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Sample Outline Topic: Lightning General Purpose: to inform Specific Purpose: to inform my audience about the effects of lightning on our bodies and ways to avoid lightning strikes. Pattern of Organization: Topical IntroductionI. Attention Getter: A portion of Gretel Ehrlich’s account of her experience with lightning. SOURCE: 1994 May/June Health (**NOTE** Only paraphrase the attention getter if you use an extended example/narrative. Otherwise, write it as you would say it in the speech!!!) II. Establish the Relevance of the Topic: Lightning strikes are a danger to everyone. The November 1993 issue of the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society estimates that 1000 deaths per year occur worldwide due to lightning, and injuries more than double that figure. SOURCE: 1993 November Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. III. Establish Credibility: Currently, I am majoring in broadcast meteorology and I have spent a lot of time studying the effects of severe weather. (**NOTE** This section will be included only if you have previous experience with the topic.) IV. Thesis: I hope to show you the danger that lightning poses to humans, and also inform you of some of the ways to avoid lightning strikes. Transition: The incredible power of a lightning bolt can have dramatic effects on our bodies. BodyI. Lightning strikes have some common effects as well as some rather uncommon effects on victims. A. Victims of lightning strikes may appear dead. SOURCE: 1992 August American Journal of Nursing. 1. The victim’s heart and breathing may stop. 2. Swift medical attention can usually revive the victim. B. Secondary injuries often occur in victims of lightning strikes. SOURCE: 1992 July American Journal of Nursing. 1. Victims commonly suffer spinal injury due to violent movement caused by muscle contraction or falls. 2. Victims often lose consciousness and suffer confusion and amnesia. C. Most deaths that do occur are not instant. SOURCE: 1990 May/June Public Health Reports. 1. Study shows that most deaths due to lightning occur about 1 day after the strike. 2. One instance was reported of a 5 year delay between the strike and the victim’s death. D. Permanent neurological damage can occur from lightning strikes. SOURCE: 1994 May/June Health. Transition: Now that you have seen the damage that lightning can do to us, let me tell you about some of the guidelines used to avoid being a victim. II. Lightning strikes can be avoided by remembering a few safety guidelines. A. The most dangerous part of a storm is before it actually begins. SOURCE: Mary Ann Cooper 1994 May/June Health. B. When indoors during a storm, avoid certain situations. SOURCE: 1992 August American Journal of Nursing. 1. Avoid taking a bath. 2. Don’t use plug-in electrical appliances or the telephone. 3. Stay away from open doorways and windows. C. There are more guidelines to follow if you are caught outside during a storm. SOURCE: 1987 July/August Sierra. 1. Avoid peaks, ridges, water, and tall isolated objects. 2. Avoid tents, small buildings, and shallow caves. 3. Deep valleys or dense stands of shorter than average trees offer good protection against lightning. 4. If you can’t find shelter, make sure your shoes have no metal in them and crouch low to the ground. Transition: Many people that have been struck by lightning might have avoided their fate. ConclusionI. Summary: Hopefully, now that you have heard the devastating effects that lightning strikes can have on us, you will remember some of the safety guidelines I have described. II. Closure: Armed with this knowledge, I hope that you will be able to avoid that big bolt from the blue that just might have your name on it. ****A Bibliography should follow on a separate page using a proper bibliographic format!**** Keep in mind: The example provided above is only a guide for the outline format. You may have more main points or fewer subpoints than this student. Do not “steal” this student’s wording when writing your transitions or summaries. For example, I shouldn’t be hearing “Armed with this knowledge” at the end of everyone’s speeches. Also keep in mind that the outline format is the same regardless of whether you’re writing an informative or persuasive speech.
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