Introduction (include in all outlines)
- I. Attention-Getter:
Use one of the recommended techniques described in Introductions and
Conclusions.
- II. Personal Credibility: State your connection and/or experience with this
topic to establish your credibility.
- III. Thesis:
Use your thesis statement here (includes subject, predicate, and
information hunger) in one single sentence.
- IV. Preview Main Points
[Transition into body of speech, e.g. Let’s start with... ]
Body (include in all outlines)
I.
First main point: Write in complete
sentences. Main Points are never questions, quotes, or information that
requires a source citation.
A.
Subpoint: Make sure your sentences wrap to the
start of the sentence to maintain the outline formatting as illustrated here.
B. Sub-subpoint:
How much development you need
depends upon your speech
[Transition into second main point,
e.g. We’ve discussed .... now let’s look at.....]
II.
Second main point:
A.
Subpoint
B.
Subpoint
[Transition into third main
point, e.g. We’ve discussed .... now let’s look at.....]
III.
Third main point: No less than two main points, but
no more than five main points
A.
Subpoint
1. Sub-subpoint
2. Sub-subpoint
- a.
Sub-sub-subpoint
- b.
Sub-sub-subpoint
[Transition into conclusion:
Make this clear, e.g. In conclusion, to sum up, etc.]
Conclusion (include in all outlines)
I.
Summary: Paraphrase the thesis here in
one single declarative statement.
II.
Clincher: Use one of the recommended
techniques described in Introductions and Conclusions. I always recommend
the technique called “Reference to the Introduction” because it provides such
strong closure.
RULES OF OUTLINING
- Identify at least two, but no more than five main
points in a speech
- Use Roman Numerals for main points; Capital Letters for
subpoints; Arabic Numbers for sub-subpoints; small letters for
sub-sub-subpoints, and small roman numbers for sub-sub-sub-subpoints
- Show logical relationships of ideas through proper
indentation
- Wrap-around sentences MUST indent to the point where
the first word of the sentence starts
- Only one sentence per letter or number in an outline
- Rule of Division: Never have a 1 without a 2 or an A
without a B.
