The Speech of Self-Introduction

The Speech of Self-Introduction The Speech of Self- Introduction provides you with an opportunity to develop credibility before your audience. It is a chance for you to be seen as competent, trustworthy, likeable, and forceful.

The Speech of Self-Introduction Since no one can relate his or her life story in a single speech, you should choose a topic that best defines you (or the person you are introducing).

The Speech of Self-Introduction Completing the “Self- Awareness Inventory” will help you come up with a specific topic for your presentation. Write down responses to all of the questions in the inventory, then think through all of these potential topic areas before making a decision on your topic.

The Speech of Self-Introduction Once you have determined your topic, begin to plan your speech. Be certain that it has an introduction, body, and conclusion.

The Speech of Self-Introduction THE BODY Start by planning the body of the speech. In the body of your speech you will develop your major ideas (main points). You may include up to three main points in your presentation. Each main point must be supported by facts and figures, examples, or narratives. These materials should be inserted into the outline in the appropriate places.

The Speech of Self-Introduction THE INTRODUCTION After prepared the body of your speech, you should develop an introduction that grabs the audience’s attention and leads into the body of your speech.

The Speech of Self-Introduction THE CONCLUSION Finally, you should prepare a conclusion that summarizes your message and concluding remarks that reflect on the meaning and significance of your speech.

More thoughts to consider as you complete the outline: Grab the audience’s attention in the introduction. Immediately bring in your central speech idea.  

More thoughts to consider as you complete the outline: Give some background information. Tell why it is important to you, why you are doing it, why you want to tell them, etc.  

More thoughts to consider as you complete the outline: Now work out your topic in a few sentences. Draw the contours, make it personal.

More thoughts to consider as you complete the outline: Give an example(s).

More thoughts to consider as you complete the outline: In your conclusion, offer a memorable answer on the question the listeners probably will have when they listen to your public speaking speech: what's in it for me? Tell how this aspect of your life makes who you are and what you are. It will be the perfect ending of your self introduction speech.

Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction Have I narrowed my topic down to one thing that best defines me as an individual?

Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction Have I created an introduction that generates attention and interest?

Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction Does my introduction preview the main points in my speech?

Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction Does the body of my speech contain at least three main points?

Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction Is each main point of my speech supported by either facts and figures, examples, or narratives?

Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction Does my conclusion contain a summary that recaps my message?

Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction Do I end my speech with concluding remarks that leave the audience with something to remember?