Introductions+and+Conclusions

**Speech Introductions and Conclusions: Some “Dos” and “Don’ts**” James Helmer, Oral Communication Center, Hamilton College



 Introductions s hould secure audience attention and interest, orient listeners to the plan and content of the speech, and set expectations.

** Do ** Get the audience’s attention with a story, quotation, personal experience, etc. Identify the topic and indicate why it is relevant, important, or interesting. Establish your credibility through words or behavior. Provide context, background, and definitions listeners might need. State your purpose, thesis, or research question. Preview the body of your speech. Make a transition to the first point in the body of the speech.

I**n other words, The parts of the introduction include:**
 * The Hook (story, quote, personal experience) **
 * The Credibility Statement (not always spoken--it's in your appearance and behavior, as well) **
 * The Background Statement (give us context) **
 * The Reason to Listen (Why is this important?) **
 * The Preview Statement (What will you cover today?) **

// These won't always be in this order, although the hook always comes in your first statement. //

**Don’t ** Start with “um” or “okay.” Apologize for weaknesses in your content, preparation, or speaking ability. Complain about food, accommodations, equipment, facilities, or other speakers. Use “humor” that might disparage, offend, or alienate your listeners. Use cheap tricks to get attention. Go on about how hard it was to choose a topic.

** Conclusions  s ****hould reinforce the message and give the speech unity and closure. **  ** Do ** Summarize the main points of your speech. Restate your purpose or thesis. Create closure, a sense of finality. In persuasive speeches, make a final call for commitment or action. = **Don’t ** =

Open new areas of discussion or argument. Change position or viewpoint. Resort to feeble closing phrases like “and that’s all I have to say.” Say “thank you” just because the audience doesn’t seem to realize that your speech is over.

In other words, the parts of the conclusion include:

**<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">The signal statement ** (Let us know you're wrapping up). <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">**<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">The call to action or final thought. ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">**<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"><span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 170%;">SAMPLE INTRODUCTION AND CONCLUSION **
 * <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">The restatement of your thesis. **
 * <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">The summary of main points. **