1. Chapter 4.15: Developing the Introduction and Conclusion

2. Functions of the Introduction
Gain the audience’s attention and willingness to listen
Preview the topic, purpose, and main ideas of the speech
Establish your credibility to speak on the topic
Motivate the audience to accept your goals

3. GAIN ATTENTION: THE FIRST STEP
Use a quotation
Tell a story (narratives and anecdote)
Pose questions (rhetorical questions)
Rhetorical questions do not invite an actual response
Say Something Startling
Relate unusual information
Use Humor
Refer to the occasion
Refer to the audience

4. Preview the Purpose and Topic
The introduction should alert the audience to the speech topic and purpose.
Previewing the topic and purpose can enhance understanding.

5. Preview the Main Points
Previewing the main points helps audience members mentally organize the speech and helps the speaker keep their attention.
Simply tell the audience what the main points will be and in what order you will address them (First, Second…)
When previewing the main points, simply mention those points and save you in-depth discussion for the body.

6. Motivate the audience to accept your goals and make the topic relevant
Audience members must believe that :
The topic is relevant
A good introduction demonstrates why your listeners should care about your topic.

7. Establishing credibility as a speaker
Audience members decide if they are interested in your topic and you in the introduction
Ethical appeals are important when the audience does not know you well and when it is important to establish your professionalism.
To build credibility, make a simple statement of your qualifications for speaking on the topic.

8. Guidelines for Preparing the Introduction
First complete the body of the speech
Review your research material that you can use in the introduction.
Keep the introduction brief
Intro should make up no more than 10 to 15 percent of the entire speech
Time your introduction before delivery
Revise the introduction freely until you’re completely satisfied

9. Preparing the Conclusion
Signal to the audience that the speech is coming to an end and provide closure.
Summarize the main points and goals.
Reiterate the thesis or central idea of the speech.
Challenge the audience to respond.
End the speech memorably

10. Guidelines for Preparing the Conclusion
During the research phase, lookout for material that you can use.
Do not leave the conclusion to chance; prepare.
Keep the length of the conclusion about 1/6 of the overall speech.
Practice delivering the conclusion often.

11. Making the Conclusion Memorable
Use Quotations
Poetry, lyrics, and pertinent statements from others
Pose rhetorical questions to make audience thing about the speech topic and your speech goals
Tell a story that illustrates or sums up a key speech idea
Use appropriate humor
Issue a challenge
Make a startling statement
Line back to the introduction to give the audience a sense of having come full circle