formal outline “divorce in america”.docVIP

Formal Outline: “Divorce in America” Eric Hughes, Mandi Miller, Kristi Mertens, Ondrea Row, and Brad Heitzman Introduction (Attention) I. Attention Catcher: Webster’s Universal College Dictionary states that divorce is, “a judicial declaration dissolving a marriage and releasing both spouses from all matrimonial obligations.” II. Listener Relevance: We all know a couple who have been divorced. Divorce scars all those that come in contact with it. Throughout most of the world it is understood that marriage is a very sacred ceremony. But marriage doesn’t stop after the honeymoon; you have to live with that person for the rest of your days. III. Speaker Credibility: We have all researched divorce and found some very interesting discoveries. IV. Thesis: Divorce is a major problem in our society, but there are ways we can stop it. Preview: We will discuss reasons for divorces, a plan to stop divorce, changes for the future of divorce, and what you can do about divorce. Transition: Marriage is based on a series of fundamental principles. Mandi will tell you a little about how we need to fix our current divorce situation. Body I. First Main Point (Need): There are plenty of reasons to divorce. Listener Relevance: Many of have had first hand experience or know of marriages that have broken down for all kinds of reasons: our parent’s marriage, our sibling’s marriage or our friend’s marriage. SubPoint: So, why do marriages fail? Listener Relevance: Most of us who are married or want to get married do not want it to end in divorce. Sub-SubPoint: The stresses and strains of living together are too difficult for many couples to deal with. Family researchers and family therapists have spent a significant amount of time investigating what causes divorce. According to the Journal of Family Psychology, in a national study of marital therapists, who work with couples, Whisman, Dixon and Johnson identified the most prominent problems reported by couples. The results of t