Clear, easy-to-follow organization is essential to a successful speech. If the audience cannot follow your message, they cannot understand it. If they cannot understand your message, they are unlikely to be impacted in the way you intended. So, spend time organizing your thoughts into an outline. An outline is to a speech as an overview of directions is to the GPS on your phone. It shows you the big picture and makes getting to your desired point much easier than making the trip alone. All outlines have three general elements:

1. Introductions
2. Bodies
3. Conclusions

Below is a sample outline that can be used for most speeches and presentations. For each of these general elements, a number of specific elements are found. Not all presentations will require each of these specific items but they are covered here in the event you need a full-content presentation. 

Click on each general element of the outline below to learn more about it, its specific divisions, and how you can use it effectively. 

INTRODUCTION (Start speaking here)

-Attention Getter:

- Self/Topic Intro: (Name/Topic)

-Statement of Purpose: “By the end of this speech you should…..”

-Thesis Statement/Central Idea:

-Relevance (why do we care about this topic):

-Preview of Main Points:

I.

II.

III.

-Transition: To begin…/for starters…

 

BODY

-Main Point I:

     -Division A:

     -Division B:

     -(Division C):

-Evidence/Supporting Material (cite as you go):

-Transition/Internal Review: “Now that…move on to…”

-Main Point II:

     -Division A:

     -Division B:

     -(Division C):

-Evidence/Supporting Material (cite as you go):

-Transition/Internal Review: “Now that…move on to…”

-Main Point III:

     -Division A:

     -Division B:

     -(Division C):

-Evidence/Supporting Material (cite as you go):

 

CONCLUSION

-Review Statement of Purpose: “After hearing this speech,  you should….”

-Review Thesis/Central Idea:

-Review Main Points:

I.

II.

III.