Developing a Presentation
Speech Introductions and Conclusions
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Introductions
Should secure audience attention and interest, orient listeners to the plan and content of the speech, and set expectations.
Do:
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Get the audience's attention with a story, quotation, personal experience, etc.
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Identify the topic and indicate why it is relevant, important, or interesting.
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Establish your credibility through words or behavior.
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Provide context, background, and definitions listeners might need.
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State your purpose, thesis, or research question.
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Preview the body of your speech.
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Make a transition to the first point in the body of the speech.
Don't:
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Start with "um" or "okay."
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Apologize for weaknesses in your content, preparation, or speaking ability.
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Complain about food, accommodations, equipment, facilities, or other speakers.
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Use "humor" that might disparage, offend, or alienate your listeners.
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Use cheap tricks to get attention.
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Go on about how hard it was to choose a topic.
Conclusions
Should reinforce the message and give the speech unity and closure.
Do
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Summarize the main points of your speech.
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Restate your purpose or thesis.
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Create closure, a sense of finality.
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In persuasive speeches, make a final call for commitment or action.
Don't
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Open new areas of discussion or argument.
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Change position or viewpoint.
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Resort to feeble closing phrases like "and that's all I have to say."
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Say "thank you" just because the audience doesn't seem to realize that your speech is over.
