Once you complete a full-sentence working outline, it is time to transfer your ideas to a speaking outline. Using the same numbering system as the working outline, condense the material in it into key words or phrases, using just enough words to jog your memory. Note that even though the delivery outline should contain key words or phrases almost exclusively, when exact wording is critical to an accurate representation of your speech material (as in conveying quotations verbatim or when the issue is highly controversial or emotional and precise wording is needed to make the point as clear as possible), you may want to write it out in full sentences.

Indicate Delivery Cues

Include in the speaking outline any delivery cues that will be part of the speech (see Table 13.1). To ensure visibility, capitalize the cues, place them in parentheses, and/or highlight them.

Place the outline on 4 × 6-inch notecards or 8.5 × 11-inch sheets of paper. Some speakers dislike notecards, finding them too small to contain enough material and too easily dropped. Others find notecards small enough to be handled unobtrusively but large enough to accommodate key words (assuming about one main point and supporting points per card). Whichever you use, be sure to print large and bold enough so that your words will be easily seen at a glance.

Practice the Speech

The key to the successful delivery of any speech, particularly one using a key-word outline, is practice. The more you rehearse your speech, the more comfortable you will become when you speak. For more information on practicing the speech, see Chapter 19.