Organizing the Preparation Outline for your Introduction Speech
I. Start with Main Points
A. Look at the information that you gathered and try to find a way to organize your main points (chronological, spatial, topical, problem-solution, cause-effect). For example if you want to tell your audience about your partners background, education, and hobbies you would organize them in that order – first main point = background, second main point = education, and the third main point would be hobbies. It would only make sense to tell us the person’s background first.
B. You should have at least two and no more than three main points for your short introduction speech.
C. State the main points in full sentences (not in fragments). Also, devote an appropriate amount of time to each one.
II. Next, Make Components of the Main Points with Sub-points
A. Look at the information you gathered that fits under each main point and come up with key ideas that belong to these main points. These will be your sub-points. You need at least two sub-points for each main point.
B. Sub-points can be in complete sentences or fragments.
III. Support Your Sub-points with Sub-Sub-points (your facts and examples)
A. You don’t necessarily need sub-sub-points for your short introduction speech, however, most of you will have sub-sub-points in your speech, because these are the facts and information that support what you are saying. You could include a quote from your partner.
B. Sub-sub-points you use for supporting your sub-points--can be personal experiences your interviewee has shared with you.
IV. Use Connectives Throughout Your Speech (refer to the connectives handout in your handout packet)
A. Know what transitions and signposts are, and when to use them.
B. Label and include all connectives in your preparation outline.
The Following is a Template and Guidelines FOR AN INTRODUCTION SPEECH...