Examples of main points in a speech

Who Am I Speech Outline

Specific Purpose: This is what your main points must support or prove. Tell me in one sentence what the purpose of your speech is–for example I will introduce myself to my audience.

Central Idea (THESIS STATEMENT): Summarize your speech/outline in one sentence. Should clearly sum up all of your main points. A declarative sentence.

For example: I have overcome many difficulties in his pursuit of a degree in Education, yet still have time to enjoy life.

INTRODUCTION

I. (Attention Getter) This could be a story or anything you know will GRAB your audience's attention. “Albert Einstein once said that in the middle of difficulties lie opportunities. We all experience difficulties in our lives, however, what makes some of us different from others is how we deal with the difficulties. I see difficulties as opportunities.”

II. (Reveal Topic/give thesis statement) Reveal your topic to your audience–just your topic–not a preview.

“Today I have the opportunity to myself to you, I am Anthony Armstrong.”

III. (Preview) Briefly reveal your topic and state what your main points will be.

For example: “Today, I will tell you about my

A. Main point 1 goes here “background”

B. Main point 2 goes here “education”

C. Main point 3 goes here “and his hobbies”

(TRANSITION: Transitions are used to go smoothly from one part/point of the speech to another. Include in all of your connectives the exact wording you will use in your speech. “Let us start with Jack’s background.”)

BODY

I. (MAIN POINT 1) Your first main point goes here-it MUST be one complete sentence.

For example: “I have overcome many difficulties in my life.”

A. (SUBPOINT) You can have at least two subpoints under each main point. This could be one complete sentence or a phrase of fragment.

“When I was nine years old I lost my father to cancer.”

1. (SUB-SUBPOINT) This is where the specific examples are included to support your main points. You can use quotes, examples, stories, facts, statistics, analogies, etc…..

“I quickly became the ‘Man’ of the house.”

a. (Sub-sub-subpoint) Further examples and information to support your subpoint. You can use abbreviations for the label--Example = (SSSP).

“Having two younger brothers to care for gave me a great deal of responsibility at an early age.”

b. (SSSP) If you have an ‘a.’ you must have a ‘b.’

“Every chance I could I helped my Mother around the house.”

2. (SSP) More of the above. If you have a ‘1.’ you must have a ‘2.’

“

B. (SP) You Must have a ‘B.’ You must include at least 2 subpoints for each Main Point

1. (SSP) Sub-Sub-Points and SSSPs are optional, however, you will most likely have both in your speech to support your subpoints and main points.

a. (SSSP) Further examples and information to support your subpoint.

b. (SSSP) If you have an ‘a.’ you need a ‘b.’

2. (SSP)

C. (SUBPOINT--optional)

1. (SSP)

2. (SSP)

TRANSITION: A transition is used to go smoothly from the 1st Main Point to the 2nd Main Point.

(Include the exact wording of your transition) For example: “Now you know a little bit about my background let me tell you about my educational.”

II. (MP 2) Your second MAIN POINT goes here. Follow the same format that you used for the first main point. “I have some specific educational goals.”

A. (SUBPOINT) You should have at least two subpoints under each main point. This could be one complete sentence. You cannot have an A without a B.

1. (SUB-SUBPOINT) This is where the specific examples are included to support your main points. You can use quotes, examples, stories. If you have a ‘1.’ you must have a ‘2..’

a. (Sub-sub-subpoint) Further examples and information to support your subpoint.

b. (SSSP) If you have an ‘a.’ you need a ‘b.’

2. (SSP) More of the above.

B. (SP)

1. (SSP)

a. (SSSP) Further examples and information to support your subpoint.

b. (SSSP) If you have an ‘a.’ you need a ‘b.’

2. (SSP)

C. (SUBPOINT--optional)

1. (SSP)

2. (SSP)

TRANSITION: A transition is used to go smoothly from the 2nd Main Point to the 3rd Main Point.

(Include the exact wording of your transition)

III. (MP 3) Your third MAIN POINT goes here. (The total number of main points is optional, however, three main points seems to be the number easiest to manage as a speaker, and the easiest to remember for your audience.) “I enjoy life every chance I get.”

A. (SUBPOINT) You should have at least two subpoints under each main point. This could be one complete sentence. You cannot have an A without a B.

1. (SUB-SUBPOINT) This is where the specific examples from your research are included to support your main points. You can use quotes, examples, stories. Be sure to cite all sources. If you have a ‘1.’ you must have a ‘2..’

a. (Sub-sub-subpoint) Further examples and information to support your subpoint.

b. (SSSP) If you have an ‘a.’ you need a ‘b.’

2. (SSP) More of the above.

B. (SP)

1. (SSP)

a. (SSSP) Further examples and information to support your subpoint.

b. (SSSP) If you have an ‘a.’ you need a ‘b.’

2. (SSP)

C. (SUBPOINT--optional)

1. (SSP)

2. (SSP)

TRANSITION: A Transition is used to transition smoothly from the body of your speech into the conclusion. (Include in your transitional statement your exact wording)

“You all can see that I enjoy life – let us review what makes me who I am today.”

CONCLUSION

I. (Summary Statement) Summarize your main points. Be specific and concise. Give an example from each main point. “I have overcome many losses and difficulties in his life. I have helped raise my two younger brothers. While helping raise my siblings II decided that I would like to pursue a career as a Teacher. I am not all work and no play—I enjoy surfing and love working with children. I have combined my two passions by teaching surfing to children in the Maui Youth Program.”

II. (Memorable Closing Statement) Leave your audience with something to think about. A memorable close that refers back to the attention getter creates psychological unity for your audience. “At one time or another you may have thought to yourself that You Don’t Know me, however, now you do. I have found nothing but opportunities in the difficulties I have faced – I encourage you to take the opportunity to get to know me better—it won’t be difficult.”