Used car - speech outline
                When the main points of your speech center on ideas that are more distinct from one another, a 
topical organization style may be engaged. In a topical speech, main points are developed 
separately and are generally connected together within the introduction and conclusion. In other 
words, the topical style is crafted around main points and sub-points that are mutually exclusive 
but related to one another by virtue of the thesis. It makes sense to use the topical style when 
elements are connected to one another because of their relationship to the whole. A topical speech 
about the composition of a newspaper company can be seen in the following textbox. The main points 
are linked together by the fact that they are all a part of the same business. Although they are 
related in that way, the topical style illustrates the ways in which the four different departments 
function apart from one another. In this example, the Oprah Winfrey (Chronological Arrangement) 
Thesis: Oprah’s career can be understood by four key, interconnected life stages. I. Oprah’s 
childhood was spent in rural Mississippi, where she endured sexual abuse from family members. II. 
Oprah’s early career was characterized by stints on local radio and television networks in 
Nashville and Chicago. III. Oprah’s tenure as host of the Oprah Winfrey Show began in 1986 and 
lasted until 2011, a period of time marked by much success. IV. Oprah’s most recent media venture 
is OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, which plays host to a variety of television shows including 
Oprah’s Next Chapter.
Chapter 8 Outlining and Organizing www.publicspeakingproject.org
8-5
topical style is a good fit because the four departments are equally important to the function of 
the newspaper company.
spatial
Another way to organize the points of a speech is through a spatial speech, which arranges main 
points according to their physical and geographic relationships. The spatial style is an especially 
useful organization style when the main point’s importance is derived from its location or 
directional focus. In other words, when the scene or the composition is a central aspect of the 
main points, the spatial style is an appropriate way to deliver key ideas. Things can be described 
from top to bottom, inside to outside, left to right, north to south, and so on. Importantly, 
speakers using a spatial style should offer commentary about the placement of the main points as 
they move through the speech, alerting audience members to the location changes. For instance, a 
speech about The University of Georgia might be arranged spatially; in this example, the spatial 
organization frames the discussion in terms of the campus layout. The spatial style is fitting 
since the differences in architecture and uses of space are related to particular geographic areas, 
making location a central organizing factor. As such, the spatial style highlights these location 
differences.
comparative
When you need to discuss the similarities and differences between two or more things, a comparative 
organizational pattern can be employed. In comparative speeches, speakers may choose to compare 
things a couple different ways. First, you could compare two or more things as whole (e.g., discuss 
all traits of an apple and then all traits of an orange). Second, you could compare these things 
element by element (e.g., color of each, smell of each, AND taste of each). Some topics that are 
routinely spoken about comparatively include different cultures, different types of transportation, 
and even different types of coffee. A comparative speech outline about eastern and western cultures 
could look like this. Composition of a Newspaper Company (Topical Arrangement) Thesis: The 
newspaper has four primary departments. I. The advertising department sells display advertisements 
to local and national businesses. II. The editorial department produces the written content of the 
newspaper, including feature stories. III. The production department lays out the pages and manages 
pre-press work such as distilling the pages and processing colors. IV. The business department 
processes payments from advertisers, employee paperwork, and the bi-weekly payroll. University of 
Georgia (Spatial Arrangement) Thesis: The University of Georgia is arranged into four distinct 
sections, which are characterized by architectural and disciplinary differences. I. In North 
Campus, one will find the University’s oldest building, a sprawling tree-lined quad, and the famous 
Arches, all of which are nestled against Athens’ downtown district. II. In West Campus, dozens of 
dormitories provide housing for the University’s large undergraduate population and students can 
regularly be found lounging outside or at one of the dining halls. III. In East Campus, students 
delight in newly constructed, modern buildings and enjoy the benefits of the University’s health 
center, recreational facilities, and science research buildings. IV. In South Campus, pharmacy, 
veterinary, and biomedical science students traverse newly constructed parts of campus featuring 
well-kept landscaping and modern architecture. Eastern vs. Western Culture (Comparison Arrangement) 
Thesis: There are a variety of differences between Eastern and Western cultures. I. Eastern 
cultures tend to be more collectivistic. II. Western cultures tend to be more individualistic. III. 
