How to Make an Expository Speech Outline

Memorizing a speech can help with delivery

An expository speech is the equivalent of a professorial lecture. Its purpose is to inform rather than persuade or emotionally inspire. If asked to deliver an expository speech, organize your remarks with an outline that moves efficiently from introduction to body and conclusion.

Instructions

1. Write your introduction. Design the introduction to grab the audience's attention in the opening line or two. Achieve this through an interesting analogy, a quotation, a provocative statement or a rhetorical question. Use the next two or three lines of your introduction to clarify the meaning of your statement and narrow your focus. After stating a conclusion you are about to try and prove, preview your main points.

2. Write the body of your speech. Use the first one or two lines to transition from the introduction. Divide the body into three paragraphs, each with a topic sentence, at least two subpoints and a transitional sentence at the end. For each subpoint, provide at least two supporting statements. Use the last sentence of the final body paragraph to provide a transition to your conclusion.

3. Summarize your main points in the conclusion. Return to the general theme of the introduction and remind your audience of the significance of the talk. Suggest avenues for future discussion and research. Thank your audience for their attendance and yield the floor.

References

• Professor Green's International Speech Communication; Organization for Expository Speech; March 1999
• Bakersfield College; Model Outline of Expository Speech; J. Barrett