{"id":486,"date":"2025-05-26T17:00:49","date_gmt":"2025-05-26T17:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.palni.org\/publicspeakinganddemocraticparticipation\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=486"},"modified":"2025-08-30T20:29:49","modified_gmt":"2025-08-30T20:29:49","slug":"preparing-a-presentation-outline-or-manuscript-for-an-effective-delivery","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.palni.org\/publicspeakinganddemocraticparticipation\/chapter\/preparing-a-presentation-outline-or-manuscript-for-an-effective-delivery\/","title":{"raw":"Preparing a Presentation Outline or Manuscript for an Effective Delivery","rendered":"Preparing a Presentation Outline or Manuscript for an Effective Delivery"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Chapter Objectives<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n<p class=\"import-pf\">Students will:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Use a presentation outline for an extemporaneous delivery.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Create a manuscript for a manuscript delivery.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Choose a medium for speaking notes or text that suits the situation and their personal comfort.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 0pt;\">When you are ready to practice delivering your speech, you might wonder what to include in your speaking notes. The answer depends on what kind of delivery you plan to adopt.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">In chapter 17, we described four modes of delivery: extemporaneous, impromptu, memorized, and manuscript. Two of these typically require no speaking notes. Speakers delivering <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">impromptu<\/em><\/span> speeches develop their speeches as they speak, though they might jot down a note or two just before speaking. <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">Memorized<\/em><\/span> speeches should, by definition, be committed to memory and thus similarly require no speaking notes.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">The other two modes of delivery\u2014<span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">extemporaneous<\/em><\/span> and <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">manuscript<\/em><\/span>\u2014do necessitate written words to speak from. As we defined in chapter 17, in a <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">manuscript<\/em><\/span> delivery, the speaker writes the entire address and utilizes the text in delivering the speech. In that same chapter, we defined an <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">extemporaneous<\/em><\/span> delivery as when a speaker uses trimmed-down notes to recall the speech\u2019s structure, key ideas, and any direct quotations or source citations.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">This chapter focuses first on how to prepare speaking notes for an extemporaneous delivery. We then offer tips for preparing a manuscript for a manuscript delivery. We end by helping you consider what medium to use for your notes or manuscript.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h1 class=\"import-ah\">Preparing a Presentation Outline for an Extemporaneous Delivery<\/h1>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_234\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"375\"]<img class=\"wp-image-234\" src=\"http:\/\/pressbooks.palni.org\/publicspeakinganddemocraticparticipation\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2025\/05\/image190.png\" alt=\"Salina Abraham, president of the International Forestry Students\u2019 Association and Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) presenting a speech at 2018 U.N. ECOSOC Youth Forum in New York.\" width=\"375\" height=\"250\" \/> <a href=\"\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/globallandscapesforum\/40079440962\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ECOSOC Youth Forum<\/a> by Global Landscapes Forum via Flickr, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CC BY-NC-SA<\/a>.[\/caption]\r\n<p class=\"import-paft\">Typically, an extemporaneous delivery will use trimmed-down notes, or what we call a presentation outline. A <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><strong class=\"import-b\">presentation outline<\/strong><\/span> is a brief sketch of your speech designed to help you deliver your speech as free from your notes as possible. It allows you to more easily make on-the-fly adjustments and connect with your direct audience (the people who are exposed to and attend to your speech, as defined in chapter 10).<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">Let\u2019s explore four qualities of the presentation outline: It maintains visual cues from the preparation outline; it is brief, though some elements are written out; and it should include delivery notes. To see each of these qualities in use, there is a sample presentation outline in <a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.palni.org\/publicspeakinganddemocraticparticipation\/back-matter\/appendix-c\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Appendix C<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"import-bh\"><em>Maintain Visual Cues from the Preparation Outline<\/em><\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"import-paft\">Recall that in chapter 15, we talked about your <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">preparation<\/em><\/span> outline, or the draft you write as you plan and organize your speech. We instructed you to adopt specific outlining principles for that outline and to include labels for such key components as the introduction, conclusion, transitions, and thesis.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">The <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">presentation<\/em><\/span> outline keeps these visual cues and labels. Specifically, it visually shows the structure of your speech by <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">retaining the outlining symbols and indentations<\/em><\/span>. That way, you can quickly glance at the page, locate your place in the speech, and find the information you are looking for. The visual structure can also provide a brief reminder of where you are going next. If you don\u2019t maintain symbols and indentation, you are forced to read through dense text or a full paragraph to find the section you are looking for.