Chapter 4.15: Developing the Introduction and Conclusion

1. Chapter 4.15: Developing the Introduction and Conclusion

2. Functions of the Introduction • Gain the audience’s attention and willingness to listen • Preview the topic, purpose, and main ideas of the speech • Establish your credibility to speak on the topic • Motivate the audience to accept your goals

3. GAIN ATTENTION: THE FIRST STEP • Use a quotation • Tell a story (narratives and anecdote) • Pose questions (rhetorical questions) • Rhetorical questions do not invite an actual response • Say Something Startling • Relate unusual information • Use Humor • Refer to the occasion • Refer to the audience

4. Preview the Purpose and Topic • The introduction should alert the audience to the speech topic and purpose. • Previewing the topic and purpose can enhance understanding.

5. Preview the Main Points • Previewing the main points helps audience members mentally organize the speech and helps the speaker keep their attention. • Simply tell the audience what the main points will be and in what order you will address them (First, Second…) • When previewing the main points, simply mention those points and save you in-depth discussion for the body.

6. Motivate the audience to accept your goals and make the topic relevant • Audience members must believe that : • The topic is relevant • A good introduction demonstrates why your listeners should care about your topic.

7. Establishing credibility as a speaker • Audience members decide if they are interested in your topic and you in the introduction • Ethical appeals are important when the audience does not know you well and when it is important to establish your professionalism. • To build credibility, make a simple statement of your qualifications for speaking on the topic.

8. Guidelines for Preparing the Introduction • First complete the body of the speech • Review your research material that you can use in the introduction. • Keep the introduction brief • Intro should make up no more than 10 to 15 percent of the entire speech • Time your introduction before delivery • Revise the introduction freely until you’re completely satisfied

9. Preparing the Conclusion • Signal to the audience that the speech is coming to an end and provide closure. • Summarize the main points and goals. • Reiterate the thesis or central idea of the speech. • Challenge the audience to respond. • End the speech memorably

10. Guidelines for Preparing the Conclusion • During the research phase, lookout for material that you can use. • Do not leave the conclusion to chance; prepare. • Keep the length of the conclusion about 1/6 of the overall speech. • Practice delivering the conclusion often.

11. Making the Conclusion Memorable • Use Quotations • Poetry, lyrics, and pertinent statements from others • Pose rhetorical questions to make audience thing about the speech topic and your speech goals • Tell a story that illustrates or sums up a key speech idea • Use appropriate humor • Issue a challenge • Make a startling statement • Line back to the introduction to give the audience a sense of having come full circle