Unit 10: Outlining
This unit explores the use of outlining in preparation for giving a speech. In this unit and the next, consider critically the authors' recommendation to favor sentence outlines over keyword outlines. Sometimes, the use of sentence outlines needs to be balanced with an inexperienced speaker's tendency to produce a manuscript rather than a speech. Unit 11 will emphasize using language designed for the ear rather than the eye when presenting a speech. Many would argue that sentence outlines can interfere with that process. Moreover, sentence outlines allow a speaker to be less familiar with a topic and thus less flexible in presenting it, even if, as the textbook also recommends, the sentence outline is converted to keywords and phrases on cue cards. Lastly, sentence outlines can make a speaker dependent on pre-planned phrasing rather than addressing the audience through a natural, conversational style. As a result of these potential pitfalls, pay particular attention to the "tricks" described at the end of the chapter, which are designed to avoid reliance on reading and/or on words that were originally written "for the eye rather than the ear".
Completing this unit should take you approximately 4 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- explain the functions of an outline for a public presentation;
- contrast the three types of outlines: working outline, full-sentence outline, and speaking outline;
- compare the use of notecards, manuscripts, and outlines when delivering a speech; and
- identify the five principles of outline creation: singularity, consistency, adequacy, uniformity, and parallelism.
10.1: The Benefits of Outlining
Read the chapter 12 introduction and section 12.1. These sections introduce outlining, which enables a speaker to evaluate their plans before finalizing their speech. Pay attention to how outlines can be used to test the scope, logic, relevance, and balance of your content. Complete the exercises at the end of the section.
Read chapter 8, which discusses selecting a topic, formulating a specific purpose, crafting a thesis statement, arranging the main points in a meaningful order, developing transitions, and constructing a speaking outline.
Watch this video, which reviews the benefits and process of outlining and why notecards can be useful.
10.2: Types of Outlines
This section focuses on the three functional types of outlines: working, full-sentence, and speaking. Decide what kind of outline is best for you based on how well you can speak independently of your drafts. You may want to avoid writing complete sentences in your preparations except when presenting direct quotes from your sources. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.
10.3: Using Outlining for Success
This section covers singularity, consistency, adequacy, uniformity, and parallelism. Putting these finishing touches on an outline will help you become more familiar with your plan and increase your confidence. This familiarity and confidence will make delivering your speech that much easier. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.
10.4: Unit 10 Exercises
After you finish this unit, respond to these activities. If you get any of the questions incorrect, review that material from the chapter.