A signpost in speech is a verbal or visual marker that indicates the direction the speaker is taking their speech or presentation, or where they are presently at, in order to help the audience move through different concepts, connect the dots, and stay engaged. Signposts are accurate words, phrases, or gestures that signal transitions, significant moments, or summaries within a presentation. They are an integral piece of the framework of speeches or presentations, and if they are not built in, the speaker runs the risk of losing their audience soon after they have spoken their first few words. Signposts are important in speeches because they assist the audience in following the speakers train of thought and remaining engaged with the material. They create distinct transitions between different portions or concepts in the speech, making it more cohesive and understandable. Some examples of frequent sorts of signposts used in speeches are:
- Introduction: Announcing the start of a speech and introducing the topic.
- Agenda: Outlining the major themes or format of the speech on the agenda.
- Transitions: Indicating movement from a completed thought to a new thought.
- Internal previews: Previewing the main points of a section of the speech.
- Internal summaries: Summarizing the main points of a section of the speech.
- Signposts: Short statements that tell the audience where the speaker is in the speech.
Signposts enhance speech clarity by giving straightforward signals and markers that direct the listener through the speakers thoughts. They assist listeners in expecting the speakers next point, understanding the links between various concepts, and recognizing the general structure of the speech. Signposts can be verbal, visual, or even in the form of signs, and they can be as simple as "First," "Next," "Lastly," or using numbers such as "First," "Second," "Third," and "Fourth".