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"import-bh\"><em>Strive for Brevity<\/em><\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"import-paft\">The presentation outline replaces full sentences with <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">keywords or phrases<\/em><\/span> that jog your memory about your points or information, as box 19.1 demonstrates. That means you find your specific wording or expression <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">in the moment<\/em><\/span>. The keywords are simply there to prompt the ideas so you can choose your wording as you go. Consequently, your wording will change slightly each time you deliver your speech using your presentation outline.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox\">\r\n\r\n<strong>Box 19.1 Sample Presentation Outline Excerpt<\/strong>\r\n\r\nImagine delivering an extemporaneous speech on the subsection \u201c<span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><span class=\"import-xref\">Maintain Visual Cues from the Preparation Outline<\/span><\/span>.\u201d The presentation outline for that section might look like this:\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">A. Maintain visual cues from preparation outline<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\">1. Preparation outline: principles, visual labels<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\">2. Presentation outline:<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 120px;\">a. Keep principles, labels<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 120px;\">b. Visually show structure by outlining symbols, indentation<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 120px;\">c. Can glance, locate information; find where to go next<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 120px;\">d. If not, forced to read<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">Notice how few words appear on each line\u2014just enough to prompt the speaker\u2019s memory of what point or idea they want to convey.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p class=\"import-p\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">Choosing brevity prevents you from reading your speech and encourages you instead to connect with your audience. Otherwise, if you write too much down, the temptation to read can be overwhelming, especially when you feel nervous.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"import-bh\"><em>Write Out Minimal Elements<\/em><\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"import-paft\">Even in a presentation outline, you will still want to fully write out a <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">few<\/em><\/span> elements of the speech. These include your thesis, quotations, and spoken citations because accuracy is particularly important for each. In the sample presentation outline in <a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.palni.org\/publicspeakinganddemocraticparticipation\/back-matter\/appendix-c\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Appendix C<\/a>, you will notice several occasions where these elements are written out. Just keep to a minimum the speech elements you fully write out or, again, you will likely end up reading your speech.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"import-bh\"><em>Include Delivery Notes<\/em><\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"import-paft\">As you practice your speech, you may receive feedback that you consistently mumble a phrase or you tend to read quotations too quickly for an audience to follow. You may find you have trouble pronouncing a word or you leave out one subpoint repeatedly. All this information is useful as you write your presentation outline.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">You can include delivery notes to help yourself through problem spots. <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">Highlight<\/em><\/span> the point you tend to skip. <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">Write out<\/em><\/span> the difficult word phonetically. <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">Remind<\/em><\/span> yourself to \u201cslow down here!\u201d or \u201cpause\u201d in places where those elements of delivery will help your audience absorb the full impact of your words. Again, you can find examples of this in the sample presentation outline in <a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.palni.org\/publicspeakinganddemocraticparticipation\/back-matter\/appendix-c\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Appendix C<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">If you observe the four qualities of a presentation outline, you will more likely succeed in delivering your speech extemporaneously. A presentation outline might even help you with other types of deliveries. You could use it in case your memory goes blank while delivering a memorized speech or to jot down some ideas a few seconds or minutes before delivering an impromptu speech. If delivering a manuscript speech, however, you should approach your speech text differently.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h1 class=\"import-ah\">Preparing a Manuscript for a Manuscript Delivery<\/h1>\r\n<p class=\"import-paft\">A manuscript delivery requires a <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><strong class=\"import-b\">manuscript<\/strong><\/span>\u2014a fully written-out version of your speech. Unlike a presentation outline, a manuscript typically looks more like an essay. Thus, it will likely include paragraphs rather than indentations, outlining symbols, or labels.