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Delivery Outline

Whereas the preparation outline helps you think through your speech’s structure before you give the speech, your delivery outline acts as your “speaker notes” during the actual presentation to remind you of main points and key phrases. Create your delivery outline after you have practiced your speech several times using your preparation outline. Whether you prepare your delivery outline on note cards, sheets of paper, or an iPad, there are some features that are common to all good delivery outlines (see pp. 367–369):

Write your delivery outline using keywords or phrases. Since the purpose of the delivery outline is to jog your memory while you’re presenting, include only words or phrases that trigger the larger ideas you want to convey.
Type your notes, and use a font (typeface) that is large enough for you to read easily. If you must handwrite your notes, make sure your writing is legible. You don’t want your audience to see you struggling to read your own notes!
Put in time codes and side notes to guide your delivery. Time codes help you stay on track, so you don’t rush through your speech or go too slowly. Also, include reminders to use your nonverbal communication skills, such as smiling, looking around the room, and speaking slowly and clearly. Since you are the only one who will see your delivery outline notes, use them in any way that helps you deliver an effective, memorable speech.