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A good outline strengthens organization and preparation.

In this chapter, we explained the importance of outlining. We showed you how to develop and use working and speaking outlines to organize your ideas, practice your presentation, and ultimately deliver an effective speech. A working outline shows the structure of your speech and the hierarchy of your ideas, as well as full quotations for all evidence you’ll provide in your speech. This outline also includes notes for transitions and visual aids. Use your working outline to practice your speech until you’re thoroughly familiar with it.

Your speaking outline condenses your ideas, using phrases, key words, and abbreviations, though it should still retain word-for-word quotations from your evidence sources. Speaking outlines are usually prepared on numbered note cards or on pieces of 8½" × 11" paper; the writing on these outlines must be clear and easy to read. You may want to develop your speaking outline only after you’ve practiced your speech extensively with your working outline. The speaking outline helps you present your speech conversationally—conveying your ideas in your own words and maintaining eye contact with the audience rather than reading a word-for-word script or reciting your presentation from memory. The speaking outline also serves as a handy reminder if you lose your place while delivering your speech, if you need to quote evidence during your talk, or if you want to remember certain delivery tips (such as adding emphasis to a particular point while presenting your speech).