Chapter 11: Outlining Your Speech

What are some key principles of outlining?

1. Each number or letter in the outline should represent only one idea. 2. Coordinate and subordinate points in the outline should be represented by a consistent system of numbers and letters. 3. If any point has subpoints under it, there must be at least two. 4. Each symbol in a sentence outline should introduce a complete sentence. Each symbol in a word or phrase outline should introduce a world or phrase. 5. Coordinate points throughout the outline should have parallel grammatical construction.

What are the functions of outlining?

1. It tests the scope of the speaker's content. 2. It tests the logical relations among parts of the speech. 3. It tests the relevance of supporting ideas. 4. It checks the balance or proportion of the speech. 5. It serves as notes during the delivery of the speech.

speaking outline

A brief outline for the speaker's use alone and containing source citations and delivery prompts.

formal outline

A complete sentence outline written in sufficient detail that a person other than the speaker could understand it.

working outline

An informal, initial outline recording a speaker's process of narrowing, focusing, and balancing a topic.

complete sentence outline

An outline in which all numbers and letters introduce complete sentences.

key word or phrase outline

An outline in which all numbers and letters introduce words or groups of words.

coordinate ideas

Ideas that have equal value in a speech.

subordinate ideas

Ideas that support more general or more important points in a speech.