Most speakers and audience members would agree that an organized speech is both easier to present as well as more persuasive. Public speaking teachers especially believe in the power of organizing your speech, which is why they encourage (and often require) that you create an outline for your speech. Outlines, or textual arrangements of all the various elements of a speech, are a very common way of organizing a speech before it is delivered. Most extemporaneous speakers keep their outlines with them during the speech as a way to ensure that they do not leave out any important elements and to keep them on track. Writing an outline is also important to the speechwriting process since doing so forces the speakers to think about the main points and sub-points, the examples they wish to include, and the ways in which these elements correspond to one another. In short, the outline functions both as an organization tool and as a reference for delivering a speech. Outline TypesThere are two types of outlines. The first outline you will write is called the preparation outline. Also called a working, practice, or rough outline, the preparation outline is used to work through the various components of your speech in an inventive format. Stephen E. Lucas put it simply: “The preparation outline is just what its name implies—an outline that helps you prepare the speech” (p. 248). When writing the preparation outline, you should focus on finalizing the purpose and thesis statements, logically ordering your main points, deciding where supporting material should be included, and refining the overall organizational pattern of your speech. As you write the preparation outline, you may find it necessary to rearrange your points or to add or subtract supporting material. You may also realize that some of your main points are sufficiently supported while others are lacking. The final draft of your preparation outline should include full sentences, making up a complete script of your entire speech. In most cases, however, the preparation outline is reserved for planning purposes only and is translated into a speaking outline before you deliver the speech. A speaking outline is the outline you will prepare for use when delivering the speech. The speaking outline is much more succinct than the preparation outline and includes brief phrases or words that remind the speakers of the points they need to make, plus supporting material and signposts. The words or phrases used on the speaking outline should briefly encapsulate all of the information needed to prompt the speaker to accurately deliver the speech. Although some cases call for reading a speech verbatim from the full-sentence outline, in most cases speakers will simply refer to their speaking outline for quick reminders and to ensure that they do not omit any important information. Because it uses just words or short phrases, and not full sentences, the speaking outline can easily be transferred to index cards that can be referenced during a speech. Outline StructureBecause an outline is used to arrange all of the elements of your speech, it makes sense that the outline itself has an organizational hierarchy and a common format. Although there are a variety of outline styles, generally they follow the same pattern. Main ideas are preceded by Roman numerals (I, II, III, etc.). Sub-points are preceded by capital letters (A, B, C, etc.), then Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.), and finally lowercase letters (a, b, c, etc.). Each level of subordination is also differentiated from its predecessor by indenting a few spaces. Indenting makes it easy to find your main points, sub-points, and the supporting points and examples below them. Since there are three sections to your speech— introduction, body, and conclusion— your outline needs to include all of them. Each of these sections is titled and the main points start with Roman numeral I.
Title: Organizing Your Public Speech Topic: Organizing public speeches Specific Purpose Statement: To inform listeners about the various ways in which they can organize their public speeches. Thesis Statement: A variety of organizational styles can used to organize public speeches. Introduction (Transition) Body I. Main point A. Sub-point B. Sub-point C. Sub-point 1. Supporting point (Transition) Conclusion Bibliography In addition to these formatting suggestions, there are some additional elements that should be included at the beginning of your outline: the title, topic, specific purpose statement, and thesis statement. These elements are helpful to you, the speechwriter, since they remind you what, specifically, you are trying to accomplish in your speech. They are also helpful to anyone reading and assessing your outline since knowing what you want to accomplish will determine how they perceive the elements included in your outline. Additionally, you should write out the transitional statements that you will use to alert audiences that you are moving from one point to another. These are included in parentheses between main points. At the end of the outlines, you should include bibliographic information for any outside resources you mention during the speech. These should be cited using whatever citations style your professor requires. The textbox entitled “Outline Formatting Guide” provides an example of the appropriate outline format.
Preparation OutlineThis chapter contains the preparation and speaking outlines for a short speech the author of this chapter gave about how small organizations can work on issues related to climate change (see appendices). In this example, the title, specific purpose, thesis, and list of visual aids precedes the speech. Depending on your instructor’s requirements, you may need to include these details plus additional information. It is also a good idea to keep these details at the top of your document as you write the speech since they will help keep you on track to developing an organized speech that is in line with your specific purpose and helps prove your thesis. At the end of the chapter, in Appendix A, you can find a full length example of a Preparation (Full Sentence) Outline. Speaking OutlineIn Appendix B, the Preparation Outline is condensed into just a few short key words or phrases that will remind speakers to include all of their main points and supporting information. The introduction and conclusion are not included since they will simply be inserted from the Preparation Outline. It is easy to forget your catchy attention-getter or final thoughts you have prepared for your audience, so it is best to include the full sentence versions even in your speaking outline. Using the Speaking OutlineOnce you have prepared the outline and are almost ready to give your speech, you should decide how you want to format your outline for presentation. Many speakers like to carry a stack of papers with them when they speak, but others are more comfortable with a smaller stack of index cards with the outline copied onto them. Moreover, speaking instructors often have requirements for how you should format the speaking outline. Whether you decide to use index cards or the printed outline, here are a few tips. First, write large enough so that you do not have to bring the cards or pages close to your eyes to read them. Second, make sure you have the cards/pages in the correct order and bound together in some way so that they do not get out of order. Third, just in case the cards/pages do get out of order (this happens too often!), be sure that you number each in the top right corner so you can quickly and easily get things organized. Fourth, try not to fiddle with the cards/pages when you are speaking. It is best to lay them down if you have a podium or table in front of you. If not, practice reading from them in front of a mirror. You should be able to look down quickly, read the text, and then return to your gaze to the audience.
