Outline Format for Informative and Persuasive Speeches Name: Date: Topic: General Purpose: Specific Purpose: Thesis:

Outline Format for Informative and Persuasive Speeches

Name:

Date:

Topic:

General Purpose:

Specific Purpose:

Thesis:

Organizational Pattern:

Introduction

1. I.Gain the audiences attention and direct it toward your topic
2. II.Establish speaker-audience-topic connection
3. III.Orient the audience to what is to follow (state thesis and preview main points)

Transition: Full sentence or phrase in italics to transition from introduction to main point I

Body (be sure to employ the organization pattern of your choice)

1. I.First main point
1. A.Sub-point that supports first main point
1. 1.Sub-sub-point that supports first sub-point 
2. 2.Sub-sub-point that supports first sub-point
2. B.Sub-point that supports first main point 

Transition: Full sentence in italics to transition from main point I to main point II

1. II.Second main point
2. A.Sub-point that supports second main point
3. B.Sub-point that supports second main point
4. C.Sub-point that supports second main point 

Transition: Full sentence in italics to transition from main point II to main point III

1. III.Third main point
2. A.Sub-point that supports third main point
3. B.Sub-point that supports third main point (Dodd, 1998)
1. 1.Sub-sub-point that supports second sub-point
2. 2.Sub-sub-point that supports second sub-point

Transition: Full sentence or phrase to transition from body to conclusion

Conclusion

1. I.Summarize main points of the body of the speech
2. II.Motivate audience to do what you want them to do (persuasive speeches only)
3. III.Provide closure

Additional rulesAll outlines should be typed. Include a separate reference page using APA style, and cite references in-text. Be consistent in your citations. ANY point that did not come straight out of your own head should be cited. (See the course website for an APA Cheat Sheet to help you cite.) Each point should be a phrase or keyword, except for transitions and quotations which should be full sentences. Please proofread your outline, as points may be deducted for poor grammar, punctuation, spelling, or formatting. Use standard format, and practice good subordination and coordination skills.

Adapted from:

Dodd, C. H. (1998). Dynamics of intercultural communication (5^th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.

Bekerian, D. A. (1993). In search of the typical eyewitness. American Psychologist, 48, 574-

576.