Informative Speech Outline Format (Use this format***) one visual aid is required*
INTRODUCTION
I. Attention-getter
II. Credibility (Describe your credibility.)
III. Relevance (Describe the importance of this topic. )
a. How is it relevant to contemporary society?
IV. Thesis (What is your goal for this presentation?)
V. Preview (Preview the main points that you will cover in your speech. This often acts as a transition into the body of the speech).
BODY*
VI. Background
a. Provide context for the story. (Where? When?)
b. Introduce the main characters/actors, if applicable. (Who was affected by the topic? From where did the topic come from?)
c. Describe the event/conflict. (What happened?)
d. Describe the ending/resolution. (How did the event/conflict end?)
Transition statement: Full-sentence transition
VII. Critical Question (This should match the thesis you introduced in the introduction.)
a. What was the inspiration for the question?
b. Who initially asked the question? (Is it an original question you created, or one asked by someone affected by the topic?)
c. What are the implications for asking/answering this question? (Why is it worthwhile to discuss?)
Transition statement: Full-sentence transition
VII. Informational Research
a. What are possible answers to the question?
b. What is the relationship between these answers? (Is the research in agreement? Are there disagreements?)
c. What is at stake in accepting any of the answers? (Who benefits from answering the question? How is life improved/affected by the possible answers?)
CONCLUSION*
IX. Final Commentary on Topic
a. Effects of the speech on you, the audience, the future, etc.
b. Long-term and/or unforeseen effects
X. Summary
XI. Memorable Closing
sometime in the speech….
Tell an interesting story related to the topic that creates interest for the audience and introduces your topic. This story can be a personal narrative of your own or a retelling of a story from the research you have done.
