BASIC ELEMENTS OF OUTLINING
(Each of these segments needs to be on every outline you turn in.)
SPECIFIC PURPOSE
A phrase stating the purpose of your speech. Ask yourself 'What do I hope to accomplish?" What is your point?
"After hearing my speech, my audience will ........"
CENTRAL IDEA/THESIS STATEMENT
The one sentence that sums up your entire speech - the residual message (what's left over after they've forgotten everything else).
INTRODUCTION
I. Gain audience’s attention (complete sentence if possible)
II. State topic (complete sentence)
III. Relate topic to audience (complete sentence)
IV. Establish your credibility (complete sentence)
V. Preview your specific purpose/theme and main points (complete sentence)
BODY
I. First Main Point (written as a complete sentence)
A. Sub point
1. sub-sub point
2. sub-sub Point
B. Sub point
1. sub-sub point
2. sub-sub Point
NOTE: The above arrangement of sub points is only an example. It shows how to place them and emphasizes that
when a point is divided there must be at least (2) parts. You will obviously organize your information
into appropriate points and sub points as necessary.
TRANSITION
A sentence or two summarizing "where you've been and where you're going". A transition eases you out of one point and into
another and helps your audience follow along. Write them out word for word in your formal outline to ensure that you have planned
them.
II. Second Main Point (complete sentence)
A.
1.
2.
B.
1.
2.
NOTE: Again, the arrangement of Pts II and III is given only as an example.
TRANSITION (written word for word)
III. Third Main Point (complete sentence)
A.
1.
2.
B.
1.
2.
NOTES REGARDING MAIN POINTS
*You should ideally have 2-5 main points
*Each main point should be one idea
*Each main point must develop and support the purpose
*If you have an A, you must have a B, etc. You can't divide something and not have at least (2)parts
*Using parallel wording (wording each main point in a similar way) is helpful
CONCLUSION
A complete conclusion needs to perform the following (2) functions:
1. Review purpose/theme/main points and concepts:
2. Memorable statement
BIBLIOGRAPHY
A complete list of sources consulted for your speech. Please follow an appropriate style manual (MLA, APA).
Required with each presentation. Number of required sources will vary. Check each assignment handout for specific requirements
regarding the minimum number of required sources. Points are deducted for missing source citations.
*Please note the use of spacing, numeration, and indentation. They are there for a reason!
A phrase stating the purpose of your speech. Ask yourself 'What do I hope to accomplish?" What is your point?
"After hearing my speech, my audience will ........"
CENTRAL IDEA/THESIS STATEMENT
The one sentence that sums up your entire speech - the residual message (what's left over after they've forgotten everything else).
INTRODUCTION
I. Gain audience’s attention (complete sentence if possible)
II. State topic (complete sentence)
III. Relate topic to audience (complete sentence)
IV. Establish your credibility (complete sentence)
V. Preview your specific purpose/theme and main points (complete sentence)
BODY
I. First Main Point (written as a complete sentence)
A. Sub point
1. sub-sub point
2. sub-sub Point
B. Sub point
1. sub-sub point
2. sub-sub Point
NOTE: The above arrangement of sub points is only an example. It shows how to place them and emphasizes that
when a point is divided there must be at least (2) parts. You will obviously organize your information
into appropriate points and sub points as necessary.
TRANSITION
A sentence or two summarizing "where you've been and where you're going". A transition eases you out of one point and into
another and helps your audience follow along. Write them out word for word in your formal outline to ensure that you have planned
them.
II. Second Main Point (complete sentence)
A.
1.
2.
B.
1.
2.
NOTE: Again, the arrangement of Pts II and III is given only as an example.
TRANSITION (written word for word)
III. Third Main Point (complete sentence)
A.
1.
2.
B.
1.
2.
NOTES REGARDING MAIN POINTS
*You should ideally have 2-5 main points
*Each main point should be one idea
*Each main point must develop and support the purpose
*If you have an A, you must have a B, etc. You can't divide something and not have at least (2)parts
*Using parallel wording (wording each main point in a similar way) is helpful
CONCLUSION
A complete conclusion needs to perform the following (2) functions:
1. Review purpose/theme/main points and concepts:
2. Memorable statement
BIBLIOGRAPHY
A complete list of sources consulted for your speech. Please follow an appropriate style manual (MLA, APA).
Required with each presentation. Number of required sources will vary. Check each assignment handout for specific requirements
regarding the minimum number of required sources. Points are deducted for missing source citations.
*Please note the use of spacing, numeration, and indentation. They are there for a reason!
skeletal_outline_for_btw_speech.docx | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
File Type: | docx |
btw_outline.doc | |
File Size: | 41 kb |
File Type: | doc |