202 9.4 Organizing and Outlining YOur Speech
I. First main idea
A. First subpoint of I
If a main idea or subpoint takes up more than one line, the second line be-
gins under the first word of the preceding line:
I. Every speech has three parts.
A. The first part, both in our discussion and in actual delivery, is the
introduction, which many speechwriters develop last.
The same rules of indentation apply at all levels of the outline. Note that
if you are using a word-processing program, you may find it easier to format
your outline with the AutoFormat feature turned off. The program’s attempts
to “help” you can be more frustrating than helpful; it might cause you to make
more errors in your outline than you would if you formatted it yourself.
write and LaBeL your sPeciFic PurPose at tHe toP oF your
PreParation outLine Unless your instructor directs you to do otherwise,
do not work the specific purpose into the outline itself. Instead, label it and place
it at the top of the outline. Your specific purpose can serve as a yardstick by
which to measure the relevance of each main idea and piece of supporting mate-
rial. Everything in the speech should contribute to your purpose.
add tHe BLuePrint, key signPosts, and an introduction and
concLusion to your outLine Place the introduction after the specific
purpose, the blueprint immediately following the introduction, the conclusion
after the outline of the body of the speech, and other signposts within the out-
line. Follow your instructor’s guidelines for incorporating these elements into
your numbering system.
Once have finished your preparation outline, you can use it to help analyze
and possibly revise the speech. The How To box lists key questions that can help
you in this critical thinking task.Evaluate Your Speech Using Your Preparation Outline
Ask these five questions about your preparation outline as you analyze and revise your speech:
• Does the speech as outlined fulfill the purpose you have specified? If not, you need to revise
the specific purpose or change the direction and content of the speech itself.
• Are the main ideas logical extensions (natural divisions, reasons, or steps) of the central idea?
If not, revise either the central idea or the main ideas.
• Do the signposts enhance the comfortable flow of each idea into the next? If not, change or
add previews, summaries, or transitions.
• Does each subpoint provide support for the point under which it falls? If not, then either move
or delete the subpoint.
• Is your outline form correct? For a quick reference, look at Figure 9.4.HOw TO