Preparation Outline Guide
The following is a guide to use as you develop preparation outlines for your speeches. For purpose of illustration, this guide has three main points in the body of the speech. On your speeches, of course, the number and organization of main points, sub points, and sub-sub points will vary depending on the topic and purpose of any given speech. However, the elements needed in the outline- title, specific purposes statement, central idea, introduction, body, conclusion, connectives, bibliography- will remain the same.

Name; Viet Nguyen
Date:
Section:

Title

General Purpose: To Inform
Specific Purpose Statement: To inform my audience about the Indian culture’s diversity
Central Idea: Indian Wedding and Marriages

Introduction

(1) Gain the attention and interest of the audience; (2) Reveal the topic of the speech; (3) Establish credibility and goodwill; (4) Preview the body of the speech.

(Connective: Make sure the audience knows you are moving from the introduction into the first main point of the body.

Body

I. A single complete sentence expressing the main point of this section of the speech.
A. Sub point [As with main points, sub points should be written in full-sentences.]
1. Sub-Sub point
2. Sub-sub point
B. Sub point
(Connective: Use a transition or other connective to help the audience move with you from one main point to the next.)
II. A single complete sentence expressing the main point of this section of the speech.
A. Sub point
B. Sub point
1. Sub-sub point
a. Sub-sub-sub point
b. Sub-sub-sub point
2. Sub-sub point
(Connective: Use a transition or other connective to help the audience move with you from one main point to the next.)
III. A Single complete sentence expressing the main point of this section of the speech.
A. Sub point
1. Sub-sub point
2. Sub-sub point
B. Sub point
1. Sub-sub point
2. Sub-sub point
3. Sub-sub point
C. Sub point
(Connective: Use a transition or other connective to help the audience move with you from one main point to the next.)

Conclusion
The conclusion should be written out word for word. Label the conclusion as a distinct section of the speech and make sure it fulfills both major objectives of a conclusion. (1) Let the audience know you are ending the speech; (2) Reinforce the audience’s understanding of, or commitment to, the central idea.

Bibliography
[Here you list complete citation for the research materials used in preparing your speech. The two major bibliographic formats are those recommended by the Modern Language Association (MLA) and American Psychological Association (APA).