Informative speech
1
PREPARATION OUTLINE GUIDE
The following is a guide to use as you develop preparation outlines for your speeches. For
purposes of illustration, this guide has three main points in the body of the speech. In your
speeches, of course, the number and organization of main points, subpoints, and sub-subpoints
will vary depending on the topic and purpose of any given speech. However, the elements
needed in the outline – specific purpose statement, central idea, introduction, body, conclusion,
connectives, bibliography – will remain the same. For more information, check the guidelines for
preparation outlines and the sample preparation outline with commentary on pages 198–205 of
your textbook.
Name:
Date:
Specific Purpose Statement: This is what your main points must support. It should state, in one
sentence, what the purpose of your speech is. Should fit the criteria for specific purpose
statements on pages 80– 86 of the textbook.
Central Idea: Summarize your speech/outline in one declarative sentence. Should clearly sum
up all of your main points. Should fit the criteria for central ideas on pages 86–90 of the
textbook.
INTRODUCTION
I. (Gain Attention) This could be a short story, memorable quotation, startling statistic, or
anything you know will grab your audience's attention.
II. (Reveal Topic) Tell your audience about your topic and why it is relevant to them. Why
should they want to listen?
III. (Establish Credibility and Goodwill) Answer the question "Why should we listen to
YOU?” Give some type of factual information or some reference that will show that you
know what you are talking about. This could be the fact that you had a class on the topic,
or that you have done a lot of research, or that you have firsthand experience with your
topic, or you are an expert, etc. Make sure never to just say the words “I am credible to
speak on this topic because…”
IV. (Preview Speech Body) Finish your introduction with a sentence suggesting the number,
content and ordering of your main points, for example: “First... Next… Finally…”
(Connective) Make sure the audience knows you are moving from the introduction into the first
main point of the body. For information on connectives, review pages 170–173 of your textbook.
BODY
I. (MAIN POINT 1) A single complete sentence expressing the main point of this section
of the speech.
A. (SUBPOINT) You must have at least two subpoints under each main point. As
with main points, subpoints should be written in full sentences
1. (SUB-SUBPOINT) This is where the specific examples from your
research are included to support your main points. You can use quotes,
examples, stories, facts, statistics, analogies, etc…. Be sure to cite all
sources.
2. (SSP) More of the above. If you have a ‘1.’ you must have a ‘2.’
B. (SP) You must have a ‘B.’ You must include at least 2 subpoints for each Main
Point
1. (SSP) Sub-Subpoints are optional, however, you will most likely have
them in your speech to support your subpoints and main points.
2. (SSP)
C. (SUBPOINT—optional)
1. (SSP)
2. (SSP)
(Connective) Use a transition or other connective to help the audience move with you from one
main point to the next
II. (MP 2) Your second MAIN POINT goes here. Follow the same format that you used for
the first main point)
A. (SUBPOINT) You should have at least two subpoints under each main point.
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This could be one complete sentence. You cannot have an A without a B.
1. (SUB-SUBPOINT) This is where the specific examples from your
research are included to support your main points. You can use quotes,
examples, stories. Be sure to cite all sources. If you have a ‘1.’ you must
have a ‘2..’
2. (SSP) More of the above.
B. (SP)
1. (SSP)
2. (SSP)
C. (SUBPOINT—optional)
1. (SSP)
2. (SSP)
TRANSITION: A transition is used to go smoothly from the 2nd Main Point to the 3rd Main
Point.
(Include the exact wording of your transition)
III. (MP 3) Your third MAIN POINT goes here. (The total number of main points should be
between three and five, however, three main points seems to be the number easiest to
manage as a speaker, and the easiest to remember for your audience.)
A. (SUBPOINT) You should have at least two subpoints under each main point.
Subpoints should be phrased as one complete sentence. You cannot have an A
without a B.
1. (SUB-SUBPOINT) This is where the specific examples from your
research are included to support your main points. You can use quotes,
examples, stories. Be sure to cite all sources. If you have a ‘1.’ you must
have a ‘2.’
1. (SSP) More of the above.
B. (SP)
1. (SSP)
2. (SSP)
C. (SUBPOINT—optional)
1. (SSP)
2. (SSP)
(Connective) Use a transition or other connective to help the audience move with you from the
body of your speech to the conclusion
CONCLUSION
I. Let the audience know you are ending the speech.
II. Reinforce the audience’s understanding of, or commitment to, the central idea.
REFERENCES
Your sources. A References section is a list of the books, magazines, newspapers, etc. you used
in preparing your speech. It demonstrates the effort you put forth researching the topic and
reflects your credibility as a speaker.
Use the American Psychological Association (APA) bibliographic format. Sample citations for
APA format are provided on page 130 of your textbook. Include the complete reference citation
(using APA format) of each source you used in your outline. You can also review the APA
format handout on Canvas for specific guidelines about how to cite sources in-text, in the
References section, and orally.