Informative Outlines

Where to start?Topic/Narrow your topic

Thesis

Thesis Meant to tell your audience what your speech will be about.

Your purpose: to inform.

Notice! Your purpose is not to persuade (that is

the next speech) If you can take sides – then it is not

informative.

Avoid: “I believe..”“I feel..”“In my opinion..”“__________ is the best band or actor”

Main Points Your main points must directly support your thesis.

Example: Today, I plan to inform you about caring for a dog.

Dogs need food and water.Dogs need room to play and exercise

Dogs require health and hygiene maintenance.

Main points would not be…

Breeds of dogs What to name your dog Dog shows History of dogs

None of these support the reasoning that dog is man’s best friend.

Another example… A teacher fulfills a variety of roles.

• Teachers are educators.• Teachers are role models.• Teachers are there to help.

Main points would not be:• Teacher salary• Teacher certification• National teacher day

The cell phone has evolved over the last twenty years.

Main points?

A? B? C?

Possibilities: Bag phone Flip phone Full key board phone “Smart” phone

NOT• Brands of cell phones• Cell phone covers• Cell phone providers

Test Your Knowledge!

Work with a partner to complete this worksheet

to measure your understanding of thesis

and main points!

Intro: Four Components Attention getting device

Why you chose the topic/why you are interested (avoid saying: this is why… if you can)

State thesis

Preview of main points

Body Main Points

Parallel structure• Begin with the subject

Transitions (complete sentences). Brings you to your next point.

Main Points At least THREE main points to support your thesis. Complete sentences.

A minimum of THREE pieces of evidence to support each point.

Conclusion: Three Components

Restate your thesis

Summarize your main points

Refer back to your AGD