Outlining

Summary

This video script emphasizes the importance of structuring and planning in both art and public speaking. It draws a parallel between the challenge of freehand drawing and delivering a speech without an outline. The script explains the two types of outlines: the preparation outline, which is detailed and provides speech structure, and the delivery outline, which is a concise set of keywords and phrases for extemporaneous speaking. It also covers the principles of coordination and subordination in outlining, ensuring a balanced and well-supported speech. The message is clear: thorough preparation and a good outline are key to success in both art and oratory.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Freehand drawing is a metaphor for public speaking, where some may struggle without guidance or structure.
• 🗣️ Public speaking requires an 'outline' to ensure a well-organized, balanced, and coherent speech.
• 📝 Two types of outlines are mentioned: the preparation outline and the delivery outline, each serving different purposes.
• 📋 The preparation outline is detailed, with full sentences, and includes parts like introduction, body, conclusion, and transitions.
• 🔑 Key elements to include in the preparation outline are the topic, purpose, central idea, and organizational pattern.
• 📑 The delivery outline is a condensed version with keywords and phrases, aiding in extemporaneous speaking.
• 👀 Delivery outlines can include delivery cues like 'make eye contact' or 'slow down' to guide the speaker's performance.
• 🔄 Coordination and subordination are principles to follow in outlining, ensuring logical flow and emphasis.
• ⚖️ Balance is crucial in speeches; each main point should have at least one supporting point to avoid an unbalanced presentation.
• 🔍 If a main point lacks supporting evidence, consider more research, re-evaluation, or combining it with other points.
• 💡 The quality of a speech is closely tied to the quality of its outline, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation.

Q & A

What is the significance of drawing a comparison between freehand drawing and public speaking in the script?

The script uses the analogy of freehand drawing to illustrate the importance of structure and guidance in public speaking. Just as a lack of artistic skill can lead to unrecognizable drawings, a lack of preparation can result in a poorly delivered speech.

What are the two basic types of outlines mentioned for speech preparation?

The two basic types of outlines for speech preparation are the preparation outline and the delivery outline.

What is the purpose of a preparation outline in speech writing?

A preparation outline serves as a document that provides the speech's focus and structure, ensuring it is well-organized, balanced, properly supported with evidence, and has adequate transitions.

How should a preparation outline be formatted according to the script?

A preparation outline should be written in full sentences, follow the principles of coordination and subordination, and include labels for each part of the speech such as introduction, body, conclusion, transitions, and objectives.

What is the purpose of a delivery outline in contrast to a preparation outline?

A delivery outline is a brief version of the preparation outline, consisting of keywords and phrases on notecards, which serves as the foundation for extemporaneous delivery, providing essential points without full sentence details.

Why is it important to include delivery cues in a delivery outline?

Delivery cues such as 'make eye contact' or 'slow down' are included to remind the speaker how to best deliver the speech, enhancing the overall presentation.

What does coordination mean in the context of speech outlines?

Coordination in speech outlines refers to the practice of using the same numbering or lettering pattern and indentation level for points of equal emphasis and importance.

What is the concept of subordination in speech outlines?

Subordination is the concept where some points are intended to support broader points and are therefore indented one level further, following the main points they support.

Why is it important to balance the information presented in a speech?

Balancing the information ensures that no single point is disproportionately emphasized over others, maintaining the speech's coherence and effectiveness.

What should be done if a main point in a speech outline seems to lack supporting evidence?

If a main point lacks supporting evidence, the speaker should consider doing more research, re-evaluating the point's necessity, or combining it with other main points to maintain balance.

What is the key takeaway message about speech preparation from the script?

The key takeaway is that the quality of a speech is nearly always directly related to the quality of the outline, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation and planning.