Chapter 7 Organizing and Outlining the Speech Body SPEAK © 2011 Cengage Learning This chapter focuses on developing the body of your speech by describing how to: (1) identify main points that are implied in the specific goal statement and write them into a thesis statement for the speech; (2) organize the body of your speech; and (3) create transitions that move the speech smoothly from one main point to the next. 5/27/2014 3:38 PM © 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries. The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION. 1 The mind is © 2011 Cengage Learning Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up. ~A.A. Milne Learning Outcomes 1. Why is it important to limit your speech to two to four main points? 2. Why should you conduct a clear thesis statement? 3. How might you arrange your points in your speech? 4. What are some types of supporting material you can use to elaborate your main points? 5. Why are transitions important? 5/27/2014 3:38 PM © 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries. The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION. 2 Identify Main Points The main points of a speech are complete sentence statements of two to four central ideas the audience needs to understand. To identify main points: List all ideas that relate to your speech goal Delete and combine ideas as needed From remaining ideas, select two to four to use as main points in your speech © 2011 Cengage Learning With some speech goals, identifying the main points is easy. Usually, though, you will need to do some further work to identify the main points that audience members need to understand if you are to achieve your speech goal. Identify these main ideas first by listing the all the ideas ...

1. Chapter 7
Organizing and Outlining the Speech Body
SPEAK
© 2011 Cengage Learning
This chapter focuses on developing the body of your speech by
describing how to: (1) identify main points that are implied in
the specific goal statement and write them into a thesis
statement for the speech; (2) organize the body of your speech;
and (3) create transitions that move the speech smoothly from
one main point to the next.
5/27/2014 3:38 PM
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft,
Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may
be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or
other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and
represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the
date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to
changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a
commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot
guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the
date of this presentation.
MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS,
IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN
THIS PRESENTATION.

2. 1
The mind is
© 2011 Cengage Learning
Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that
when you do it, it is not all mixed up.
~A.A. Milne
Learning Outcomes
1. Why is it important to limit your speech to two to four
main points?
2. Why should you conduct a clear thesis statement?
3. How might you arrange your points in your speech?
4. What are some types of supporting material you can use to
elaborate your main points?
5. Why are transitions important?
5/27/2014 3:38 PM
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft,
Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may
be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or
other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and
represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the
date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to
changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a
commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot
guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the
date of this presentation.

3. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS,
IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN
THIS PRESENTATION.
2
Identify Main Points
The main points of a speech are complete sentence statements of
two to four central ideas the audience needs to understand.
To identify main points:
List all ideas that relate to your speech goal
Delete and combine ideas as needed
From remaining ideas, select two to four to use as main points
in your speech
© 2011 Cengage Learning
With some speech goals, identifying the main points is easy.
Usually, though, you will need to do some further work to
identify the main points that audience members need to
understand if you are to achieve your speech goal.
Identify these main ideas first by listing the all the ideas you
have found that relate to your specific goal. Then eliminate
ideas that your audience analysis suggests this audience already
understands.
Check to see if some of the ideas can be grouped together under
a broader theme, and eliminate any ideas that might be too
complicated or too broad for this audience to understand.
Finally, from the ideas that remain, choose two to four that are
the most important for your audience to understand if you are to
accomplish your specific speech goal.
Action Step 4 Organize and Develop Ideas into a Well-
Structured Outline
Identify 2-4 main points.

4. Write a thesis statement with main point preview.
Develop your main points.
Outline the speech body.
5/27/2014 3:38 PM
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft,
Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may
be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or
other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and
represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the
date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to
changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a
commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot
guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the
date of this presentation.
MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS,
IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN
THIS PRESENTATION.
3
Write a Thesis Statement
© 2011 Cengage Learning
A thesis statement is a one or two sentence summary of your
speech that incorporates your general and specific goals and
previews the main points of the speech.
A thesis statement is a blueprint from which you will organize
the body of your speech.
You will write your thesis statement on your speech outline.
You will also use it as a basis for the transition from the

5. introduction to the body of your speech.
Exhibit 7.1 page 88 give sample speech goals & thesis
statements (This exhibit provides several examples of specific
speech goals and thesis statements).
All speeches will have 3 important elements:
General goal
Specific goal
Thesis statement
4
Outline the Body of the Speech
A speech outline is a sentence representation of the hierarchical
and sequential relationships among the ideas presented in the
speech.
© 2011 Cengage Learning
You can think of a speech outline as a diagram that organizes
the information you will present.
An outline may have three hierarchical levels of information:
main points (noted by the use of Roman numerals: I, II, III, . .
.), subpoints that support a main point (noted by the use of
capital letters: A, B, C, . . .), and sometimes sub-subpoints to
support subpoints (noted by Arabic numerals: 1, 2, 3, . . .).
You will want to write your main points and subpoints in
complete sentences, to clarify the relationship between main
points and subpoints.
5
General Form for a
Speech Outline