Eastern cultures tend to treat health issues holistically. IV. Western cultures tend to treat 
health issues more acutely.
Chapter 8 Outlining and Organizing www.publicspeakingproject.org
8-6
In this type of speech, the list of comparisons, which should be substantiated with further 
evidence, could go on for any number of main points. The speech could also compare how two or more 
things are more alike than one might think. For instance, a speaker could discuss how singers 
Madonna and Lady Gaga share many similarities both in aesthetic style and in their music.
problem-solution
Sometimes it is necessary to share a problem and a solution with an audience. In cases like these, 
the problem-solution speech is an appropriate way to arrange the main points of a speech. One 
familiar example of speeches organized in this way is the political speeches that presidential 
hopefuls give in the United States. Often, candidates will begin their speech by describing a 
problem created by or, at the very least, left unresolved by the incumbent. Once they have 
established their view of the problem, they then go on to flesh out their proposed solution. The 
problem-solution style is especially useful when the speaker wants to convince the audience that 
they should take action in solving some problem. A political candidate seeking office might frame a 
speech using the problem-solution style (sse texbox).
The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of 
the world's problems.
~ Mahatma Gandhi
This example illustrates the way in which a problem-solution oriented speech can be used to 
identify both a general problem (energy crisis) and a specific problem (incumbent’s lack of 
action). Moreover, this example highlights two kinds of solutions: a general solution and a 
solution that is dependent on the speaker’s involvement. The problem-solution speech is especially 
appropriate when the speaker desires to promote a particular solution as this offers audience 
members a way to become involved. Whether you are able to offer a specific solution or not, key to 
the problem-solution speech is a clear description of both the problem and the solution with clear 
links drawn between the two. In other words, the speech should make specific connections between 
the problem and how the solution can be engaged to solve it.
causal
Similar to a problem-solution speech, a causal speech informs audience members about causes and 
effects that have already happened. In other words, a causal organization style first addresses 
some cause and then shares what effects resulted. A causal speech can be particularly effective 
when the speaker wants to share the relationship between two things, like the creation of a vaccine 
to help deter disease. An example of how a causal speech about a shingles vaccine might be designed 
follows:
Presidential Candidate’s Speech (Problem-Solution Arrangement) Thesis: The US energy crisis can be 
solved by electing me as president since I will devote resources to the production of renewable 
forms of energy. I. The United States is facing an energy crisis because we cannot produce enough 
energy ourselves to sustain the levels of activity needed to run the country. (problem) II. The 
current administration has failed to invest enough resources in renewable energy practices. 
(problem) III. We can help create a more stable situation if we work to produce renewable forms of 
energy within the United States. (solution) IV. If you vote for me, I will ensure that renewable 
energy creation is a priority. (solution) Shingles Speech (Cause-Effect Arrangement) Thesis: The 
prevalence of the disease shingles led to the invention of a vaccine. I. Shingles is a disease that 
causes painful, blistering rashes in up to one million Americans every year. (cause) II. In 2006, a 
vaccine for shingles was licensed in the United States and has been shown to reduce the likelihood 
that people over 60 years old will get shingles. (effect)
Chapter 8 Outlining and Organizing www.publicspeakingproject.org
8-7
As the example illustrates, the basic components of the causal speech are the cause and the effect. 
Such an organizational style is useful when a speaker needs to share the results of a new program, 
discuss how one act led to another, or discuss the positive/negative outcomes of taking some 
action.
Every choice you make has an end result.
