Do not write your speech out word for word. When you write your formal outline please use full sentences. Each section of the outline should indicate what you will say as clearly and concisely as possible.
Use this format to organize your material. Each major part of the speech, Introduction, Body and Conclusion, should be titled - but not numbered. Individual sections within the major parts should be numbered - but not titled. The main categories within each part should be indicated by Roman numerals. There are no sub or sub-sub categories in either the introduction or the conclusion. Sub categories should be indented and indicated by a capital letter. Sub-sub categories should indented once again and indicated by a number - 1, 2, 3 etc.
I. Grabber or Attention Getting Material: a shocking statement or statistic, a quote, a short anecdote, a rhetorical question. The purpose of the grabber is to startle the audience into listening - to arouse their curiosity. This should always be the first section of the introduction. Do not lay out the main ideas of the speech in this section.
II. Credibility: Why should we believe what you have to say on this topic? This may be the second third or fourth section of the introduction. (Not needed in the Introduction Speech)
III. Reason to Listen: What are the benefits or advantages to listening to your speech? This may be the second third or fourth section of the introduction. (Not needed in the Introduction Speech)
lV. Thematic Statement: A clear statement of the purpose and topic of the speech. This may be the second third or fourth section of the introduction.
V. Preview Statement: This should always be the last section of the introduction. It is a listing of the main points. The main points are the most prominent ideas of the speakers message, and the speech's principal points of focus.
Transition
I. First main point: This acts a preview or introduction into what will be covered in this section. Be sure to use a full sentence.
A. Subpoint: Break down the main point. Go into more detail. Present supporting materials, substantiate your claims, elaborate and explain the meaning of your ideas. Make sure the information follows a clear, logical, organized pattern. If you are using sub-subpoints, this entry can be used as an intro intp this section.1.Sub-subpoint: Use sub-subpoints to break down the subpoints further if necessary.
2.Sub-subpoint:
B.Subpoint:
Transition
II. Second main point: This acts a preview or introduction into what will be covered in this section. Be sure to use a full sentence.
A.Subpoint:B.Subpoint:
1.Sub-subpoint:
2.Sub-subpoint:
Transition
III. Third main point: This acts a preview or introduction into what will be covered in this section. Be sure to use a full sentence.
A.Subpoint:B.Subpoint:
Summary: Reiterate or restate your main points.
Concluding Remarks: Tie the speech together - give it a sense of finality. The concluding remark is often related to the grabber.