Chapter 14: outlining and editing your speech Public Speaking Chapter 14: outlining and editing your speech

Develop a Preparation Outline Although few speeches are written in paragraph form, most speakers develop a detailed preparation outline that includes the following: Main ideas Subpoints Supporting material The speech’s specific purpose Introduction Blueprint Conclusion Signposts Signposts = words and gestures that allow you to move smoothly from one idea to the next throughout your speech, showing relationships between ideas and emphasizing important points (ex. transitions.)

Develop a Preparation Outline (continued) Write your preparation outline in complete sentences Complete sentences will help during your early rehearsals. If you write cryptic phrases, you may not remember what they mean. Use standard outline form Standard outline form lets you see at a glance the exact relationships among various main ideas, subpoints, and supporting material in your speech.

Develop a Preparation Outline (continued) To produce a correct outline, follow these instructions: I. First main idea First subpoint of I Second subpoint of I First subpoint of B Second subpoint of B First subpoint of 2 Second subpoint of 2 II. Second main idea Properly indent main ideas, subpoints, and supporting material. Use at least two subpoints, if any, for each main idea. Logic dictates that you cannot divide anything into one part. If, for example, you have only one piece of supporting material, incorporate it into the subpoint or main idea that it supports.

Develop a Preparation Outline (continued) Write and label your specific purpose at the top of your outline Do not work the specific purpose into the outline itself. Instead, label it and place it at the top of the outline Everything in your speech should contribute to your purpose. Add the blueprint, key signposts, and introduction and conclusion to your outline Place the introduction after the statement of your specific purpose, the blueprint immediately following the introduction, the conclusion after the outline of the body of the speech, and other signposts within the outline.

Develop a Preparation Outline (continued) Analyze your preparation outline Does the speech as outlined fulfill the purpose you have specified? Are the main ideas logical extensions of the central idea (thesis)? Do the signposts enhance the comfortable flow of each idea into the next? Does each subpoint provide support for the point under which it falls? Is your outline form correct?

Edit Your Speech Often when you rehearse your speech, you discover that you have too much information. Review your specific purpose – limit Consider your audience – evaluate Simply say it - eliminate wordiness Keep only the best supporting material Ask a listener to help you cut Look at your introduction and conclusion – no more than 10% each

Prepare a Delivery Outline A delivery outline is meant to give you all you will need to present your speech in the way you have planned and rehearsed. It should not be so detailed that it encourages you to read rather than speech to your audience. Make the outline as brief as possible Include the introduction and conclusion in much shortened form Include supporting material and signposts Do not include your purpose statement in your delivery outline Use standard outline form

Prepare a Delivery Outline (continued) Rehearse your delivery outline You may decide as you rehearse to cut or add more. Your outline should provide just enough information to ensure smooth delivery. Create speaking notes Type or print your outline neatly on one side or a note card, making sure that the letters and words are large enough to read easily. You may find it helpful to plan your note cards according to logical blocks of material, using one note card for the introduction, one or two for the body, and one for the conclusion. Plan so that you don’t have to shuffle note cards midsentence. Number the note cards to prevent a fiasco if your notes get out of order.

Prepare a Delivery Outline (continued) Whatever form your notes take, they should make sense to you. A final addition to your speaking notes will be delivery cues and reminders, such as “louder,” “pause,” or “move in front of podium.” You could write your delivery notes in the margins by hand, or if the entire outline is handwritten, in ink of a different color.

POP Quiz Explain signposts and give an example? A _______________is meant to give you all you will need to present your speech in the way you have planned and rehearsed. When you rehearse your speech and discover that you have too much information, what should you do? (Identify 3 of the 6.)