How to Write a Speech Outline (With a Simple Template + Examples)

Updated: 09.02.2026

Read time: 14 min read

Most speeches fail long before the speaker starts talking, because the outline is messy and the message never quite comes together.

A speech outline makes writing faster and delivery smoother. It lowers nerves because you always know what comes next and why it matters.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear template you can copy and reuse. We’ll also share two to three practical speech outline examples for different situations.

Let’s get right into it.

What is a Speech Outline?

A speech outline is a structured plan that organises your speech into an introduction, body, and conclusion. It helps you decide what to say and in what order, without writing every sentence in advance.

An outline is not the same as a script. A script focuses on exact wording, while a speech outline focuses on structure and flow. Starting with an outline makes your delivery sound more natural and less rehearsed.

In many settings, using an outline is expected. School speeches, competitions, TED-style talks, interviews, and presentations all rely on clear outlines to stay focused, persuasive, and within time limits.

Why Outlining Matters (Especially For Confidence)

Outlining matters because confidence comes from clarity, not talent. When you know where your speech is going, everything else feels easier.

A strong speech outline helps you:

Speak naturally without reading word for word
Stay on topic and avoid rambling
Make your argument easier for the audience to follow
Manage your timing, whether you have five minutes or ten

Structure also plays a big role in nerves. When each section has a clear purpose, you’re less likely to panic or freeze mid-speech.

If nerves are a problem, you might also like our guide to public speaking anxiety tips, which shares practical ways to feel calmer and more in control before you speak.

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The Basic Speech Outline Structure (The One That Always Works)

This structure is not new. It’s the same simple framework you use for essays, stories, and everyday explanations: a beginning, a middle, and an end.

But what we’ll discuss here is how to make each section work harder, so your ideas are clear, memorable, and easy for your listeners to follow.

1. Introduction (10–15%)

Be honest, what made you keep reading this article instead of clicking away? The introduction pulled you in, and that’s exactly what your speech introduction needs to do as well.

A strong introduction grabs attention early and gives your audience a reason to care. This could be a question, a short story, a statistic, or a bold statement, followed by a clear explanation of why the topic matters to them.

This is also where you establish credibility by briefly explaining why you’re worth listening to. End the introduction with a clear thesis statement and a short preview of your main points, so your audience knows exactly where the speech is heading.

2. Body (70–80%)

This is where your speech does the real work. The body is where you explain, prove, or explore your message in a clear and logical way.

Most effective speeches stick to 2-4 main points. Each point should focus on one idea and directly support your thesis. If a point doesn’t move your message forward, it doesn’t belong here.

For every main point, include evidence, explanation, and an example. Evidence builds credibility, explanation shows why it matters, and examples help ideas stick. You should also use smooth transitions between points, so your speech flows naturally and your audience always knows where you’re going.

3. Conclusion (10–15%)

The conclusion is your last chance to shape how your audience remembers the speech. It should feel intentional, not rushed or accidental.

Begin by restating your thesis in a clear, simple way, then briefly summarise your main points. This reinforces your message and helps it stick.

End with a strong closing moment. This might be a call to action, a return to your opening idea, a short story, or a memorable line. A clear ending signals confidence and leaves your audience with something to take away.

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Speech Outline Template (Copy + Paste)

This template is practical, flexible, and easy to reuse. You can adapt it for school speeches, competitions, presentations, or talks without rebuilding your structure each time.

Use it as a planning tool, not a script. Short phrases work best unless your assignment asks for full sentences.

Speech Outline Template

Title:
General purpose:
Specific purpose:
Audience:
Time limit:
Thesis statement:
Hook:
Main Point 1:
- Evidence:
- Example:
- Mini conclusion:
Transition:
Main Point 2:
Transition:
Main Point 3 (optional):
Conclusion:
Call to action:
Closing line:

Outline Format Options (Which One Should You Use?)

There are several speech outline format options. The right choice depends on your setting, confidence level, and how the speech will be delivered.

Below, we’ll break down the most common formats and explain when to use each one.

1. Sentence Outline

A sentence outline uses full sentences for every bullet point. Each idea is written out clearly, which makes your logic easy to follow and easy to assess.

Best for: competitions, graded speeches, and persuasive speeches where clarity and structure matter most.

2. Keyword or Phrase Outline

Instead of writing full sentences, this format relies on short keywords or phrases to guide you. Keeping notes brief makes it easier to speak naturally and adapt your wording in the moment, without sounding scripted.

Best for: memorised delivery, TED-style talks, and confident speakers who don’t want to sound scripted.

3. Speaking Outline (Delivery Outline)

A speaking outline is a simplified version of your main outline. It includes only keywords, cues, and reminders to guide you while speaking.

Best for: presenting without sounding scripted and maintaining strong eye contact with your audience.

