Your Preparation Outline should follow this format:
Topic:
General Purpose: To inform
Specific Purpose: "As a result of my speech the audience will. . . "
Central Idea: (this should be a complete sentence that encapsulates the central idea and the specific main points you will develop in your speech)
Introduction: Clearly outline each of the specific requirements of a complete introduction (your outline should not say "will gain attention by. . ." instead outline the actual content- what you will say or present to gain attention and accomplish the other requirements)
I. Gain attention (need a creative and effective opening, do NOT open with "today I will be talking about. . .")
II. Relate to your audience and motivate them to listen (answer "why should I care?" for your aud.)
III. Establish your credibility (experience, connection to topic and list a few sources from your research, answer "how do you know?" for your audience)
IV. Preview the structure and specific points you'll cover on each side of the controversy
Body:
I. There are two organizational choices that work well. You must choose ONE, and ONLY ONE, of the following structure options to organize your presentation:
A. Option #1- Point-Counterpoint Structure: each main point would be an issue within the overall controversy (for example considering 1. "economic effects" 2. "moral arguments" and 3. "whether or not there other viable research options" surrounding the use of animals in scientific testing).
1. Each main point would have two sub-points:
2. The 1st sub-pt would be the arguments on one side of that issue (pro)
3. The 2ns sub-pt would be the arguments on the other side of that issue (con)
B. Option #2- Reasons Order: would have two main points
1. The first main point would support one side of the issue (pro or con)
a. with two or three sub-points which are the arguments supporting the pro or con position
2. The second main point would support the opposite side of the issue
a. with two or three sub-points which are the arguments supporting that opposite position
i. Your sub-points and sub-sub-points should be clearly developed, with citations for the source used to develop that point (indicate how you will verbally say your source (name of the author or title or sponsoring organization) and be sure the complete citation is in your bibliography.
C. Your outline should also show transitions, internal previews and summaries, and signposts.
II. Main Points must be written in complete sentences (not questions).
A. You must develop at least two supportive arguments for each side of the controversy
B. You must use at least three credible sources to support each side of the controversy
1. At least one source on each side must be less than 1 year old.
2. Your sources should be listed in complete correct format on your bibliography AND with clear citations where the information from those sources has been used during the presentation (indicate how you will verbally cite your sources as you use them).
III. You need to cite the scholarly source of all information used to support the arguments included in your speech, so we know where your research comes from.
Conclusion: (should clearly outline how you will fulfill the requirements for the conclusion.)
I. prepare audience for the ending
II. clear summary of main points
III. reinforced your central idea
IV. have a strong impact ending (call to action/memorable)
Include a Complete Bibliography at the end of your outline, using correct MLA format.