Formal Outline Development
The Formal Outline is a document that details your presentation. It is NOT a manuscript. It provides clear, concise ideas and a visual framework for your thoughts. This includes, your 5-part introduction, 3-part conclusion, 3+ main points, support for main points, transitions, internal citations and source list.
The abbreviated definitions of each part are included. You may have more numbers/ letters than the ones listed, but you may NOT have less. If you have a 1, you must have a 2 (A must have a B). You may add another level to any main point (see main point 1 for an example; adjust as appropriate to your presentation).
Formal outlines are in complete sentences, but not complete thoughts. The statements on this outline require additional verbiage to be a comprehensive speech/ presentation. Outlines are typed with proper grammar, spelling and style.
Begin this process by developing your thesis statement and the main points that will support that statement. Then, support those points and develop your intro and conclusion.
Name: Title:
(Get the attention of the audience):
II. (Reveal Topic):
III. (Credibility: why are you qualified to talk about this?):
IV. (Goodwill: why does your audience need to know about this?):
V. (Central Idea/ Thesis):
Body
I. (Main Point 1): _________________________________________________________
A.
1.
2.
B. (Source: According to …. )
1.
2.
(Transition:_____________________________________________)
II. (Main Point 2): ________________________________________________________
A.
B. Source: According to …. )
(Transition:__________________________________________________)
III. (Main Point 3): ________________________________________________________
A.
B. Source: According to …. )
Conclusion
(Signal End of your presentation):
(Summarize: what is the most important information the audience should take away?):
(Memorable End: close with a memorable statement):
Source List:
1. (note: sources will not be numbered)
2.
3.
Formal Outline Sample
Descriptive Speech
Specific Goal: To pay tribute to Willie Gary’s for his hard work and determination throughout his life.
Introduction
How many of us felt like at one point that we weren’t going to make it?
Was the weight on our shoulders too heavy?
Willie E. Gray is an African American that fought from difficult circumstances to succeed.
He is one of my role models.
Today, I want to let you know that Willie E. Gary didn’t let that weight hold him down.
Thesis statement: Through childhood dreams, good ethics in the work force, and society inspirations, Mr. Gary became successful.
Body
Gary’s childhood dreams were definitely aspects that led to his success.
Gary’s triumphant rise to the top was no overnight success story.
He was one of the 11 children of Turner and Mary Gary.
Willie was born July 12th 1947 in Eastman, Georgia and raised in migrant farm communities in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas (www.williegary.com).
Gary says he still remembers the tiny shack where he lived in the Silver City settlement of Pahokee, Florida
Gary just didn’t stop at his childhood ages.
He was the first black male to go to college from the small town of Indiantown, where his family labored in the cane fields.
Gary took credentials as a Florida All-State High School football player to Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina (www.williegary.com).
Earning Bachelor’s degree in business administration.
(Willie Gary’s continues to carry his positive attitude to the work force.)
Hard work in the work force is apparently another great aspect to Willie’s success.
“The Giant Killer” is what Mr. Gary is labeled by his personal website (www.williegary.com).
This man was once a migrant, now he is a multi-millionaire attorney.
He has represented little known clients from major corp. and won more than 150 cases valued at a million dollars each (Gary, 2003).
Gary takes part in many organizations.
He is member of the National Bar Association, the American Bar Association, American Trial Assoc., Florida Academy of Trial Lawyers Assoc., Martin and St. Lucie County Bar Assoc., and the Million Dollar Verdict Club (McBride, 2001).
(Gary is a very unselfish individual and always willing to lend a hand.)
The third aspect to Willie’s success was through his motivational and inspirational speaking.
Delivering speeches are greatly valued throughout the U.S.
He speaks at law schools, universities, churches, chambers of commerce and other various groups.
He is committed to enhancing the lives of young children through education and drug prevention (Gary, 2003).
Mr. Gary’s interest goes even farther than the courtroom.
He owns a national television cable network, based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Willie is also Chairman and CEO of the major Broadcasting Cable Network, MBC (Gary, 2003).
Within this network, he holds personal interviews with nationally prominent guests.
Conclusion
Willie Gary is one of the great role models I look up to.
He is the type of person that inspires me to go the extra mile to complete what needs to be done.
I know if I keep on striving to do my best, I too will be successful.
So can you.
Sources
Gary, W. E. (2003) Interview. Lifestyle by Deven Beachum. 7 March 2003.
Gary, W. E. (2003) http://www.williegary.com/Gary/index.htm
McBride, P. M. (2001) Willie Gary. Black Collegian, 01923757, Oct.2001. vol.32,
Issue 1.