Become a Great Public Speaker

Two Outlines- One Speech
The Working Outline
A working outline will go through many revisions and changes (thank goodness for word processors).
A working outline is in sentence format.
A working outline will include everything you want to say (again, using full and complete sentences) 





Sentence Format in Working Outline

• Express speech points in full sentences.
• Used to give you the speaker practice before the speech. 
• Used to make sure ALL key points/important events are covered in a specific order. 
• This is a "no-mistake" format.
• Used commonly with a teleprompter.

Working Outline Checklist

1. Write out your topic, general purpose, specific speech purpose, and thesis (this will help you stay focused).
2. Establish your main points (optimally 2 to 5).
3. Add supporting points (minimum of 2 per main point).
4. Label each part of your speech (Introduction, Body, Conclusion).
5. Label and write out transitions.
6. Note sources in parentheses.
7. Prepare a list of sources, and append it t the outline.
8. Title your speech.

Speaking Outline
A speaking outline is in a phrase and/or key-word word format.


Phrase Format in Speaking Outline

• Limited words used.
• Key words to guide you.

Key-Word Format in Speaking Outline

• This is the preferred format for notes (if you have to use notes).
• Use one key word that is associated with the main idea.
• The benefit with this format is it allows you to connect with the audience through eye contact and reading non-verbals. 
• You must be well-rehearsed to give an effective key-word format presentation (use sentence format to practice then move to practicing key-word).

Introduction and conclusions
Remember, a great introduction captures the audience and tells them what you are going to tell them. It is the preface to your speech.
You can break up your introduction into the following:

1. Attention Getter
2. Preview
3. Transition

Conclusion
A great conclusion is your final chance to make you and your speech memorable while telling the audience what you just spoke about. It is the epilogue of your speech.


Make sure you separate your introduction and conclusion from the body of your speech in your notes.


You can break up you conclusion into the following:

1. Transition to
2. Recap
3. Memorable Statement

As you get ready to present, here are some tips on using note cards (or sheets of paper if you have to)

1. Use note cards if you do not have lectern or pulpit from which you are presenting from.
2. Do not use hand gestures that are holding your note cards as this can be a distraction.
3. Leave blank spaces and margins on paper.
4. Use large print or font (bold) so it is easy to see (Use a Sharpie).
5. Glance at your notes- DO NOT READ FROM THEM, unless you have a long quote that must be read correctly and can't be memorized.
6. Number your notes
7. Do not staple papers or note cards together.
8. Slide note cards/paper under each other. DO NOT TURN OR FLIP THEM OVER.

Organize Your Thoughts First

Use the Specific Purpose (Lesson 2: Preparing Your First Speech) and your Thesis Statement to guide you.




Body of Speech-Main Points, Supporting Points, & Transitions


Main Points
All your main points will come from your Thesis Statement.
Limit your main points between 2 and 5.
Make sure that each main point focuses on ONE idea.
Write out each main point in a full "purposeful" sentence.
Make sure the main point statements support the Thesis Statement.
State your main points in a logical order.


Supporting Points
Supporting points do what they say, they support the main points.




Use different research/material from different sources for supporting points (This creates credibility and support to your speech).
Use research material as supporting points.
Make sure the supporting points align with the main point.
Make sure you are using well documented supporting points (especially if using facts and statistics).


FYI on Main and Supporting Points
Make sure each point supports the main or thesis. Think of it as a hierarchy (supporting supports main supports thesis).
Keep information in a logical, "free-flowing" order. 
Keep transitions from main point to supporting point to next main point to supporting point, etc., smooth in its transitions.
Dedicate "roughly" the same amount of time on each main point and supporting points.
Good rule of thumb to have the Introduction + Conclusion = the same amount of time as the main body of the speech.


Check List

1. Are the most important ideas in your speech expressed in the main points?
2. Are any key ideas implied by your thesis not addressed by main points?
3. Does each supporting point offer sufficient evidence for the corresponding main point?
4. Do your supporting points reflect a variety of appropriate supporting material, such as examples, narratives, testimony, and facts and statistics?
5. Does each main point refer directly to your specific purpose of thesis statement?
6. Does each point focus on a single idea?
7. Do your main points follow logically form your thesis statement?
8. Do your supporting points follow logically from the main points?
9. Do you spend roughly the same amount of time on each main point?
10. Is each main point substantiated by at least two supporting points?

The Art of the Transition
Use clear transitions to move from one point to another.
Use full-sentence transitions to move from one main point to another.
Prepare the audience for transitions.
Use "mini-summaries" to help audience review what's been said.


Transitional Words and Phrases

FUNCTION	EXAMPLE
To show comparison:	similarly, in the same way, likewise, in comparison, just as
To contrast ideas:	on the other hand, and yet, at the same time, in spite of, however, in contrast
To illustrate cause and effect:	as a result, therefore, hence, because, thus, consequently, so the evidence shows, for this reason
To illustrate sequence of time or events:	first, second, third, following this, before, after, later, earlier, at present, in the past, until now, tomorrow, next week, eventually
To indicate explanation:	to example, to illustrate, in other words, to simplify, to clarify
To indicate additional examples:	not only, in addition to, let's look at To emphasize significance: most importantly, above all, remember, keep in mind
To emphasize significance:	most importantly, above all, remember, keep in mind
To summarize:	as we have seen, altogether, in summary, finally, in conclusion, let me conclude by saying

Here's a basic outline form


Thesis statement
     A. Main Point
          1. Supporting Point
          2. Supporting Point
     B. Main Point
          1. Supporting Point
          2. Supporting Point
     C. Main Point
          1. Supporting Point
          2. Supporting Point
Conclusion


Questions

1. How does having supporting points from different resources give your speech credibility?
2. What is the benefit and drawback of creating two outlines? Have you ever given a speech that you "bombed"? What do you think you would do differently preparing for that speech?