Notes - Lecture Notes Crafting Your Introduction In the...

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Lecture Notes
Crafting Your Introduction
In the public speaking writing process, writing speech introductions follows the outline creation.
For speech writing, the introduction of a speech is one of the most essential parts. It can make or
break the rest of the speech. This is the attention-grabber where you’ll get all eyes of the
audience focused on what you are saying.
But wait, how can they focus on your words? Quite simply, your words have to paint a picture.
Your words have to arouse the interest of the audience. Your words have to make your public
speaking become more than just words.
The introduction is the most critical part of the speech. A strong introduction sets the tone for the
rest of the speech. It creates a favorable first impression with the audience. The audience is there
to hear what you have to say and whether your speech has information that is important to them.
The introduction, then, should do the following.
1. Gain attention and interest of the audience.
a. Startle the audience with a blunt statement, a quotation or brief story, but these
should be related to the speech.
b. Relate the topic to the audience up front and you build the connection.
c. State the importance of the topic.
d. Arouse the curiosity of the audience with your first statement.
e. Ask a question.
f. Involve the audience in an exercise.
g. Establish credibility and goodwill.
h. Be well-prepared.
i. Dress appropriately and appear poised and confident.
j. Speak clearly and immediately establish eye contact.
k. Speak of your qualifications as it relates to the topic.
2. Preview the speech.
a. Tell the audience what to expect from the rest of the speech.
b. Call attention to important points in the speech.

c. Provide a smooth transition to the rest of the speech.
Things to consider in the Introduction are as follows.
1. Appropriate to the theme - The introduction also needs to be focused on the theme,
central idea or thesis.
2. The Right Length - The proper length is somewhat subjective. Generally speaking, a four-
to six-minute introduction is appropriate for a 60-minute talk. A 15-minute talk may only
have a two-minute introduction. A five-minute talk may only have a one-minute
introduction. These are not rules. Consider them suggested guidelines.
3. Introduction to be linked with the Conclusion - To create a coherent speech, the
introduction needs to be linked throughout the talk. It also especially needs to be tied into
the conclusion. This will give the entire talk coherence. The introduction is the means to
capture the attention of the audience and hold it captive until the conclusion of the talk.