Speech Outline Format
Speaker (Your name here)
Thesis
(Write your thesis at top of outline)
Introduction I. II. To arouse interest and gain attention should be the first function of the introduction. The thesis (one sentence summary of the speech -- the main idea of your speech) should be the second point in the introduction.
III. A preview or overview statement, laying out the structure of the Body of the Speech (listing main points), should be the final point of your introduction.
Body I. Present the first main point of your speech. (This must be a subdivision of the thesis.) A. This subdivision gives developmental and supporting material for the first main point. B. This subdivision also develops the first main point. (NOT the preceding subpoint.) Present the second main point of your speech. (This must be a subdivision of the thesis.) A. This subdivision gives developmental and supporting material for the second main point. B. This subdivision also develops the second main point.
II.
(Additional Main Points as needed -- no more than 4, however)
Conclusion I. The first purpose of the outlined conclusion should be to give a summary of main points and information covered previously in the Body of the speech. The second point in the conclusion should reinforce your thesis and leave the audience with a good impression. (This may be done by utilizing a quotation, a story, or making a reference to the introduction.)
II.
III. YOU DO NOT PRESENT NEW MATERIAL IN THE CONCLUSION OF THE SPEECH.
** Total number of words in the outline should be only a fraction of those in the actual speech. Remember, the outline is like the skeleton of your speech -- it forms the structure you build your speech around.