~ Zig Ziglar
Choosing an organizational style is an important step in the speechwriting process. As you 
formulate the purpose of your speech and generate the main points that you will need to include, 
selecting an appropriate organizational style will likely become easier. The topical, spatial, 
causal, comparative and chronological methods of arrangement may be better suited to informative 
speeches, whereas the refutation pattern may work well for a persuasive speech. Additionally, 
Chapter 16 offers additional organization styles suited for persuasive speeches, such as the 
refutation speech and Monroe’s Motivated Sequence (Monroe, 1949). Next, we will look at statements 
that help tie all of your points together and the formal mode of organizing a speech by using 
outlines.
connecting your main points
Since main points are discrete and interconnected ideas, and since every speech contains more than 
one main point, it is necessary to strategically make connections between one point and another. To 
link the ideas of your speech, you will need to develop 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” (Beebe & Beebe, 2005, p. 204). There are several 
ways to incorporate signposts into your speech, and it is important to do so since these small 
signals keep listeners engaged and informed about where you are in the speech. Transitional 
statements, internal previews, and summaries are all signposts that can help keep your speech 
moving along.
If you cry 'forward', you must without fail make plain in what direction to go.
~ Anton Chekhov
One way to connect points is to include transitional statements. Transitional statements are 
phrases or sentences that lead from one distinct-but-connected idea to another. They are used to 
alert audiences to the fact that you are getting ready to discuss something else. When moving from 
one point to another, your transition may just be a word or short phrase. For instance, you might 
say “next,” “also,” or “moreover.” You can also enumerate your speech points and signal transitions 
by starting each point with “First,” “Second,” “Third,” et cetera. The textbox above offers a short 
list of transitional statements that are helpful when you need to show similarity or difference 
between the points. You might also incorporate non-verbal transitions, such as brief pauses or a 
movement across the stage. Pausing to look at your audience, stepping out from behind a podium, or 
even raising or lowering the rate of your voice can signal to audience members that you are 
transitioning.
Another way to incorporate signposts into your speech is by offering internal previews within your 
speech. Internal previews, like the name implies, lay out what will occur during your speech. They 
tell the audience what to expect. Because audience members cannot flip back and forth between 
pages, internal previews help keep them on track and aware of what to be listening for and what to 
remember. Internal previews are similar to the preview statements you will learn about in the 
chapter on introductions and conclusions (Chapter 9), except that they appear within the 
Transitional Statements to Show Similarity and Difference To Show Similarity Between Points: ? 
“Similarly” ? “In the same way” ? “Also” ? “Likewise” ? “In other words” To Show Difference Between 
Points: ? “However” ? “Unlike the last point” ? “On the other hand” ? “Conversely” ? “In 
opposition” ? “Another view is that”
Chapter 8 Outlining and Organizing www.publicspeakingproject.org
8-8
body of your speech and are more small-scale than the broad preview you should provide at the 
beginning of your speech. In general, internal previews are longer than transitional statements. If 
you were giving a problem-solution speech, you might include a variation of this internal preview: 
“Now that I have described the problems, let’s now discuss some ways that we can solve these 
issues.” The internal preview offers a natural segue from problems to solutions and makes audience 
members aware that another point is about to be made.
When speeches are longer than a few minutes and include complex ideas and information, speakers 
often include summaries within the body of their speech. Summaries provide a recap of what has 
already been said, making it more likely that audiences will remember the points that they hear 
again. Additionally, summaries can be combined with internal previews to alert audience members 
that the next point builds on those that they have already heard.
The speaker below has just finished discussing several reasons trout habitats need federal 
protection, and next he will discuss some ways that audience members can agitate for government 
action on these issues. His combined internal preview and summary would look something like this:
So, in review, trout habitats need federal protection because they bear a large pollution burden, 
they mostly exist on private property, and they are indicators of other environmental health 
issues. Next, I will discuss some ways that you can encourage the federal government to protect 
these habitats
In this example, the speaker first reminds audience members of what he has already addressed and 
then tells them what he will talk about next. By repeating the main points in summary fashion, the 
speaker gives audience members another opportunity to consider his main ideas.
Good communication does not mean that you have to speak in perfectly formed sentences and 
paragraphs. It isn’t about slickness. Simple and clear go a long way.
