Create a list of overarching headings that direct the flow of ideas and keep the main points of the report in focus. These are the main anchors of the outline. Examples of main headings include: Introduction, Background, Analysis, Evidence, Results and Conclusion. Depending on the type of reporting you are doing, these headings can change. These headings will represent the main Roman numerals of the outline.
Type each main heading on a word processor, starting with the Roman numeral I and using as many numerals as you need to cover the headings. Leave a few lines of space between each header, as smaller headings will fill in each gap under the overarching section headings in the next steps.
Create a list of subheadings under each of the main overarching headings. These subheadings should reflect the more detailed arguments of the overarching headings, such as the introduction and the background. For example, if you are creating subheadings for the overarching heading "Background," you could use such subheadings as "Pro-Change Advocates," "Anti-Change Advocates" and "Pragmatic Reviews." These subheadings suggest some of the different types of backgrounds or research that are available on the reporting topic and break down each of these schools of thought.
Place each subheading behind a capital letter under the overarching heading and indent them. Repeat this step for each overarching heading.
Create space underneath each subheading for detailed listings of sources and ideas. For example, for the title of "Background" and under the subheading "Pragmatic Reviews," you may find that there are quite a few published works to cite. In the newly created space, list out the works or specific arguments you plan to discuss. List each smaller heading behind a regular number, such as 1, 2 and 3. These detailed smaller subheadings will outline the order in which you would like to discuss specific data or literature.
Add details into the typed outline as the reporting continues. For example, as you find your main arguments, create topic sentences to sit beside each of the main headings. For instance under "Analysis," type out your main opening statement, such as: "After looking at the evidence and the pertinent literature, it is clear that the legal situation must be changed in future cases."