How to Prepare an Oral Presentation
(Example of a Speech Outline*)

INTRODUCTION (hook them in with a question or shocking fact, tell them what you will talk about: thesis plus preview of main points)

I According to The Book of Lists, what is the greatest human fear in North America?                (hook)

• Speaking before a group

II Some anxiety is good because . . . But too much anxiety causes problems . . .

III To control anxiety and give a good talk, do two things                                                (thesis)

• A. Prepare your material (preview)
• B. Practice your delivery

"Let's start with the first one, Preparing your Material"                        (transition into body of talk)

BODY

I Select a topic and a clear purpose - Here's how . . .

• A. Brainstorm a list of topics that you know and care about.
• B. Choose 1 topic from the list. If topic is too broad, narrow it down by brainstorming again. Try brainstorming questions your audience might have.
• C. Determine your purpose: to inform/teach or persuade/convince. Write it down as a purpose statement and try to make it more specific: I want to teach my audience how to make a very good oral presentation by breaking the process down into easy steps.

II Analyze your audience and keep their needs in mind as you design your talk.

• A. Find out who they are or the type of people they are.
• B. Determine their attitude to the topic and to you (positive/negative)
• C. Estimate their knowledge about the topic (novice______expert)

III Gather ideas on your topic to meet your audience's needs and your purpose.

IV Organize your ideas in chunks of information (main points)

• A. Categorize and label ideas
• B. Develop a few main points relating to your purpose (3-5)
• C. Map or outline your ideas in a hierarchy (tree)

V Prepare your talk and speech outline*

• A. Develop points orally or in point form on paper
• B. Write out your introduction and conclusion. Intro should create interest, reveal topic, and preview main points. Conclusion sums up by repeating main points and suggesting implications or action for the audience
• C. Prepare a speech outline similar to this model
  • -Write main points clearly with lots of space in between
  • -Consider breaking up talk on numbered file cards
  • -Highlight important points and add instructions for delivery

"Now that you have your material well prepared, you need to prepare your delivery." (transition to part B)

VI Rehearse your talk using your cue cards

• A. Practice your talk out loud until you really know it (but don't memorize it!)
• B. Practice it before friends or family

CONCLUSION (sum up and give implications)

I Good preparation makes you confident and results in a good talk, so prepare your talk and then practice your delivery:

• choose a topic and get started early
• determine a clear purpose and plan to fulfil it
• know your audience and keep them in mind as you gather ideas and organize them into clear, separate points
• rehearse your talk often using a speech outline (DON'T READ IT)

II Good preparation and practice will reduce your anxiety.

*This speech outline could be used to deliver a talk on How to Prepare for an Oral Presentation. The main points are listed in the order in which they are to be presented and using precise words. Many points would also be elaborated with info that is not in the outline but which the speaker has developed through practice.

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Student Learning Services, Concordia University