Chapter 13 Organizing, Writing, and Outlining Presentations 397Conclusion
I. Sadly, a realization about the dangers of sleep deprivation came too
late for Christine Padilla, a new mother who ran a red light while
fatigued and driving only thirty-three hours after giving birth.
Padilla struck a nanny pushing a toddler in a stroller, killing the
forty-one-year-old woman and seriously injuring the little boy,
according to a report by Snejana Farberoy in The Daily Mail. (^) •
II. As you’ve seen today, sleep deprivation is a concerning problem for
individuals and communities.
A. It has many causes ranging from busy schedules and media use
to caffeine and alcohol consumption and medical problems.
B. Its effects can be devastating, as I’ve detailed in this speech.
C. Luckily, many of us can prevent sleep deprivation by making
simple changes to our daily routines. •
III. Now go get some rest... after all of today’s speeches are over,
that is! •
- The speaker signals the end
of her speech with a tragic
story that drives home her main
points. - The speaker reiterates her
main points. - The speaker uses a memo-
rable statement and humor to
end her speech. - Thesis statement. The
speaker is so familiar with her
speech purpose and thesis that
she only needs a brief reminder. - The speaker retains a bit
more detail in this subpoint
in order to keep her statistics
straight. - Main point 2
- Key-word preview of main
points. - Main point 1
Sample Speaking Outline
Introduction [Speak slowly! Look at audience!]
I. Juggling commitments? Many give up sleeping.
II. We need sleep; research = we don’t get enough.
III. Be informed about sleep deprivation (SD) to improve life and pre-
vent negative consequences. •
IV. I will discuss SD: what, causes, effects, prevention. •
Transition: What is SD?
Body
I. SD = not enough sleep; can lead to chronic exhaustion (Dr. Arkeenah
Jones, personal communication, March 15, 2013) •
A. 78% of American adults sleep <8 hours per night, and 53% sleep
<7 hours per night. (National Sleep Foundation’s 2013 survey) •
B. 30% of people in class sleep <6 hours on weeknights. (my survey)
Transition: Like to sleep? Then why not sleeping? [Smile, encourage
audience response]
II. SD causes (CDC) •
A. Family and work
- College students—course work, jobs, relationship
- New parents—crying, hungry babies
- Shift workers—trouble with consistent schedules
B. Television and Internet