Brief Guide to Writing and Speaking

Topic Sentences Structure a Talk or a Paper

• Best sentence rule: known-material subject drives to new concept.
  1. Subject is known character: e.g., Current coal-burning plants
  2. Verb is active: e.g., undermine
  3. Object has new material: a stable global climate.
• Topic sentence should be specific to both
    summarize main point of viewgraph/paragraph and
    identify needed content in viewgraph/paragraph.
• Revise each topic sentence to capture essence of the viewgraph/paragraph
• Remove, reorder or rewrite topic sentences for clear, concise and compelling argument for Take-Home Message. (The 3R->3C rule.)

Rules for preparing talk/viewgraphs

• Decide on take-home message.
   What do you want listeners to carry away? Design talk to that aim.
• Pick figures and illustrations that deliver take-home message.
• On each viewgraph, put
  • Title that summarize subject of viewgraph.
  • Carefully formulated argument.
  • Conclusion of argument at bottom of viewgraph.
• Practice for:
  • Length. Shorter is better.
  • Connectivity. Cleanly segue from one viewgraph to the next.
  • Clarity . Formulate your ideas accurately and concisely.