Chapter 4.15: Developing the Introduction and Conclusion

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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