Chapter 9 Notes on Outlining and Speaking Outlines

9.1 Outlining Tips

• Core rationale for outlining
  • Outlining helps you organize ideas logically and reveals relationships among ideas.
  • Develops critical thinking: identifies where you need more support and checks body balance.
  • Helps examine whether points are presented logically and how transitions link introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Abbreviated outlines serve as memory and delivery aids during the speech.
  • A well-developed outline reduces public speaking anxiety; more preparation correlates with greater confidence (link to Chapter 2).
  • Outlining supports better grades by clarifying major claims, supporting material, and conclusions; aids synthesis of lectures and exam prep.
• Outlining as a skill across contexts
  • In reading texts, outlining clarifies major claims, evidence, and conclusions.
  • In lectures, outlining helps organize and synthesize material efficiently; useful in any career for organizing information.
• Outlines to prepare speech
  • You will develop a detailed preparation outline and a condensed speaking outline.
• Key elements to prepare: purpose, thesis, organization, title
  • State general and specific purposes, thesis statement, organizational pattern.
  • Provide a working title that captures attention and aligns with purpose and thesis.
  • Including purpose, thesis, organization, and title helps assess whether the speech will accomplish its stated purpose.
• Labeling: Introduction, Body, Conclusion as separate elements
  • Distinguish these sections to evaluate their functions and ensure all required elements are included.
  • Helps ensure the introduction leads into the body and the conclusion closes effectively.
• Consistent pattern of symbols
  • Common approach uses Roman numerals for sections: I. Introduction, II. Body, III. Conclusion.
  • Main points: A, B, C; Subpoints: 1, 2, 3; Sub-subpoints: a, b, c.
  • Subordination means organizing from most to least important; coordination means same level points share same importance.
  • Indentation reflects levels of detail; there are multiple formats, so check instructor requirements.
• Include transitions
  • Transitions are critical between introduction and body, between main points, and between body and conclusion.
  • Writing out transitions helps detect overused phrases and clarifies flow.
  • Consider adding internal summaries and/or previews to clarify claims.
• Integrate supporting material
  • After main points are established, insert relevant supporting materials (statistics, testimony, personal examples, etc.).
  • Balance the types of support across claims; adjust if over- or under-utilized.
  • Oral citation guidelines from Chapter 8 boost credibility; citing sources accurately increases audience trust.
• Provide a list of references
  • Outline should include consulted references; MLA or APA formats commonly used in communications.
  • APA style guidance is provided (Table 9.1) along with Style Wizard resources for citation styles.
• Homework prompts (contextual guidance)
  • 9.1a: Answer why outlining is important.
  • 9.1b: Reflect on what parts might be forgotten without an outline.
  • 9.1c: Consider how missing parts affect the audience.
• If Media/Interactive assignments apply, refer to them as directed by instructor.

9.2 Knowledge PPK

• Define the preparation outline (definition emphasized in text):

  • A detailed outline that includes the title, general and specific purpose, organizational pattern, introduction, main points and subpoints, transitions, and references.

• Seven guidelines for developing a preparation outline (list expected in text prompts):

  • Define purpose, thesis, organizational pattern, and title clearly.
  • Use complete sentences in the preparation outline.
  • Label the introduction, body, and conclusion as separate elements.
  • Use a consistent pattern of symbols (I, II, III; A, B, C; 1, 2, 3; a, b, c).
  • Include transitions to connect sections and points.
  • Integrate supporting materials with balanced types of evidence.
  • Provide a references list and ensure proper citations.

• Why write the preparation outline in complete sentences?

  • Facilitates evaluation of overall merits and credibility of sources; helps audience understand material.
  • Audiences with audience-relevance points stay engaged and can relate to the material.

• Sample preparation outline with commentary (informative eight-minute speech): Colosseum case study

