Speech Outline

Preparation Speech Outline – a detailed outline that is developed during the process of speech preparation that includes an introduction, body with main points and sub points, transitions, and a conclusion. A consistent pattern of symbolization and indentation is used throughout the outline. The outline will end with an MLA bibliography listing all the sources verbally cited in the speech.

Preparation Outline Guideline

The Topic and Specific Purpose should be written in complete sentences. The Central Idea/Thesis Statement should be written in a complete statement.

Topic:

Specific Purpose:

Central Idea /Thesis Statement:

Introduction

Each element of the Introduction should be labeled, and complete sentence (s) should be written for each area

I. Attention Getter

II. Credibility Statement

III. Relevance to Audience

IV. Preview of Points

Transition: Bridge the Introduction to the Body of the outline.

Body

There should be three to five main points. Main points should be written in complete sentences.

Sub-points should be written in complete sentences or key phrases. There should be at least two supporting sub-points for each main point and at least two supporting sub sub-points for each sub-point.

An example Body of an outline. You should have 3-5 main points, but your subpoints will vary, depending on how much information/detail you have for each one.

I. First Main Point

A. Subpoint A

1. Subpoint of A

2. Subpoint of A

B. Subpoint B

1. Subpoint of B

2. Subpoint of B

Transition: Briefly review Main point 1 and preview Main point 2

II. Second Main Point

A. Subpoint A

1. Subpoint of A

2. Subpoint of A

B. Subpoint B

1. Subpoint of B

2. Subpoint of B

3. Subpoint of B

Transition: Briefly review Main point 1 and preview Main point 2

III. Third Main Point

A. Subpoint A

1. Subpoint of A

2. Subpoint of A

B. Subpoint B

1. Subpoint of B

2. Subpoint of B

a. Subpoint of 2.

b. Subpoint of 2

C. Subpoint C

1. Subpoint of C

2. Subpoint of C

Transition: Briefly review Main point 1 and preview Main point 2

Conclusion

I. Summarize the main points from the body of outline

II. Memorable closing statement that reinforces central idea or links to topic (persuasive speech may include an appeal to action)

Bibliography (MLA Format)

*Sources will be listed in MLA format.

**Oral citations will be distinguished within the outline. This can be done by using underline, bold font , or italics to indicate approximately where the oral citation will be quoted within the speech.

Source Quality and Citation Reference

Students should use the following guideline when verbally citing sources within a speech.

· The name of the book, magazine, newspaper, journal, etc. or Web document you are citing

· The name of the author or sponsoring organization

· The author’s qualifications with regards to the topic

· The date published, posted, or updated

Example:

BAD: "I read a study" or, "A website said" or "WebMD reported" or "National Geographic reported" Where did WebMD or National Geographic report? When was it report?

BETTER: "A report on CNN by John Stossel showed . . ." (what report?  Why should we believe John Stossel?  When? )

GREAT: "A June 16, 2016, report on CNN's website by medical correspondent John Stossel called "How Safe is Your Food?" reported that . . ."