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A working outline (also referred to as a detailed or preparation outline) is a thorough outline used to craft your speech. A working outline should be relatively detailed to include your entire speech—from attention-getter to clincher—with each idea written down in full sentences or detailed phrases (depending on your instructor’s preference). If you were to wake up with laryngitis on the day of your presentation, another classmate should be able to use your working outline to deliver your speech.

A working outline offers many benefits, both for you and for your instructor. Because it is detailed and formatted in a way that shows the hierarchy of ideas, it helps you assess the content and organization of your speech, ensure that your thesis and main points are well supported, and create smooth transitions between (and connections among) all the points and evidence you present. Your instructor might also wish to review your working outline to evaluate your preparation effort; thus, it should clearly show that you have included all required components, cited research sources properly, developed your ideas in sufficient detail, and organized all of your information thoughtfully. Finally, your working outline can serve as a reference when you begin to practice your speech, helping you become familiar with the content. Once you’ve become more comfortable with the material, you’re ready to make the transition to a speaking outline.