The basic format of the speech outline is the introduction, body and conclusion. When writing the speech outline, you want to keep the format in mind and keep it simple. The introduction should tell the audience what you plan to say, the body should tell them and then the conclusion should restate what you've said to remind the audience of your message. Staying within the simple guidelines will help prevent confusion in the speech later.
Before starting on the speech outline, take your time to organize the data for the speech. For example, if you have information like statistics, historical facts or a quote from a scientist on your topic, you should take some time to organize the information in a logical manner. So, if you have a statistic to add to the speech, determine the best area to put it, such as in your first or second point. It should make logical sense according to the format of the speech. Put any notes or research for the speech in order as you prefer to present it and then start working on your outline. This will help you incorporate the information without accidentally putting an item with the wrong section of the speech.
Your speech should have one topic point with three main points to support the point of the entire speech. Determine what points you plan to make to support your main key point. For example, if your speech is talking about the health problems that come from forgetting to floss your teeth, pick out three problems that occur when you don't floss.
When outlining, most of the outline is written in a short note or reminder phrases rather than a full sentence. The notes tell you what you plan to say without spelling out the information. While most of the outline is fine in a short note style, writing out your thesis, the transitions and the first sentence with the main point of the body paragraphs will make it easier to write the speech later. Take your time and formulate the sentences you want to use in the speech and make adjustments as needed. These sentences are the few that require specific phrasing to prevent confusion about the topic.