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.

Introductions & Conclusions Communication Applications

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

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 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”

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 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

Communication Applications Conclusions Communication Applications

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

Intros vs. Conclusion Introduction Conclusion Attention-getter Link Thesis Preview of Points 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 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.

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

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

Introductions & Conclusions Communication Applications