Outline Format

Introduction (include in all outlines)

1. I. Attention-Getter:  Use one of the recommended techniques described in Introductions and Conclusions. 
2. II. Personal Credibility: State your connection and/or experience with this topic to establish your credibility.
3. III. Thesis: Use your thesis statement here (includes subject, predicate, and information hunger) in one single sentence.
4. 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

1. a.      Sub-sub-subpoint
2. 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

1. Identify at least two, but no more than five main points in a speech
2. 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
3. Show logical relationships of ideas through proper indentation
4. Wrap-around sentences MUST indent to the point where the first word of the sentence starts
5. Only one sentence per letter or number in an outline
6. Rule of Division: Never have a 1 without a 2 or an A without a B.