9
Beginning and Ending the
Speech
The Introduction
Get attention and interest
Reveal the topic
Establish credibility and goodwill
Preview the body of the speech
Methods of
Gaining Attention
Relate your topic to the audience
State the importance of your topic
Startle the audience
Arouse the curiosity of the audience
Question the audience
Begin with a quotation
Tell a story
Relating to the Audience
Relating to the Audience
Credibility
The audience’s perception of whether
a speaker is qualified to speak on a given
topic.
Goodwill
The audience’s perception of whether the
speaker has the best interests of the
audience in mind.
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 of the speech.
Preview Statements
Complete Introduction to “CPR”
Tips for Preparing the
Introduction
Be concise: Usually no more than
10-20 percent of the total speech
Look for possible introductory materials
as you do your research
Be creative in devising your introduction
Tips for Preparing the
Introduction
Finalize the exact wording of your
introduction after you have finished
preparing the body of the speech
Work out the content and delivery
of your introduction in detail
The Conclusion
Signal the end of the speech
Reinforce the central idea
Tips for Preparing the
Conclusion
Look for possible concluding
materials as you do your research
Conclude with a bang, not a whimper
Be brief: Usually no more than 5-10
percent of the total speech
Work out the content and delivery of
your conclusion in detail
Methods of Reinforcing the
Central Idea
Summarize your speech
End with a quotation
Make a dramatic statement
Tips for Preparing the
Conclusion
Look for possible concluding materials
as you research and develop the
speech
Conclude with a bang, not a whimper
Don’t be long-winded
Don’t leave anything in your
conclusion to chance
Summarizing in a Speech Conclusion
Linking the Conclusion
to the Introduction