COMM 201- PUBLIC SPEAKING - Outline The Content!

General Outlining of The Content

l. State The Purpose l l. Identify the
Thesis/Central Idea/Claim
(The thesis statement informs the audience concerning the scope of your speech. Both, the content &
the structure of the statement will vary based on the nature of the speech you're delivering).
I ll. The Introduction
(Lays down the foundations & acts as short preview).

IV. Body Paragraphs

(Display the core of your speech in terms of main points & sub-points).

V. Conclusion
(Start your conclusion by reiterating your main points that you've already shared with your audience
throughout the speech. It would be highly effective to briefly restate your thesis statement).

VI. Attach a Bibliography/Reference List

Visualization

I. State Purpose Statement

Il. Thesis Statement
Ill. Introduction

IV. Body Paragraphs

Main Point 1

a. Sub-Point 1

b. Sub-Point 2

Il. Main Point 2

a. Sub-Point 1

b. Sub-Point 2

c. Sub-Point 3
Ill. Main Point 3
Sub-Point 1

V. Conclusion
VI. Bibliography/Reference List

Golden Tips
- Use Transitions!
(After concluding the information that you have included within a certain point, move forward in a
smooth way, by briefly transitioning from that point to your next one via a sentence or two. Same
applies to the last paragraph before the conclusion. Once you finish the body of your speech, you
need to incorporate an effective & smooth transitional sentence that will indicate to your audience
that you're reaching the end of your speech).

- Initiate personal yet reflective cues!

(e.g. Silence — Ask the Audience—Pause—Eye Contact—Slow Down ...)

- Utilize a consistent pattern of formatting & aesthetics throughout!

- Keep the outline concise as much as possible!
- Title your speech at the end (the more specific the better)!
- Leave your audience on a high note!
- Anticipate Feedback!