Working Outline
Public Speaking 052
Note: In an effort to maintain consistency and facilitate self-evaluation, all students are expected to follow
this outline format for the Narrative, Informative, and Persuasive Speeches. For the Commemorative
Speech, students should prepare their pre outline based upon this method, but the final speaking outline will
follow a strict manuscript format, which will be discussed at a later date.
Be sure to print out all bold faced words as written and fill in the appropriate information for your speech.
Name
Course
Class Time
Method of Organization Used: ______________________________
Title: _________________________________________________
Specific Purpose: _______________________________________
Thesis Statement: _______________________________________
Introduction
Attention Material: Be sure to grab your audience’s attention in a creative and exciting
way. Quotes, startling statements, hypothetical stories, amazing statistics are all
examples of possibilities for your opening. Remember to pause before you start. Look at
the audience for a moment. Breathe. Then draw them in quickly to the point of your
speech. Jokes generally do not belong here.
Credibility Statement: Why have you chosen this topic? Do you have any association
with this topic? Are you able to show that you are an experienced person or an expert in
this field? Do you know someone who has experienced this situation? There are many
ways of tying yourself into the speech topic.
Audience Involvement: Try to think of some way of involving the audience from the
start. Some of you may be able to do this simultaneously with the attention getter or with
the credibility statement. If you do, then highlight both of these categories on your
outline. Just be sure you do ALL the items that are in bold faced print. NEVER forget
your audience throughout the entire speech, especially at the beginning and end.
Thesis Statement: Write a complete, concise, direct, declarative sentence that suggests
and/or includes the preview of ideas. This sentence is to be repeated in the conclusion.
There should be no question whatsoever as to what your thesis is. Be clear. Be direct.
Preview of Ideas: If you have not already done so in the Thesis Statement, list briefly the
two or three main points you are to use. Using parallel form often helps the listener
identify the ideas at the onset of the speech. The repetition of these ideas helps carry the
listener throughout the speech.
(Transition: This statement should help tie together the introduction with the main body
of the speech. Avoid saying, “Let’s begin now.” However, one could say, “To begin
with” or “Now to examine the first of these points, _________.” Many creative options
may be used.)
Body
I. First Main Point: Be sure to write only one, simple, direct sentence which
preferably incorporates parallel structure with each of the other main points.
A. Subpoint: This part may be written in phrases. Be sure to label ALL of your
materials with proper citing.
1. Sub-subpoint: This section may also be done in phrases. Cite sources.
Be sure you always have at least two of each of your points or subpoints.
If not, then it should not be a subpoint.
2. Sub-subpoint: Same as above applies. Additional indentions may be
used if one wishes to have further subdivisions such as “a” and “b” or
“(1)” and “(2)”. Cite all sources!
B. Subpoint: Remember, when there is an “A” there must be at least a “B”.
1. Sub-subpoint: __________________________________________
2. Sub-subpoint: __________________________________________
(Transition: Tie each main point to the next by reviewing and emphasizing the skeleton
of the speech.)
II. Second Main Point: Again, a full, direct, concisely phrased sentence preferably in
parallel form with the other main point(s) is recommended.
A. Subpoint: ___________________________________________________
1. Sub-subpoint: __________________________________________
2. Sub-subpoint: __________________________________________
B. Subpoint: ___________________________________________________
1. Sub-subpoint: __________________________________________
2. Sub-subpoint: __________________________________________
(Transition: Here one should either write a transition into the 3rd point or into the
conclusion. Try to avoid common, overdone transitions such as, “In conclusion.”)
Conclusion
Summary Statement: Write a sentence or two describing the main issues of the speech.
This may be tied in with the review of main points and/or the thesis.
Thesis and Main Points Reviewed: ALWAYS review the main points once again in the
conclusion. Remember that there should be no question in anyone’s mind as to what you
are talking about, why you are talking about it, how you feel about it, and how you want
the audience to feel about it. Repetition is necessary for oral presentations. Never forget
the listening problems all audiences experience.
Appeal to Audience: Again, relate the speech to the audience. Remember that their
understanding is the objective of your speech. You are speaking to help them see your
message. Be sure to state clearly once again why they (and you) have a stake in this
topic.
Concluding Remarks: Here is your last chance to have the audience meet the purpose
and objectives of your speech. Often a startling statement, quote, visual aide, or any other
form of support can help keep the message of the speaker in the minds of the listeners
long after the speech is over. Just don’t drop off and stop suddenly. There is a rhythm to
a speech. By the end, everyone should know it is the end. Vocally you slow down,
become emphatic, and prepare the listener for the last, memorable thoughts.
Works Cited
Follow standard APA or MLA style for your citing throughout the outline as well as in
the Works Cited page. There is also the option to use a Works Consulted page, which is
a list of references you made that are related to the topic but are not necessarily in the
speech itself. This is helpful to the reader who wants to explore similar topics. It is also
helpful for those who may inadvertently fail to cite something in the speech.
Nevertheless, always cite all sources that are incorporated in the speech both orally and
on the outline.