  • Specific Purpose: To inform the audience about the Roman Colosseum.
  • Thesis/Central Idea: Understanding the Colosseum’s historical impact requires exploring architectural wonders, the terror of the games, and restoration plans.
  • Organizational Pattern: Topical
  • I. Introduction
  • A. Attention Getter: Vivid scenario of entering the arena; 50,000 spectators; death-obsessed atmosphere; 15-foot wall; gladiator context.
  • B. Relevance Statement: Link to modern sports culture (e.g., ISU Redbird Arena) and Alan Baker’s assertion about ancient games influencing today’s athletes.
  • C. Credibility: History major; tour of Ancient Rome; personal engagement.
  • D. Thesis: Reiterates the three focus areas (architecture, games, restoration).
  • E. Preview: Lay foundation (design/construction); day in the games; restoration plans.
  • Transition: “To begin, we will lay the foundation by describing its design and construction.”
  • II. Body
  • A. Construction
    • 1. Vespasian commissioned construction (Pearson, 1973).
    • 2. Construction considered pure genius; 80 entrances; numbered staircases for rapid exit of ~5.0\times 10^4 people in ~3 minutes.
    • a. Floor design: sand-covered arena floor; absorbed blood; concealed tunnels, trapdoors, and pulley systems akin to elevators.
    • b. Transition: move to a day at the games.
  • B. A Day at the Games (compared to Redbird Arena)
    • 1. Admission often free for citizens at inception.
    • 2. Fights between wild animals (example pairings: lions vs tigers; bears vs bulls).
    • 3. Lunchtime executions: crucifixions, burning alive, beasts; molten lead per Roman punishment (Baker citation).
    • 4. Gladiatorial combat (video clip example).
    • Transition: now we explore restoration plans.
  • C. Present Life
    • 1. Telemachus’ intervention and subsequent ban of gladiatorial combat; continued animal fights for ~100 more years; stone removal and overgrowth mid-downtime.
    • 2. Restoration project (National Geographic, 2001): estimated duration 8 years; budget 18{,}000{,}000; plans to host Greek plays and gladiatorial exhibitions.
    • a. Transition: restoration as holistic integration of glory and doom (per Futrell, 1997).
  • III. Conclusion
  • A. Thesis/Summary: Colosseum’s influence on civilization; its genius; bloodshed; hope for reduced violence after restoration.
  • B. Memorable Close: Bede quote on the enduring significance of the Colosseum and Rome.

• Sample speaking outline with commentary (for transforming preparation outline into a delivery-focused guide)

  • Structure mirrors the preparation outline but uses keywords and explicit delivery cues.
  • Notable features:
  • Eye contact prompts (EYE CONTACT) and delivery cues like PAUSE, HAND GESTURE, etc.
  • Incorporates references (Baker, Pearson) with abbreviated citations in the speaking outline.
  • Transitions labeled to mark movement between sections.
  • Example given: I. Introduction; II. Body; III. Conclusion; with subpoints such as Construction, Redbird Arena, Present Life, and a concluding transition.
  • The speaking outline emphasizes legibility, briefness, and prompts for tempo, emphasis, and gaze.
  • The aim is to avoid reading from full sentences and to engage the audience through delivery rather than manuscript reading.

• 9.1 Speaking Outline (summary of differences and use)

  • A speaking outline is a memory/delivery aid and keeps you aligned with the preparation outline.
  • It uses KEY WORDS rather than full sentences and may include delivery notes (pauses, eye contact, gestures).
  • It is easier to read in real time; practice helps determine which elements to include or omit.
  • Both outlines follow the same general form; the speaking outline emphasizes performance cues and brevity.

9.3 Knowledge PPK

• Define speaking outline (per text prompts):
  • A brief outline that supports memory during delivery; often includes delivery notes and cues.
• Four suggestions for developing a speaking outline (as per text prompts):
  • Follow the same framework as the preparation outline (introduction, body, conclusion).
  • Ensure legibility and concise wording; type with large fonts and generous margins.
  • Keep the outline concise to maintain eye contact and avoid reading from notes.
  • Include delivery cues (e.g., pause, eye contact, gesture) to guide performance.
• Relationship between preparation and speaking outlines
  • Preparation outline provides full sentences and detailed content.
  • Speaking outline uses keywords and cues for live delivery.
  • Both are essential: the preparation outline for planning and the speaking outline for effective delivery.
• Questions and prompts (PPA 9.3a/b) related to speaking outlines
  • What is the difference between a speaking outline and a preparation outline? Why is it necessary to do both?
  • What happens if you put too much information on your speaking outline?

