-Use appropriate coordination and subordination. Use full sentences, including subjects and verbs for the main ideas or main points and the 1st order of subordinate ideas or sub-points. Consistently use either full-sentence or list form for 2nd -order sub-points supporting the same 1st order sub-point. use list form for 3rd order, 4th order, and 5th order sub-points.
-Enhance the readability of the outline. Use only one idea per point, only one sentence per point, single-space each point, and double-space vertically between points. Leave a line of white space between each point at every level.
-Transitions between major sections and the main points should be provided in the outline. Use transitions to move the audience’s attention from one section to another or from one main point to another.
-Use a consistent pattern of indentation. Type main points flush with the left margin. Indent 5 spaces for 1st-order sub-points, 10 spaces for 2nd-order sub-points, 15 spaces for 3rd-order sub-points, 20 spaces for 4th-order sub-points
-Use the following system to label the points in the body:
Main Points: upper case Roman numerals [I, II, III, IV, V]
1st -order sub-points: upper case letters [A, B, C, D, E]
2nd -order sub-points: Arabic numerals [1, 2.3, 4, 5]
3rd -order sub-points: lower-case letters {a, b, c, d, e],
4th -order sub-points: Arabic numerals in parentheses [(1), (2), (3)]
—-CONTENT—-
Your specific purpose should consist of the following three parts:
1.Specific Communication Word (use an infinitive phrase…to inform, to persuade, to explain)
2.Target Audience (classmates, colleagues, students…)
3,The Content (how to do something, why one thing is better than the other…)
Thesis should be one complete sentence that provides an overview of your presentation.
The introduction should gain attention, orient the audience by stating the topic, offer a reason for listening, and preview the body of the speech. The introduction (which may be outlined or written word-for-word) is designed to
gain the attention of the audience; and
establish the speaker’s credibility; and
establish offering a compelling reason for listening; and
orient the audience to your topic/purpose/central idea; and
preview your main points
Do not say “I will tell the story of ____,” or “I will do X, Y, or Z.”
The body must contain 2-5 main points Each main point must be well supported by 2-5 1st-order sub-points designed to illustrate the main points (examples, illustrations, facts, quotations, etc.)
You must use two-five (2-5) main ideas and two-five (2-5) subordinate (sub-points) points for each main point or higher-level sub-point.
The conclusion should restate or summarize the main points and communicate a sense of finality (verbally or nonverbally indicate that you have finished talking). You may end with a story or quotation.
The conclusion (which may be outline or written word-for-word) communicates a sense of finality and should
signal the end of your speech; and
recap your main points, and
provide a clincher.