Quote for the Day “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

Attention-getters Rhetorical Question –A thinking question (not actually answered) –As an introduction, it is used to gain the audience’s curiosity Examples –“Can a fish drown?”

Attention-getters Startling Statement –Using outstanding data to surprise/startle your audience Example –“Scientists now believe that by the year 2025 the world will run out of oil” –“By this time tomorrow, 3,000 people in Africa will have died of AIDS”

Attention-getters Anecdote –A short story (may be personal) that ties the topic to you/an example –Can use as a “frame story” (with conclusion) Examples –Cancer: Lance Armstrong (Live Strong) –Diabetes: My great grandmother

Attention-getters Famous Quote –Using a quote your audience would recognize that related to your topic Examples –“Ask not what your country can do for you…” –“We have nothing to fear…” –“We hold these truths to be self- evident…”

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

Link/Bridge Link from attention getter to general subject –Attention-getter  Link  Topic Creates a bridge between the audience’s prior knowledge/ experience and the topic –Familiar to unfamiliar

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

State Thesis (Topic) Main idea of the speech Topic statement

State Thesis (Topic) What is your purpose? –To inform Today I would like to inform you about the blood donation process” –To persuade “Today I would like to give you some reasons to become a blood donor” –To mark a special occasion “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 List each main point in brief –Should have 2-4 Main Points Use creative language –Try to use word play and creative language to paint a memorable picture. –Use same phrasing in transitions between main points.

Preview of Main Points Example: Informative Speech –“First we’ll fill in the blanks on the blood donor screening process. Second we’ll roll up our sleeves on the equipment used to collect blood. And finally, we’ll take a break and review what happens to our donation until it’s used to save a life. But first…”

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 Summarize Main Points –“Today we have filled in the blanks on blood donor screening process, rolled up our sleeves on the equipment used, and taken a break to look at how your donation gets to its recipient.”

Parts of the Conclusion Restate thesis –Audience: “What was your point again?” –“Today I have told you about…” (informative) –“Today I have given you reasons to…” (persuade)

Parts of the Conclusion Make closing line memorable –Reference back to introduction –Quote, Startling Statement, Rhetorical Question Repeat what you said in attention getter Avoid new material; confuses audience –Anecdote Finish introduction story (frame story) or Recap story

Introductions & Conclusions Communication Applications