SAMPLE OUTLINES WITH COMMENTARY (Illustrative excerpts)

• SAMPLE PREPARATION OUTLINE WITH COMMENTARY (Eight-minute informative speech example: Colosseum)
  • I. Introduction
  • Eye-catching attention getter; relevance; credibility; thesis; preview.
  • II. Body
  • A. Construction
    • Key facts and citations (Pearson, 1973); 80 entrances with numbered staircases enabling ~5.0\times 10^4 exit in ~3 minutes; sand floor, tunnels, pulleys.
  • B. A Day at the Games
    • Free admission in ancient times; animal fights; lunchtime executions; gladiator combat with video clip (transition cue).
  • C. Present Life/Post-Construction
    • Telemachus’ intervention; restoration planning with National Geographic (2001); cost and duration; future uses.
  • III. Conclusion
  • Summary and memorable closing quote (Bede).
• SAMPLE SPEAKING OUTLINE WITH COMMENTARY
  • Mirrors the preparation outline but with cues: EYE CONTACT, HAND GESTURE, PAUSE, transitions, and abbreviated content.
  • Highlights the practical use of delivery prompts to maintain audience engagement.

9.1 Summary and Practical Guidance

• Outlining ties together information literacy and critical thinking across the course content.
• Key elements of effective outlining:
  • Identify key elements in the speech (purpose, thesis, organization, transitions, references).
  • Use a consistent symbol system and clear labeling (I, II, III; A, B, C; 1, 2, 3).
  • Include transitions; integrate supporting materials; provide references.
  • Write the preparation outline in complete sentences; write the speaking outline in keywords with delivery cues.
  • Adapt material for audience relevance to sustain engagement.
• In practice, the speaking outline supports dynamic delivery and discourages simply reading a manuscript.

Key Terms

• body, conclusion, coordination, introduction, preparation outline, references, speaking outline, subordination, supporting materials

References and Citations (APA/MLA guidance mentioned in chapter)

• APA Style Guide references (Table 9.1 examples):
  • Baxter, L. A. (1987). Cognition and communication in the relationship process. In R. Burnett, P. McGhee, & D. Clarke (Eds.), Accounting for relationships: Explanation, representation, and knowledge (pp. 192-212). London: Methuen.
  • Conville, R. L. (1991). Relational transitions: The evolution of personal relationships. New York, NY: Praeger.
  • Brown, P., & Levinson, S. (1987). Politeness: Some universals in language usage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • Hunt, E. C. (n.d.). Exploring the roots of modern rap. Retrieved from http://onlineoriginals.com/showitem.asp?itemID=2178
  • Fidelity Investments. (1993). Fidelity Brokerage Services handbook (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Author.
• The references section demonstrates formats for journal articles, electronic sources, online journals, and broadcast formats.

Practical implications and real-world relevance

• Strong outlining skills improve clarity, coherence, and audience engagement in any public speaking context.
• Preparation outlines support critical thinking and information literacy; speaking outlines support confident, audience-centered delivery.
• Recognizing the relationship between structure (subordination, coordination) and content quality helps in organizing lectures, presentations, and exams.
• Understanding citation formats (APA/MLA) improves credibility and ethical use of sources.

Connections to foundational principles

• Aristotle’s three points of persuasion (ethos, logos, pathos) underpin the emphasis on purpose, evidence, and delivery in outlines.
• The principles of subordination and coordination reflect basic rhetorical organization: major ideas should be presented in a way that their relative importance is clear, and related ideas should be grouped consistently.
• The concept of transitions echoes how introductions and conclusions function to frame and close arguments, ensuring cohesion across the speech.

Formatted references to numerical and factual details (examples)

• Colosseum construction: entrances = 80; spectators = 5.0\times 10^4; exit time ≈ 3 minutes.
• A day at the games: reported animal pairings and events; lunchtime executions included crucifixions, burning, and molten lead,
  with scholarly citation to Baker (2001).
• Restoration project: duration 8 years; budget 18{,}000{,}000; planned use to host Greek plays and gladiatorial exhibitions.
• Timeframes: built roughly 2{,}000 years ago; references note historical context around 1{,}900 years ago.

Quick study prompts (to reinforce key points)

• What are the three major purposes of outlining, per Aristotle and the chapter?
  • Means of producing persuasion, language, arrangement.
• What is the difference between a preparation outline and a speaking outline?
  • Preparation outline is full-sentence, detailed; speaking outline is brief, keyword-based with delivery cues.
• Why are transitions important in outlines?
  • They connect sections and help manage pacing and coherence; they also aid in avoiding repetitive phrasing.
• What is subordination vs. coordination?
  • Subordination ranks ideas from most to least important; coordination ensures points on the same level carry equal importance.