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">A manuscript delivery may seem rather easy. Just read your text. However, you still need to achieve the three goals of an effective speech delivery established in chapter 17: engage the direct audience, enhance your ideas, and strengthen your credibility. If you don\u2019t adequately prepare your manuscript, simply reading your speech is more likely to bore your audience, distract from your ideas, and harm your credibility.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">How, then, can you prepare a manuscript for an effective delivery? We recommend you alter your manuscript in the following ways to aid your success (and as demonstrated in box 19.2):<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Double-space the typed text and use a larger font (16, 18, or 20 point) so you can find your place more easily when you look down.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Use such visual cues as <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span class=\"import-u\">underlining<\/span><\/span>, <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><strong class=\"import-b\">bolding<\/strong><\/span>, or <span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">highlighting<\/span> keywords or sentences to help draw your attention to them. Such cues enable you to maintain some eye contact with the audience while reducing the risk of losing your place.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Include prompts or reminders in the manuscript to enhance your vocal and nonverbal delivery, such as your pronunciation, tone, volume adjustments, and pauses.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<div class=\"textbox\">\r\n\r\n<strong>Box 19.2 Sample Manuscript Excerpt<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIf you delivered a manuscript speech of the very first paragraph of \u201c<span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><span class=\"import-xref\">Preparing a Manuscript for a Manuscript Delivery<\/span><\/span>,\u201d the manuscript might look like this:\r\n<p class=\"import-sbbqf\" style=\"margin-left: 54pt; margin-right: 54pt; text-indent: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 30px; line-height: 50px;\">A manuscript delivery [LOUDER] <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><strong class=\"import-b\">requires a manuscript<\/strong><\/span>\u2014<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">a <span class=\"import-u\">fully written<\/span><span class=\"import-u\">-<\/span><span class=\"import-u\">out version of your speech<\/span><\/span>. [PAUSE] <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">Unlike<\/em><\/span> a presentation outline, a manuscript typically appears [SLOWER] <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><strong class=\"import-b\">more like an essay<\/strong><\/span>. Thus, it will likely <span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">include paragraphs<\/span> <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">rather than<\/em><\/span> indentations, outlining symbols, or labels.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h1 class=\"import-ah\">Choose the Medium for Your Presentation Outline or Manuscript<\/h1>\r\n<p class=\"import-paft\">With the evolution of technology, it is hard to recommend one preferred medium or means of communication. Should you print your presentation outline or manuscript onto <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">paper<\/em><\/span> or <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">n<\/em><em class=\"import-i\">ote cards<\/em><\/span>? Or should you read or glance at them from a <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">tablet, phone, or laptop<\/em><\/span>?<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">To decide, learn as much about your speaking situation as possible:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Will you have a podium? If so, note cards can rest easily and rather noiselessly there.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Will it be a windy, outdoor setting? Perhaps a tablet or paper printout is better.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Will you speak from a seated position, such as at a conference? Then speaking from a laptop might be ideal.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">In general, we recommend <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">against using your phone<\/em><\/span> for speaking notes, since the screen size is harder to read and can fit less text, prompting you to continually look at your phone and scroll down.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">In addition to the speaking situation, consider what you find most reliable and comfortable. Perhaps you prefer note cards for a presentation outline because their size forces you to include brief notes. Maybe you like speaking from sheets of paper (especially tucked inside a professional-looking folder) so you don\u2019t have to change pages as often. Some speakers like the convenience of a digital tablet so they never worry about getting their note cards mixed up or losing a page. Whatever medium you choose, it is important to practice using your notes or manuscript.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h1 class=\"import-ah\">Practice with Your Chosen Notes and Medium<\/h1>\r\n<p class=\"import-paft\">It is hard to exaggerate the importance of practice, especially when sharpening your delivery. Practice with the medium you have chosen for your notes or manuscript. The experience of speaking from your laptop can be very different from printed pages you hold. Practicing ahead of time will help you find the best medium for you.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">Also practice with your presentation outline or manuscript. When delivering from your presentation outline, you may discover you need to add words because you are forgetting your points. Perhaps, instead, you need to remove words because you are relying too much on your notes. You might find one section overly confusing and need to rethink it. Similarly, practicing with your manuscript will help you find the easiest font size for you to read from and where you need to add or remove visual cues.