Chapter 17 Study Questions 35. Which of the following is an example of a speech for a special occasion? * a. a speech presenting an award to a retiring newspaper editor b. a presentation on marketing strategy at a sales meeting c. a talk to new college students about how to register for classes d. a campaign speech by a candidate for the U.S. Senate e. a lecture by a visiting professor in a college class 36. One main purpose of a speech of introduction is to a. explain why the person being introduced is receiving her or his award. b. inspire the audience with a sense of the significance of the occasion. * c. create a welcoming climate to build enthusiasm for the main speaker. d. explain why listeners should pay tribute to a person, idea, or institution. e. enhance the credibility of the speaker who is making the introduction. 37. Which of the following is recommended by your textbook as a guideline for a speech of introduction? a. Prepare your speech so it will last between 15 and 20 minutes. b. Use a quotation at the beginning to secure the attention of the audience. * c. Make sure your remarks about the main speaker are completely accurate. d. Generate humor with an embarrassing story about the main speaker. e. Assume that the audience knows nothing about the main speaker. 38. According to your textbook, the best way to create a sense of anticipation and drama in a speech of introduction is to * a. save the name of the main speaker for last. b. tell the audience that the main speaker is an excellent orator. c. use an overhead projector to highlight the main speaker’s accomplishments. d. deliver the speech word for word from a written manuscript. e. give a detailed biography of the main speaker. 39. As president of the city’s historical society, Madeline is introducing the guest speaker at the society’s year-end banquet. According to your textbook, the best way for Madeline to create a sense of anticipation and drama in her speech of introduction is to * a. save the name of the main speaker for last. b. use PowerPoint to explain the main speaker’s accomplishments. c. tell the audience that the main speaker is an excellent orator. d. all of the above. e. a and c only. 40. A speaker introducing the president of a university to an audience of prospective students and their families will best accomplish this goal by a. praising the president as the finest public speaker on campus. b. presenting a detailed biography of the president’s entire life. c. discussing the history of the university and its tradition of excellent athletic teams. * d. summarizing the president’s major accomplishments at the university. e. defending the changes in graduation requirements instituted by the president. 41. All of the following are presented in your textbook as guidelines for a speech of introduction except a. be brief. b. adapt your remarks to the occasion. * c. bring the speech to life by using a hypothetical example. d. try to create a sense of anticipation and drama. e. make sure your remarks are completely accurate. 42. One method recommended in your textbook for creating a sense of drama and anticipation in a speech of introduction is to a. present a brief biography of the main speaker. * b. save the name of the main speaker until the final moment. c. use visual aids that focus attention on the main speaker. d. praise the speaking skills of the main speaker. e. make sure the introduction is completely accurate. 43. Before presenting the college’s Athlete of the Year award, the athletic director made a point of praising the two athletes who were runners up in this year’s competition. According to your textbook, was this choice appropriate for a speech of presentation? a. No. It is almost always in poor taste to mention the losers. b. Yes. Identifying the losers makes the winner look even better. c. No. Naming anyone other than the winner usually irritates the audience. * d. Yes. It is often appropriate to praise the losers of a competition. e. No. Mentioning the losers diminishes the value of an award. 44. As your textbook explains, when you give a speech of introduction you should be sure to adapt your remarks to the a. occasion. b. audience. c. main speaker. * d. all of the above. e. a and b only. 45. What does it mean to say that a speech of introduction should be “adapted to the main speaker”? a. The speech should preview what the main speaker’s points will be. b. The speech should be given in the same style as the person being introduced. * c. The speech should avoid creating discomfort for the main speaker. d. all of the above e. a and c only 46. At a comedy awards show, Adam Sandler gave a splendid speech explaining why David Letterman was receiving a special award for his achievements in television comedy. According to your textbook, what kind of special occasion speech did Sandler deliver? a. an after-dinner speech b. a speech of introduction * c. a speech of presentation d. a memorial speech e. a celebratory speech 47. According to your textbook, the main purpose of a speech of presentation is to present a. the main speaker to the audience. b. thanks for a gift or an award. c. the reasons why a person deserves commendation. d. information about the importance of the occasion. * e. a gift or an award to the recipient. 48. When giving a speech of presentation, you should usually * a. tell why the recipient is receiving her or his award. b. present the main speaker briefly and accurately. c. avoid mentioning the losers of the award competition. d. adapt your presentation to the main speaker. e. give a brief biography of the main speaker. 