~ John Kotter
outlining your speech
Most speakers and audience members would agree that an organized speech is both easier to present 
as well as more persuasive. Public speaking teachers especially believe in the power of organizing 
your speech, which is why they encourage (and often require) that you create an outline for your 
speech. Outlines, or textual arrangements of all the various elements of a speech, are a very 
common way of organizing a speech before it is delivered. Most extemporaneous speakers keep their 
outlines with them during the speech as a way to ensure that they do not leave out any important 
elements and to keep them on track. Writing an outline is also important to the speechwriting 
process since doing so forces the speakers to think about the main points and sub-points, the 
examples they wish to include, and the ways in which these elements correspond to one another. In 
short, the outline functions both as an organization tool and as a reference for delivering a 
speech.
outline types
There are two types of outlines. The first outline you will write is called the preparation 
outline. Also called a working, practice, or rough outline, the preparation outline is used to work 
through the various components of your speech in an inventive format. Stephen E. Lucas (2004) put 
it simply: “The preparation outline is just what its name implies—an outline that helps you prepare 
the speech” (p. 248). When writing the preparation outline, you should focus on finalizing the 
purpose and thesis statements, logically ordering your main points, deciding where supporting 
material should be included, and refining the overall organizational pattern of your speech. As you 
write the preparation outline, you may find it necessary to rearrange your points or to add or 
subtract supporting material. You may also realize that some of your main points are sufficiently 
supported while others are lacking. The final draft of your preparation outline should include full 
sentences, making up a complete script of your entire speech. In most cases, however, the 
preparation outline is reserved for planning purposes only and is translated into a speaking 
outline before you deliver the speech.
A speaking outline is the outline you will prepare for use when delivering the speech. The speaking 
outline is much more succinct than the preparation outline and includes brief phrases or words that 
remind the speakers of the points they need to make, plus supporting material and signposts (Beebe 
& Beebe, 2005). The words or phrases used on the speaking outline should briefly encapsulate all of 
the information needed to prompt the speaker to accurately deliver the speech. Although some cases 
call for reading a speech verbatim from the full-sentence outline, in most cases speakers will 
simply refer to their
Chapter 8 Outlining and Organizing www.publicspeakingproject.org
8-9
speaking outline for quick reminders and to ensure that they do not omit any important information. 
Because it uses just words or short phrases, and not full sentences, the speaking outline can 
easily be transferred to index cards that can be referenced during a speech.
outline structure
Because an outline is used to arrange all of the elements of your speech, it makes sense that the 
outline itself has an organizational hierarchy and a common format. Although there are a variety of 
outline styles, generally they follow the same pattern. Main ideas are preceded by Roman numerals 
(I, II, III, etc.). Sub-points are preceded by capital letters (A, B, C, etc.), then Arabic 
numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.), and finally lowercase letters (a, b, c, etc.). Each level of 
subordination is also differentiated from its predecessor by indenting a few spaces. Indenting 
makes it easy to find your main points, sub-points, and the supporting points and examples below 
them. Since there are three sections to your speech—introduction, body, and conclusion—your outline 
needs to include all of them. Each of these sections is titled and the main points start with Roman 
numeral I.
In addition to these formatting suggestions, there are some additional elements that should be 
included at the beginning of your outline: the title, topic, specific purpose statement, and thesis 
statement. These elements are helpful to you, the speechwriter, since they remind you what, 
specifically, you are trying to accomplish in your speech. They are also helpful to anyone reading 
and assessing your outline since knowing what you want to accomplish will determine how they 
perceive the elements included in your outline. Additionally, you should write out the transitional 
statements that you will use to alert audiences that you are moving from one point to another. 
These are included in parentheses between main points. At the end of the outlines, you should 
include bibliographic information for any outside resources you mention during the speech. These 
should be cited using whatever citations style your professor requires. The textbox entitled 
“Outline Formatting Guide” provides an example of the appropriate outline format.
If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.