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">Practicing with your presentation outline or manuscript ahead of your actual speech delivery leaves you time to make necessary adjustments. If you wait until just before your speech to produce your speaking notes or manuscript, you may run into difficulties while delivering it for your audience.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--exercises\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Summary<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n<p class=\"import-paft\">This chapter discussed presentation outlines and manuscripts. It provided guidance on what to include in your speaking notes or manuscript and how to use it for an effective speech delivery. Specifically, it covered the following:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Presentation (keyword) outlines are brief. They avoid full sentences in most places so you are forced to speak extemporaneously from your outline. They still maintain the visual cues of the preparation outline so you may find your way if you lose your place. It is a good idea to include delivery notes in your presentation outline.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Manuscripts include every word you plan to say during your speech. They are typically written in paragraph form, but they are written in a larger font size, with visual prompts to aid your vocal and nonverbal delivery.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Choose the medium for your presentation outline or manuscript\u2014printed paper, note cards, tablet, or laptop\u2014based on your speaking situation and personal comfort. Avoid using your phone.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Practice your delivery using your presentation outline or manuscript in your chosen medium. Doing so will help you make necessary adjustments to ensure a smoother delivery on your actual speaking day.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--key-takeaways\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Key Terms<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n\r\nmanuscript\r\npresentation outline\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--examples\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Review Questions<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>What are four qualities of a presentation outline?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>How is a manuscript different from a presentation outline?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What should you consider when choosing the medium for your presentation outline or manuscript?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why should you practice using your presentation outline or manuscript?<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--examples\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Discussion Questions<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Do you prefer speaking from a presentation outline or a manuscript? Why?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What kinds of delivery notes do you find most useful in a presentation outline or manuscript? Why?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is the best medium for speaking notes or manuscript: Note cards? Full printed pages? A digital tablet, laptop, or smartphone? Explain your answers and consider the space where your speech will occur.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Chapter Objectives<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<p class=\"import-pf\">Students will:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Use a presentation outline for an extemporaneous delivery.<\/li>\n<li>Create a manuscript for a manuscript delivery.<\/li>\n<li>Choose a medium for speaking notes or text that suits the situation and their personal comfort.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 0pt;\">When you are ready to practice delivering your speech, you might wonder what to include in your speaking notes. The answer depends on what kind of delivery you plan to adopt.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">In chapter 17, we described four modes of delivery: extemporaneous, impromptu, memorized, and manuscript. Two of these typically require no speaking notes. Speakers delivering <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">impromptu<\/em><\/span> speeches develop their speeches as they speak, though they might jot down a note or two just before speaking. <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">Memorized<\/em><\/span> speeches should, by definition, be committed to memory and thus similarly require no speaking notes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">The other two modes of delivery\u2014<span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">extemporaneous<\/em><\/span> and <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">manuscript<\/em><\/span>\u2014do necessitate written words to speak from. As we defined in chapter 17, in a <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">manuscript<\/em><\/span> delivery, the speaker writes the entire address and utilizes the text in delivering the speech. In that same chapter, we defined an <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">extemporaneous<\/em><\/span> delivery as when a speaker uses trimmed-down notes to recall the speech\u2019s structure, key ideas, and any direct quotations or source citations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">This chapter focuses first on how to prepare speaking notes for an extemporaneous delivery. We then offer tips for preparing a manuscript for a manuscript delivery. We end by helping you consider what medium to use for your notes or manuscript.<\/p>\n<h1 class=\"import-ah\">Preparing a Presentation Outline for an Extemporaneous Delivery<\/h1>\n<figure id=\"attachment_234\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-234\" style=\"width: 375px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img class=\"wp-image-234\" src=\"http:\/\/pressbooks.palni.org\/publicspeakinganddemocraticparticipation\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2025\/05\/image190.png\" alt=\"Salina Abraham, president of the International Forestry Students\u2019 Association and Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) presenting a speech at 2018 U.N. ECOSOC Youth Forum in New York.