Outlining is a systematic process that arranges ideas in a recognizable pattern for listeners to easily follow. It provides flexibility while speaking and an opportunity to critique and improve the speech before presenting. Outlining reduces anxiety by making it harder to lose your place and boosting ethos. The preparation outline involves creating a thesis, main points, and supporting material. It is then formatted and integrated with sources before revising. The formal outline uses complete sentences while the speaking outline is condensed for memory with abbreviations and delivery cues.