How to Write an Informative Speech Outline – Tutorial for Students

What makes you a great orator? An impressive speech is not the only answer. There are many variations of an informative speech. For example, a demonstrative speech is a type of informative speech where the speaker teaches the audience how to complete a task or process, and this is accomplished mainly by demonstrating the process or task through a series of steps. A demonstrative speech creates a mental image in the minds of the audience. This is what differentiates the primary purpose of this kind of speech from others. The steps of how to write an outline for demonstration speech are similar.

An outline is like a structure for every composition, although every construction is built step by step. The same concerns writing an outline for speech examples. In this guide, we want to present you the keys to creating an effective outline for informative and demonstrative speeches.

1. Find a topic

It is essential to know what you are going to speak about. The main idea and subject of your speech depend on this first step.
Your speech will be more persuasive depending on how you build from your chosen topic.

2. Begin with an introduction

Choose a steady phrase that grabs the audience’s attention instantly. This will establish your credibility and make people around be interested in what you are going to say.
While writing an outline for speech examples, remember that the introduction is a short overview of what you are speaking about in your speech.

3. Form the body

Once you know for sure what you will be writing about, and your topic is substantial, broaden the outline to form the body of your speech. The body is the central part of the whole speech. This is where all the details and arguments are placed. The body should be built out of a certain amount of paragraphs that describe your main point. When you are thinking about how to write an outline for informative speech, remember the rule that the body should contain three points:

• Facts.
• Additional information combined with facts.
• Results connected to facts.

These are just sample constructions. You can alter and add a necessary part as you see fit. Also, include transitions between these points, and relate it to your experience. The audience is always interested in the subjective opinion of the speaker.

4. Write the conclusion

You should summarize all the points until now and elaborate on your plan of action in the conclusion. A concrete introduction will make a difference between successful samples of an informative speech and unsuccessful ones. So, if you are talking about science and engineering, summarize the different processes used in the project, and remind people of any steps that have been taken. You should also connect your conclusion to the introduction (to emphasize your point). If you talk about painting throughout the ages, try to conclude with an example of the way that art has evolved.

5. Give space for discussion

Prepare yourself to answer questions and hear feedback from the audience. Mostly, this is the time when a speech shines, and you can see how the audience has soaked up the information. Be open and friendly! As a bonus, you will get useful feedback for your writing, presentation, and speaking skills that you can use in future projects.

It’s important to understand the difference of how to write an outline for a demonstration speech or informative speech as well. You may get an advantage from having two drafts: the preparation outline and the speaking outline. A preparation outline is typically made of full sentences and is used to help write your speech. A speaking overview uses keywords and phrases, generally on note cards, and is designed for jogging your memory during your speech, keeping you on track, without distracting you from delivering your message.

Decide which outline is more helpful for you, and achieve success with your speech!