Speech Organization and
Outlining
Two Types of Outlines
Preparation vs. Speaking
Preparation Outline
• Also called the working or practice outline
• Is a work in progress (draft)
• Helps establish and refine your organizational
pattern
• The final draft is your full sentence outline –
you will turn this in on your speech day
Speaking Outline
• Also known as a key-word outline
• Includes words and phrases only
• Should be organized on notecards for ease of
handling
• Not turning this in
Great Outline Examples
On class website under “Resources” >
“Sample Speeches and Outlines”
Outline Process
• First…
– Write out your specific purpose
– “To inform my audience of the benefits of
meditation”
Outline Process
• Second…
– Write out your thesis statement
– “Meditation can be a great way to relieve anxiety,
increase your productivity and even improve your
memory.”
Outline Process
• Third…
– Develop your main points
– The primary pieces of knowledge (informative)
– Key claims (persuasive)
Outline Process
• Look at your main points and ask yourself:
– Will these main points make my message clear to
my audience?
– Is this the most appropriate order in which to
develop them?
– Have I left out anything important?
Outline Process
• Fourth…
– Develop sub-points
– Facts, statistics, testimony, examples,
narratives/anecdotes
Outline Process
• Sub-points should support main points and
answer the following questions:
– What do you mean?
– Why should I care?
– How do I know this is true?
Outline Process
• Lastly…
– Complete your working outline
– The final draft will be your full sentence outline
– You will turn this in
Supporting Materials
Facts and Statistics
• Facts: statements that can be independently
verified
• Stats: numerical facts
• Repeatedly confirmed by numerous sources
• Both add credibility to your speech
IMPORTANT:
• Any fact or statistic you use should be
consistent across a variety of reputable
sources
Testimony
• Citing the opinions or conclusions of other
people or institutions to clarify, support and
strengthen a point
Three Types of Testimony
• Expert: comes from people who are qualified
by training or experience
• Lay: comes from people who have first-hand
experience
• Prestige: comes from a respected public
figure (not necessarily an expert)
X
Examples
• Serve as verbal illustrations to an oral
message
• Make your points more concrete and clear
Examples
• According to Dr. Oz, the benefits of
meditation are numerous. For example,
meditation has been shown to boost the
immune system, lower blood pressure, and
improve emotional balance.
Narratives
• Stories that illustrate ideas
• Humans are natural storytellers
• Helps to draw your listeners into your
message
Narratives
Heather Lerch had her whole life ahead of her. Just 19 years old, the
young woman had recently graduated from Tumwater High School.
Heather was on her way home from work on the night of February 23,
2010. While driving she was reading and sending text messages on her
cell phone. She was just 3 miles from her house.
The texting and driving caused Heather to became distracted. She
then lost control of her vehicle and drove through a guardrail. The impact
caused the driver’s side door to collapse several feet inside the vehicle.
Heather died instantly.