The document outlines grading criteria for speech outlines and provides examples of outlines for different grades. It begins by describing the components of an A-level outline, including a clear central idea and inclusion of credible sources. A B-level outline also includes an introduction, conclusion and organized main points. A C-level outline may lack depth or focus. A D/F outline would show little analysis, lack evidence or be poorly organized. The document then provides a detailed example of a well-formatted, full-sentence outline for an informative speech on outlining a speech.

1. Outline Grading Criteria
The superior outline (grade A):
(central idea) are included.
knowledge or
beliefs of the audience.
-centered throughout outline.
of
language.
(one
source per minute for total amount of sources).
ources are used, a reference page is included.

2. -text citations are present.
outline are labeled.
included
and well-developed.
The above average outline (grade B):
and
conclusion.
zation of main points and supporting
materials.
more

3. effectively.
fies sources of information and ideas in the
speech.
The average outline (grade C):
persuasive,
special occasion etc.).
idea).
-centeredness.
creative.
of an effective speech.
The below average outline (grade D or F)

4. -analysis is not evident.
opinions.
evidence.
rm.
Checklist for a Full-Sentence Outline
· The outline begins with a title.
· The specific purpose is clearly stated in one complete
sentence.
· The central idea (thesis statement) is clear and concise and no
more than one sentence.
· The Introduction, body and conclusion are clearly labeled.
· Roman number 1 clearly establishes a general idea about the
speech and supports the central idea.
· The main points focus on the most important ideas of my
topic.

5. · Each main point contains one distinct idea.
· Each main point is stated in one complete sentence.
· Each main point is supported by support material (facts,
statistics, examples etc.) which are listed as subpoints.
· Each subpoint refers specifically to the main point it supports.
· The subpoints are more specific than the main point it follows.
· The conclusion contains a review that reinforces the central
idea.
· Each part of the outline is in FULL SENTENCE FORM.
· The outline includes in text citation.
· For all outside sources used, references are listed
alphabetically in APA 6th edition format.
Taken in part from Osborn & Osborn, (1997). Public Speaking.
(4th edition). Boston, Mass: Houghton Mifflin, Co.
Name of Student
Fall 2010
CA 110, M. Sparks
Speech Outline
Title of Speech: Outlining Your Speech
General Purpose: The broad objective, To Inform
Specific Purpose: The precise goal that a speaker wants to
achieve. To inform my audience on how to create a proper
outline for future speeches.
Central Idea/Thesis Statement: The key concept of your speech.

6. Outlining your speech correctly is essential to having a
cohesive, organized speech and will result in you getting a good
grade on your outline and speech.
Introduction
I. Attention Material
A. Do you know what an attention-getter is? This is the first
part of your introduction and is designed to capture audience
interest.
1. Ask a question
2. Shock, surprise or intrigue your listeners
3. Cite a Quotation
4. Arouse Curiosity
5. Provide a Visual Aid
6. Give an incentive to listen
II. Orienting Material - gives listeners the information they
need to fully understand and believe the rest of the speech.

7. A. Tie to the Audience. Your grade will suffer if your outline is
incorrect.
B. Establish credibility. As your instructor, I want to ensure
everyone understands what I expect for an outline on future
assignments.
C. Central idea/thesis statement. Outlining your speech
correctly is essential to having a cohesive, organized speech and
will result in you getting a good grade on your outline and
speech.
D. Preview the body (main points) of the speech. First, I am
going to tell you how to label sections of your outline. Next, I
will tell you what the content of your outline should include.
Finally, I will give some tips on how to further organize your
speech ideas.
(Transition: Let’s now focus our attention on labeling the
sections of your outline.)
Body
I. Main Point 1: Proper labeling will aid you in gaining full
points for your full sentence outline.
A. You should label your introduction, body and conclusion.
1. Labeling the introduction of your document should include
the attention material and orienting material.
2. Labeling the body of your document should include labeling
your main points.
3. Labeling the conclusion of your outline includes the summary
and clincher.

