By: Lauren Beth Kelly
Outlines are not only a helpful tool to organize material within your speech, it also helps prevent you from getting stuck when delivering a speech.
In the outline of any basic speech, you’ll first specify your introduction and thesis statement. Then, include the main points, and the body, and any necessary transitions. Lastly, present your conclusion. Outlines range from the informal, which use indenting and graphics, to the formal, which often use Roman numerals and letters.
There are many different types of patterns that can be used for speech outlines. For example, in a sequential organization, information is arranged using a step-by-step order. You can use this type of organization to describe the steps of a process.
In a topical order, main points divide your topic into logical and consistent sub-points. Examples of speeches for which this pattern is effective include informative and persuasive types.
Within the introduction of a speech outline, establish your topic and core message. Here, the use of a quote, question, or statistic can help set the tone for your speech while drawing in an audience.
For example, here an author effectively uses a question within the introduction: “…I was recently at a community meeting where the speaker was talking about an issue that I, along with many others, strongly disagreed with. But what did we do? Nothing. Standing up for what you believe is not a right. Making a stand in your community is a responsibility that you and I must carry out……” (https://kingessays.com/samples/Speech%20Example.pdf).
Within the body of a speech outline, include the main ideas for your specific audience. Then, list your supporting points as point one, two, three, etc. In your speech, generally include no more than five main points, as time will likely be a consideration. This limit is also ideal for your audience, as it will give them a simplified structure to comprehend.
Additionally, within the body of a speech, include transitions to separate your main points and thesis. Transitions help convey information clearly and concisely by establishing logical connections between sentences and paragraphs. Here, the author effectively uses a transition: “Now that I have enlightened you on the importance of making a stand, I will now paint a picture of what Australia will be like if we don’t make a stand in our communities” (https://kingessays.com/samples/Speech%20Example.pdf ).
A thesis statement explains your position on the issue that you’re discussing. An example of an effective thesis for a speech is as follows: “Making a stand in the community is a necessity and responsibility for everyone, both young and old. Now is the time to make a difference in society and speak up about our issues and concerns…” (https://kingessays.com/samples/Speech%20Example.pdf).
Lastly, your conclusion will summarize the main points and core message. Here, paraphrase the key themes and arguments that you have just presented. Also, consider ending your speech with another anecdote or quotation.
For example, here the author conclusively states, “Now, imagine and picture what Australia will be like. When we make a stand, our people will be respected and acknowledged. When we make a stand, reconciliation will inhabit and dwell in this country we call home” (https://kingessays.com/samples/Speech%20Example.pdf).
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Thanks for helpful ways to to improve writing, for me much needed ..thanks.
Nice article!