Presenting with a Speech Framer or Outline

Speaking Notes Outline: Why and How to Deal with Anger

1. Introduction
   1. Attention-getter:
      1. [Ask the audience] “Have you ever been angry?”
      2. Natural, human reaction
      3. Example: Soccer story
   2. Central idea: Understanding anger > avoid, manage, and respond appropriately to your and others’ anger
   3. Define anger: “Emotional response to unmet expectations”
      1. Examples: expected grade, promotion, honesty
      2. [Ask for more examples]
   4. Preview: Key points
      1. Dispelling anger myths
      2. Managing your anger
      3. Responding to anger from others
2. Body of presentation
   1. Key point 1: Anger myths [Eifert et al.]
      1. True/False? Anger is helpful > lets you vent. Both.
         1. True: Danger response
         2. False: Angry people become angrier.
      2. True/False? Caused when someone upsets/hurts you.
         1. False: You are responsible for your anger.
         2. Don’t blame others.
         3. Example: Apology to Ari
   2. Key point 2: Your anger
      1. Admit you are angry.
         1. No shouting
         2. Control nonverbals: face, body, tone
         3. Example: Ruth story
      2. Avoid personal attacks.
         1. No name-calling, threats, canceling
         2. [Ask audience for more examples.]
      3. Use “I” statements.
         1. “I expected . . .”
         2. “I don’t understand . . .”
         3. “I thought you said . . .”
   3. Key point 3: Others’ anger
      1. Acknowledge.
         1. “I understand how angry you are.”
         2. “I’d be just as upset if I were you.”
         3. “I should have . . .”
      2. Clarify.
         1. “I don’t think I said I’d write the report.”
         2. “How is this different from when we . . .”
      3. Collaborate.
         1. “Let’s work this out together.”
         2. Example: Asking Petra to mediate
3. Conclusion
   1. Summarize key points
      1. Understanding anger myths
      2. Managing anger
      3. Responding to anger
      4. Summary: You are responsible for your feelings and behavior when you feel or face anger.
   2. Carol Tavris quote: Anger “requires an awareness of choice and an embrace of reason. It is knowing when to become angry . . . when to make peace, when to take action, and when to keep silent.”

Compare this speaking notes outline to the example speech framer on page 177. They include the same introduction, central idea, key points, definitions, supporting material, stories, and conclusion. Both methods result in a usable set of notes that organize your content into a coherent message. Use the option that will work best for you, your presentation, and your speaking occasion.

As with the speech framer, your speaking notes will naturally evolve as you prepare for and practice your presentation. Abbreviate ideas you can recall easily and add cues for the ones you tend to forget. Remember, your first draft should never be your final draft! And before you even start practicing, use the following tips to prepare speaking notes that will be a helpful and reliable reference as you deliver your presentation:

1. Title your notes. Select a title that best represents your purpose and put it at the top of your notes. Not only will it keep you focused on your overriding purpose as you speak, it will also help you describe your presentation to others. Consider the difference between a presentation titled “Anger Is a Natural Response” and one titled “Why and How to Deal with Anger.”
2. Insert time markers. On your outline or speech framer, note the amount of time you expect to take on each section of your presentation. Make sure the total adds up to the assigned (or desired) time limit! As you practice your presentation, if a section runs too short or too long, you may need to speak faster, cut some material, or even drop a key point. And if unexpected changes or disruptions cut into your speaking time, those time markers will help you decide how and where to accommodate those changes.
3. Use delivery cues. When preparing your outline, MARK UP YOUR NOTES (220) with delivery cues that tell you which words or phrases to emphasize with changes in VOCAL QUALITY (231–41) as well as when to pause and when to GESTURE (252–55) and MOVE (256–57). Use symbols, bold, underlining, and ALL CAPS to emphasize important words or phrases.
4. Include written references. Depending on your expertise, topic, and the rhetorical situation, add CITATIONS (149–51) to your notes. In some cases (such as a communication course), you may be required to turn in both an outline and a set of references. Audience members may ask about your data, the background of someone you quoted, or how to learn more about the topic. Having a list of references will help you ANSWER QUESTIONS (355–56) with credibility and confidence.