📝 Speech Structure · Lesson 7 of 9

Outlining Techniques

An outline is your blueprint. Before you write a word of your speech, outlining forces you to test the logic and flow. Most structural problems are easiest to fix at this stage — not after you've written everything.

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Two Outlines for Two Stages

Most speakers only use one outline format. The best speakers use two — one for planning, one for delivery. The diagram below shows both applied to the same speech.

Side-by-side comparison of a full-sentence planning outline and a keyword speaking outline for the same speech — Same speech — different format for each stage of preparation

💡 Tip: Write the full-sentence outline first. Once the logic is solid, strip it down to the keyword outline for rehearsal. Never rehearse from the full version — you'll end up reading.

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The Standard Hierarchy

Both outline types use the same three-level structure. The hierarchy keeps your main points, sub-points, and evidence visually distinct so you can spot imbalance instantly.

✓Roman numerals (I, II, III) — Main points — thesis, each body point, conclusion
✓Capital letters (A, B, C) — Sub-points — the evidence or steps supporting each main point
✓Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) — Supporting detail — specific facts, quotes, statistics

Applied to the example: II. Main Point 1 — The Problem A. 2025 study: fewer than 12% changed their workflows 1. Source: MIT Technology Review B. Root cause: shortcut mindset, not lack of access 1. Most users ask for answers — not better thinking

💡 Tip: If any Roman numeral entry has only one sub-point under it, either add another or cut it — a single sub-point usually means it belongs in the parent entry.

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Add Time Estimates

Write a target time next to every section of your outline. Discovering at the 8-minute mark that you have 15 minutes of material is one of the most common (and avoidable) speech problems.

✓Introduction — 10–15% of total time (1–2 min in a 10-min speech)
✓Each main point — ~25–33% of body time — balance them roughly equally
✓Conclusion — 10–15% of total time (1–2 min in a 10-min speech)

⚠️ Watch out: Always rehearse with a timer against your outline before adding slides or notes. If a section runs over, cut from the outline — not from delivery speed.

Key Takeaways

1Use a full-sentence outline to plan — it forces full articulation and reveals gaps
2Switch to a keyword outline to rehearse — prevents reading, keeps delivery natural
3Use Roman numerals → capital letters → Arabic numerals for hierarchy
4One sub-point under a main point is a structural warning sign
5Assign time targets to every section and rehearse with a timer

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Conclusion & Call to Action

Monroe's Motivated Sequence

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