Speech writing -for Essays Guru

1. Preliminary Information in italics and in parentheses is to label the parts of the outline to aid your understanding. DO NOT include the italicized information on the speech outline you turn in.

2. The font for this outline is Times New Roman 20 point to make it easier for you, the speaker, to glance at when you are giving your speech.

3. Each main point, subpoint, and sub-subpoint is only ONE declaratory, sentence. And I mention that fact a number of times in this outline. This means that the main points, etc. in your outline should be only ONE declaratory sentence.

4. This outline template is different from most because I ask that you separate out the Evidence that supports a main point or subpoint. I ask that you do this so I can determine whether you understand the difference between evidence and information/argument. This approach also allows you to write more than one sentence when discussing evidence.

5. Ideally, your outline should be 2-4 pages using the 20-point font size. Don’t forget to put page numbers on each page. This one is 4 pages partially to avoid breaking off in the middle of a point.

6. Use outline designations (I.A.1.a.) instead of bullet points. Using numerals and letters further indicates the hierarchy necessary for an effective outline.

7. Use the formatting used in this document, when means you indent subpoints and sub-subpoints. This helps you when you speaking before the audience. You can quickly figure out where you are because of the physical layout of the outline.

Speaker’s Name

Date

Introduction

I. (Attention Grabber) Start your speech by immediately capturing your audience’s interest and by showing how the topic is relevant to the audience.

II. Provide additional information relevant to the topic such as definitions of key terms, background information, examples to further explain purpose or importance of the topic and begin to establish your credibility.

III. (Thesis/Purpose Statement) The thesis/purpose statement is a declaratory sentence that clearly and concisely explains the purpose and subject of your speech.

IV. (Preview the main points) Preview the main points of your speech because this helps your audience understands how you are going to explain your thesis/purpose statement.

Body

I. (1st main point) State main points in a declaratory sentence (like this).

A. (subpoint) Subpoints are stated in a declaratory sentence parallel in form to the other subpoints.

Evidence: Describe the evidence supporting this subpoint and reference its source.

Evidence: Use this format to indicate evidence in your speech.

B. (subpoint) Subpoints are subordinate to the main point.

1. (sub-subpoint) Sub-subpoints may be necessary to fully explain a complex subpoint.

Evidence: Evidence can be used to support main points, subpoints, sub-subpoints, etc.

2. (sub-subpoint) Sub-subpoints are each distinct from the other sub-subpoints.

3. (sub-subpoint) Sub-subpoints are not evidence.

C. (subpoint) Subpoints are coordinate to other subpoints.

Evidence: Describe the evidence supporting this subpoint and reference its source.

II. (2nd main point) State main points in parallel form.

A. (subpoint) Follow the same format of subpoints, sub-subpoints, and evidence for each main point.

B. (subpoint) You cannot just have one subpoint or sub-subpoints.

III. (3rd main point) State main points in precise language to summarize the information included in this point.

Evidence: Sometimes you have no subpoints supporting the main point; Instead you just have evidence that directly explains the main point.

Conclusion

I. (Summary statement) Review your main points specifically and concisely.

II. (Reiterate thesis/purpose statement) Remind the audience of the purpose of the speech and challenge them to respond to the speech by putting to use what they have learned (if informative speech).

III. (Powerful ending) Close your speech memorably to make a lasting impression on the audience.

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