McGraw-Hill Public Speaking

• Preparing the speech
• Outlining your speech
• Documenting your speech
• Organizing your material
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Once you select a topic and identify your sources, you will prepare your speech.  The organization process involves several steps.

Organizing your material. You begin this phase with your specific purpose and central idea defined.  Continue researching, reviewing and analyzing your resources.  Your resources should suggest main points and supporting points for your speech.

Outlining your speech.  It is easiest to address the body of your speech before the introduction or conclusion. The body of your outline develops from your main points and supporting points.  After you know the content of your speech you can add an introduction that previews the content and a conclusion which summarizes it.   The outlining process involves two outlines:  a detailed preparation outline for organizing and planning your speech and a speaking outline to trigger your thoughts when you present the speech.

Documenting your speech. Research speeches rely on information from many sources.  You need to present information from your sources accurately.   All sources that you use in preparing your speech should be cited.