Sample
6/1/10
COM 181 – J021
One-Point Speech Outline
A Little Bit of Hugh Laurie
Specific Purpose: To inform the audience about the actor Hugh Laurie
Central Idea: While most American audiences only know Hugh Laurie as “Doctor Gregory
House”, there is much more to this talented actor than simply a single character.
Comment [S1]: Specific purpose is written as a
phrase, not a sentence.
Introduction
“Everybody lies,” or at least that’s one of the key phrases used on the hit drama “House.” This
program showcases a cast of excellent actors, but fans will agree that there is one clear stand out
talent. I’ve been a fan of the show and its lead for several years and have conducted research so
that I can give you a better appreciation for its talented star.
Comment [S2]: Note that the introduction,
body, and conclusion are written ONLY in full
sentences.
Body
I. While most American audiences know Hugh Laurie as “Doctor Gregory House,” There is
much more to this talented actor than simply a single character.
A. IMDB (n.d.) notes that the English actor was born June 11, 1959 on Oxford.
1. Health issues lead Laurie to take up acting in his university days.
(hughlaurie.net, n.d.)
2. During college, he became friends with Emma Thompson and Stephen
Fry (both of whom would go on to become famous actors as well).
B. As an actor, Laurie has been involved with many successful programs both in
Europe and the United States and has won many awards.
C. In addition to being a talented actor, Hugh Laurie is an author, musician, and
philanthropist.
1. A 2009 article by the BBC notes that Laurie’s first book, “The Gun
Seller” has topped sales charts in Europe.
2. He is also a founding member of the musical group “Band from TV”.
(Band from TV, n.d.)
Conclusion
While we may know and love him as Dr. House, clearly there is much more to Hugh Laurie than
just the character he plays on American television. Hopefully, now you know more about this
fascinating person and can have a greater appreciation for his talent.
References
Band from TV (n.d.) About us: Hugh Laurie. Retrieved from
http://www.bandfromtv.org/about/hugh_laurie.php
BBC (2009). Laurie book ‘tops French sales’. Retrieved from
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7991878.stm
Hughlaurie.net (n.d.) Biography. Retrieved from http://www.hughlaurie.net/bio.html
IMDB (n.d.). Biography for Hugh Laurie. Retrieved from
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0491402/bio
Comment [S3]: Using a quote as an attention
getting device
Comment [S4]: This statement tells you about
the speaker’s credibility
Comment [S5]: Tells the audience why the
speaker is discussing the topic.
Comment [S6]: CENTRAL IDEA! (In future
speeches, the central idea will be in the
introduction. However, for “one point” speeches, it
is your lone main point.)
Comment [S7]: APA style citation.
Comment [S8]: APA style citation
Comment [S9]: The speaker would include more
information about the programs and awards with
this subpoint, but as chosen not to list them in the
outline.
Comment [S10]: This represents the way one
might state a citation during a speech.
Comment [S11]: APA style citation.
Comment [S12]: Restating what we have talked
about in the speech
Comment [S13]: APA style reference list.