Instructions: Using the space provided below, follow these steps to develop a preliminary outline. You have already answered the first
two questions, but restate those answers here for reference, refining and revising both your purpose and thesis
statements.
1. Write out the purpose of your speech.
2. Write out your thesis statement.
3. Write out the natural divisions of your thesis statement.
4. Generate ideas for main points by brainstorming. Try to develop enough ideas to generate at least three main points.
You may have to research your topic before doing this part.
5. Group similar or related ideas together and eliminate any ideas that are not relevant. You may do this either through
visual mapping or listing topics under your main divisions.
6. Arrange groups according to main points and subpoints. (Determining subpoints is not necessary at this time, but it is
helpful.) Remember: an ideal outline has three-to-five main points.
7. Create a formal preliminary outline of your speech as follows:
Purpose:
Thesis Statement
Outline using Roman numerals for main points and letters A, B, C, etc., for subpoints.