What is a signpost in a speech?

Question

Accepted Answer

A brief statement that tells the audience where the speaker is in the speech. A signpost is a brief verbal statement that tells the audience where the speaker is in the speech, such as "My first point is..." or "Now let's turn to the third reason..." or "In conclusion..." Signposts help the audience follow the structure of the speech by providing clear markers that indicate transitions between sections and the progression of the argument.

A physical sign that the speaker holds up describes a literal sign rather than the organizational device used in speech communication. The speaker's notes placed on the podium are delivery aids that the audience typically cannot see, not organizational cues for the audience. A visual aid showing the speech's outline could serve a similar purpose but is a specific type of visual aid rather than the verbal technique that the term "signpost" refers to in speech communication.

Signposts are an important organizational tool tested on the DSST exam. Along with transitions, internal previews, and internal summaries, signposts help create a well-organized speech that the audience can follow easily. Students should be able to identify and use these devices to improve speech clarity and coherence.

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