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13 Outlining the Speech
<A> OBJECTIVES
To plan on developing two outlines before delivering your speech.
To become familiar with sentence, phrase, and key-word outlines.
To know the benefits and drawbacks of the three outline formats.
To plan your speech with a working outline.
To create a speaking outline to deliver the speech.
<A> CHAPTER CONTENT OUTLINE
I. Outlining the speech
In speech preparation, outlines separate the major speech claims and the evidence
to support them into larger and smaller divisions and subdivisions.
Outlines are based on coordination and subordination.
II. Planning on creating two outlines
A. Outlines are a visual representation of the basic structure of a speech, and
speakers should prepare both a working outline (also called a preparation or rough
outline) and a speaking outline.
1. Working outlines are rough outlines that help speakers organize and firm
up main points and develop supporting points to substantiate them.
2. Speaking outlines, also called delivery outlines, are used when practicing
and presenting the speech. These outlines are brief and contain the ideas in
condensed form.
B. There are several types of outline formats that speakers can utilize in preparation
for a speech.
1. Sentence outlines state each main and supporting point as a full,
declarative sentence.
a. These outlines reflect exactly what the speaker intends to say, and
how he or she wants to say it.
b. Generally, sentence outlines are used for working outlines, but not
for speaking outlines.
2. Phrase outlines express each main and supporting point with a partial
construction of the sentence form. These abbreviated constructions consist
of only a few words associated with each point that will remind the
speaker of what to say.
3. Key-word outlines convey each main and supporting point with the
smallest possible units of understanding, such as a single word or a very
brief phrase.
C. The type of outline you select will affect how well you deliver the speech,
particularly regarding eye contact.
1. Sentence outlines are safest for data retrieval, and worst for establishing
eye contact with the audience.
a. Sentences may help with:
i. Controversial or emotional issues
ii. Technical material
iii. A large amount of material relying on quotations
and facts from another source, which must be
conveyed precisely
2. Phrase outlines allow greater eye contact than sentence outlines. However,
they offer less security to the speaker who is concerned about an attack of
nerves or memory failure. These outlines work best for speakers who have
rehearsed thoroughly.
3. Key-word outlines permit the greatest degree of eye contact, freedom of
movement, and better control of your thoughts and actions.
a. Because they promote eye contact, many speaking experts
recommend key-word or phrase outlines over sentence outlines for
delivery, with preference given to key words.
b. With adequate practice, the key words with jog your memory so that
your idea delivery becomes more natural.
B. Creating a working outline first
A. Speech drafts should begin with a working outline, using the sentence format,
before transitioning to a speaking outline.
B. Prepare the working outline:
1. Separate the introduction and conclusion from the main points (the speech
body).
2. Mark in your outline material that requires citation and keep a running list
of source citations. A bibliography may be required for coursework.
3. As the last step, create a title that communicates the essence of your
speech.
C. Preparing a speaking outline for delivery
A. Using the same numbering system as the working outline, condense your full
sentence outline into key words or phrases, just enough to jog your memory
during the speech.
1. At points where exact wording is critical, you may decide to write out full
sentences.
B. Indicate delivery cues for verbal and physical elements, such as speaking rate and
volume, presentation aids, and difficult-to-pronounce names or words.
C. Place the outline on 4” x 6” notecards or 8.5” x 11” paper.
D. Practice your speech often.
<A> KEY TERMS
outline a document in which main and supporting points—the major speech claims and the
evidence to support them—are separated into larger and smaller divisions and subdivisions. See
also outlining and Roman numeral outline.
coordination The logical placement of ideas relative to their importance to one another. Ideas
that are coordinate are given equal weight.
subordination The logical placement of ideas relative to their importance to one another. An
idea that is subordinate to another is given relatively less weight.
working outline a preparation or rough outline, often using full sentences, in which the speaker
firms up and organizes speech points and incorporates supporting material to support them.
speaking outline a delivery outline to be used when practicing and actually presenting a
speech.
sentence outline an outline in which each main and supporting point is stated in sentence form;
generally used for working outlines. See also key-word outline and phrase outline.
phrase outline a delivery outline that uses a partial construction of the sentence form of
each point instead of using complete sentences that present precise wording for each point. See
also key-word outline and sentence outline.
key-word outline the briefest of the three forms of outlines, the key-word outline uses
the smallest possible units of understanding associated with a specific point to outline the main
and supporting points. See also phrase outline and sentence outline.
bibliography an alphabetical list of sources.
delivery cues brief reminder notes or prompts placed in the speaking outline; can refer to
transitions, timing, speaking rate and volume, presentation aids, quotations, statistics, and
difficult-to-pronounce-or-remember names or words.
CHAPTER STUDY GUIDE
I. SUMMARY QUESTIONS
What are the main types of outlines described in this chapter?
This chapter describes five main types of outlines: working outlines, speaking outlines,
Why is it important to create both a working and a speaking outline?
Both of these outlines serve different and crucial purposes. You need a working outline, which
What are the differences between these five types of outlines?
