Preparation Outline

Preparation Outline – Citations

(Official MLA guidelines:
MLA Style Center)

TITLE

General Purpose: to inform, to persuade, or to entertain

Specific Purpose Statement: a statement of what you want your audience to do when you finish your speech.

Central Idea/thesis statement: a one-sentence summary of your speech.

INTRODUCTION

The introduction should be written out word for word. Use complete sentences in your outline. The introduction should include the following:

  1. Attention getter.
  2. Preview of the speech.
  3. Establish the credibility and goodwill of the speaker: state your qualification (experience/research) to speak about this topic.

Connective: Move from the introduction into the main point of the body.

BODY

  1. A single complete sentence expressing the main point of this section of the speech.
  2.    Subpoint (As with main points, subpoints should be written in full sentences.)
  3.      Sub-subpoint: written in full sentences.
  4.      Sub-subpoint
  5.    Subpoint

Connective: Use a transition or connective to move from one main point to the next.

  1. A single complete sentence expressing the main point of this section of the speech.
  2. Subpoint
  3. Subpoint
  4. Sub-subpoint
  5. Sub-sub-subpoint
  6. Sub-sub-subpoint
  7. Sub-subpoint

Connective: Use a transition or connective to move from one main point to the next.

III. A single complete sentence expressing the main point of this section of the speech

  1. Subpoint
  2. Sub-subpoint
  3. Sub-subpoint
  4. Subpoint
  5. Sub-subpoint
  6. Sub-subpoint
  7. Subpoint

Connective: Use a transition or connective to move with from the body of the speech to the conclusion.

CONCLUSION

The conclusion should be written out word for word. The conclusion should contain the following objectives:

  1. Review your main points.
  2. Make a memorable statement.

REFERENCES

The reference section should include your citations following the Modern Language Association (MLA) format: Place the references at the end of your preparation outline, put the word "References" or “Works Cited” at the top of the page listing, and double space each citation. For additional information or other citations, consult the 

MLA Sample Citations (9th Edition)

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is commonly used in literature, language, and humanities subjects. Below are examples of commonly used MLA citations.

Basic Book Citation

Format:
Author Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.

Example:
Smith, John. Introduction to Literature. Pearson, 2022.

Journal Article Citation

Format:
Author Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Journal Name, vol. number, no. number, Year, pp. page range.

Example:
Brown, Lisa, and Robert Davis. “Effects of Social Media on Students.” Journal of Education, vol. 15, no. 2, 2021, pp. 45–58.

Website Citation

Format:
Author Last Name, First Name. “Title of Webpage.” Website Name, Publisher (if different from website name), Date, URL.

Example:
Johnson, Kelly. “Climate Change and Global Warming.” National Geographic, 10 Mar. 2023, www.nationalgeographic.com.

Newspaper Article Citation

Format:
Author Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Newspaper Name, Date, URL.

Example:
Miller, Thomas. “Technology Trends in Education.” The New York Times, 5 Jan. 2024, www.nytimes.com.

In-Text Citations

  • Book: (Smith 45)
  • Article: (Brown and Davis 52)
  • Website without page number: (Johnson)

General MLA Formatting Rules

  • Use 12 pt readable font (commonly Times New Roman)
  • Double-space the entire paper
  • Use 1-inch margins on all sides
  • Include page numbers in the top-right corner
  • First page heading includes:
    • Student Name
    • Instructor Name
    • Course Name
    • Date
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