6. I. Main point one
A. Subpoint A for main point one
1. Sub-subpoint one
a. Elaboration material (if needed)
b. Elaboration material (if needed)
2. Sub-subpoint two
a. Elaboration material (if needed)
b. Elaboration material (if needed)
B. Subpoint B for main point one
1. Sub-subpoint one
a. Elaboration material (if needed)
b. Elaboration material (if needed)
2. Sub-subpoint two
a. Elaboration material (if needed)
b. Elaboration material (if needed)
© 2011 Cengage Learning
This exhibit shows the general form of how a formal speech
outline system looks.
6
General Form for a
Speech Outline
© 2011 Cengage Learning
II. Main point two
A. Subpoint A for main point two
1. Sub-subpoint one
a. Elaboration material (if needed)
b. Elaboration material (if needed)
2. Sub-subpoint two
a. Elaboration material (if needed)
b. Elaboration material (if needed)

7. B. Subpoint B for main point two
1. Sub-subpoint one
a. Elaboration material (if needed)
b. Elaboration material (if needed)
2. Sub-subpoint two
a. Elaboration material (if needed)
b. Elaboration material (if needed)
This exhibit shows the general form of how a formal speech
outline system looks.
7
Outlining Main Points
© 2011 Cengage Learning
Word main points correctly
Clearly specify relationships between each main point statement
& the goal statement
Ensure that the main points are parallel in structure
Select an organizational pattern
Time, narrative, topic or logical reasons order
It is important to write main points, subpoints, and sub-
subpoints as complete sentences. Only complete sentences can
fully express the relationship among the main points and
subpoints, and between each main point and the specific speech
goal. Main points should also be written in parallel structure—
their wording should follow the same structural pattern.
Once you have worded each main point, you will choose an
organizing pattern. Time order organizes your main points in a
chronological sequence or by steps in a process. Narrative order
conveys your ideas through a story or series of stories. Topic

8. order organizes the main points of the speech by categories or
divisions of a subject. Logical reasons order organizes the main
points by the reasons that support the specific speech goal.
8
Outlining Subpoints
© 2011 Cengage Learning
Identify subpoints by sorting research cards into piles that
correspond to each of your main points.
Outline subpoints in full sentences.
Make sure that one sub-point is a listener relevance link—a
statement alerting listeners about how the point relates to them.
A main point may have two, three, or even more subpoints
depending on the complexity of the main point. Subpoints
should also be represented on the outline in full sentences. Be
sure to also include internal references for items of information
you found in secondary sources.
9
List Supporting Material
© 2011 Cengage Learning
A good outline also includes short outline statements of
supporting material -developmental material that will be used in
the speech.
Supporting material includes such elements as personal
experiences, examples, illustrations, anecdotes, statistics, and

9. quotations. Choose these items to meet the needs of your
specific audience.
Include internal citations and develop a reference list as you go
along. Doing so will help you remember what research to cite
and when during your speech to enhance your credibility and to
demonstrate ethical communication behavior by avoiding
plagiarism
10
Create Transitions
© 2011 Cengage Learning
Transitions are words, phrases, or sentences that show the
relationship between two ideas:
Section transitions
Signposts
You can think of section transitions as the glue that holds your
macrostructure together, and signposts as the glue that holds
your subpoints and supporting material together within each
main point.
Transitions are words, phrases, or sentences that show the
relationship between two ideas:
Section transitions bridge the major parts of the speech.
Signposts are words or phrases that connect pieces of
supporting material to the main point or subpoint they address.
11
© 2011 Cengage Learning

10. Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more
important than the outcome.
~Arthur Ashe
12
Chapter 8
The Introduction
and Conclusion
SPEAK
© 2011 Cengage Learning
In this chapter, you will learn how to create an introduction that
both gets attention and leads into the body of the speech; create
a conclusion that both summarizes the material and leaves the
speech on a high note; write a title; and compile a list of the
sources you used to develop the speech.
5/27/2014 3:54 PM
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft,
Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may
be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or

11. other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and
represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the
date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to
changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a
commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot
guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the
date of this presentation.
MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS,
IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN
THIS PRESENTATION.
1
The mind is
© 2011 Cengage Learning
There are three things to aim at in public speaking: First to get
into your subject, then to get your subject into yourself, and
lastly, to get your subject into your hearers.
~ Gregg
Learning Outcomes:
1. Why are introductions and conclusions so important to
effective public speaking?
2. How can you get your audience’s attention in your
introduction?
3. Why should you summarize your main points again in the
conclusion?
4. How might you motivate listeners to remember your
speech in your conclusion?
5. How do you determine which sources to include in your
outline and reference list?

