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CHAPTER 13
Preparing Outlines for the Speech
CHAPTER CONTENT OUTLINE
I. Plan on creating two outlines.
A. An outline provides a framework for your speech materials and a blueprint for your
presentation.
C. 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.
D. Use sentences, phrases, or key words.
1. Sentence outlines state each main and supporting point as declarative statements.
2. Phrase outlines, often used in speaking outlines, express each main and supporting
point with a partial construction of the sentence form. These abbreviated
3. Key-word outlines, also used in speaking outlines, convey each main and supporting
point with the smallest possible units of understanding, such as a single word or a
very brief phrase.
E. Use a key-word outline for optimal eye contact.
II. Create a working outline first.
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A. Prepare a working outline, and then transfer your ideas to a speaking outline.
B. Preparing the working outline will give you confidence that you’ve adequately worked
out your ideas.
1. Prepare the body of the speech first and keep the introduction and conclusion separate
2. Clearly mark where speech points require credit and link to references.
3. Assign the speech a title that clearly communicates the essence of your speech.
III. Prepare a speaking outline for delivery.
A. Prepare the speaking outline by condensing the full sentences into key words or phrases.
B. Indicate delivery cues that will be part of the speech.
KEY TERMS
outline a framework for your speech that lists the main points, supporting points, and all
transitions, as well as the key ideas in the introduction and conclusion
working outline preparation outline or rough outline using full sentences in which the speaker
firms up and organizes main points and develops supporting points to substantiate them
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key-word outline briefest form of outline; uses the smallest possible units of understanding
associated with a specific point to outline the main and supporting points
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,
sentence outlines, phrase outlines, and key-word outlines.
Each outline has a unique function in speech preparation.
What are the differences between these five types of outlines?
Working outlines are rough outlines that help you to refine and finalize the specific purpose
statement, brainstorm many points, and develop supporting points. A speaking outline is used
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II. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Of sentence, phrase, and key-word outlines, which is generally the most conducive to effective
speech delivery? Why?
The outline that 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 speaker has to prepare a speech. In general, it can be argued that a
2. What is it like to attend a presentation at which the speaker reads the entire speech from his or
her notes? As an audience member, how did the presentation make you feel?
There is a tendency that if a speaker has the entire speech written down while speaking,
despite the best intentions, he or she will read the speech off the paper. That is why a
CONTENT PRESENTATION IDEAS
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I. STUDENT ACTIVITIES
1. Put your speaking outline on notecards prior to giving a speech. Turn in the notecards so that
your instructor can give you feedback on your outline. Make appropriate changes in the outline
II. GROUP ACTIVITIES
1. Together with four or five of your classmates, take an article from a recent magazine and create
a sentence outline of the article. Present your work to the class.
2. 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).
III. ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
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QUESTIONS
The following questions may be used by instructors to help illustrate important points in the
chapter and to facilitate students’ learning of this material. These questions can also be used as:
• Homework questions
• Quizzes
• In-class work (individually or in groups)
involvement.
2. Identify and explain the five types of outlines covered in the chapter.
Working outlines are rough outlines that help students organize and firm up main points and
to develop supporting points.
Speaking outlines are used when practicing and actually presenting a speech.
Sentence outlines state each main and supporting point as a full declarative sentence.
ACTIVITIES
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Narrowing the Focus in an Outline
Purpose: To allow students to practice converting (1) a sentence outline into a phrase outline and
(2) a phrase outline into a key-word outline.
Instructions: Use the sentence outline for the three main points below to create a phrase outline
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.
ዘ Phrase for outline
ዘ
Key word for outline
Main Point 2:
Large dogs do best in homes that have a backyard, but smaller dogs can be good pets for people
who live in apartments.
ዘ Key word for outline
Main Point 3:
Dogs are loyal, can warn their owners of danger, and are friendly companions.
ዘ Phrase for outline
ዘ 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
Key Words:
1. ice cream
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2. tango
3. happiness
4. soccer
Phrase
Sentence
RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTARY RESOURCES
Chapter 13, p. 382
Bower, G. H. (1970). Organizational factors in memory. Cognitive Psychology, 1, 18–46.
Foss, S. K. (2004). Rhetorical criticism: Exploration and practice (3rd ed.). Prospect Heights, IL:
Waveland Press.
Foss, S. K., & Foss, K. A. (2003). Inviting transformation: Presentational speaking for a changing
world (2nd ed.). Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press.
Mino, M. (1991). Structuring: An alternative approach to developing a clear organization. Speech
Communication Teacher, 5, 14–15.
Mueller, M. (2003). Study skills strategies: Outlining. Portland, ME: Walch Education.
Payne, L. V. (1969). The lively art of writing. New York, NY: Mentor.
Sharp, H., & McClung, T. (1966). Effects of organization on the speaker’s ethos. Speech
Monographs, 33, 182ff.
32–40.
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SUGGESTED WEBSITE
Auditory Organization of Speech