The Online Writing Manual Planning Your Paper: Hands-On Methods

Social thinkers may find it easier to participate in a conversation or imagine a conversation than to write a verbal outline.

• Envisioning a Scenario
  Consider presenting your paper as a t.v. news segment.  What would you include in this news story?  
  Or think of it as a documentary film.  What do you want to show in your film?  The verbal description of your visualization is the basis of your paper.  
  Or imagine yourself teaching a class on this topic.  What do you need to tell your students?  Use your teaching notes as an outline for your research paper.
• Analyzing the Transcript of a Conversation in an Electronic Environment
  Talking about your project in a real-time chat program may help you think through your ideas.  Keep a transcript of your conversation and review it to find the major elements of your paper's plan.

Updated by A. L. Trupe, Sept. 2005