Page 274 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking

Chapter 9 Organizing Messages 241

• Three sections—labeled introduction, body, and conclusion—each separately
outlined and beginning with the Roman numeral “I.”
• The introduction, including opening, thesis statement, connection with the
audience, and preview.
• The body, including main points, subpoints, supporting points, and further
support, and, if your instructor requires them, transitions (in parentheses)
between the main points.
• The conclusion, including a summary and a close.
• “References” or “Works Cited” (depending on whether you use APA or
MLA style). Specifi c quotations or facts drawn from a source should also
be cited in the main outline. Of course, you should check with your instruc-
tor about the specifi c outlining requirements, if any, for your class. Some
instructors prefer a different source citation system, for example, than the
ones discussed in this text. Appendix A provides a Guide for Source Cita-
tion using APA and MLA formats.
Outlines typically use a standard outline notation, which indicates the levels
of subordination of points:
I. Main point
A. Subpoint
1. Supporting point
a. Further support

Any subdivision should include at least two matching points. Thus an “A”
subpoint implies there should also be at least a “B.” Supporting point “1” should
be matched by at least a “2,” and further support “a” should be followed by at
least a “b.”
Many instructors prefer that outlines be written in complete sentences, at
least through the level of subpoints. This provides a clearer idea to your instruc-
tor of what you are going to say. Divide separate ideas into different sentences. If
you outline using paragraph form, what you really have is an essay with outline
notation scattered throughout. Thus, the following is not really in outline form:
I. The fi rst men on the moon were Americans. Neil Armstrong stepped out
fi rst. He was followed by Buzz Aldrin. At the same time, Michael Collins
orbited the moon.
This paragraph could be turned into the following outline:
I. The fi rst men on the moon were Americans.
A. Neil Armstrong stepped out fi rst.
B. He was followed by Buzz Aldrin.
C. At the same time, Michael Collins orbited the moon.
Notice how each sentence is placed in a separate point. The more general state-
ment is the main point, and the specifi c instances are subpoints.
Some aspects of an outline do not need to be in complete-sentence form. For
example, a speaker who wants to list the components of a larger whole, such as
ingredients or tools, could use an outline like this:
1. Cigarette smoke has three components:
a. Carbon monoxide
b. Nicotine
c. Tar