\" width=\"375\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.palni.org\/publicspeakinganddemocraticparticipation\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2025\/05\/image190.png 653w, https:\/\/pressbooks.palni.org\/publicspeakinganddemocraticparticipation\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2025\/05\/image190-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/pressbooks.palni.org\/publicspeakinganddemocraticparticipation\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2025\/05\/image190-65x43.png 65w, https:\/\/pressbooks.palni.org\/publicspeakinganddemocraticparticipation\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2025\/05\/image190-225x150.png 225w, https:\/\/pressbooks.palni.org\/publicspeakinganddemocraticparticipation\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2025\/05\/image190-350x234.png 350w\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-234\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/globallandscapesforum\/40079440962\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ECOSOC Youth Forum<\/a> by Global Landscapes Forum via Flickr, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CC BY-NC-SA<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"import-paft\">Typically, an extemporaneous delivery will use trimmed-down notes, or what we call a presentation outline. A <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><strong class=\"import-b\">presentation outline<\/strong><\/span> is a brief sketch of your speech designed to help you deliver your speech as free from your notes as possible. It allows you to more easily make on-the-fly adjustments and connect with your direct audience (the people who are exposed to and attend to your speech, as defined in chapter 10).<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">Let\u2019s explore four qualities of the presentation outline: It maintains visual cues from the preparation outline; it is brief, though some elements are written out; and it should include delivery notes. To see each of these qualities in use, there is a sample presentation outline in <a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.palni.org\/publicspeakinganddemocraticparticipation\/back-matter\/appendix-c\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Appendix C<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"import-bh\"><em>Maintain Visual Cues from the Preparation Outline<\/em><\/h2>\n<p class=\"import-paft\">Recall that in chapter 15, we talked about your <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">preparation<\/em><\/span> outline, or the draft you write as you plan and organize your speech. We instructed you to adopt specific outlining principles for that outline and to include labels for such key components as the introduction, conclusion, transitions, and thesis.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">The <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">presentation<\/em><\/span> outline keeps these visual cues and labels. Specifically, it visually shows the structure of your speech by <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">retaining the outlining symbols and indentations<\/em><\/span>. That way, you can quickly glance at the page, locate your place in the speech, and find the information you are looking for. The visual structure can also provide a brief reminder of where you are going next. If you don\u2019t maintain symbols and indentation, you are forced to read through dense text or a full paragraph to find the section you are looking for.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"import-bh\"><em>Strive for Brevity<\/em><\/h2>\n<p class=\"import-paft\">The presentation outline replaces full sentences with <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">keywords or phrases<\/em><\/span> that jog your memory about your points or information, as box 19.1 demonstrates. That means you find your specific wording or expression <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">in the moment<\/em><\/span>. The keywords are simply there to prompt the ideas so you can choose your wording as you go. Consequently, your wording will change slightly each time you deliver your speech using your presentation outline.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox\">\n<p><strong>Box 19.1 Sample Presentation Outline Excerpt<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Imagine delivering an extemporaneous speech on the subsection \u201c<span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><span class=\"import-xref\">Maintain Visual Cues from the Preparation Outline<\/span><\/span>.\u201d The presentation outline for that section might look like this:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">A. Maintain visual cues from preparation outline<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\">1. Preparation outline: principles, visual labels<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\">2. Presentation outline:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 120px;\">a. Keep principles, labels<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 120px;\">b. Visually show structure by outlining symbols, indentation<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 120px;\">c. Can glance, locate information; find where to go next<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 120px;\">d. If not, forced to read<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">Notice how few words appear on each line\u2014just enough to prompt the speaker\u2019s memory of what point or idea they want to convey.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"import-p\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">Choosing brevity prevents you from reading your speech and encourages you instead to connect with your audience. Otherwise, if you write too much down, the temptation to read can be overwhelming, especially when you feel nervous.