1. Introductions & Conclusions
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.

2. Introductions & Conclusions
Communication Applications

3. Goals of the Intro Create audience interest
Introductions & Conclusions
Goals of the Intro
Create audience interest
Create a good impression of speaker (yourself) and topic
Prepare the audience to listen intelligently

4. Parts of an Introduction
Attention-getter
Link/Bridge
Thesis statement
Preview main points

5. 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?”

6. 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”

7. 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…”

8. 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

9. Parts of an Introduction
Attention-getter
Link/Bridge
Thesis statement
Preview main points

10. 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

11. Parts of an Introduction
Attention-getter
Link/Bridge
Thesis statement
Preview main points

12. 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)

13. State Thesis (Topic) What is your purpose? To inform To persuade
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”

14. Parts of an Introduction
Attention-getter
Link/Bridge
Thesis statement
Preview main points

15. 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.

16. Introduction Activity
Assignment
Attention-getter Link Thesis Preview of Points
With your tablemates:
Read Narrative Introductions
Pick a topic
Write out a complete introduction with AG, link, thesis and preview

17. Communication Applications
Conclusions
Communication Applications

18. Goals of the Conclusion
Introductions & Conclusions
Goals of the Conclusion
Reinforce theme
Provide sense of finality
Challenge audience to respond
Informative: Use what they learned
Persuasive: Call to action

19. Intros vs. Conclusion Introduction Conclusion
Attention-getter Link Thesis Preview of Points
Review of Points Thesis Tie Back Attention-getter

20. Parts of the Conclusion
Signal your closing
Use a transition phrase
Avoid “in conclusion” or “finally”
Get creative; use tone, pitch, rate

21. Parts of the Conclusion
Introductions & Conclusions
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.

22. 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…”

23. 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

24. Review of Points Thesis Tie Back Attention-getter
Introductions & Conclusions
Conclusion Activity
Assignment
Conclusion
With your tablemates:
Use introduction you generated earlier
Write out a complete conclusion for your example speech
Review of Points Thesis Tie Back Attention-getter

25. Introductions & Conclusions
Communication Applications