Like most design projects, a public speech requires prototyping and planning.

An architect draws up blueprints of a building before construction begins. A coach draws up a play before a big possession. A free-climber plans every handhold on their route up the rock face. A series of prototypes are tested before a car makes it to the assembly line. Likewise, a public speech needs to be planned carefully before it is delivered. Why? Because in most cases, you only get one chance to get your point across.

In this module, we’ll discuss the process of narrowing down a topic, conducting research, and organizing the collected data into a speech outline. We’ll identify how to document and record resources and offer some tips on keeping track of your research.