Standard Outline Format

Student Name

Date

Public Speaking 220

Instructor's Name

Title: (provide a brief title for your speech, i.e. "The Importance of Learning CPR")

Topic: (the subject area of your speech, i.e. "CPR")

General Purpose: (i.e., to inform, to persuade, to motivate)

Specific Purpose: (audience-centered goal, i.e. "to get my audience to understand the benefits of having CPR skills")

Thesis Statement: (central idea; what you want audience to understand, believe, or do as a result of the speech, i.e. "CPR saves lives")

Organizational Plan: (the superstructure of your speech, i.e. Chronological, Temporal, Problem/Solution, Analogic, etc.)

I. Introduction

You should have an attention getter, a thesis, and a preview.

You should write out your thesis statement, and underline or italicize it so that your colleagues will know what you intend your thesis to be.

A. Attention getter

B. Thesis

C. Preview

II. Body

Your main points will be points A, B, C, etc. Subpoints will support or provide an example of each main point.

Each main point and subpoint should be conveyed in a single word or phrase that "titles" that point. In addition to single word or phrase titles, each main point and subpoint should also be expanded into full sentence explanations.

Please include transition sentences and label each. Also, please note where your visual aid will be used.

A.

1.

2.

a.

b.

i.(visual aid)

ii.

Transition:

B.

III. Conclusion

Remember that your conclusion should include a signal, a summary/review, and closure device.

A. Signal

B. Summary/Review

C. Closure

References

You should cite your sources in a bibliography at the end of your outline in APA format. You can access this information at: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_apa.html Your sources can include books, articles, pamphlets, interviews, etc...