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Copyright ©  Patricia R. Palmerton, 2001, all rights reserved.

This page is a personal page on the Hamline web site
This page created and maintained by Patricia R. Palmerton
Comments or questions may be sent to Patricia Palmerton at ppalmerton@gw.hamline.edu
Date of last update:September 2001

Mapping the Relationships Among Ideas

Many people hate outlines. At the same time, many people have welcomed with great enthusiasm the templates provided by presentation software--which are (gasp!) outlines.

There are any number of forms that can be helpful to you in mapping out your ideas. The main point to remember: the map you create should be your tool, not the other way around. Don't let someone else's map dictate to you how you are going to say what you say. I repeat: do not let someone else's map (for example, presentational software) dictate what you will say and/or how you will say it.

The old advice is: tell them what you are going to tell them (introduction), tell them (body), and then tell them what you told them (conclusion). this is the basic structure of a Western presentation. Other cultural traditions vary from this structure, so be willing to learn and adapt your structure to the cultural context within which you are functioning.

It is useful to consider the functions that need to be served in the differents parts of a speech. The functions will vary with culture. In the examples here I've identified standard functions expected in Western tradition.

Standard Outline Form

A. Introduction

1. Gain attention
2. Establish credibility

a. by establishing the significance of the topic
b. by establishing your credibility as a speaker

3. Provide a focus for the talk (thesis/focus statement of question)
4. Preview (optional, but often helpful)
5. Transition to the body of the presentation

B. Body

1. Your first point

a. Evidence to support this point
b. More evidence
c. And so forth

• transition
  

2. Your second point

a. Evidence
b. More evidence
c. And so forth

• transition
  

3. Your third point

a. Evidence
b. And so forth

• Include as many points as needed, but generally no more than 5 points.
• transition

C. Conclusion

1. Remind listeners of the essential points you have developed
2. Remind them what the implications are
3. Refocus attention on the most important idea you want them to remember
4. Provide closure