Sample Outline for Speech 4: Persuasive Action
Preparation Outline 4: Persuasive-Action
Vote for Candidate X
by
Julie Smith
Specific Purpose: I want the audience to vote for candidate X in the general election.
Thesis Sentence: Vote for candidate X in the general election.
Introduction
I recommend that you vote for candidate X in the general election. Websites and books dealing with voter registration have been reviewed. It is in the companys best interests to begin a voter registration program for all employees. Beginning a voter registration program for our company may encourage our employees to vote on issues critical to our organization in the next general election.
Body
I have conducted a survey of voters in Snohomish County designed to determine how many voters voted in the last general election.
Of those 18-19 years of age, 5% voted in the last general election.
Of those 20-29 years of age, 10% voted in the last general election.
Of those 30-39 years of age, 15% voted in the last general election.
Of those 40-49 years of age, 25% voted in the last general election.
Of those at least 50 years of age, 35% voted in the last general election.
(Sample transition: But are these numbers accurate?)
I compared the results of this survey with news media exit polls conducted during the last general election.
The national media exit polls are consistent with my survey.
The Gallup poll
The NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll
Local media polls are also consistent with my survey.
The Seattle Times poll
The Spokane Spokesman/Review poll
(Sample transition: So we know who voted, but what did they vote for?)
Issues of interest to Snohomish County voters failed in the last general election.
The proposal to reduce the sales tax by 1% failed by a margin of 60% no to 40% yes votes.
The proposal to improve the highways in Snohomish County failed by a margin of 51% no to 49% yes votes.
(Sample transition: How will Snohomish county voters benefit if more people vote in the next election?)
If Snohomish County voters actually vote in the next election, we will benefit.
Reduction in the sales tax rate by 1% would help consumers save money.
Snohomish County voters will experience safer and faster commuting to work if the proposed highway improvements are completed.
(Sample transition: Who should we vote for to make these things happen?)
Vote for the candidate who supports issues of interest to Snohomish County voters.
Candidate X supports a reduction in the sales tax rate by 1%.
Candidate Y opposes a reduction in the sales tax rate by 1%.
Candidate X supports the proposed highways improvements in Snohomish County.
Candidate y opposes the proposed highways improvements in Snohomish County.
Conclusion
Since the next general election includes initiatives to both reduce the sales tax by 1% and to improve the highway outside of our store, and since Snohomish County voters favor both proposals, I urge all of you, as Snohomish County voters to vote for the only candidate who supports both of these issues: Candidate X
Bibliography
King County Elections. http://www.metrokc.gov/elections/register.htm Accessed on October 25, 2015
League of Women Voters of Washington Education Fund. http://www.washingtonvoter.org/ Accessed on October 25, 2015
Ogden, D. M. and Bone, H. A. (1981). Washington Politics. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.
Sno-Isle Libraries Government and Politics Elections. http://www.sno-isle.org/applications/selected_link/current/category.cfm?category=336 Accessed on October 25, 2015
U.S. Elections Next Washington State Elections. http://www.uselections.com/wa/wa.htm Accessed on October 25, 2015
Washington Secretary of State. Register to Vote. http://www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/register.aspx Accessed on October 25, 2015
Outline Format for Speech 4: Persuasive Action
Preparation Outline 4: Persuasive Action
by
Students Name

Specific Purpose: (Example) I want the audience to start recycling.
Thesis Sentence: (Example) Recycling is one way that you can help reduce pollution.
Introduction
Body
Use a full sentence for your first main point.
Use a full sentence for your first 1st-order sub-point.
Use a full sentence for your second 1st-order sub-point.
You may choose to use a full sentence or a word or phrase here for your first 2nd-order sub-point.
If you used a sentence for your first 2nd-order sub-point, also use a sentence for your second 2nd-order sub-point. However, if you used a word or phrase for your first 2nd-order sub-point, use a word or phrase for your second 2nd-order sub-point.
Use a full sentence for your first main point.
Use a full sentence for your first 1st-order sub-point.
Use a full sentence for your second 1st-order sub-point.
You may choose to use a full sentence or a word or phrase here for your first 2nd-order sub-point.
If you used a sentence for your first 2nd-order sub-point, also use a sentence for your second 2nd-order sub-point. However, if you used a word or phrase for your first 2nd-order sub-point, use a word or phrase for your second 2nd-order sub-point.
