Introductions and Conclusions

1. Introductions and Conclusions

2. Introductions • All introductions should include 4 elements…

3. Introduction 1 Gain attention • Relate topic to the audience • State the importance of the topic • Startle the audience • Arouse the curiosity of the audience • Question • Quotation • Tell a story • Refer to an occasion, invite participation, use audio or video, relate to previous speaker, humor

4. Introduction continued 2 Reveal topic • An effective introduction clearly states the speech topic to avoid confusing the audience, even if the audience already knows the topic

5. Intro continued 3 Establish Credibility and Goodwill • You are qualified to speak on the topic • You have the audience’s best interests in mind

6. Intro continued 4 Preview the body of the speech • Provides a smooth transition into the body • Allows the audience a starting point to follow along

7. Intro Tips • Usually relatively brief • Keep an eye for potential intro material as you do your research • Be creative • Try to not be concerned with the exact wording until the speech is finished • Should be worked out in detail so it can be delivered effectively

8. Conclusion 3 elements

9. Conclusions 1 Signal the end • Provides a “heads-up” that this is the end • Allows the audience to start to summarize the information in their own head

10. Conclusions 2 Reinforce the audience’s understanding of the central idea • Summarize points of the speech • Conclude with a quotation • Make a dramatic statement • Refer back to the introdution

11. Conclusions 3 State what you want the audience to do • Provide a web site, telephone #, e-mail address • Read a hand out • Show of hands

12. Conclusion Tips • Keep an eye for material during your research • Conclude with a bang instead of a whimper • Should not be long-winded • Should not include new material or new points • Should prepare the content and delivery of their conclusions with special care