~ Lao Tzu
preparation outline
This chapter contains the preparation and speaking outlines for a short speech the author of this 
chapter gave about how small organizations can work on issues related to climate change (see 
appendices). In this example, the title, specific purpose, thesis, and list of visual aids precedes 
the speech. Depending on your instructor’s requirements, you may need to include these details plus 
additional information. It is also a good idea to keep these details at the top of your document as 
you write the speech since they will help keep you on track to developing an organized speech that 
is in line with your specific purpose and helps prove your thesis. At the end of the chapter, in 
Appendix A, you can find a full length example of a Preparation (Full Sentence) Outline
Outline Formatting Guide Title: Organizing Your Public Speech Topic: Organizing public speeches 
Specific Purpose Statement: To inform listeners about the various ways in which they can organize 
their public speeches. Thesis Statement: A variety of organizational styles can used to organize 
public speeches. Introduction Paragraph that gets the attention of the audience, establishes 
goodwill with the audience, states the purpose of the speech, and previews the speech and its 
structure. (Transition) Body I. Main point A. Sub-point B. Sub-point C. Sub-point 1. Supporting 
point 2. Supporting point (Transition) II. Main point A. Sub-point 1. Supporting point a. Example 
b. Example 2. Supporting point B. Sub-point (Transition) Conclusion Paragraph that prepares the 
audience for the end of the speech, presents any final appeals, and summarizes and wraps up the 
speech. Bibliography
Chapter 8 Outlining and Organizing www.publicspeakingproject.org
8-10
speaking outline
In Appendix B, the Preparation Outline is condensed into just a few short key words or phrases that 
will remind speakers to include all of their main points and supporting information. The 
introduction and conclusion are not included since they will simply be inserted from the 
Preparation Outline. It is easy to forget your catchy attention-getter or final thoughts you have 
prepared for your audience, so it is best to include the full sentence versions even in your 
speaking outline.
using the speaking outline
Once you have prepared the outline and are almost ready to give your speech, you should decide how 
you want to format your outline for presentation. Many speakers like to carry a stack of papers 
with them when they speak, but others are more comfortable with a smaller stack of index cards with 
the outline copied onto them. Moreover, speaking instructors often have requirements for how you 
should format the speaking outline. Whether you decide to use index cards or the printed outline, 
here are a few tips. First, write large enough so that you do not have to bring the cards or pages 
close to your eyes to read them. Second, make sure you have the cards/pages in the correct order 
and bound together in some way so that they do not get out of order. Third, just in case the 
cards/pages do get out of order (this happens too often!), be sure that you number each in the top 
right corner so you can quickly and easily get things organized. Fourth, try not to fiddle with the 
cards/pages when you are speaking. It is best to lay them down if you have a podium or table in 
front of you. If not, practice reading from them in front of a mirror. You should be able to look 
down quickly, read the text, and then return to your gaze to the audience.
Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex... It takes a touch of genius - and a 
lot of courage to move in the opposite direction.
~ Albert Einstein
conclusion
If you have been using this chapter to guide you through the organizational stages of writing your 
speech, you have likely discovered that getting organized is very challenging but also very 
rewarding. Like cleaning up a messy kitchen or organizing your closet, doing the more tedious work 
of organizing your speech is an activity you will appreciate most once it is done. From the very 
beginning stages of organization, like choosing a topic and writing a thesis statement, to deciding 
how best to arrange the main points of your speech and outlining, getting organized is one step 
toward an effective and engaging speech or presentation.
Had Meg, the student mentioned in the opening anecdote, taken some time to work through the 
organizational process, it is likely her speech would have gone much more smoothly when she 
finished her introduction. It is very common for beginning speakers to spend a great deal of their 
time preparing catchy introductions, fancy PowerPoint presentations, and nice conclusions, which 
are all very important. However, the body of any speech is where the speaker must make effective 
arguments, provide helpful information, entertain, and the like, so it makes sense that speakers 
should devote a proportionate amount of time to these areas as well. By following this chapter, as 
well as studying the other chapters in this text, you should be prepared to craft interesting, 
compelling, and organized speeches.
