Thus you can see to it that each main heading of the outline follows logically the one preceding it and contributes to the development of the theme. In following the method suggested here, flaws of continuity are easily seen in the outline and can be corrected. Make certain too that the ideas are arranged in the most logical or practical sequence. It is better to do this than to clutter the talk with inconsequential or irrelevant material. If such is the case, do not hesitate to omit them. In selecting and putting into place in the outline the various main points and sub-points that have been assembled, it may be observed that some of these do not add materially to the exposition of your theme. Now select other ideas needed to support these main points, putting each one in its proper place following the main point that it upholds. If you have arranged your material on cards, you can place these in sequence on a table before you. These should serve as the main points of the talk. You will find it helpful to write it down so that you can refer to it during your preparation.ģ Now from the material that you have assembled select the principal ideas necessary to put across this one central theme. If this contains the gist of your talk, if it embodies the one central idea you want your audience to remember, this should serve as a theme for your talk. After you have gathered your material you are in position to determine exactly what it is you want your audience to carry away with them when you are finished. Since speaking, especially a discussion of God’s Word, is for the purpose of conveying ideas to the mind of another, the thoughts we hope to convey in a talk should be very clearly defined in our own mind first. This means working up an outline.Ģ Selecting the main thoughts.

It is to our advantage to follow this same practice in preparing our talks.

How can the theme and main points of a talk be determined?ġ Said Gospel writer Luke to his friend Theophilus: “I resolved also, because I have traced all things from the start with accuracy, to write them in logical order to you.” ( Luke 1:3) So, having done research, having collected an array of facts relating to his subject, he set about organizing them in understandable sequence.

Public talk outlines jw