Chapter 10: Beginning & Ending of the Speech

Describe the key components of startling the audience.

1) Be sure the startling introduction relates directly to the subject of your speech. 2) If you choose an opening simply for its shock value, you may leave your audience confused or annoyed.

Crescendo Ending

A conclusion in which the speech builds to a zenith of power and intensity (Vocal pitch, choice of words, gestures, pauses).

Describe stating the importance of your topic.

Whenever you discuss a topic whose importance may not be clear to the audience, you should think about ways to demonstrate its significance in the introduction.

Why should you relate the topic to the audience?

People pay attention to things that affect them directly. If you can relate the topic to you listeners, they are much more likely to be interested in it.

How can you question the audience?

Rhetorical Questions

Credibility

The audience's perception of whether a speaker is qualified to speak on a given topic.

What should you do when you end a speech with a dramatic statement?

You should incorporate tone and mannerisms.

What are the 4 objectives of the introduction?

1) Get the attention and interest of your audience 2) Reveal the topic of your speech 3) Establish your credibility and goodwill 4) Preview the body of the speech

How can you get the attention and interest of the audience?

1) Relate the topic to the audience 2) State the importance of your topic 3) Startle the audience 4) Question the audience 5) Begin with a quotation 6) Tell a story 7) Arouse the curiosity of the audience

What are 4 useful methods to reinforce the central idea?

1) Summarize your speech 2) End with a quotation 3) Make a dramatic statement 4) Refer to the introduction

What are the 2 major functions of the conclusion?

1) To let the audience know you are ending the speech 2) To reinforce the audience's understanding of, or commitment to, the central idea

Dissolve Ending

A conclusion that generates emotional appeal by fading step by step to a dramatic final statement.

Rhetorical Question

A question that the audience answers mentally rather than out loud.

Preview Statement

A statement in the introduction of a speech that identifies the main points to be discussed in the body.

What should you do during a rhetorical question?

Be sure to pause for a moment after each question (to add a dramatic impact and to let the question sink it).

What does the preview statement provide?

Because they usually come at the very end of the introduction, they provide a smooth lead-in to the body of the speech.

How can you relate the topic to the audience?

By using vivid language to describe something all your classmates have experienced, the speaker can make sure of an attentive audience.

How can you signal the end of the speech?

By using voice - it's tone, pacing, intonation, and rhythm - a speaker can build the momentum of a speech so there is no doubt when it is over.

What is the value of summarizing your speech?

Explicitly restates the central idea and main points one last time.

Reveal the Topic

In the process of getting attention, be sure to clearly state the topic of your speech.

Why is it a good idea to refer to the introduction in your conclusion?

It is an excellent way to give your speech psychological unity and is to conclude by referring to ideas in the introduction.

What should you do when you begin with a quotation?

Keep quotes short; the audience may lose interest during a long quote.

What do preview statements signal?

Preview statements signal that the body of the speech is about to begin.

Goodwill

The audience's perception of whether the speaker has the best interests of the audience in mind.

What should you do when telling a story?

Try to choose a story and speaking method that is most suitable for the topic, the audience, and the occasion.

What should you do when you end with a quotation?

When you run across a brief quotation that so perfectly captures your central idea, keep it in mind as a possible conclusion.

How can you use your introduction to give specialized information?

You can use your introduction to give specialized information-definitions or backgrounds-that your listeners will need if they are to understand the rest of the speech.