Objective: To learn and put into practice the elements of an Introduction, Body and Conclusion when giving a speech. Speech Organization

The Introduction: I. Attention getter II. Motivational Link III. Thesis statement IV. Preview statement

I. Attention Getter Asking questions Making references Startling statement Giving a Quote Telling a Story Humor Historical Facts

II. Motivational Link Statement which connects the attention getter and thesis statement and shows a relationship between the two. Develops a “bridge” between the audience and your topic. Establishes the value and relevance of your topic to the audience’s lives.

III. Thesis Statement This sentence tells your audience exactly what you will be speaking about. Your thesis should clarify the over-all goal of your speech and state your specific topic. It should also clarify the focus or angle of your topic. (eliminating a too broad or vague topic)

IV. Preview Statement One sentence at the end of the introduction which gives your audience an overview of the major areas you will cover in the body of your speech. Think of this as a “road-map” you provide of the main points you will cover. This is the “tell us what you are going to tell us” sentence.

Practice make Perfect…… To practice the 4 elements of a good introduction, please choose a topic and write an introduction. Make sure your introduction includes: 1. Attention Getter 2. Motivational Link 3. Thesis Statement and 4. Preview Statement. Some possible topics if you need help... Dutch vs. Starbucks Why your Mom is better than my Mom. Who would win in an epic battle…Superman or Batman? What is the best video game of all time? Why you like/love ____________.

TRANSITIONAL STATEMENTS What: Transitions let your audience know you are changing ideas. It is generally best to write clear and concise complete sentences for your transitions. Why: Your presentation organization should be clear to the audience. The organization starts with a clear preview in the introduction but transitions serve a vital role in keeping the audience on the same page. When: Use transitions every time you change ideas. As a general rule, you should use transitions after your introduction, between each main point, and before your conclusion. Most importantly, transitions need to signal to the audience that you are shifting ideas.

Transitional Styles I. Review-preview: What you just said, then what you are about to say Examples: Now that we’ve established a need for fundraising, let’s see which fundraisers might be most effective. I will focus on two types of fundraisers: silent auctions and sales. In short, fundraising efforts are needed because of budget reductions and increased expenses. Next, we’ll look at our fundraising options. I just said... Now let’s talk about...

II. Rhetorical Questions: A leading question that doesn’t invite an actual response, followed by the answer that you want. Example: Will fundraising be too expensive to start up? Well, actually, it’s cheaper than the alternative.

III. Signposting : By including certain words in your transitions, you can alert your audience that you are about to switch ideas. Start with a signpost word and then complete the sentence for a transition. Signpost Words: next, first, last, we now turn, on the other hand, finally, now let’s consider, if you think that’s shocking, similarly, and yet, altogether, at present, etc. Examples: 1. Keeping these points in mind about Japanese internment camps, let’s look at their historical context. 2. Now that we understand differential equations, consider this problem. 3. Secondly, time can’t repeat itself.

IV. Themed transitions: Carry out a theme throughout the speech. Examples: Let’s begin our journey by looking at the panhandle of Texas...The next stop on our journey is East Texas, known for its lush forests... Next we will drive down to South Texas to explore the Valley...etc. ~Another option is to carry a story or example throughout the speech. Let’s say you tell a shocking story about a college student named Sara contracting bacterial meningitis in the introduction. The transitions might look something like this: Like Sara, you are at risk for contracting bacterial meningitis. Let’s talk more specifically about how you can contract the disease. (transition from introduction to first main point) Unlike Sara, you have the ability to prevent bacterial meningitis. (transition into second main point) So, I encourage you to keep Sara’s story in mind as you make decisions regarding your health and the care you take in protecting it. (transition into the conclusion)

The BODY I. Main idea II. Supporting material III. Detail

I. Main Idea: Statements which express the main idea (s) you wish to analyze. (points of preview statement) Example: (Thesis: To inform the audience of some major negative effects of smoking) I. Smoking can lead to significant health problems for the smoker.(this would be your 1 st preview point) II. Smoking can even affect the health of others innocently in the vicinity of the smoker. (2 nd preview point.) III. Smoking can contribute to economic problems. (3 rd preview point.)

II. Supporting Material: More specific information which upholds and reinforces the main heading statement. Includes examples, personal stories, pertinent observations. Example: (Main idea: Smoking can lead to significant health problems for the smoker.) A. Lung cancer often results. B. Emphysema is a disease related to smoking. C. Tuberculosis can develop in the lungs.

III. Details: Break down the supporting material to pinpoint accuracy and give real impact to the message you are sending. Includes exact names, dates, events, numbers, or personal accounts to impress your listeners and solidify your point. Example: A. Lung cancer often results (Supporting Material) 1. Men are at 40 percent greater risk than women 2. Smoking causes over 60 percent of all lung cancers.

Organizational Patterns I. Chronological Pattern II. Climatic Pattern III. Spatial Pattern IV. Cause-Effect Pattern V. Problem-Solution Pattern

I. Chronological Pattern Puts things in a time sequence, in the order in which they happened Excellent choice if you want your audience to see the beginning to end picture.

II. Climactic Pattern Puts things in order of importance. Gives your speech dramatic impact, allowing you to build your points in order of significance.

III. Spatial Pattern Dividing up your topic on the basis of space relationships. Shows the audience how the body of your speech fits together by the spatial layout picture you create for them.

IV. Cause-Effect Pattern “Because of That, This happened” The cause leads to the effect and the supporting material will supply analysis. Example: Anorexia I. CausesII. Effects A. Media influencesA. Health Issues B. Low self esteemB. Emotional Problems

V. Problem-Solution Pattern Presents a problem and provides ideas on how to solve it. Logical method which allows you to share some insightful analysis in a format which is easy for your audience to follow. Example: There is a need to recycle. I. Problem: II. Solution: A. Lack of knowledgeA. Education in schools/t.v.

Conclusion I. Review Statement II. Summary III. Wrap-up Finish Strong

I.Review Statement Same as preview statement in the introduction, just reworded. I’ve just informed you about……..

II. Summary A summarization of the main ideas/lesson you want your audience to take away from your presentation. This should not be a bullet list of your main points, but a sentence or two which expresses those ideas.

III. Wrap-up A one or two sentence statement which ends your presentation with style. If possible, link your wrap-up statement to your attention getter. This completes and ties everything together to create an organized flow to your presentation. NEVER, EVER, EVER End a presentation with “And that’s all” or “The End”, or “Thanks for listening”. A good presentation has a well thought out and planned wrap-up. FINISH STRONG!

Manuscript: A typed, word for word, copy of your speech.