Formal Outline Worksheet for FINAL Speech

You must type your formal outline using this format as your model. This model provides all the required
components of a preparation outline. The number of sub points and sub-sub points may vary but be sure
to include ALL the components included in the Introduction, Conclusion and Works Cited. You are
welcome to download and use this document as outline template. However, do not include any words in
parenthesis; they are there as a guide for you to know what to place where.

Introduction (pp.287-288)

(the order of the introduction components may vary)

Attention Getter (p. 287)

And thats what Ive learned in this course! Without it, a speech is hard to follow and even harder
to learn from. Organization is the most important part of a speech.
Arent things much better when theyre organized?
Introduce Topic & Relate It To Audience. (pp. 287-288)
Speeches are hard enough to give. Between choosing a topic, doing the research, and presenting in
front of people- public speaking is listed above DEATH on the list of Americas biggest fears, a
speech can be fairly daunting. But with the right organization, it can be a little easier!
Central Idea (p. 288)
The organization of a speech is incredibly important, as the way you choose to talk about your
ideas will affect how your audience responds to it.
Establish Credibility (p.288 and pages 350-352)
I, like everybody in this course, have been a student for some time, and as a student Ive had to
give more than a few presentations. In addition, Ive also taught group music ensembles and had to speak
to students for hours on end, while retaining their attention. Its no secret that high schoolers have a less
than admirable attention span, and keeping them interested required a lot of organization, knowledge on
the topic, and a fast paced energy.
Preview of main points (p. 288)
When giving a speech, organization is important because it helps the audience remember and learn.
Whether its organized chronologically, by cause and effect, problem-solution, or by complexity of ideas,
it is important to find something that works for you and to stick with it.
In day to day life, organization is also important as it helps to free your mind from being cluttered and to
group different ideas or tasks into neat groups so that they are easier to perform.

First, I will discuss the ways organization in a speech is important.

Body (pp. 280-284)

I.

(First Main Point)

In this course, Ive learned that organizing a speech is necessary not just for the speaker,
but for the audience as well.
A. (sub point or supporting material)
If a speech isnt organized, the audience cant connect with it.
1. (oral citation)
One study found that college students report spending, on average, nearly
half of their total speech preparation time outlining and revising their speeches. (pg.280)
2. (supporting material)

According to theweek.com, words presented in a logically organized, hierarchical

structure are much better remembered than words placed randomly typically 40 percent better.
B. (sub point or supporting material)
Overall, it is much easier to remember material if it isnt given to you in a haphazard way.
(Signpost/transition to second main point)
Being organized doesnt only help in speeches, though!

II.

(Second Main Point)

Being organized in a speech is important, but being organized in your day to day life is
helpful as well.
A. (Sub point or supporting material)
Everybody has a busy life, and many different tasks to accomplish throughout the day. If
you dont have a plan to achieve these tasks, they can pile up and come back to bite you.
But, if youre prepared and organized, even a long to do list becomes a breeze.
1. (oral citation)
Organizeyourlife.org says One of the most important benefits of organizing your space
is reduced STRESS. Simply having a more efficient system to keep track of your papers
and appointments can help minimize stress-influenced conditions such as depression,
ulcers and heart disease.

2. (supporting material)
How many times have you been late for an appointment or work, only to be even later
because you couldnt find your keys? Or shoes? If these items had a clear place for them
that they would always be, youd never have to be stuck looking for them again. Even in
little ways, being organized pays dividends over and over.
B. Sub point or supporting material
Even the act of having a to do list organized from easiest task to most difficult task can
take a lot of stress from your day away.
III. Conclusion (pp. 288-290)
Signpost (brakelight coming to the end)
Before I run out of time, I just want to reiterate a few ideas for you to take away from.
Reemphasize Central Idea
Organization is extremely beneficial in speeches, and even more helpful in day to day life. In this
course Ive learned how to organize my speeches, and realized that being organized makes life easier in a
lot of different ways.
Recap of main points
A speech isnt an easy thing to present by any means, especially since most people hate speaking
publically. However, theyre much easier when organized thoroughly and intuitively. In a similar way,
life is much easier to manage when things-even little things- are organized. The act or organization takes
stress off of your brain and allows you to enjoy life to the fullest.
Final, memorable thought
Next time youre delivering a speech, speaking in front of people, or just going grocery shopping,
remember that everything in your life is more manageable when you are organized.
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

Works Cited
(use MLA format; list sources at bottom of this outline or a separate, attached page)
Librarys MLA Guidelines link:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01

Beebe, Steven A., Susan J. Beebe, and Diana K. Ivy. Communication: Principles for a
Lifetime. 6th ed.

Boston: Pearson, 2016. Print. (if using textbook)

"Benefits of Being Organized." Benefits. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2016.

"12 Things We Know about How the Brain Works." 12 Things We Know about How the Brain Works.
N.p., 26 Aug. 2013. Web. 13 Nov. 2016.