Working outlines are rough outlines that organize and firm up main points and develop
supporting points to substantiate them. A speaking outline is used when practicing and actually
What should you keep in mind when creating a working outline and a speaking outline?
When creating a working outline, you should separate the introduction and conclusion from the
II. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Among sentence, phrase, and key-word outlines, which is generally the most conducive to
effective speech delivery? Why?
Which outline is most conducive to effective speech delivery may depend on several factors—
for example, the expectations of the audience, the skills of the speaker, or the amount of time a
What is it like to attend a presentation where the speaker reads the entire speech from his
or her notes? As an audience member, how did you respond to this speech?
There is a rule that if a speaker has the entire speech written down while speaking, despite their
III. ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
QUESTIONS
The following questions may help you illustrate important points in the chapter and facilitate
students’ learning of this material. These questions can also be used as:
homework questions
quizzes
in-class work (individually or in groups)
topics to generate discussion
question-and-answer sessions between instructor and students
In general, what should you do when creating an outline?
How do outlines rely on coordination and subordination?
Coordination refers to assigning points of equal significance or weight the same level of
Why are key-word outlines the preferred speaking outline?
Identify and explain the five types of outlines covered in the chapter.
Working outlines are rough outlines that help students to refine and finalize the specific purpose
ACTIVITIES
Narrowing Down an Outline (also for online courses)
Purpose: To allow students to practice converting a sentence outline into a phrase outline, and a
phrase outline into a key-word outline.
Instructions: Use the sentence outline for the three main points below to create a phrase outline
and a key-word outline. Note why you select certain phrases and key words to help you
remember the topic. Write the phrases and key words for each sentence on the lines below the
sentence.
Topic: Dogs Are Good Pets
Main Point 1: Dogs are excellent pets for people who enjoy the outdoors because dogs
usually like to play outside and enjoy going on walks.
Phrase for outline: ____________________________________________
Key word for outline: __________________________________________
Main Point 2: Large dogs do best in homes that have backyards, but smaller dogs can be
good pets for people who live in apartments.
Phrase for outline: ____________________________________________
Key word for outline: __________________________________________
Main Point 3: Dogs are loyal, can warn their owners of danger, and are friendly
companions.
Phrase for outline: ____________________________________________
Key word for outline: __________________________________________
What’s My (Out)Line?
Purpose: To allow students to understand the relationship between a sentence outline, a phrase
outline, and a key-word outline.
Instructions: Use the key words below to create a phrase outline and a sentence outline. Think
about sentences that each key word might represent. After completing your outlines, present
them to the class. How does each person’s sentence outline differ? What does that say about the
word associations we make in our own minds?
Key Words:
Ice cream
Phrase: ________________________________________________________
Sentence: ______________________________________________________
Rap music
Phrase: ________________________________________________________
Sentence: ______________________________________________________
Happiness
Phrase: ________________________________________________________
Sentence: ______________________________________________________
Football
Phrase: ________________________________________________________
Sentence: ______________________________________________________
Evaluating a Working Outline
Purpose: To give students experience using the nine-step checklist for evaluating a working
outline.
Instructions: Use the checklist titled “Steps in Creating a Working Outline” in the text to
evaluate your own working outline.
Each student should turn in a working outline with each of the nine steps on the checklist
labeled. This activity helps to reinforce the importance of a clear strategy for outlining. This
activity also works well for online courses, as students could upload their working outlines for
your review prior to submitting their speeches.
Writing and Peer-Evaluating Working and Speaking Outlines
Purpose: To prepare students for their next speech by having them write a working and speaking
outline; to give students experience giving and receiving feedback on outlines.
Instructions: In preparation for your next speech, develop a working outline and a speaking
outline to submit to a classmate for review. Once he or she has provided you with constructive
feedback, make necessary corrections and submit the final product to your instructor.
This activity is beneficial because it allows students to think critically about course content. Not
only will students be required to construct both outlines for themselves; they will also be
responsible for evaluating the work of other students. To provide students with extra support,
before assigning this activity you may want to distribute a rubric or set of general guidelines for
working and speaking outlines.
IV. GROUP ACTIVITIES
Outlining an Article
Purpose: To give students experience outlining an article.
Instructions: Together with four or five of your classmates, take an article from the Internet or a
recent magazine and create a sentence outline of the article. Present your work to the class.
This activity can be used as an in-class oral or writing assignment. Either ask the groups to
present their outlines to the class, or have them write their responses and turn them in.
One Topic, Five Outlines
Purpose: To give students an opportunity to see how one topic can be outlined in five ways.
Instructions: Divide the class into five groups, and think of one speech topic. Each group will
be assigned one of the speech-outline types covered in this chapter (working outline, speaking
outline, sentence outline, phrase outline, or key-word outline).
Using the same speech topic for all five groups, each group should prepare a three- to five-
minute speech that demonstrates the assigned outline type. Each group should choose one
member to present the speech to the class.