Chapter 8 Outlining and Organizing www.publicspeakingproject.org
8-11
chapter review questions and activities
review questions
1. Name three questions you should ask yourself when selecting a topic.
2. What is the difference between a general and specific purpose statement? Write examples of each 
for each of these topics: dog training, baking a cake, climate change.
3. How does the thesis statement differ from the specific purpose statement?
4. Which speech organization style arranges points by time? Which one arranges points by direction? 
Which one arranges points according to a five-step sequence?
5. Which speech organization styles are best suited for persuasive speeches?
6. Define signpost. What are three types of signposts?
7. What is the correct format for a speech outline?
activities
1. Reverse outlining.
During a classmate's speech, pay special attention to the organization style that he or she 
employs. As they give their speech, try to construct an outline based on what you hear. If your 
classmate has followed many of the suggestions provided in this and other chapters, you should be 
able to identify and replicate the structure of the speech. Compare your "reverse" outline with the 
speaking outline. Discuss any areas of discrepancy.
2. Topic Proposal Workshop.
Often, selecting a topic can be one of the most challenging steps in developing a speech for your 
class. Prior to class, review the textbox "Questions for selecting a topic" on page 8-2. Answer 
these questions and choose a tentative topic. Write up a short paragraph about your topic that 
describes its importance, why it interests you, and what you would like to convey to an audience 
about your proposed topic. In class, meet with two or three additional students to discuss and 
workshop each of your topics. As you discuss your topic with others, jot down what questions they 
had, what aspects they seemed to find most interesting, and any suggestions your peers might have. 
Once the workshop is complete, proceed with narrowing your topic to something manageable.
Chapter 8 Outlining and Organizing www.publicspeakingproject.org
8-12
glossary
Chronological Speech
A speech in which the main points are delivered according to when they happened and could be traced 
on a calendar or clock.
Comparative Speech
A speech in which two or more objects, ideas, beliefs, events, places, or things are compared or 
contrasted with one another.
Causal Speech
A speech that informs audience members about causes and effects that have already happened.
General Purpose Statement
The overarching goal of a speech; for instance, to inform, to persuade, to inspire, to celebrate, 
to mourn, or to entertain.
Internal Previews
Short descriptions of what a speaker will do and say during a speech; may be at the beginning and 
within the body of a speech.
Main Points
The key pieces of information or arguments contained within a talk or presentation.
Monroe’s Motivated Sequence
An organization style that is designed to motivate the audience to take a particular action and is 
characterized by a five-step sequence: (1) attention, (2) need, (3) satisfaction, (4), 
visualization, and (5) action appeal.
Organizational Styles
Templates for organizing the main points of a speech that are rooted in traditions of public 
discourse and can jumpstart the speechwriting process.
Outline
Hierarchal textual arrangement of all the various elements of a speech.
Parallel Structure
Main points that are worded using the same structure.
Preparation Outline
A full-sentence outline that is used during the planning stages to flesh out ideas, arrange main 
points, and to rehearse the speech; could be used as a script if presenting a manuscript style 
speech.
Problem-Solution Speech
A speech in which problems and solutions are presented alongside one another with a clear link 
between a problem and its solution.
Refutation Speech
A speech that anticipates the audience’s opposition, then brings attention to the tensions between 
the two sides, and finally refutes them using evidential support.
Rhetorical Situation
According to Lloyd Bitzer, "a complex of persons, events, objects, and relations presenting an 
actual or potential exigence which can be completely or partially removed if discourse, introduced 
into the situation, can so constrain human decision or action as to bring about the significant 
modification of the exigence" (1968, p. 6).
Signposts
According to Beebe and Beebe, “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” (2005, p. 204).
Spatial Speech
A speech in which the main points are arranged according to their physical and geographic 
relationships.
Speaking Outline
A succinct outline that uses words or short phrases to represent the components of a speech and 
that is used during speech delivery.
Specific Purpose Statement
A sentence of two that describe precisely what the speech is intended to do.
