Speech Outline Skeleton

DUE: THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26 AT 12AM EST

Please carefully review the information provided on the Speech Outline Page. Please do the following and submit a copy to confirm that you have completed this first step.:

Begin a document in Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

Title the Document: My Speech Outline

Copy and paste the outline template we are using for this class onto your document.

Submit a copy to this assignment and save on your computer for future use. Please submit as a word document or a pdf. Please do not use document sharing due to issues with me being able to access.

Outlining

After identifying an organizational pattern, an outline will assist you to compile information into that pattern. An outline provides a visual structure where you can compile information into a well-organized document. There are two primary types of outlines that we will discuss: preparation outlines and speaking outlines.

Preparation Outlines

Preparation outlines are comprehensive outlines that include all of the information in your speech. These are often full-sentences and include in-text citations and a reference page (if necessary). If someone were to read your outline, there should be enough depth to provide a skeleton of what will be accomplished.

This is the outline format we will use for this class.

Title of Speech:

 Introduction

a. Attention Getter

b. Credibility Statement

c. Relevance Statement

d. Thesis Statement

e. Preview

Speech Body

First Main Point

Evidence

Evidence

Second Main Point

Evidence

Evidence

Third Main Point

Evidence

Evidence

Conclusion

Review of Main Points

Restate Thesis (Central Idea)

Clincher

This is just a start, and each main point may have more than one piece of evidence, for example.

Like we mentioned, an outline is a visual structure, and it can aid you in determining where you need more or less information. For example, if you work on a problem/solution speech, your outline may visually demonstrate that most of your research is located under the “problem” main point, signaling to you that more “solution” research is required. Outlines also assist in reminding speakers to warrant all of their claims.

You should think of the outline as the blueprint for your speech. It is not the speech—that is what comes out of your mouth in front of the audience. The outline helps you prepare and, as such, they are a living document that you can adjust, add, and delete. We recommend beginning to add information to an outline right away. You don’t, however, often speak from that outline. Instead, you’ll use a speaking outline.

Tips for Effective Outlining

Use consistent numbering;

Full sentences are your friend!

Use in-text citations for references to your research.

Generally, numbers should be in 2’s (if there’s a 1 , there should be a 2).

Make sure indentations are consistent and clear.

Follow your organizational pattern.

Revise. Revise. Revise.