"...so what've you got to tell me?"

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• "Points" - You know it & I know it:  from the very beginning, there are some things (I call'em points) that you just need to include in the speech.  Maybe because the nature of the speech requires it, maybe because you just know you have to include this a bit that you love - whatever the reason, don't ignore these points!  Write them down, think about how they relate to each other and to the speech as a whole; this is the beginning of an outline...

• Flow - Now we need to put what we've got together into something coherent.  Incorporate the views and points while satisfying the goals.  However, a speech that flows needs more than just the right parts - it needs some kind of development, some variation throughout, to create an interesting and effective presentation.  Try presenting opposing viewpoints at first and moving gradually, through the introduction of various pieces of evidence, to your conclusion at the end.  Try starting with only questions, and lead the audience on a "path of discovery."  Whatever you do, keep this as a rough outline for now; it needs more fleshing before it's a viable piece of oratory.

• Attitude - This is also a good time to do a 'tude check, and make sure you're not only conveying the message you want, but also the mood.  As I've said before, sarcasm is perfectly fine (in fact, recommended) in small doses, but too much can render the speech depressing and cynical, and the speaker someone the audience loves to hate.  It's very rare that a speech will want to have a negative outlook;  keep the downsides balanced by plenty of upside.  And don't confuse humor with a good attitude; a lot of humor is actually negative in this context!

You've got an idea & an outline; let's fill it up with fun stuff.  Let's move on to Devices...