Sub-Points
Information that is used to support the main points of a speech.
Summaries
Short recaps of what has already been said; used to remind the audience of the points already 
addressed.
Thesis Statement
A one- or two-sentence encapsulation of the main points of a speech, also called the central idea.
Topical Speech
A speech in which main points are developed separately and are generally connected together within 
the introduction and conclusion.
Transitional Statements
Phrases or sentences that lead from one distinct-but-connected idea to another.
Chapter 8 Outlining and Organizing www.publicspeakingproject.org
8-13
references
Beebe, S. A. & Beebe, S. J. (2003). The public speaking handbook (5th edition). Boston: Pearson.
Bower, G. H. (1990). Organizational factors in memory. Cognitive Psychology, 1, 18-46.
Bitzer, L. (1968). The rhetorical situation. Philosophy & Rhetoric, 1(1), 1-14.
Lucas, Stephen E. (2004). The art of public speaking (8th edition). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Monroe, A. H. (1949). Principles and types of speech. Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman and Company.
O’Hair, D., Stewart, R., Rubenstein, H. (2004). A speaker’s guidebook: Text and reference (2nd 
edition). Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
Verderber, R. F., Verderber, K. S., & Sellnow, D. D. (2008). The challenge of effective speaking 
(14th edition). Belmont, CA: Thomson Learning.
Zarefsky, D. (2010). Public speaking: Strategies for success (6th edition). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
photo credits
p. 3 Bog Turtle by R.G. Tucker
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bog_turtle_sunning.jpg
p. 4 Oscar Mayer Wienermobile byJalopnik
http://jalopnik.com/5310348/ten+pack-of-dogs-history-of-the-wienermobile/gallery/1
p. 4 Mac vs PC
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2011/TECH/web/04/22/mac.pc.users/t1larg.mac.pc.2.jpg
p. 5 Rio Nido Mudslide by Dave Gately
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:FEMA_-_1337_-_Photograph_by_Dave_Gatley_taken_on_03-01-
1998_in_California.jpg
p. 8 Rainbow Trout by Jonathunder
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Trout.jpg
p. 8 Mayor Carol Shafto by Michigan Municipal League
http://www.flickr.com/photos/michigancommunities/6228314099/
p. 10 Maj. Gen John Nichols by Texas Military Forces
http://www.flickr.com/photos/texasmilitaryforces/5560449970/
Chapter 8 Outlining and Organizing www.publicspeakingproject.org
8-14
Appendix A Example Preparation (Full Sentence) Outline
Title: For the Fish: Climate Work By and For Fishers
Specific Purpose: To persuade trout fishers that climate change is a threat to coldwater fisheries 
and that they should organize to create collective change to the environmental issues surrounding 
climate change.
Thesis: Trout fisheries are endangered by climate change, but fishers can (and should) work to 
mitigate these issues.
Visual Aids: PowerPoint presentation
Introduction
Most of you have heard about climate change and have wondered whether or how it might be affecting 
trout fisheries. Unfortunately, climate scientists’ predictions about climate change seem to 
indicate that trout fisheries may bear a number of consequences if climate change continues to go 
unbridled. However, we also know that many of the worst effects of climate change can be mitigated 
if we engage in collective action now. In this speech, I will begin by offering a brief history of 
climate science, then describe how these issues affect trout fisheries, and finally offer some 
examples of how we can personally and collectively work to mitigate these issues.
Body
I. Climate change is not a recent invention of a few liberal scientists. On the contrary, 
scientists have been talking about climate change since the mid-1800s (Weart, 2009).
A. In 1859, Tyndall discovers some gases block infrared radiation. He believes this may cause a 
change in climate.
B. In 1896, Arrhenius publishes the first calculation of global warming from human CO2 emissions.
C. From 1870-1920, the Second Industrial Revolution takes place.
D. In 1938, Callendar argues that CO2 greenhouse global warming is under way.
[… history lesson proceeds …]
(Summary: In short, this history lesson teaches us that Earth has been getting warmer.)
