Informative Speech Preparation Outline

Jacquelyn Thompson

General purpose: To inform

Specific purpose: At the end of my speech, the audience will understand how spending time in nature helps us better connect to ourselves. 

Organization pattern: Topical (because I have subtopics)

1. Introduction
   1. ATTENTION-GETTER: Have you ever wondered why you feel recharged after spending time outdoors?
   2. REASON TO LISTEN: It’s because nature has been proven to help us tune inward.
   3. SPEAKER CREDIBILITY: After a five year abusive relationship I had no idea who I was, but nature brought me closer to myself. 
   4. THESIS: Most of us are disconnected, but spending time in nature is the easiest way to connect with yourself. 
   5. PREVIEW OF MAIN POINTS
      1. One of the simplest ways nature allows us to connect with ourselves is by eliminating distractions. 
      2. There is also scientific evidence that suggests being in nature improves our mental health. 
      3. Additionally, nature allows us to feel “in tune” with ourselves by promoting creativity and imagination. 

Transition: There is no right way to spend time outdoors as long as you’re respectful to Mother Earth. 

2. Body
   1. One of the first things you notice when you’re out in nature is how quiet and peaceful it is.
      1.  With this element of stillness we are finally able to acknowledge our thoughts and organize them. 
      2. We are forced to slow down and concentrate on the present moment.
      3. Concentrating on the present moment then allows us to just be with ourselves, which is something we’re not used to.
         1. When in Need, Nature is There For You, an e-book published in 2022 by Daphne Meuwese who is a PhD candidate stated that participants experienced nature as an accepting presence that does not judge them for who they are.
         2. Because of this environment, we gain a sense of self-worth to just be. The pyramid chart as seen in the figure above also from When in Need, Nature is there for you by Meuwese gives us insight on this concept. 

Transition: I know it can be hard to find the time, but we can significantly benefit from any time spent in nature. 

2. There are many benefits to having a connection with nature, the most profound being that it can improve our mental health.
   1.  There have been studies to show that time in nature lowers our stress hormone, known as cortisol. 
   2. Spending time outdoors also promotes oxygen intake to the brain. 
   3. Serotonin: The natural mood booster, an article posted by Stephanie Watson in July 2021 who has a degree in mass communications says that our exposure to the sun naturally increases serotonin levels.
      1. With improved mental health we are then able to connect with ourselves. 

Transition: Not only does nature improve our mental health and lessen the distractions of life but there are so many more benefits the more time we spend.

3. Nature is known to promote creativity and strengthen our imagination, furthering our connection to self.
   1.  When we’re outside there is so much to be inspired by, everywhere we look. 
   2. In podcast episode 85, posted in February 2021, guest Shuka Kalantari with a masters degree describes that the backpackers she studied scored 50% higher on the creativity test after spending just four days in nature.
   3. Nature has a pure aspect, asking us to use creativity to connect to our inner-child.
      1. When we release our inner-child and connect with them we deepen our relationship with ourselves. 

Transition: To conclude, nature will bring about different feelings and experiences for everyone, but remember we are all one with the Earth.

3. Conclusion
   1. REVIEW OF MAIN POINTS
      1. The more time spent outdoors, the less distractions you’ll have, strengthening your connection to self.  
      2. By improving our mental health, nature allows us to tune inward. 
      3. Spending time in nature will spark your creativity thus fueling self-discovery. 
   2. RESTATE THESIS: Nature is waiting for you to reap the benefits that she’s willing to provide, it’s never too late to connect with yourself.
   3. CLINCHER: There is no better or simpler way to begin the journey of self discovery!

References

Meuwese, D. (2022). When in need, nature is there for you. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Wolf Art Studio. Retrieved September 23, 2023 from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Daphne-Meuwese/publication/357834194_WHEN_IN_NEED_NATURE_IS_THERE_FOR_YOU_The_Restorative_Effects_of_Nature_in_Supporting_the_Prevention_and_Treatment_of_Mental_Health_Problems/links/61e1aba0c5e31033759433c1/WHEN-IN-NEED-NATURE-IS-THERE-FOR-YOU-The-Restorative-Effects-of-Nature-in-Supporting-the-Prevention-and-Treatment-of-Mental-Health-Problems.pdf?origin=publication_detail

Keltner, D. (Host). (2021, February 18). Why We’re Drawn to Nature: (No. 85) [Audio podcast episode] in The science of happiness; the greater good magazine. PRX and UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. Retrieved September 23, 2023, from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/item/why_were_drawn_to_nature_foraging_harvesting

Watson, S. (2021, July 21). Serotonin: The natural mood booster: Harvard health publishing. Retrieved September 20, 2023, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/serotonin-the-natural-mood-booster