Outlining

Is it necessary? Yes, for most of us. It helps us to analyze the interface between the audience and the speaker. It helps us identify weaknhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifesses in the presentation and it aids the listeners in recalling what was said. It is essential for preparation of visual aids such as PowerPoint of Keynote. Yes, it is necessary.

On the internet you will find many examples of standard outlining format but here is one that you may find useful.

Here is another method that will work until you learn and master the outlining form that a bulk of instructors in the educational system prefer.

Central Idea (a single declarative sentence in simple concrete words.)

Main Idea (one of the parts of the Central Idea)
Support (data that supports this Main Idea)

Main Idea (another part of the Central Idea)
Support (data that supports this Main Idea)

Main Idea (another part of the Central Idea)
Support (data that supports this Main Idea)


This method of outlining has worked for some folk for years. It is simple and straight forward, but not as elegant as the standard outlining format taught by most language teachers. Use this suggestion for now and when the time comes to learn what your high school English teacher was trying to teach you, learn the standard outlining format because you want to.