Pro Literature
Invitation to Public Speaking, Fifth Edition
Chapter 8: Introductions and Conclusions
By Cindy L. Griffin
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Introduction
The speaker’s first contact with the audience
Introductions are like first impressions:
Important
Lasting
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Introduction
Catch the audience’s attention
Reveal the topic to the audience
Establish credibility with the audience
Preview the speech for the audience
Prepare a Compelling Introduction
Ask a Question
Tell a story
Recite a quotation or a poem
Give a demonstration
Make an intriguing or startling statement
Prepare a Compelling Introduction
State importance of topic
Share expertise
State what’s to come
Tips for the Introduction
Look for introductory materials as you do your research
Prepare and practice the full introduction in detail
Be brief
Be creative
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Conclusions
The speaker’s final contact with the audience
The conclusion represents your last impression:
Lingers with your listeners long after your speech is over
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The Conclusion
Bring your speech to an end
Reinforce your thesis statement
Prepare a Compelling Conclusion
Summarize main points
Answer introductory question
Refer back to the introduction
Recite a quotation
Tips for the Conclusion
Look for concluding materials
Be creative
Be brief
Don’t leave the conclusion to chance
Speech Introduction and Conclusion
Watch Mike deliver a speech introduction and conclusion.
Discuss if and how Mike Piel met the objectives of a speech introduction and conclusion.
Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen Degeneres Commencement Speech
Listen to the first 2 minutes of Ellen DeGeneres and identify how she remains audience-centered