An outline helps provide you with a sense of direction. Think of it like your GPS navigation or a roadmap. It helps get you to your destination. I've created a guide to help make the outlining process as easy as possible. Please see the following template:
Include Speech
Title
(Try condensing your
thesis into six or fewer words – think simple, catchy, and memorable – this
helps to focus your main idea)
Introduction
I. Attention getter: Start
with a rehearsed story, thought-provoking quote, shocking fact, rhetorical
question, or some other way to hook the audience right away. Avoid
introducing yourself, yes/no or dead-end questions, or my personal least
favorite opening, “Hey guys, so today I’m going to talk about XYZ”.
II. Introduce your topic: Provide necessary background
information, context, and/or definitions.
III. Thesis statement: Provide a single declarative sentence
expressing your main idea.
IV. Establish credibility: Tell the audience why you chose
the topic, why this impacts you as a speaker, and why the audience should care
about this subject.
V. Preview main points:
(Transition statement: use a signpost such as first,
next, moving on, etc.; or consider a question, or a review-preview statement
e.g. we just discussed ____ now we can talk about ____)
Body:
Split your thesis statement into 2-5 main points or
‘subordinate-themes’. Think carefully about the optimal way to sequence your points.
I. Main Point 1 – First section relating to your theme
A. You
will further split the first point to exemplify below
1.
Example, fact, or other supporting material.
a. You may split the content further if needed
b.
You must have at least a second point
2.
Subordinate points should be indented appropriately.
B. Coordinate
points should be aligned.
(Transition statement)
II. Main Point 2
A.
1.
2.
B.
(Transition statement)
III. Main Point 3
Etc.
(Transition statement)
Conclusion
I. Signal your conclusion with some kind of review statement
by reiterating your main points.
II. Remind the audience of your main idea/goal/thesis.
III. Provide lesson, moral, or inspiration to emphasize the
significance of your message.
IV. Closing statement: Make sure the last thing you say is
memorable and provides a sense of closure. You
may use a method similar to the attention getter. You may also ‘call
back’ to something mentioned earlier. Lastly, you can provide the audience with
a direct or indirect call to action – encouraging them to take action on this
issue. Avoid ending with “that’s it”!
Work
Cited/Reference List
List all citations used throughout your speech here at the
end of your work. You should follow APA/MLA/CMS style guides for formatting.
Make sure you also provided IN-TEXT citations within your
main points. See style guide for instructions regarding IN-TEXT citations (APA
included as follows):