8. B. Next, you should label your transitions.
1. According to your textbook, The Essential Elements of Public
Speaking, transitions should be in three crucial places.
a. Between the introduction and body
b. Between the main points in the body
c. Between the body and conclusion
C. Proper labeling and format guarantees your instructor’s
ability to distinguish between the ideas and sections of your
outline.
(Transition: Now I have informed you on how to label your
outline, I will tell you what the content of your outline should
include).
II. Main Point 2: The content of your outline should parallel
very closely to your speech.
A. You should outline your introduction, body and conclusion.

9. 1. As a reminder, a complete-sentence outline is a systematic
arrangement of ideas, using complete sentences for headings
and subheadings.
B. You should have 2-4 assertions (main ideas) with support
material for each main idea (Your Instructor Knows Best).
1. Support materials are elements that illustrate or substantiate a
point.
a. They explain, illustrate, or reinforce your message.
b. Some examples include: definition, vivid image, example,
narrative, comparison and contrast, analogy, testimony and
statistics.
2. Support material also helps you establish credibility.
a. Credibility is the audience’s perception of a speaker as
believable and competent.
b. You must give credit to the sources of your information in
your speech and outline (This helps your instructor when
looking for your sources during your speech).

10. 3. If you don’t develop each of you main ideas in full sentence
form, your grade will suffer.
C. Your outline should also include your transitions, references
and a works cited page.
1. If you use visual aids, include a brief description at the end
of the outline.
(Transition: Since I have told you what your outline should
include, now I am going to give you some tips on how to better
organize your outline.)
III. Main Point 3: The better organized you are in developing
and presenting your speech ideas, the more effective your
message will be.
A. Organization increases the probability that listeners will pay
attention and remember your message.
1. Public Speaking instructor, Megan S. Sparks states,
“Following this example outline will not only be helpful for you
as the speaker but it will also benefit your listeners.”
B. Characteristics of good speech organization are: clarity and
simplicity.
1. The language should be basic and easy to understand.
2. Using jargon can confuse your audience, thus limiting your
effectiveness.
3. If it is necessary for some reason, you can define terms

11. important to the concept of the speech.
C. Develop ideas in a reasonable and logical way.
1. You should have 2-4 main points.
2. There is only one main idea for each main point and the
supporting ideas contribute clearly to that single point.
3. Supporting the ideas should give listeners reasons to accept
the major point and should always answer the question, “Why?”
a. You should have at least two supporting points for each main
point.
(Transition: I’d like to review.)
Conclusion
I. Summary
A. Signal of end: In conclusion, today I have informed you on
how to effectively outline a speech in this class.
B. Summarize main points. I have shared with you how to label

12. your outline properly, what should be included in the content of
the outline and gave some tips on how to organize your speech
for effectiveness.
II. Clincher/Tie to audience- final thought that drives home the
central idea.
A. Use this template on current and future speeches to assist in
quality and effective speaking. Don’t discount the importance of
organization and clarity in public speaking. I hope you have
paid attention to your lectures and this outline because this will
help you get a good grade on your next speech!
Reference Page: Everyone should properly cite sources. I gave
you a hand out on APA style. Your book also includes examples
of APA style in your book on pages 121-122.
Visual Aids: If you use visual aids, you should briefly describe
them in your outline.
NOTE: OUTLINES ARE DUE ON THE DAY OF YOUR
SPEECH. THEY MUST BE TYPED. IT IS YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE YOUR OUTLINE PREPARED
ON THE DAY OF YOUR ASSIGNED SPEAKING DATE. NO
EXCUSES. NO LATE OUTLINES. THERE ARE FOUR
COMPUTER LABS IN UCOM FOR YOUR CONVENIECE
(YOUR FEES PAY FOR THIS ACCESS.)
*** ALSO PROOFREAD YOUR OUTLINES RUTHLESSLY