Public Speaking Chapter 10: Introductions and Conclusions

How do you gain your audience's attention?

- tell a story/anecdote - offer a striking proactive statement - build suspense - let listeners know that you are one of them - use humor - ask a rhetorical question - provide a quotation

5 Purposes of a Good introduction

1. gain your audience's attention 2. signal your thesis (indicate the thesis so they clearly know the topic) 3. show your audience what is in it for them 4. establish credibility 5. preview main points

Parts of a Good Conclusion

1. transition to your conclusion 2. summarize main points 3. finish with a memorable clincher

Rhetorical Question

a question you want the audience to answer in their heads

Summary

brief review of your main points (in the conclusion)

Preview

brief statement of main points you will cover in the body of your speech (in the intro)

What is the purpose of a good conclusion?

helps sum up the message from the body of the speech and leave a memorable impression with your audience members

How do you establish credibility?

how you have relevant knowledge and education on the topic

How do you preview your main points?

include signposts (first, next, finally) and avoid connection words (and)

How do you signal your thesis?

make a clear thesis statement that makes it obvious that you are done with your attention getter

Attention Getter

material intended to capture the audience's interest at the start of the speech

Clincher

something that leaves a lasting impression of your speech in your listener's minds

How do you show your audience what's in it for them?

tell them why they should care about your speech