Theocratic Aid To Kingdom Publishers

Lesson 34

THE BODY OF A TALK

The body of a talk is the main arguments presenting the central theme with supporting evidence. Assume that the speech material has been gathered, the main points determined, and the supporting points placed under the proper headings. The problem arises, How should these main points be arranged? Which one should come first? which second? etc. Correct decision of this question is important. Upon it depends the quickness of learning and the length of time the material will be remembered by the audience. If possible, show a definite relationship between the main points. By association things are remembered.

There are several methods of arrangement, and three factors determine the method to use, namely, the subject, the type of audience, and the purpose of the speech. More often than not all three of these factors influence the choice. Some of the methods are as follows:

(1) The CHRONOLOGICAL arrangement is according to time. It is present in all narration and history. Where the time element exists events should be presented chronolog-

ically, except in rare instances. When Stephen gave his stirring speech recorded in Acts 7 he followed this method; Paul also used it at Hebrews 11. After a brief introduction by defining the term faith, he referred to faith-proving acts by men of old. They entered the discussion according to chronological order.

(2) DIVISION INTO CLASSES or natural groups. In 1 Timothy 5 Paul in the opening verses mentions classes of persons, and he divides the discussion according to these classes. He counsels concerning elder women or widows, then younger widows, and finally elders.

(3) That of LOGIC. This is the hardest type to develop properly. It involves argumentation and reasoning, progressive proof of one point after another, step by step until the climax is reached. Each point must be clear to the audience. One step missed, and they fall out by the way. The speaker alone reaches the climax. An excellent illustration of logical development is 1 Corinthians 15, concerning resurrection. In verses 12 to 19 his argument mounts step by step in developing a point of argument. The gist of it is that if there is no resurrection, then Christ is not risen; and if Christ is not risen, then preaching and faith is vain and his servants are false witnesses; and if Christ is not raised, his followers are yet in their sins and those who have died in Christ are perished and those yet living are of all men most miserable. But his argument shows that Christ is risen. The whole chapter follows strong logic, establishes the fact of the resurrection, from there identifies the resurrection body, discusses the time of the resurrection, shows that it will result in victory over death, that the victory is gained through Christ, and then sums up that for these strong reasons Christians should abound in the work of the Lord.

(4) Arrangement ACCORDING TO IMPORTANCE. This is the theory of starting with the least important and building to a climax. If interest is to mount, this order of climax must

be followed. The unfolding argument gathers momentum, charges ahead with increasing speed, and breaks into the climax with great driving force. Never does it slow down for less important points. There are no letdowns. The exception might be where the speaker knows of a strong objection lodged in the audience's mind. With all the force he can muster he should strike down this objection at the outset, clear out the obstacle, that they may listen to the remainder of the talk without prejudice.

(5) Another arrangement is that of CAUSE AND EFFECT. Certain conditions or effects are produced by specific reasons or causes. A series of causes and effects are found in the ten plagues of Egypt. God's demand through Moses was that His people have freedom of worship. Pharaoh refused. This refusal and hardness of heart was the cause of the plagues. The plagues were the effects produced. As each plague was lifted Pharaoh's heart would harden, thus giving cause for another effective plague. The tenth plague itself acted as a strong cause inducing Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. This was the cause that effected their release from Egyptian bondage.

(6) One might also go from PROBLEM TO SOLUTION. In the early part of the talk body the problem confronting mankind might be developed and considered and analyzed from every aspect. Then from this point the speaker would proceed with the solution or remedy, The Theocracy. This means of development is often used in booklets published by the Watchtower Society. It is followed in a general way in the booklet One World, One Government. The crying need for unity is shown, the efforts on the part of men and organizations to effect it is discussed, but it is shown how they have failed dismally in solving the problem. Then at about the halfway point of the booklet the transition from problem to solution is made in this sentence: "How this [world unity] will be we now examine in the radiant light of the sacred Scriptures." Then the glorious solution to

all divisions, strife and disunity grandly unfolds before the reader's eyes.

(7) The body might take on a TOPICAL ARRANGEMENT. This is used where several topics bear upon the subject, yet they might have no relationship between themselves. They do not tie together. It is really an accumulation of points rather than a series of related points linked into a strong chain of thought or an argument developed one step on top of the other. Cohesion between the points is difficult and must depend on transitional words and phrases. The material it presents is difficult to remember, being individual points. It should be used only where no strong relationship exists between the main ideas. This lesson on body development follows this style.

It is seldom that a talk confines itself to one of these methods of development. Talks concerning Jehovah's Kingdom use many of these features. They would surely have logic, would be generally developed according to importance or climax, would discuss causes and effects and problems and solutions, and follow chronological order where it existed. The essential thing for the speaker to do is to determine the arrangement or arrangements that will best suit his purpose, bearing in mind as he makes his choice the three determining factors: the subject, the audience, the purpose of the speech.