Speech Outline Example with a Free Printable PDF

Every student who’s ever given a speech knows that every pause and misplaced sentence can have a huge impact. Studies show that about 75% of people experience public speaking anxiety, which only gets worse when the structure of the talk is unclear.

This article breaks that cycle. It gives you a speech outline example for students, helping you organize and deliver your ideas with confidence. 

If you find yourself spending more time worrying about speech outline formatting than writing your speech, there’s no shame in getting extra help. In those moments, EssayService can make a difference. Our essay writing service connects you with experts who understand academic structure inside out.

Explaining a Speech Structure

A speech outline is the framework that gives your ideas order and direction before you step up to speak. It creates a sequence of main ideas that move naturally from one moment to the next. Every speaker needs a map that connects key arguments, examples, and transitions into one clear flow.

Two main versions guide this process. 

1. The preparation outline includes full sentences, transitions, and supporting evidence that help you organize and refine your message. 
2. The speaking outline uses short cues and keywords that help you stay present while delivering your speech. 

A well-built outline supports confident delivery and keeps timing steady. It also helps the audience stay focused on your message. If you are still exploring potential ideas, check these topics for informative speech to find subjects that connect naturally with your purpose and style.

Downloadable Speech Outline Examples

Every great presentation starts with a clear plan. To help you see what that looks like in practice, we’ve included two speech outline example PDF files you can download for free. 

The first is a detailed speech preparation outline example, ideal for planning, research, and organizing every section of your speech.

Preparation Outline

Preparation Outline

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The second is a speech speaking outline example, designed with short cues that keep your delivery smooth and natural.

Speaking Outline

Speaking Outline

Template for a Speech Outline

Use this step-by-step template to organize any speech. For assignments where you have to prove your point in front of an audience, this guide pairs well with our walkthrough on how to write a persuasive speech.

How to use this template

• Draft a preparation outline with full sentences and sources.
• Convert it into a speaking outline with short cues, time marks, and delivery notes.
• Keep parallel structure across main points so your message sounds balanced.

Title and Purpose

Title: State the exact topic and the outcome you want. Make it short and specific. 

Purpose: The purpose explains why you are speaking and what change you want to create in your listeners. Decide what the audience should know, feel, or do by the end.

I. Introduction

• Attention getter: a vivid fact, a sharp quote, a brief story, or a pointed question.
• Thesis: one sentence that names your central idea.
• Motivation: why this matters to this audience today.
• Preview of main points: two to four items in the order you will follow.
• Transition: one line that leads into the first main point.

Timing tip: 10-15 percent of total time.

II. Body

Plan two to four main points. Each point should look and sound similar in length and tone.

For each main point:

• Claim or topic sentence
• Sub points that develop the claim
• Evidence or examples: data, expert views, brief stories
• Mini-summary to lock in the idea
• Transition to the next point

This structure prepares your outline for stronger flow and clearer direction, which leads into the next stage of planning:

Signposting you can use: 'First,' 'Next,' or direct guidance like 'Now shift to the second point.'

Timing tip: 70-80 percent of total time.

Adapt by speech type

• Informational: define terms, compare categories, explain causes and effects, add clear visuals.
• Persuasive: state a claim, give reasons, include one strong counterargument with a reply, and end each point with an impact on the audience. 
• Demonstrative: list materials, show steps in order, add safety or quality checks, and include a quick troubleshooting note.

III. Conclusion

Recap the main points in the same order.

• Closing line: a call to action for persuasive work, or a memorable takeaway for informative or demonstrative work.
• Clincher: circle back to your opener with a final image or fact.

Timing tip: 10-15 percent of total time.

Use this template as your default structure. Adjust depth, examples, and transitions to match your audience and the time you have.

Here’s a quick checklist for delivery and setup:

• Write speaking cues such as 'eye contact,' 'pause,' 'slow down,' or 'show slide 3.'
• Mark time goals next to each section.
• Add slide numbers and figure labels to match your outline.
• List sources you will mention out loud.
• Print one page per section for easy reading, or put your cues on note cards.