Creating Awesome Introductions
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Presentation Transcript
Creating Awesome Introductions By Mrs. Hall
Function of an Introduction • Gain the audience’s attention AND interest • Clearly state the topic and purpose • Establish credibility • Preview the structure of the speech
Topic & Purpose of the Speech • State the thesis of your speech. • The one statement that succinctly and accurately lets the audience know what the speech will be about and what the speaker plans to accomplish in the speech. • A good thesis statement clearly announces the topic and purpose of the speech.
Credibility • The attitude listeners hold toward a speaker. • A credible speaker is trustworthy, believable and competent. • Establish credibility by: • Being prepared • Acting confident • Telling the audience your personal experience with the topic
The Preview Statement • Lets the audience know HOW you will develop your speech. • It can be understood as a roadmap • It let’s the audience to know what to expect first, next and so on. . .
Write Your Introduction Last and Word for Word • You need to know what you’re introducing. • Until you know what you’re going to say in your speech, how can you introduce it? • You want to make sure the body of the speech drives the introduction, not the other way around • You can edit it into it’s best form and avoid rambling. • It helps combat stage fright.
Avoid Common Mistakes • Admitting you don’t want to be there or that you’re nervous • Admitting you’re not prepared. • Using offensive humor • APOLOGIZING!! • Saying • “My speech is . . .” • “The purpose of my speech is . . .” • “Before I begin. . .”
Great Ways to Get Audience’s Attention • Tell a story • Refer to recent or historical events • This helps create a shared experience for the speaker and the audience. • Helps establish credibility. • Make sure it connects to your topic. • Refer to previous speeches/speakers • Use an unusual fact • Use the unexpected • “I have been multitasking all my life. I am always doing several things at once. I believe multitasking has ruined my brain.
Attention Getters Continued • Refer to something personal • Use a startling statistic • Make sure you refer to this statistic again in your speech • Use a quotation • Needs to be relevant • Ask a rhetorical question that makes the audience think • It’s important to use eye contact and pauses here • Use humor, but make sure it’s good