Quote

“The best way to make a good speech is to have a good beginning and a good ending - and have them

close together”

-Anon.

Introductions &Conclusions

Communication Applications

Goals of the Intro

• Create audience interest

• Create a good impression of speaker (yourself) and topic

• Prepare the audience to listen intelligently

Parts of an Introduction

• Attention-getter

• Link/Bridge

• Thesis statement

• Preview main points

Types of Attention-getters

• Rhetorical Question– A thinking question (not actually

answered)– It is used to gain the audience’s

curiosity• Examples

– “Can a fish drown?”– “Who in this room would like their

family or friends to die from a drunk driving accident?”

Types of Attention-getters

• Startling Statement – Using outstanding data to

surprise/startle your audience• Example

– “Scientists now believe that by the year 2025 the world will begin running out of oil”

– “By this time tomorrow, 4,000 people in Africa will have died of AIDS”

Types of Attention-getters

• Famous Quote– Using a quote your audience would

recognize that relates to your topic– Provide style and sophistication to a

speech• Examples

– “Ask not what your country can do for you…”

– “We have nothing to fear…”– “We hold these truths to be self-

evident…”

Types of Attention-getters  

• Anecdote– A short story (may be personal) – Sets the tone for your speech

• Examples– Cancer: Lance Armstrong

(Live Strong)– Diabetes: My great grandmother

Parts of an Introduction

• Attention-getter

• Link/Bridge

• Thesis statement

• Preview main points

Link/Bridge

• The statement that comes between the attention getter and the thesis and logically connects the two

• Develops bridge (connection) between you and the audience

Parts of an Introduction

• Attention-getter

• Link/Bridge

• Thesis statement

• Preview main points

State Thesis (Topic)

• Main idea of the speech

• The summary of what your speech is going to address

• Clarifies the overall topic of the speech and states the purpose (to inform, persuade, entertain)

State Thesis (Topic)

• What is your purpose?– To inform

• Example: “Today I would like to inform you about the blood donation process”

– To persuade• Example: “Today I would like to give you

some reasons to become a blood donor”

– To mark a special occasion• Example: “Today I would like to thank

those who have donated blood to save my grandfather’s life”

Parts of an Introduction

• Attention-getter

• Link/Bridge

• Thesis statement

• Preview main points

Preview of Main Points

• One sentence at the end of the introduction that gives the audience an overview of the major topics to be discussed in the body of the speech– Example: To help you better understand the

negative affects of the death penalty, first let’s look at the problems of racism, second at issues of ageism, and finally at the false accusations associated with this form of punishment.

Introduction Activity

Introduction

Attention-getter

Link

Thesis

Preview of Points

Assignment• With your

tablemates:– Read Narrative

Introductions– Pick a topic– Write out a

complete introduction with AG, link, thesis and preview

Conclusions

Communication Applications

Goals of the Conclusion

• Reinforce theme

• Provide sense of finality

• Challenge audience to respond– Informative: Use what they learned– Persuasive: Call to action

Intros vs. Conclusion

Introduction

Attention-getter

Link

Thesis

Preview of Points

Conclusion

Review of Points

Thesis

Tie Back

Attention-getter

Parts of the Conclusion

• Signal your closing– Use a transition phrase– Avoid “in conclusion” or “finally”– Get creative; use tone, pitch, rate

Parts of the Conclusion

• Review of Main Points– Example:

• Example: To help you better understand the negative affects of the death penalty, we first looked at the problems of racism, second at issues of ageism, and finally at the false accusations associated with this form of punishment.

Parts of the Conclusion

• Restate thesis– Reminds audience of purpose of your

speech– Informative speeches:

• “Today I have told you about…”

– Persuasive speeches:• “Today I have given you reasons to…”

Parts of the Conclusion

• Tie Back to Attention Getter– Make your closing line memorable by

referring back to your introduction• Repeat what you said in attention getter• Avoid new material; confuses audience

Conclusion Activity

Assignment• With your

tablemates:– Use

introduction you generated earlier

– Write out a complete conclusion for your example speech

Conclusion

Review of Points

Thesis

Tie Back

Attention-getter

Introductions &Conclusions

Communication Applications