What purpose does an outline serve during the drafting process?

An outline serves a crucial role during the drafting process by organizing thoughts systematically. It helps to structure ideas in a logical flow, ensuring that the message is coherent and easy to follow. By breaking down the content into main points and subpoints, writers can see the relationships between different ideas, making it easier to build a cohesive narrative or argument. This systematic organization also aids in identifying gaps in information or areas that need further development, ultimately leading to a more effective and polished final product.

In contrast, finalizing the message is typically done after drafting and requires consideration of the overall content rather than just organization. While a visual aid can complement a presentation or written material, it is not the primary function of an outline. Simplifying editing is a benefit of having an organized draft but is not the primary purpose of creating an outline during the drafting process.