How to Do An Outline

I've spend the last few days refining my articles outline (or course outline as I'm starting to think of it) to flow better. I'm not done yet, but I am now happier with the overall flow, and I've written one more article. I cannot stress the importance of getting this outline right up front. It makes the writing part so much easier, I can't even tell you how much. It will save you a lot of rework in the end.

Here's a tip from a public presentations course I took about a year ago that will save you a lot of time, and ensure your articles or presentations flow.

Do an outline.
Lay it out like this picture. The blue circles show the order to write each part.



This means you write it in this order
1. Subject
2. Conclusion (what do you want people to do or remember as a result of this)
3. Agenda (3 main points is generally best)
4. Body
5. Summary of each agenda point
6. Any opening remarks (more for presenting live than writing articles)
7. Optional creative opening

The red arrows show the order you present it in.

I also got one more article written and posted, "Why People Buy Things, The 6 Fundamental Reasons". Check it out.