Conclusion
Bibliography

Topic
Choose a topic that is significant, contemporary, meaningful, and relevant to the audience. Analyze the audience, link the topic to them in a way that will gain and hold attention and interest, and agreement.
Format
This outline must be at least 3 pages long and use 12-point font.
Use appropriate coordination and subordination. Use full sentences, including subjects and verbs for the main ideas or main points and the 1st order of subordinate ideas or sub-points. Consistently use either full-sentence or list form for 2nd -order sub-points supporting the same 1st order sub-point. Usually use list form for 3rd order, 4th order, and 5th order sub-points.
Enhance the readability of the outline. Use only one idea per point, only one sentence per point, single-space each point, and double-space vertically between points. Leave a line of white space between each point at every level.
Transitions between major sections and the main points should be provided in the outline (enclosed in parentheses). Use transitions to move the audiences attention from one section to another or from one main point to another.
Use a consistent pattern of indentation. Type main points flush with the left margin. Indent 5 spaces for 1st-order sub-points, 10 spaces for 2nd-order sub-points, 15 spaces for 3rd-order sub-points, 20 spaces for 4th-order sub-points.
Use the following system to label the points in the body:
Main Points: upper case Roman numerals [I, II, III, IV, V]
1st -order sub-points: upper case letters [A, B, C, D, E]
2nd -order sub-points: Arabic numerals [1, 2.3, 4, 5]
3rd -order sub-points: lower-case letters {a, b, c, d, e],
4th -order sub-points: Arabic numerals in parentheses [(1), (2), (3)]
Content
Specific Purpose: Formulated into one sentence, the specific purpose identifies the precise response the speaker desires from the audience (change in behavior). Do not use infinitive phrases, i.e., to inform or to persuade. Place the label for the specific purpose sentence flush with the left margin.
Thesis Sentence: The thesis sentence (addressed to the audience, not the instructor) summarizes everything the speaker intends to say during the speech. Place the label for the thesis sentence flush with the left margin.
The introduction should gain attention, orient the audience by stating the topic, offer a reason for listening, and preview the body of the speech. The introduction (which may be outlined or written word-for-word) is designed to
gain the attention of the audience;
establish the speaker’s credibility; and
orient the audience to the body of the speech.
Do not say I will tell the story of ____, or I will do X, Y, or Z. Actually outline or write the story here in the Introduction, such as Have you ever found yourself repeating mistakes you have made before? Actually outline or write the question here. Enclose transitions within parentheses ( ) on a line or lines separate from the rest of the outline. Transitions may link major sections OR main ideas OR subordinate ideas within the body of the speech.
The body must contain 2-5 main points using patterns of organization covered in the textbook; other patterns of organization must have prior approval by the instructor. Each main point must be well supported by 2-5 1st-order sub-points designed to illustrate the main points (examples, illustrations, facts, quotations, etc.) Don’t overload the audience with information. Move from simple to complex ideas. Move from familiar to unfamiliar ideas. Define your terms.
The body develops your ideas, condenses your thinking and research, ensuring that you have done an adequate job of preparation. The entire outline should contain more material than you have time to use in your speech and must be at least 3 pages in length [2 full + 1 partial). You must use two-five (2-5) main ideas and two-five (2-5) subordinate (sub-points) points for each main point or higher-level sub-point. The conclusion should restate or summarize the main points and communicate a sense of finality (verbally or nonverbally indicate that you have finished talking). You may end with a story or quotation.
The conclusion (which may be outline or written word-for-word) is designed to
provide the audience with a sense of finality,
leave the audience in the proper mood, and
focus the audience’s thinking on your topic.
Bibliography: The bibliography reports where you found the information for your speech. There are two general sources of information: your own personal experience and what you have learned from outside sources (reading or interviewing). You must indicate where you obtained your information. You are expected to provide at least six sources for this speech.
If some of your information came from your own experience, specify that personal experience in the bibliography. For example, I based this speech on water safety totally upon my personal experience as a lifeguard at Norms’ Resort, Cottage Lake, for the seven summers from 1959 until 1965.” Your personal experience will count as only one of six or more sources of information required.
You must include and cite properly (in APA format) at least one source from the Columbia College library database. Do not use Wikipedia as a source of information. However, if you cite electronic sources, provide enough information so that I could duplicate your search. Include at least the author or editor, title, date, publication medium, publisher, and the Universal Resource Locator, which includes protocol, site, path, and file.