Section 7. Outlining Informative Speeches

An informative speech is designed with the same structure as most other speech types, and it consists of three parts. Informative speeches begin with an introduction that presents the topic in a catching manner. The body of the speech is next; it provides more necessary details about the subject. The last part is the conclusion, which summarizes all the information about the topic and gives the listeners some final thoughts.

An informative speech should be carefully outlined so that such elements as introduction, body and conclusion could be clearly identified. An outline is a structured plan of your ideas: it acts as a visual guide to the main and supporting elements in your presentation. Develop the outline as the framework of the speech: it holds the speech together, keeps you within the boundaries, and clarifies the layout for the audience. Once you have researched the topic, written your specific purpose, and worded your thesis, you should start outlining the body of the speech. You can develop the introduction and conclusion afterwards (Metcalfe 161).

A Model for Preparing an Informative Speech Outline

TITLE / TOPIC

General Purpose: to inform

Specific Purpose: This is what your main points must support or prove. Tell me in one sentence what the purpose of your speech is.

Thesis Statement/Central Idea: Summarize your speech/outline in one sentence. Should clearly sum up all of your main points.

INTRODUCTION

I. (Attention Getter) This could be a question, a compelling quotation, startling statistics, an anecdote, a story or anything you know will GRAB your audience's attention.

II. (Credibility Statement) What's your connection to this topic? Why should your audience believe you? Give some type of factual information or some reference that will show that you know what you are talking about. This could be the fact that you had a class on the topic, or that you have done a lot of research, or that you have first-hand experience with your topic, or you are an expert, etc.

III. (Relevancy Statement) Tell your audience how your topic is relevant to them. How will the audience benefit from this speech?)

IV. (Thesis Statement/Central Idea)

V. (Preview)Briefly reveal your topic and state what your main points will be.

Be sure to use connectives.

Today I’m going to tell you about… First, I will describe… Second, I will examine… Third, I will discuss…

…

Transition: Transitions are used to go smoothly from one part/point of the speech to another. (Include in your transitional statement the exact wording you will use in your speech)

BODY

I. (FIRST MAIN POINT) It MUST be one complete sentence, not a paragraph.

A. (SUBPOINT)You should have at least two subpoints under each main point. This could be one complete sentence. You cannot have an A without a B.

1. (SUB-SUBPOINT) This is more detail about Subpoint A, where the specific examples from your research are included to support your main points. You can use quotes, examples, stories. Be sure to cite all sources. If you have a ‘1.’ you must have a ‘2.’

a. (Sub-sub-subpoint) Further examples and information to support your subpoint.

b. If you have an ‘a.’ you need a ‘b.’

2. SUB-SUBPOINT More of the above.

B. SUBPOINT

1. SUB-SUBPOINT

2. SUB-SUBPOINT

C. SUBPOINT (optional)

1. SUB-SUBPOINT

2. SUB-SUBPOINT

…

Internal summary of subpoints A, B, AND C goes here. (Include the exact wording of your internal summary)

Transition: A transition is used to go smoothly from the 1st Main Point to the 2nd Main Point. (Include the exact wording of your transition)

II. (SECOND MAIN POINT) Follow the same format that you used for the first main point.

…

III. (THIRD MAIN POINT) The total number of main points is optional, however, three main points seems to be the number easiest to manage as a speaker, and the easiest to remember for your audience.

…

Transition: A Transition is used to transition smoothly from the body of your speech into the conclusion. (Include in your transitional statement your exact wording)

CONCLUSION

I. (Summary Statement) Summarize your main points. Be specific and concise.

II. (Restated thesis statement/central idea)Refer back to the thesis from the introduction and re-assert/reinforce it with wording that calls the original thesis into memory.

II. (Memorable Closing Statement/ Clincher/ Concluding remarks) Leave your audience with something to think about. A memorable close that refers back to the attention getter creates psychological unity for your audience.

REFERENCES/ WORKS CONSULTED

Include three or four sources which you used to prepare your speech.