4. Roman Numeral Outline (Classic School Format)

This is the traditional academic format many schools require. It uses a clear hierarchy to show how ideas connect and is easy for tutors to assess.

I, II, III
A, B, C
1, 2, 3

Here’s a simple example of how it works:

1. Detail

II. Main point

A. Subpoint

Best for: school assignments and situations where a formal structure is required.

Step-by-Step: How to Write a Speech Outline

Writing a speech outline is easier when you follow a clear process. Start with purpose and structure before worrying about wording. Below, we’ll walk through each step in order, so you can build a speech outline that’s clear, confident, and easy to deliver.

Step 1: Choose Your Goal (Inform, Persuade, or Entertain)

Start by deciding what your speech is meant to do. Most speeches fall into one of these three purposes.

Inform: Used to explain or teach a topic clearly. The goal is understanding, not agreement.
Persuade: Used to change opinions, beliefs, or actions. You take a clear stance and support it with reasons and evidence.
Entertain: Used to engage and interest your audience. Stories, humour, and personal moments matter more than detailed arguments.

Step 2: Understand Your Audience

Think about who you’re speaking to before you plan content. Consider their age, knowledge level, and beliefs. Ask yourself one key question: what do they care about, and why should this matter to them?

Step 3: Pick Your Core Message

Every strong speech has one clear message at its centre. Test it with this sentence: if they remember one thing, it should be this. If your outline doesn’t support that message, it doesn’t belong.

Step 4: Write a Clear Thesis Statement

A thesis statement explains what you’ll prove or explain. It keeps your outline focused and your argument clear.

Common thesis formulas include:

Today I will explain…
I believe… because…
We should… because…

Step 5: Select 2-4 Main Points

Limit yourself to two to four main points. If a point doesn’t support your thesis, cut it.

Strong main points are:

Parallel in structure
Not overlapping
Ordered logically

Step 6: Add Evidence Under Each Point

Evidence makes your ideas credible and convincing. Use a mix of facts, statistics, expert quotes, personal anecdotes, and brief examples or case studies.

Step 7: Add Transitions (The Secret Weapon)

Transitions guide your audience from one idea to the next. They improve flow and prevent confusion.

Simple examples include:

Now we’ve seen…, let’s look at…
That brings me to…

Step 8: Build a Conclusion That Lands

Avoid weak endings like “that’s it.” Your conclusion should feel intentional.

Strong endings include:

A clear call to action
Circling back to your opening hook
A memorable quote
A short closing story

Informative Speech Outline (With Example)

What is an Informative Speech?

An informative speech teaches or explains a subject. It focuses on clarity, accuracy, and structure rather than opinions or debate. Your role is to guide the audience through information in a logical, easy-to-follow way.

Informative Speech Outline Example

Topic: How Social Media Affects Teenagers

Thesis statement: Social media affects teenagers’ mental health, attention span, and social connections in measurable ways.

Main Point 1: Mental Health

Increased comparison and social pressure
Evidence: research linking heavy use to anxiety
Example: curated online images versus real life

Main Point 2: Attention Span

Constant notifications and multitasking
Evidence: studies on reduced focus time
Example: switching between apps while studying

Main Point 3: Social Connection

Easier communication, less face-to-face interaction
Evidence: surveys on online versus in-person contact

Conclusion: Restate the thesis and recap how social media influences mental health, focus, and relationships.

Persuasive Speech Outline (With Example)

What Makes a Speech Persuasive?

A persuasive speech works because it is intentional and structured. It includes:

A clear stance on the issue
Strong reasons supported by evidence
A counterargument that you acknowledge and respond to
A clear call to action that tells the audience what to do next

Without these elements, even strong opinions can fall flat.

Persuasive Speech Outline Example

Topic: Schools Should Start Later

Hook: Imagine being expected to perform at your best after losing hours of sleep every night.

Thesis statement: Schools should start later because it improves sleep, academic performance, and overall well-being.

Main Point 1: Sleep Science

Teenagers’ biological sleep cycles start later
Evidence: research on adolescent circadian rhythms

Main Point 2: Academic Performance

Better focus and memory with more sleep
Evidence: studies linking later start times to higher grades

Main Point 3: Well-being

Reduced stress and improved mental health
Evidence: lower rates of burnout and absenteeism

Counterargument and Rebuttal:

Concern: later starts disrupt family schedules
Response: benefits to health and learning outweigh short-term inconvenience

Conclusion and Call to Action: Restate the thesis and encourage schools or decision-makers to reconsider start times based on student well-being.

Special Situations: Speech Outline Examples For Different Speech Types

Not every speech needs the same structure. Adjusting your speech outline to fit the situation helps you stay clear, focused, and effective, especially when time or format changes.

