Chapter 10: Introducing and concluding your speech
circular conclusion
a conclusion that repeats or refers to material used in the attention-getting step of the introduction
clincher
a final sentence or series of sentences that reinforce your main points in a memorable way; makes a speech stronger
rhetorical question
a question designed to stimulate through without demanding an overt response
direct question
a question that asks for an overt response from listeners
preview
a statement that orients the audience by revealing how the speaker has organized the body of a speech
state your topic
clearly and concisely; make purpose evident
establish importance
convince audience that topic is important to them, and motivate them to listen further
outward method of speech development
first construct body of speech (determining key ideas and develop using 4S), then work outward to intro (bottom up) and conclusion (top down)
5 objectives of introduction
get attention of audience, state topic, establish importance of topic, establish credibility, preview the key ideas of speech
activate audience response
letting your listeners know whether you want them to accept, remember, use, believe, or act on the content of your speech
establish credibility
listeners should understand why you selected topic and believe you are qualified to speak
12 ways to get attention
question audience, arouse audience's curiosity, stimulate audience's imagination, promise audience something beneficial, amuse audience, energize audience, acknowledge and compliment audience, use quotation, tell brief story, startling fact/stat, some form of action, audio/visual clip
provide closure
satisfying psychological conclusion; reinforces impact of speech
preview key ideas
shows final destination and reveals how speaker intends to get there; usually one sentence; tell us what you're going to tell us
4 techniques of subtle conclusion
slow rate of speaking, maintain direct eye contact, pause (before conclusion, before clincher, at end), move 1-2 steps closer to audience
3 objectives of conclusion
summarize/restate key ideas, activate audience response, provide closure
restate key ideas
tell us what you told us; show how those ideas support the goal of your speech