49. Which of the following is an example of a speech of presentation? a. a speech presenting a new reporter to the newspaper staff b. a speech presenting reasons why a new high school needs to be built c. a speech presenting a famous professor who will lecture on economics * d. a speech presenting a certificate of recognition to an outstanding worker e. a speech presenting the annual earnings report to stockholders 50. Which of the following is an example of a speech of presentation? a. a speech presenting a main speaker to the audience b. a speech presenting a eulogy at a funeral c. a speech presenting a toast to the bride and groom d. a speech presenting a new manager to her employees * e. a speech presenting an award to an outstanding student 51. When Carlos Bustamante was presented the Alumni of the Year award at his alma mater’s annual award dinner, he gave a speech thanking the school for recognizing his work. What kind of speech did Carlos give? * a. an acceptance speech b. a speech of introduction c. a commemorative speech d. a speech of presentation e. an informative speech 52. According to your textbook, a speech in which an individual gives thanks for a gift or award is termed a(n) a. speech of presentation. b. commemorative speech. c. after-dinner speech. * d. acceptance speech. e. speech of introduction. 53. When Gabriel received the Top Engineering Student award at the department’s annual award ceremony, he gave a speech thanking the department for according him this honor. According to your textbook, what kind of special-occasion speech did Gabriel give? a. inspirational speech b. speech of introduction c. commemorative speech * d. acceptance speech e. speech of presentation 54. According to your textbook, in a speech of acceptance a speaker should usually a. thank the people who are bestowing the award. b. praise himself or herself for having the talent to win the award. c. express appreciation for the people who helped him or her gain the award. d. all of the above. * e. a and c only. 55. According to your textbook, the major traits of a good acceptance speech are brevity, humility, and a. humor. b. clarity. c. confidence. * d. graciousness. e. fluency. 56. According to your textbook, a speech that pays tribute to a person, a group, an institution, or an idea is called a a. dedication speech. * b. commemorative speech. c. remembrance speech. d. celebratory speech. e. memorial speech. 57. According to your textbook, when your fundamental purpose in a speech is to inspire the audience, you are most likely going to be giving a(n) speech. a. informative b. persuasive c. after-dinner * d. commemorative e. acceptance 58. Which of the following is an example of a commemorative speech? a. a speech to a local history club recounting the major events in the life of the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright b. a speech urging the city council to use architectural plans by Frank Lloyd Wright as the basis for a new convention center c. a speech explaining the major elements of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural genius to a class of art history students * d. a speech praising the architectural accomplishments of Frank Lloyd Wright at the opening of a museum devoted to his work e. a speech telling the audience where they can visit buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright 59. Which of the following is an example of a commemorative speech? a. A speech seeking to convince the school board to keep the schools open for extracurricular activities on Martin Luther King Day. b. A speech to the student government aimed at getting funding for special campus activities on Martin Luther King Day. c. A lecture to a community audience explaining the oratorical techniques used in Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream.” d. A speech analyzing the philosophy of nonviolent protest employed by Martin Luther King during the civil rights movement. * e. A speech honoring Martin Luther King’s life and legacy at the opening event for the campus-wide Martin Luther King Day observances. 60. According to your textbook, the fundamental purpose of a commemorative speech is to a. inform. b. exhort. c. entertain. d. convert. * e. inspire. 61. As explained in your textbook, when delivering a commemorative speech, you should take special care to a. provide a detailed biography of the person being commemorated. b. heighten appreciation for the person being commemorated. c. use creative language to express feelings and sentiments. d. all of the above. * e. b and c only. 62. As your textbook explains, perhaps no speech depends more on the creative and subtle use of language than does the * a. commemorative speech. b. speech of presentation. c. persuasive speech. d. speech of introduction. e. informative speech. 63. As your textbook explains, a successful commemorative speech usually depends on the speaker’s ability to a. motivate a passive audience to take action. * b. put into language the thoughts and emotions appropriate to the occasion. c. explain why the recipient is receiving an award. d. all of the above. e. a and b only. 64. Which of the following is an example of a commemorative speech? a. the President’s State of the Union message b. a soccer coach’s pre-game pep talk c. a speaker’s acceptance of an award d. a teacher’s lecture on banking ethics * e. a daughter’s eulogy in honor of her father 65. If you attended the Academy Awards and heard the following speeches, which one would be an example of a commemorative speech? a. A speech accepting the best actor award. b. A speech explaining the history of the Oscar statue. * c. A speech honoring Audrey Hepburn for her lifetime achievements. d. A speech explaining the balloting system and new security measures. e. A speech calling for an end to land mines throughout the world. 66. As your textbook explains, we continue to find commemorative speeches like the Gettysburg Address meaningful and inspiring primarily because a. they were given by important historical figures. * b. of their eloquent use of language. c. they were delivered from memory. d. of the occasions on which they were delivered. e. they motivated people to take heroic action. |
How can you make sure your remarks are completely accurate when giving a speech introduction?
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