Structure Formulas (Part 2)

Chronological Formula: Past, Present, Future

When the objective of the speech is to manage change or explain developments, the three-stage chronological structure is highly effective.

This formula organizes information in a logical timeline that the audience can follow effortlessly.

The first block addresses the Past: How were things before? What is the origin of the situation? This sets the context.

The second block looks at the Present: What is happening right now, what are the current challenges or failed attempts at solutions?

The third block projects the Future: Where are we going, what will the reality be like once we implement the new strategy? This structure is ideal for business presentations that propose new technologies or organizational changes, as it validates the prior history while selling a hopeful vision of the future.

5-Step Formula (Description, Immersion, Explanation, Gain, Occurrence)

For more complex speeches that seek to persuade and sell ideas, there is an advanced five-step formula that guides the audience from problem to solution adoption.

The first step is Description: the problem or situation to be addressed is stated objectively.

The second step is the Immersion: you delve into how the problem affects the listeners emotionally or practically, making them feel the need for change.

The third step is the Explanation: here the proposal, method or idea that the speaker brings to solve the situation is detailed.

The fourth step, crucial for the sale, is the Gain: it is made explicit what concrete benefit the audience will obtain by adopting this solution. Without a gain, persuasion fails.

Finally, it closes with the Occurrence: a memorable ending, which can be a witty phrase, a moral or a shocking quote that serves as a finishing touch and facilitates the recall of the message.

Summary

The chronological formula organizes information into past, present and future. It establishes previous contexts, analyzes current challenges and projects hopeful visions to effectively manage organizational change.

The five-step structure guides from problem to gain. Delving into how the problem affects the organization creates the necessary need to embrace solutions.

Explaining the concrete benefit is crucial to real persuasion. End with a memorable quip that serves as a finishing touch and facilitates recall.