In-Class Activity: Outlining

  • Due No Due Date
  • Points None

Scrambled  Ideas: An exercise in outlining

Objectives:

  • To review the correct format for outlining
  • To review the subordination and relation of ideas in outline structure

 

Directions:

After determining the main points of your speech and choosing the appropriate supporting material, your next step is to frame an outline. Outlining helps the speaker crystallize ideas, visualize the relationships between them, and recognize where additional information is needed. In extemporaneous presentations, the outline often serves as speaking notes. The following activity demonstrates the use of outline structure.

 

The column on the left contains a list of points that are not in any specific order (just as random points may come to mind during the initial brainstorming phase of planning a speech). Plug the unorganized points into the classic outline format on the right to achieve a logical, organized structure.

 

Thesis: College provides an environment for intellectual, social, and physical growth.

 

Unorganized points:                                                             Outline Structure:

Open recreation center                                                I._____________________________________

Dorm contacts                                                                        A.______________________________

Intramural program                                                                             1.________________________

Campus sponsored events                                                                  2.________________________

Laboratories                                                                                        3.________________________

Intercollegiate sports programs                                              B.______________________________

Class contacts                                                                                                 1.________________________

Guest speakers                                                                                   2.________________________

Physical growth                                                          II.____________________________________

Informal social structure                                                         A.______________________________

Discussions                                                                                         1.________________________

Clubs in major field                                                                             2.________________________

Out-of-class experiences                                                         B.______________________________

Greek organizations                                                                            1.______________________

Lectures                                                                                              2.________________________

Classroom experiences                                                III.___________________________________

Social growth                                                                          A.______________________________

Intellectual growth                                                                  B.______________________________

Formal social structure                                                           C.______________________________

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