12. Action Step 4: Organize and Develop Ideas into a Well-
Structured Outline
E. Create the speech introduction.
F. Create the speech conclusion.
G. Compile the list of sources used.
H. Complete the formal speech outline.
5/27/2014 3:54 PM
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft,
Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may
be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or
other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and
represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the
date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to
changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a
commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot
guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the
date of this presentation.
MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS,
IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN
THIS PRESENTATION.
2
The Importance of a Good Introduction & Conclusion
The Primacy-Recency Effect
© 2011 Cengage Learning

13. What Is the Primacy-Recency Effect?
The primacy-recency effect states that we are more likely to
remember the first and last items conveyed orally in a series
than the items in between. Therefore, it’s important to highlight
your goal/main points in your speech introduction and reinforce
them by stating them in the conclusion.
5/27/2014 3:54 PM
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft,
Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may
be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or
other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and
represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the
date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to
changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a
commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot
guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the
date of this presentation.
MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS,
IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN
THIS PRESENTATION.
3
Goals of an Introduction
© 2011 Cengage Learning
To get listeners’ attention
To establish listener relevance
To establish speaker credibility & goodwill
To identify your thesis statement

14. Goals of an Introduction:
To get listeners’ attention
To establish listener relevance
To establish speaker credibility & goodwill
To identify your thesis statement
Because the introduction establishes your relationship with your
audience, take the time
to compare different openings.
If someone hasn’t formally introduced you before you speak,
audience members are going to wonder who you are and why
they should pay attention to what you say. So, another goal of
the introduction is to begin to build your credibility.
Finally, because audiences want to know what your speech is
going to be about, it’s important to state your thesis.
4
Effective Introductions
Present a startling fact or statistic
Ask a question
Tell a story
Tell a joke OR NOT
Recite a quotation
Supple a personal reference
Create suspense
© 2011 Cengage Learning
A startling statement is a sentence or two that grabs your

15. listeners’ attention by shocking them in some way.
A question is a request for information that encourage your
audience to get involved with your topic.
A story is an account of something that has happened or could
happen.
A joke (humor) is an anecdote or a piece of wordplay designed
to be funny and make people laugh.
A personal reference/anecdote is a brief story about something
that happened to you or a hypothetical situation that listeners
can imagine themselves in.
A quote is a comment made by and attributed to someone other
than the speaker.
A personal reference is a brief story about something that
happened to you or a hypothetical situation that listeners can
imagine themselves in.
Create suspense, you word your attention getter so that what is
described generates uncertainty or mystery during the first few
sentences and excites the audience.
You can introduce your topic and gain attention through an
action, an attention-getting act designed to highlight your topic
or purpose.
5
Goals of the Conclusion
FIRST SIGNAL
To summarize speech goal & main points.
To leave your audience with a vivid impression of your
message.
© 2011 Cengage Learning

16. A strong conclusion can heighten the impact of a good speech.
Even though the conclusion will be a relatively short part of the
speech—seldom more than 5 percent (thirty-five to forty-five
words for a five-minute speech)—your conclusion should be
carefully planned.
Just as with your speech introduction, prepare two or three
conclusions, and then choose the one you believe will be the
most effective for your audience and speaking occasion.
Goals of the Conclusion:
To summarize speech goal & main points.
To leave your audience with a vivid impression of your message
a. Clincher: A one- or two-sentence statement that
provides a sense of closure by driving home the importance of
your speech
b. Appeal to action: A description of the behavior you
want your listeners to follow after they have heard your
arguments.
6
Effective Conclusions
© 2011 Cengage Learning
Present a startling fact or statistic
Ask a question
Tell a story
Tell a joke
Recite a quotation
Supple a personal reference
Create suspense

17. 7
Completing the Outline
© 2011 Cengage Learning
To complete the formal outline, you must:
List your sources
Create a title for your speech
simple statement of subject
question
creative title
Review the outline format
Listing sources will help you direct audience members to the
specific source of the information you have used and will allow
you to quickly find the information at a later date. You will also
want to use internal references throughout the formal speech
outline to help you remember what to cite and where during
your speech.
It usually helps to have a title that lets the audience know what
to expect. A title is probably necessary when you will be
formally introduced, when the speech is publicized, or when the
speech will be published. A good title helps to attract an
audience and build interest in what you will say.
After you have created all of the parts of the outline, you need
to put them together in complete outline form and edit them to
make sure the outline is well organized and well worded.
Exhibit 8.1 (page 109) gives examples of the MLA & APA
citation forms

18. The questions on the following slide will allow you to complete
& review the information in your formal outline.
8
Checklist to Complete the Final Review of Your Formal Outline
© 2011 Cengage Learning
Have you used a standard set of symbols to indicate structure?
Have you written main points & major subdivisions as complete
sentences?
Do main points & major subdivisions each contain a single
idea?
Does each major subdivision relate to or support its major
points?
Are potential subdivision elaborations indicated?
This checklist can help you complete the final review of your
formal outline before you move into adaptation and rehearsal.
9