Below, you’ll find adaptable outline examples you can use for different speech types, from short presentations to debates and TED-style talks.

Outline For a 5-Minute Speech

A five-minute speech works best when it’s tightly structured and deliberately simple. With limited time, your outline should focus on clarity rather than depth.

A reliable structure is:

45 seconds for the introduction
3 minutes for the body with 2 main points
45 seconds for the conclusion

This timing keeps your speech balanced and prevents rushing at the end. The most common mistake here is trying to fit in too many ideas. Two strong points, explained clearly, will always be more effective than four rushed ones.

Outline For a Class Presentation

Class presentations benefit from extra clarity and signposting. Your audience is often hearing the topic for the first time, so your outline should guide them step by step.

Start by clearly stating what you’ll cover and why it matters. Add short definitions early, especially if your topic includes unfamiliar terms or concepts. This helps everyone stay aligned from the start.

Throughout the body, remind listeners where they are in the presentation. Simple phrases like “first,” “next,” and “finally” make your speech outline easier to follow and reduce confusion.

Outline For a Debate or Competition Speech

Debate and competition speeches need stronger argument framing than most presentations. Your outline should clearly show your position, your reasons, and how each point supports your case.

Structure matters here. When planning your outline, draw two columns on your page. In the first column, write the strongest opposing argument you expect to hear. In the column beside it, write exactly how you will rebut that point using evidence or clear reasoning.

This simple step prepares you to respond calmly and confidently rather than reacting in the moment.

If you want to practise this style in real settings, exploring top public speaking and debate competitions can help you see how structured rebuttals strengthen persuasive delivery.

Outline For a TED-Style Talk

You’ve probably watched at least one TED talk for a classroom project or assignment and felt mesmerised by how natural and eloquent the speaker sounded. That effect is rarely accidental. It starts with a strong outline built around storytelling.

TED-style talks usually begin with a story or moment, not a formal introduction. The entire outline then supports one big idea, rather than several separate points.

Instead of heavy signposting, the structure relies on narrative logic, with stories and examples guiding the audience smoothly from start to finish.

That’s exactly the approach used at the TED Summer School. You’ll learn how to shape one clear idea, build a compelling narrative around it, and deliver a TED-style talk with confidence. Through expert coaching, structured feedback, and guided practice, you’ll move from rough ideas to a polished talk designed to engage a live audience.

7 Common Mistakes When Writing a Speech Outline (And How to Fix Them)

We understand that creating a speech outline can feel more difficult than writing the speech itself. When you’re juggling ideas, timing, and structure, it’s easy to overlook small issues that weaken your delivery.

Here are some common mistakes we see, along with clear, practical steps to fix them.

Too many main points: Keep your outline to two to four main points. If an idea doesn’t directly support your thesis, remove it.
No thesis or an unclear thesis: Write your thesis as one clear sentence before outlining anything else, then check every point against it.
Evidence dumped with no explanation: After every fact or quote, add one sentence explaining why it matters and how it supports your point.
A weak introduction hook: Choose one strong hook, such as a question, statistic, or short story, and clearly connect it to your topic.
No transitions between points: Plan a transition line between each main point so your audience can follow your thinking.
Ending too suddenly: Decide how you want to finish before you start writing. Restate your thesis and leave the audience with a clear takeaway.
Writing a full script and calling it an outline: Use short phrases and cues instead of full sentences, unless your assignment specifically asks for a script.

Quick Checklist: Is Your Speech Outline Ready?

Before you start practising, take a moment to review your speech outline. A quick check now can save you time and stress later.

Can I summarise my message in one clear sentence?
Do my main points clearly support the thesis?
Do I have evidence or examples for every point?
Can I deliver this speech within the time limit?
Are transitions included between each section?
Does my conclusion feel planned and intentional?

If you can answer yes to each question, your outline is in a strong position to support confident delivery.

Final Tips to Turn an Outline Into a Great Speech

A strong speech outline gives you structure, but delivery comes from practice. These final tips help you move from planning to confident speaking.

Practise out loud to check flow and clarity.
Time yourself to stay within the limit.
Print a speaking outline with minimal notes.
Mark pauses and emphasis for smoother delivery.
Reduce notes with each rehearsal to build confidence.

From Outline to Confident Delivery

A clear speech outline gives you confidence before you ever start speaking. It helps you organise ideas, stay focused, and deliver your message with purpose.

Now it’s your turn. Copy the template, adapt it to your topic, and practise using it out loud. The more you work with a speech outline, the more natural it feels.

If you want inspiration for strong speeches and effective structure, explore the public speaking competitions we’ve highlighted in our guide.

If you want a safe space to practise writing and refining your speech outline, our TED summer school offers two weeks of immersion where you’ll develop your own TED-style talk, test your ideas, and have your final speech professionally recorded.

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