Let’s Talk About It: The Communication Podcast with Dr. Sherry Stancil
Let’s Talk About It is your quick, relatable stop for real conversations about communication, conflict, and connection. Hosted by Dr. Sherry Stancil, a communication expert and storyteller, each microlearning episode (under 5 minutes) reflects on everyday moments—from rush hour frustrations to workplace challenges—offering practical tips to navigate them with empathy, intention, and skill.
Let’s Talk About It: The Communication Podcast with Dr. Sherry Stancil
The Art of Outlining
Outlining—it’s a lost art, but it doesn’t have to be. In today’s episode of Let’s Talk About It, we’re bringing back the Simple Three-Point Outline—a no-stress way to organize your thoughts before speaking or writing. Whether you’re prepping for a speech, drafting an email, or tackling a tough conversation, this quick method will keep you clear, focused, and on track. Let’s talk about it!
Welcome to Let’s Talk About It—the podcast that shines a light on the art of interpersonal communication. From handling tough conversations to building stronger connections, we’re here to explore the skills that help you thrive in work, relationships, and beyond. So, grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let’s talk about it!
So, let me tell you a quick story.
The other day, I asked my students to create an outline before writing their speech. And you know what happened? Crickets. Blank stares. A couple of them even asked, “Do we really have to do this?”
It hit me—outlining is becoming a lost art. Somewhere along the way, we stopped teaching it, or maybe it just got replaced by “just start writing and see where it goes.” And don’t get me wrong, creativity is great, but let’s be honest—how often do we start strong and then suddenly realize… we have no idea where we’re going?
That’s why today, we’re bringing back the Simple Three-Point Outline—an easy, no-stress way to get your ideas together before you speak or write.
Here’s how it works:
- Start with your main idea. This is your big point, the one thing you want people to walk away with. If you can’t sum it up in a sentence, your message might not be clear enough yet.
- Break it into three supporting points. Not five, not ten—just three. Why? Because three is easy to follow, easy to remember, and gives just enough depth without overwhelming your audience.
- Wrap it up with a strong conclusion. This is where you tie everything together, bring it back to the main idea, and leave your audience with something to think about.
That’s it—three simple steps, and you have a clear roadmap for your speech, email, or even a tough conversation.
So, the next time you feel stuck, try the Simple Three-Point Outline. It’s quick, easy, and trust me—it makes all the difference.
That’s it for today’s episode. Thanks for tuning in!