Subordination

Definition

Subordination is the organizational principle that places ideas, concepts, or points in a hierarchy, indicating their relative importance within a speech. This principle helps speakers arrange their content logically, showing which points are main ideas and which are supporting details. By effectively using subordination, speakers can create clearer outlines and more persuasive messages.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subordination in speech organization helps create a clear hierarchy of ideas, making it easier for the audience to follow along.
2. In outlining, subordination is visually represented by indentation or numbering systems that indicate which points are main and which are sub-points.
3. Using subordination effectively can enhance a speaker's credibility by showing thorough preparation and logical reasoning.
4. Subordination is not just about listing ideas; it's about structuring them in a way that emphasizes the most important concepts.
5. Speakers often use subordination to transition smoothly between main points and supporting details, improving overall flow and coherence.

Review Questions

• How does subordination enhance the clarity and effectiveness of a speech?
  • Subordination enhances clarity by establishing a clear hierarchy among ideas, allowing the audience to easily distinguish between main points and supporting details. When speakers use this organizational principle, they help listeners understand which arguments are most significant. This logical flow makes it easier for the audience to absorb information and follow the speaker's line of reasoning.
• In what ways can outlining reflect the use of subordination in speech preparation?
  • Outlining reflects subordination by visually representing the relationships between main ideas and supporting details. A well-structured outline uses indentation or numbering to show which points are primary and which provide additional information. This structure not only organizes thoughts but also allows speakers to identify gaps in their arguments and ensure all necessary support is included.
• Evaluate how improper use of subordination might affect audience understanding during a speech.
  • Improper use of subordination can lead to confusion and misunderstanding among the audience. If a speaker fails to clearly differentiate between main ideas and supporting details, listeners may struggle to grasp the overall message or feel overwhelmed by information. This disorganization can undermine the speaker's credibility and diminish the impact of their argument, ultimately leading to disengagement from the audience.

Related terms

Main Ideas: The primary points that support the overall message or thesis of a speech.

Supporting Details: Evidence or examples that back up the main ideas, providing depth and credibility to the argument.

Outline: A structured plan that organizes the content of a speech, often using a hierarchical format to show the relationship between main ideas and supporting details.