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"import-bh\"><em>Write Out Minimal Elements<\/em><\/h2>\n<p class=\"import-paft\">Even in a presentation outline, you will still want to fully write out a <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">few<\/em><\/span> elements of the speech. These include your thesis, quotations, and spoken citations because accuracy is particularly important for each. In the sample presentation outline in <a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.palni.org\/publicspeakinganddemocraticparticipation\/back-matter\/appendix-c\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Appendix C<\/a>, you will notice several occasions where these elements are written out. Just keep to a minimum the speech elements you fully write out or, again, you will likely end up reading your speech.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"import-bh\"><em>Include Delivery Notes<\/em><\/h2>\n<p class=\"import-paft\">As you practice your speech, you may receive feedback that you consistently mumble a phrase or you tend to read quotations too quickly for an audience to follow. You may find you have trouble pronouncing a word or you leave out one subpoint repeatedly. All this information is useful as you write your presentation outline.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">You can include delivery notes to help yourself through problem spots. <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">Highlight<\/em><\/span> the point you tend to skip. <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">Write out<\/em><\/span> the difficult word phonetically. <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">Remind<\/em><\/span> yourself to \u201cslow down here!\u201d or \u201cpause\u201d in places where those elements of delivery will help your audience absorb the full impact of your words. Again, you can find examples of this in the sample presentation outline in <a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.palni.org\/publicspeakinganddemocraticparticipation\/back-matter\/appendix-c\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Appendix C<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">If you observe the four qualities of a presentation outline, you will more likely succeed in delivering your speech extemporaneously. A presentation outline might even help you with other types of deliveries. You could use it in case your memory goes blank while delivering a memorized speech or to jot down some ideas a few seconds or minutes before delivering an impromptu speech. If delivering a manuscript speech, however, you should approach your speech text differently.<\/p>\n<h1 class=\"import-ah\">Preparing a Manuscript for a Manuscript Delivery<\/h1>\n<p class=\"import-paft\">A manuscript delivery requires a <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><strong class=\"import-b\">manuscript<\/strong><\/span>\u2014a fully written-out version of your speech. Unlike a presentation outline, a manuscript typically looks more like an essay. Thus, it will likely include paragraphs rather than indentations, outlining symbols, or labels.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">A manuscript delivery may seem rather easy. Just read your text. However, you still need to achieve the three goals of an effective speech delivery established in chapter 17: engage the direct audience, enhance your ideas, and strengthen your credibility. If you don\u2019t adequately prepare your manuscript, simply reading your speech is more likely to bore your audience, distract from your ideas, and harm your credibility.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">How, then, can you prepare a manuscript for an effective delivery? We recommend you alter your manuscript in the following ways to aid your success (and as demonstrated in box 19.2):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Double-space the typed text and use a larger font (16, 18, or 20 point) so you can find your place more easily when you look down.<\/li>\n<li>Use such visual cues as <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span class=\"import-u\">underlining<\/span><\/span>, <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><strong class=\"import-b\">bolding<\/strong><\/span>, or <span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">highlighting<\/span> keywords or sentences to help draw your attention to them. Such cues enable you to maintain some eye contact with the audience while reducing the risk of losing your place.<\/li>\n<li>Include prompts or reminders in the manuscript to enhance your vocal and nonverbal delivery, such as your pronunciation, tone, volume adjustments, and pauses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"textbox\">\n<p><strong>Box 19.2 Sample Manuscript Excerpt<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you delivered a manuscript speech of the very first paragraph of \u201c<span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><span class=\"import-xref\">Preparing a Manuscript for a Manuscript Delivery<\/span><\/span>,\u201d the manuscript might look like this:<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-sbbqf\" style=\"margin-left: 54pt; margin-right: 54pt; text-indent: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 30px; line-height: 50px;\">A manuscript delivery [LOUDER] <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><strong class=\"import-b\">requires a manuscript<\/strong><\/span>\u2014<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">a <span class=\"import-u\">fully written<\/span><span class=\"import-u\">&#8211;<\/span><span class=\"import-u\">out version of your speech<\/span><\/span>. [PAUSE] <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">Unlike<\/em><\/span> a presentation outline, a manuscript typically appears [SLOWER] <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><strong class=\"import-b\">more like an essay<\/strong><\/span>. Thus, it will likely <span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">include paragraphs<\/span> <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">rather than<\/em><\/span> indentations, outlining symbols, or labels.