Preparing an informative speech
A guide from Purdue

For a simple overview of the steps to preparing an informative speech: http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/speaking/infomod/index.cfm

Informative Speech Outline Format
(Directions: Please use this sheet as a guide to your own Informative Speech Outline)

Specific Goal:
Thesis Statement:

I. Introduction

A. Attention-getter: Rhetorical Question, story, startling statistice, etc. Write a brief description of your attention-getter here.
B. Motivate the Audience to Listen: Explain why the audience should be willing to listen to your speech.
C. Establish Credibility: Tell us why you are speaking about your topic. If you have special knowledge or experience with regard to your topic, let us know here.
D. Preview Main Points: Write out your thesis statement so that you preview each of your main points.

Transition

Write out your transition. How will you leave the introduction and begin the body?

II. Body

A. Point One. Provide a phrase here indicating the first point you will be discussing. List your support material as sub-points. Provide the name of the source from which the support material came (Put direct quotes within quotation marks and list the name of the book or magazine from which it came after. Example: Jones, Time, Oct. 5, 1998. This citation should coincide with the citation on the bibliography.

Transition

Write out your transition. Indicate with a transition that you are discussing the next main point.

B. Point two. See information under point one.

Transition

Write out your transition. Indicate with a transition that you are discussing the next main point.

C. Point two. See information under point one.

Transition

Write out your transition. Indicate with a transition that you are beginning the conclusion of your speech.

III Conclusion

A. Review Points. Tell us what you told us. Provide us with a brief explanation of what you said.
B. Tie it up! End your speech with a bang! If you told, or began, a story in the intro, you can finish it here. If you gave a startling statistic, end with one. Memorable quotes are always good ways to tie up your speech. However you choose, make sure it relates to what your speech was about.