand out…).

• Extended metaphor or analogy – present your topic by comparing it to something well understood (how a presentation is like an airplane flight).

Using one of these organizational approaches gives your listener a road map with guideposts along the way. It is then easier for your listener to travel with you, staying on track.

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Adapted with permission from Soil and Water Conservation District Outreach: A Handbook for Program Development, Implementation and Evaluation. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Soil and Water Conservation, 2003.