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h1 class=\"import-ah\">Choose the Medium for Your Presentation Outline or Manuscript<\/h1>\n<p class=\"import-paft\">With the evolution of technology, it is hard to recommend one preferred medium or means of communication. Should you print your presentation outline or manuscript onto <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">paper<\/em><\/span> or <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">n<\/em><em class=\"import-i\">ote cards<\/em><\/span>? Or should you read or glance at them from a <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">tablet, phone, or laptop<\/em><\/span>?<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">To decide, learn as much about your speaking situation as possible:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Will you have a podium? If so, note cards can rest easily and rather noiselessly there.<\/li>\n<li>Will it be a windy, outdoor setting? Perhaps a tablet or paper printout is better.<\/li>\n<li>Will you speak from a seated position, such as at a conference? Then speaking from a laptop might be ideal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">In general, we recommend <span style=\"border: none windowtext 0pt; padding: 0;\"><em class=\"import-i\">against using your phone<\/em><\/span> for speaking notes, since the screen size is harder to read and can fit less text, prompting you to continually look at your phone and scroll down.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">In addition to the speaking situation, consider what you find most reliable and comfortable. Perhaps you prefer note cards for a presentation outline because their size forces you to include brief notes. Maybe you like speaking from sheets of paper (especially tucked inside a professional-looking folder) so you don\u2019t have to change pages as often. Some speakers like the convenience of a digital tablet so they never worry about getting their note cards mixed up or losing a page. Whatever medium you choose, it is important to practice using your notes or manuscript.<\/p>\n<h1 class=\"import-ah\">Practice with Your Chosen Notes and Medium<\/h1>\n<p class=\"import-paft\">It is hard to exaggerate the importance of practice, especially when sharpening your delivery. Practice with the medium you have chosen for your notes or manuscript. The experience of speaking from your laptop can be very different from printed pages you hold. Practicing ahead of time will help you find the best medium for you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">Also practice with your presentation outline or manuscript. When delivering from your presentation outline, you may discover you need to add words because you are forgetting your points. Perhaps, instead, you need to remove words because you are relying too much on your notes. You might find one section overly confusing and need to rethink it. Similarly, practicing with your manuscript will help you find the easiest font size for you to read from and where you need to add or remove visual cues.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-p0\" style=\"text-indent: 36pt;\">Practicing with your presentation outline or manuscript ahead of your actual speech delivery leaves you time to make necessary adjustments. If you wait until just before your speech to produce your speaking notes or manuscript, you may run into difficulties while delivering it for your audience.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--exercises\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Summary<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<p class=\"import-paft\">This chapter discussed presentation outlines and manuscripts. It provided guidance on what to include in your speaking notes or manuscript and how to use it for an effective speech delivery. Specifically, it covered the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Presentation (keyword) outlines are brief. They avoid full sentences in most places so you are forced to speak extemporaneously from your outline. They still maintain the visual cues of the preparation outline so you may find your way if you lose your place. It is a good idea to include delivery notes in your presentation outline.<\/li>\n<li>Manuscripts include every word you plan to say during your speech. They are typically written in paragraph form, but they are written in a larger font size, with visual prompts to aid your vocal and nonverbal delivery.<\/li>\n<li>Choose the medium for your presentation outline or manuscript\u2014printed paper, note cards, tablet, or laptop\u2014based on your speaking situation and personal comfort. Avoid using your phone.<\/li>\n<li>Practice your delivery using your presentation outline or manuscript in your chosen medium. Doing so will help you make necessary adjustments to ensure a smoother delivery on your actual speaking day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--key-takeaways\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Key Terms<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<p>manuscript<br \/>\npresentation outline<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--examples\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Review Questions<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<ol>\n<li>What are four qualities of a presentation outline?<\/li>\n<li>How is a manuscript different from a presentation outline?<\/li>\n<li>What should you consider when choosing the medium for your presentation outline or manuscript?<\/li>\n<li>Why should you practice using your presentation outline or manuscript?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--examples\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Discussion Questions<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<ol>\n<li>Do you prefer speaking from a presentation outline or a manuscript? Why?<\/li>\n<li>What kinds of delivery notes do you find most useful in a presentation outline or manuscript? Why?<\/li>\n<li>What is the best medium for speaking notes or manuscript: Note cards? Full printed pages? A digital tablet, laptop, or smartphone? 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