Develop the Informal Outline into a Formal Outline. Your outline currently reflects what you believe about your topic supported by specific facts, statistics, and expert opinion from sources A & B. At this stage of creating your presentation, you may find that making a formal outline helps to refine the organization of your talk. In the LC, a formal outline is considered an essential and compulsory part of preparing and giving your presentation.
1. Learn about a formal outline. In order for you to be able to develop an effective formal outline, it is essential that you understand what a formal outline is.
Presentation portfolio: Examine this sample formal outline & write brief answers to these questions:
a. Thesis statement. What is the topic?
b. Thesis statement. What are the two ideas?
c. Thesis statement. What position does the presenter take?
d. What is the basic structure of the thesis: topic +________ + _______
e. What are the key words of each main idea: A, B, C, & D?
f. How many points does main idea B have?
g. What is the first effect of ozone depletion on humans?
h. What northern hemisphere country is at greatest risk?
i. Possible solutions should involve action at what three levels?
2. Check your understanding. Presentation portfolio: What are three things you have learned from looking at the structure, content, & format of the sample formal outline? Write your ideas in full sentences.
3. Start to develop your formal outline. Presentation portfolio: Use the sample formal outline to guide you. Be sure that your formal outline has the same format:
* Has Introduction - Body - Conclusion.
* Is a (near) complete summary of the content of your presentation (thesis, ideas, points, & supporting details).
* Follows required format (A, 1. a. plus indenting).
* Is the best work YOU can do.
3. Presentation portfolio: Print a copy of this first draft of your formal outline & put a copy into your presentation folder.
