Public Speaking Handbook

Outlining Your Speech 9.4 201

use at Least two suBdivisions, iF any, For eacH Point Logic dic-
tates that you cannot divide anything into one part. For example, if you have
only one piece of supporting material, incorporate it into the subpoint or main
idea that it supports. If you have only one subpoint, incorporate it into the main
idea above it. Although there is no firm limit to the number of subpoints you may
have, if there are more than five, you might want to place some of them under
another point. An audience will remember your ideas more easily if they are
divided into blocks of no more than five.

indent main ideas, Points, suBPoints, and suPPorting materiaL
ProPerLy Main ideas, indicated by Roman numerals, are written closest to
the left margin. Notice that the periods following the Roman numerals line up,
so the first words of the main ideas also line up.

I. First main idea
II. Second main idea
III. Third main idea
Letters or numbers of subpoints and supporting material begin directly un-
derneath the first word of the point above.

Rule Example

1.Use standard outline numbers and letters. I.

A.

1.

a.

(1)

(a)

2.Use at least two subpoints, if any, I.

for each main idea. A.

B.

3.Properly indent main ideas, subpoints, I.First main idea

and supporting material. A.First subpoint of I

1.First subpoint of A

2.Second subpoint of A

B.Second subpoint of I

II.Second main idea

CORRECT OUTLINE FORM

Figure 9.4 use this summary as a reminder of the rules of proper outlining when
you write your preparation outline.
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