How do you link your main points and subpoints?

1 Identify your main points and subpoints

The first step to link your main points and subpoints is to identify them clearly in your speech outline. Your main points are the key messages that you want to convey to your audience. They should be based on your speech purpose, thesis statement, and research. Your subpoints are the supporting details that explain, illustrate, or prove your main points. They should be relevant, specific, and organized logically. You can use different methods to structure your main points and subpoints, such as chronological, topical, spatial, problem-solution, or cause-effect.

2 Use signposts and summaries

The second step to link your main points and subpoints is to use signposts and summaries to guide your audience through your speech. Signposts are words or phrases that indicate the direction or position of your speech. They help your audience to anticipate what is coming next, to recall what has been said before, and to focus on the important points. Some examples of signposts are: firstly, secondly, finally, next, then, after that, in addition, moreover, however, on the other hand, for example, in conclusion, etc. Summaries are sentences that restate or highlight the main points or subpoints of your speech. They help your audience to review and remember your key messages. You can use summaries at the end of each main point, at the end of each subpoint, or at the end of your speech.

3 Use internal previews and reviews

The third step to link your main points and subpoints is to use internal previews and reviews to reinforce your transitions. Internal previews are sentences that introduce the main points or subpoints that you are going to discuss next. They help your audience to prepare for the upcoming information and to see how it relates to your thesis statement. Internal reviews are sentences that recap the main points or subpoints that you have just discussed. They help your audience to consolidate the information and to see how it supports your thesis statement. You can use internal previews and reviews at the beginning or end of each main point, or at the beginning or end of each subpoint.

4 Use parallelism and repetition

The fourth step to link your main points and subpoints is to use parallelism and repetition to create coherence and emphasis. Parallelism is the use of similar words, phrases, or sentences to express similar ideas. It helps your audience to recognize the connections and patterns between your points and subpoints. Repetition is the use of the same words, phrases, or sentences to reinforce your ideas. It helps your audience to remember and focus on your key messages. You can use parallelism and repetition in your speech introduction, in your main points and subpoints, and in your speech conclusion.

5 Use transitions creatively and appropriately

The fifth step to link your main points and subpoints is to use transitions creatively and appropriately. Transitions are not just mechanical devices that fill the gaps between your points and subpoints. They are also opportunities to engage your audience, to show your personality, and to make your speech memorable. You can use transitions creatively by using humor, anecdotes, quotations, rhetorical questions, or visual aids. You can use transitions appropriately by matching them to your speech tone, purpose, and audience. You can also vary your transitions to avoid monotony and boredom.

6 Practice and revise your transitions

The sixth step to link your main points and subpoints is to practice and revise your transitions. Transitions are not something that you can add at the last minute or improvise on the spot. They require careful planning, writing, and rehearsing. You need to practice your transitions aloud, preferably in front of a mirror, a recorder, or a friend. You need to check if your transitions are clear, smooth, and natural. You need to revise your transitions if they are confusing, abrupt, or artificial. You need to polish your transitions until they are effective, fluent, and expressive.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?