COM 101 – Cherpas
Study Guide Three
A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking by O’Hair, Rubenstein, and Stewart
Chapter 13: Selecting an Organizational Pattern
Review the material listed below for options in organizing your informative
speech. Be able to use appropriate organizational patterns when outlining and to
recognize patterns used by other speakers. As you read the sections, notice the
examples of thesis statements and the examples of main points arranged in
outline form.
Quick Tip 104
chronological 103
spatial 104-105
causal 105-106
problem-solution 106-107
topical 107-108
Chapter 14: Outlining the Speech
1. Tell why a speaking outline is preferable to a working outline for delivering a
Speech. 111 top Develop a speaking outline to hand in for your
Informative speech. 110-112
2. Tell how large the print in your outline should be. 117
3. Give an example of when you might use full sentences in your speaking
outline. Quick Tip 117
4. Give examples of delivery cues speakers might include in speaking outlines.
117-118
5. Tell what delivery cue is required to avoid plagiarism. See statistic on 118.
6. Review the checklist and apply this advice when using outlines to deliver
your speeches. 121
7. Thoroughly review the sample speaking outline. 119-121 Use it as a model for
your outline, but add a list of works cited (or a reference list) for any sources
used. Sources for the sample speaking outline appear on 117 at the end of the
working outline. However, do not follow this list because it is not MLA or APA.
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7 continued. Note the following items in the sample and refer to them in
preparing your outline. Also, note that you do not have to put topic, purpose, and
thesis at the top of your outline though the sample shows them.
Format and Mechanics
 Legibility
 Introduction, body, and conclusion clearly labeled
 Proper outline format: How many levels are used (from Roman numerals
to Arabic numbering)? How would the next level be indicated? Are there at
least two items per level?
 Errors in mechanics
 Phrases and key words, with a couple of sentences
Content and Organization
 Title: inviting and appropriate. Not required for your outline, but nice to
have so introducer can announce it to listeners.
 Name
 Introduction: attention getter, thesis, and preview
 Main points in body follow logical order. (What pattern is used in this
speech?)
 Sufficient number of main and supporting points
 Useful transitions, clearly labeled (for a review, see checklist on 89)
 Conclusion: summarize, emphasize thesis, and provide strong close
 Sources noted in parentheses
 Check the parenthetical citations in the speaking outline (119-121) against
the source list (117) to make sure every item in the outline appears in the
source list. The source list is a bibliography, not a list of works cited or a
reference list. YOU MUST USE MLA (list of works cited) or APA
(reference list) FOR YOUR OUTLINE.
Chapter 20: Types of Presentation Aids
1. Follow the advice about using presentation aids: refer to them in your speech
so that their relevance is clear to listeners, and use them in a supplementary
role. Quick Tip 155
2. Review the types of aids to get a feel for options, and check the tips about
using the type(s) of aids you select. 155-160 Note that I will need at least two
working days (preferably a week) of notice to request equipment not stored in
our classroom.
3. Follow the Quick Tip regarding handouts. 159 bottom
4. Apply the tips in the checklist when delivering and evaluating speeches. 160
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5. One type of presentation aid not well covered in our text is audience
participation. For example, you might call for one or more volunteers to act as
restaurant patrons while you demonstrate the role of a wine steward or
server. Or you might ask the whole class to follow along as you demonstrate
an activity (origami, dance steps, and so on).
Chapter 23: Informative Speaking
1. State the purpose of an informative speech. 175 and 176 top
2. Focus on informing; don’t veer off into persuading. Quick Tip 175
3. Review the coverage of subject matter for ideas to select a topic. 176-177
4. Review the types of strategies for options in planning your speech: define,
describe, demonstrate, and explain. 177-179
5. Try to apply all of the tips in the section on helping listeners to follow your
speech. See “Take Steps to Reduce Confusion.” 179-180
6. Refer to the checklist on 182 as an aid to selecting an organizational pattern
(or a combination of patterns) for your speech. 180 bottom - 182
7. Read the sample speech about cancer. 182 bottom -188
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Note the blue marginal comments.
Evaluate the speech based on the verbal items in the evaluation form for
informative speeches.
Note the list of works cited at the end of the speech. 187-188 Check to
ensure that every source that appears in the works cited appears in the
speech.
Comment on your reactions to the verbal elements of the speech. For
example, did you learn anything new, what questions would you ask the
speaker, was anything confusing, what aspects were most and least
impressive or useful?
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Documenting Sources
To avoid plagiarism, cite sources in outlines, mention them orally when delivering
speeches, and prepare a list of works cited or a reference list.
1. Review the section titled “Avoid Plagiarism.” 26-30 (Chapter 4)
 Be able to define plagiarism. 26 bottom
 Give examples of the kinds of information public speakers must document.
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 Study examples of giving oral credit. 28
2. Do evaluate sources critically. 72 and 74-77
3. Refer to sources orally when giving speeches. Chapter 11
 Give reasons why you must cite sources orally in speeches, other than
avoiding plagiarism. 83 bottom-84
 Tell what information to include when orally citing sources. 84
 Read and follow the useful information on citing sources orally. 84-87
 Review the samples. 88-91
4. MLA Citation Style: 275-278 (or APA 271-274)
 Cite sources at appropriate points in outlines, using signal phrases or
parenthetical references. Every source in your outline should be included
in your works cited list.
 Use the samples of citation style as guides when preparing your list of
works cited.
 For more specific information and more examples, check the seventh
edition (published in 2009) of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research
Papers. Another option is to use a citation list generator, such as the
following: http://NoodleBib.com/login.php.
5. If you are unfamiliar with MLA and APA style and feel overwhelmed, please
ask for help. See me or visit the Writing Center (Room 2220).
6. Follow KVCC’s plagiarism policy, stated in the current Student Handbook. You
are responsible for avoiding plagiarism.
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