Outlining your presentation is like drawing a map—it shows you where you're going and helps your audience follow along. A strong outline gives your presentation structure, flow, and clarity. One of the most common and effective ways to organize your outline is by topic, especially when your goal is to explain, inform, or compare ideas.
1. Introduction
Your opening sets the tone and prepares your audience for what’s to come.
Grab attention (quote, story, question, statistic, etc.)
Introduce your topic and why it matters
Clearly state your main message or goal
Preview your main points
2. Body
This is the core of your presentation, where you explain your ideas in more detail. When organizing by topic:
Divide the body into 2–4 main topics or key points
Present each topic in a logical order (e.g., from most to least important, general to specific, or familiar to unfamiliar)
Support each topic with evidence like examples, data, stories, or visuals
Use transitions to guide your audience from one section to the next
Example structure:
Topic 1: Definition and background
Topic 2: Key components or categories
Topic 3: Impacts or applications
Topic 4: Challenges, trends, or future outlook
3. Conclusion
Your closing helps your audience remember what matters and gives your presentation a sense of completion.
Summarize your main points
Reinforce your central message
End with a strong final thought (call to action, quote, question, or reflection)
References
Engleberg, I. N. and Daly, J. A. (2009). Presentations in every day life (3rd edition). Pearson.
