basic speech outlining

getting started

A very basic speech outline can get you started with your presentation. Too often, when we approach speech writing, we think in terms of a complete speech—not in terms of an outline. It’s extremely important to begin every speech—even if it is to be manuscripted in the end—with a clear and thorough outline. Your audience will only be able to follow your speech if it is very clearly organized. Develop most of the outline with key words in order to assure that you will extemporize and talk to your audience; you should write your thesis statement, transition sentences, and all main point statements as complete sentences (and deliver them as written) so that you have a speech that is easy to follow. Keep in mind that when you present a written work (like a term paper) you cannot present the entire paper. You need to make decisions about what information is most important for your audience, what is most useful, what will be easiest to understand? Think about your time limits. It’s generally best to stick to 3–5 main points. Your audience will appreciate your efforts to organize your thoughts!

introduction to the speech

Introduction
1. Attention Getter
2. Thesis
3. Preview

body of the speech

What is net neutrality?
1. Definitions
  1. “Net neutrality is the principle that Internet users should be able to access any web content they choose and use any applications they choose, without restrictions or limitations imposed by their Internet service provider.” (Common Cause web site)
  2. “ . . . a tiered system of content delivery in which companies with data-heavy content can pay a fee to the providers in return for "special treatment" in transmission.” (PBS, Bill Moyers)
Net neutrality legislation protects democratic principles
1. Net neutrality legislation protects access to information
  1. “Without net neutrality, telephone and cable companies could legally restrict access to any website or Internet application they choose whenever it suits their bottom-line economic, or even political, interests.” (Common Cause)
  2. “It protects your ability to access and send any lawful information on the Internet.” (ACLU web site)
2. Net neutrality legislation protects diverse viewpoints
  1. 1. “Instead of the open, diverse, two-way communication system in which innovation and alternative viewpoints have long thrived, the Internet will become a closed, proprietary system.” (Center for Digital Democracy)
  2. “NN is so necessary; to preserve the ability of citizens to access all viewpoints over the Internet, including those of independent and diverse voices, and then make their own choices . . . “ (Center for Creative Voices in Media)
Net neutrality legislation prevents economic growth
1. Net neutrality legislation hinders innovation
  1. “If we want movies . . . then someone must pay for the huge infrastructure improvements necessary to deliver those innovative services into our offices and homes.Government-enforced "net neutrality" would stifle that innovation. It would temper the consumer-driven imperative to make the Internet work faster and better.” (Arizona Republic)
  2. “Legislating on such flimsy evidence is sure to yield dangerously imprecise results that could unintentionally block the kinds of new innovations that continue to add new value to the Internet.” (Austin American-Statesman)
2. Net neutrality legislation limits consumer choice
  1. “Indeed, net neutrality regulation takes us down the wrong path of reduced competition, less consumer choice and greater government involvement and oversight.” (Tech News World)
  2. “The [Justice] department said the Internet has thrived in a free market and any new FCC regulations could limit consumer choice and investment in expansion of broadband capabilities. “ (Information Week)

I. Introduction A. Attention getter—pull the audience in with something interesting (a story, interesting stats, a quotation, etc.) B. Establish credibility/build relationship with the audience—why are you speaking on this topic? B. Introduction of topic—give them a brief glimpse at what you are talking about, maybe some background information that they need for the speech D. Thesis statement: one clear sentence that previews all your main points in the appropriate order (transition: one complete sentence that makes the transition to the next part of the speech) II. (Main point statement) One clear statement that tells the audience what this section is about. A. Sub–point (that supports the above main point; this is just for form—you have to decide how many sub–points and sub–sub–points that you have in each section 1. Sub sub–point (that supports the above sub–point) a. Support material (that supports the above sub–point; examples, sources, etc.) b. Support material 2. Sub–sub–point a. Support material b. Support material c. Support material B. Sub–point C. Sub–point (transition:) III. (Main point statement) One clear statement that tells the audience what this section is about. A. Sub–point 1. Sub–sub–point a. Support material b. Support material 2. Sub–sub–point a. Support material b. Support material c. Support material B. Sub–point 1. Sub–sub–point 2. Sub–sub–point C. Sub–point (transition:) IV. (Main point statement) One clear statement that tells the audience what this section is about. A. Sub–point 1. Sub–sub–point a. Support material b. Support material 2. Sub–sub–point B. Sub–point C. Sub–point (transition: ) V. Conclusion A. Summary (what do you want the audience to remember after the speech is over?) 1. 2. 3. B. Closer—you need to have a strong ending. It often works well to refer back to your attention getter, to end with a strong quotation, to create a strong image, etc.

References: Use APA or MLA style (or a particular style that your professor requests; see Writing Center handouts for more information about references/works cited pages). Both APA and MLA say to alphabetize the sources.

Number 020 in the Speaking Center Handout Series