(Preview: Next, let’s look at how climate change may be affecting trout fisheries.)
II. Climate change appears to have some serious consequences for trout fisheries. I will discuss 
four ways in which climate change may be said to negatively influence trout fisheries.
A. First, changing weather patterns brings more or less water to some parts of Earth.
1. Trout fisheries rely on a steady flow of clean, cold water. Too much or too little can quickly 
destroy trout habitats.
2. Some areas may experience severe droughts, another threat to trout fisheries.
B. Second, warming land and aquatic temperatures lead to a reduction in available trout habitat.
1. Changing temperatures influence predator/prey patterns.
2. Habitat reduction due to warmer temperatures may increase competition between cold- and warm- 
water fishes.
C. Third, stream flow patterns may change, affecting availability of aquatic insects.
And fourth, brook trout may be especially vulnerable.
1. Previous brook trout decimation has been related to habitat loss.
2. Climate change could exacerbate this by causing further habitat destruction.
(Summary: Although these challenges are large scale, there is some hope that we can mitigate these 
issues.)
Chapter 8 Outlining and Organizing www.publicspeakingproject.org
8-15
(Preview: Next, I will discuss some ways that individuals and collectives can help reverse some of 
the issues caused by climate change.)
III. There are two key areas in which we can mitigate climate change: personal actions and 
collective actions.
A. Personally, individuals can make changes in their everyday lives (Sorenen, 2008).
1. Individuals can reduce CO2 emissions by driving less or not at all. Instead they could ride a 
bike or take public transit.
2. Individuals can also reduce energy consumption by changing usage patterns, like drying their 
clothes outside instead of using an electric dryer.
3. Individuals could help alleviate one of the largest contributors to climate change, 
overpopulation, by preventing unwanted births.
B. Collectively, there are several actions we can take to mitigate climate change (Cuomo, 2010).
1. Collectives should lobby policy makers to make serious changes:
a. Reduce fossil fuel consumption.
b. Create caps on industrial emissions.
c. Encourage and support renewable and sustainable energy.
2. U.S. should support Kyoto Treaty, which was passed in 2005.
Conclusion
It should be clear at this point that climate change is an issue that trout fishers will have to 
deal with in the future. Although the issues are large and daunting, I have provided some clear 
examples of how we can both personally and collectively mitigate these issues. I hope you will 
consider taking at least some of my advice today. I will leave you with something that Henrik 
Tikkanen once said: “Because we don’t think about future generations, they will never forget us.”
Chapter 8 Outlining and Organizing www.publicspeakingproject.org
8-16
Appendix B Example Speaking Outline (Excluding Introduction and Conclusion)
I. Climate science is not new (Weart, 2009).
A. 1859 – Tyndall
B. 1896 – Arrhenius
C. 1870-1920 – Second Industrial Revolution
D. 1938 – Callendar
[… history lesson proceeds …]
(Summary: In short, this history lesson teaches us that Earth has been getting warmer.)
(Preview: Next, let’s look at how climate change may be affecting trout fisheries.)
II. Climate change is bad for trout in four ways.
A. Weather patterns
1. Too much/little rain is bad
2. Droughts
B. Warming leads to habitat reduction
1. Predator/prey patterns.
2. Competition between cold- and warm-water fishes.
C. Stream flow patterns may change
D. Brook trout vulnerable
1. Population decimated by habitat loss
2. Exacerbated by climate change
(Summary: Although these challenges are large scale, there is some hope that we can mitigate these 
issues.)
(Preview: Next, I will discuss some ways that individuals and collectives can help reverse some of 
the issues caused by climate change.)
III. Personal and collective mitigation
A. Personal (Sorenen, 2008)
1. Reduce CO2 emissions
2. Reduce energy consumption
3. Birth control
B. Collective (Cuomo, 2010)
1. Lobby for:
a. Reduce fossil fuel consumption
b. Create caps on industrial emissions
c. Encourage and support renewable and sustainable energy
2. Support Kyoto