This document discusses organizing and outlining presentations. It recommends choosing central claims and main points that support the thesis statement. Each main point should have one major idea and subpoints to support it. Various organizational patterns are described such as chronological, topical, problem-solution, and cause-effect. The document also discusses using research, outlining speeches, writing introductions and conclusions, using transitions, and employing language that works for audiences.

1. Organizing, Outlining, and
Writing Presentations
Chapter 12 of Real Communication by Dan O’Hair and Mary Weimann
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

2. Organize
Main Points
✴ Central claims that support the
specific purpose and thesis
statement.
✴ Each main point has one major
idea.
✴ Ask: Does this point prove my
thesis and does it achieve my
specific purpose?
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

3. Utilize
Main Points
✴ Each main point should be
supported by sub-points.
✴ Each sub-point can be
supported by sub-sub-
points.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

4. Organizational Arrangements
Chronological pattern uses a time-related pattern for your
points.
Topical pattern is organized in categories, such as persons,
places, things, or processes.
Spacial pattern arranges by their proximity or position.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

5. Organizational Arrangements
Problem-solution pattern dramatizes an obstacle, then
narrows the remedies.
A problem that requires a change in belief, attitude or
behavior.
A number of possible solutions could solve the problem.
Your solution is the most effective and efficient remedy.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

6. Organizational Arrangements
Cause-effect pattern circles around the message to cause-to
effect or effect-to-cause relationships.
Narrative pattern ties points together that present a vivid
story, complete the characters, setting, plot, and imagery.
Motivated sequence pattern is based on attention, need,
satisfaction, visualization, and action.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

7. Using
the research
✴ Clear definitions
✴ Facts and statistics
✴ Meaningful examples
✴ Comparisons
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

8. Outlining the Speech
A working outline is a draft outline that you use to prepare
your material.
A speaking outline is a delivery outline complete with details
and delivery cues.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

9. Outlining the Speech
Outline essentials:
standard symbols like I., II., III., a., b., c., ...
separate parts of your speech (intro, body, conclusion)
cite your 2 or 3 sources (MLA format)
give your speech a title
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

10. Outlining the Speech
Styles of Outlines:
Sentence outlines offer the full text of your speech.
Phrase outlines are parts of sentences.
Key=word outlines are the briefest type of outline the
uses only key words.
✴ delivery cues and oral citations
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

11. Tying It All Together
Writing Introductions
preview main points
connect with audience
capture audience attention
✴ use surprise
✴ tell a story
✴ start with a quote
✴ ask a question
✴ make them laugh
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

12. Tying It All Together
Using Transitions to connect
different thoughts together.
✴ use signposts like
“next”, “first”, or
“however”
✴ use previews to tell
what is ahead or
summaries to sum up a
point
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

13. Tying It All Together
Writing Conclusions
signal the end of the
speech
summarize main points
make an impact using
quotations or a story
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

14. Using
Language that
Works
✴ respect your audience
✴ keep it simple
✴ use vivid language
✴ use language that makes a
lasting impression by
repeating certain terms
✴ make allusions to people
The water stood still as a
✴ use similes and metaphors
cat watching it’s prey.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012