Informative Speech

FORMAL OUTLINE EXAMPLE

Title: The Life and Legacy of Franco Columbu

General purpose: To Inform

Specific purpose: By the end of my speech, the audience will know who Franco Columbu was and be able to remember some important and interesting facts about him.

Thesis statement: Today, I’d like to tell everyone about the life and legacy of Doctor Franco Columbu, a world class strongman and bodybuilder; I will inform you on his childhood, athletic accomplishments, and his personal life.

Introduction

Attention getter: Standing at just 5’5” tall with a of 185lbs, I’d like to introduce the strongest pound for pound bodybuilder ever to compete, the Sardinian Strongman himself, Doctor Franco Columbu.

Introduction of topic: Chances are, not many, if any, of you know who Franco Columbu was.

Credibility and relevance: Like most people, I grew up watching and admiring action stars and athletes such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Bruce Lee. But it wasn’t until I was older when I was watching a bodybuilding documentary with my Dad, that I realized that there was another, lesser known for sure, but perhaps even more inspiring athlete. Almost everyone knows about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s achievements and contributions to the world of sports and entertainment, but few know the important roles and achievements which Franco is credited with.

Preview/Thesis: Today, I’d like to tell everyone about the life and legacy of Doctor Franco Columbu, a world class strongman and bodybuilder. His childhood, athletic accomplishments, and his personal life.

Transition: To get a clear picture of who Franco Columbu was, it’s best to start with his childhood.

Body

I. His childhood

a. Born Francesco Columbu, Franco was born in the 40s to a family of shepherds on the island of Sardinia Italy.

a. In the film “The Making of Pumping Iron,” Franco explained how his hometown of Ollolai, was a tiny village of around 2000 people.

i. Quote from the film

i. For some reference as to how that might look, there are roughly 43,000 people living in Sierra Vista. So, for anyone who thought Sierra Vista was small, it could be worse.

Transition: Franco left his hometown village in Italy to reside in Germany for work and athletics at the age of 24.

I. His athletics a. Franco had early success in sports when he tried his hand at boxing while working

as a shepherd.

i. Franco excelled in athletics, particularly in power lifting

i. It was at a bodybuilding and powerlifting competition that he met Arnold.

a. Even though he was only 5’5” and 185 lbs, Franco had record breaking lifts, setting the bar high with a 525lbs bench press, 655lbs squat, and a 750lbs deadlift.

i. He was reported to have deadlifted over 780lbs, unofficially

a. Franco competed in the first ever inaugural World’s Strongest Man competition, placing 5th behind men outweighing him by 100lbs

i. He injured his knee while carrying a refrigerator

a. Franco achieved numerous championships as a powerlifter and bodybuilder, perhaps the most esteemed being his two-time reign as a Mr. Olympia winner.

a. He was also inducted into the IFBB hall of fame

Transition: Franco had much success in his athletic career and was able to find meaningful happiness in his personal as well

I. His personal life

a. Franco was a doctor

i. He earned his license and was a practicing chiropractor

i. Insert quote here

a. Franco also had success or enjoyed time as an author, actor, producer, and trainer.

i. He trained Sylvester Stallone for the Rambo and Rocky movies

i. He is author of several books on nutrition, bodybuilding, and health

i. He played minor characters in movies with Arnold such as Conan and the Terminator

I. Franco’s time-tested friendship with Arnold is truly a touching story to behold.

a. Arnold talks about their kinship in a post, addressing Franco’s death

a. Maria Shriver, married to Arnold, also comments on Franco’s friendship

a. Franco’s spirit and determination has been an inspiration for many

Transition: Franco Columbu led a fulfilling life, full of twist and turns, never lacking excitement yet still full of meaning.

Conclusion

Transition to conclusion and summary of importance: In conclusion, Doctor Franco Columbu’s life was monumental.

Review of main points: Franco’s childhood, athletic successes, and professional and personal life, shaped Franco into the legend his is remembered by.

Closing statement: Franco Columbu has been an inspiration to me since my father introduced me to his work. I admired Franco because he never let his circumstances or size stop him from achieving greatness. His strength showed me that I didn’t have to be tall or big to do well in athletics, and that grit and work was everything and the only thing that mattered.

References McVeigh, D., McVeigh, S. (Directors) (2002) Raw Iron. [Film]. Lionsgate. Merritt, G. (n.d.). Even Stronger Than They Look. Muscle and Fitness. Retrieved from

https://www.muscleandfitness.com/flexonline/training/even-stronger-they-look-franc o-columbu/

O’Reilly, A. (n.d.). Two Time Mr. Olympia Franco Columbu. Muscle and Fitness. Retrieved from https://www.muscleandfitness.com/athletes-celebrities/news/two-time-mr-olympia-fra nco-columbu-dead-78/

Schwarzenegger, A. [@Schwarzenegger]. (2019, August 30). Franco, You’ve heard me say that I don’t like when people call me a self-made man. You’ve even heard me say that you’re part of the reason I could never accept that label. [Text]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/B1y_SfRA68f/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link