Speech Introduction and Conclusion Exercise*
Names:
Objective:
To create a captivating and effective introduction and conclusion for an
informative speech.
Instructions:
Form a team of 2 to 3 students. Choose an informative speech topic of your own or from
the list below. Narrow the topic and write a specific purpose and central idea. Then
write an introduction that includes these four (4) objectives:
1.
Get the attention and interest of your audience for the topic;
2.
Introduce the topic and motivate your audience to listen (relate the
importance of the topic to your audience);
3.
Establish speaker credibility and good will; (How and why you know
topic; Use smiling and confident body language.)
4.
Preview the body of the speech (mention each main point in strategic
order).
Expectations:
1.
Work together on each objective in the introduction. All members of the
team are expected to actively participate.
2.
Use the space provided below to write your draft.
3.
Possible topics include: Antiques, Art Collecting, Autographs, Baseball
Cards, Baseball Games, Theater, New York City, Computer Games,
Dancing, Gourmet Cooking, Olympic Sports Events, Martial Arts, Poetry,
Mountain Climbing, Parasailing, Kayaking, Photography, Suntanning,
Weightlifting.
Topic:
Specific Purpose:
Central Idea:
The Introduction: (Use back of page.)
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The Conclusion
You have prepared an introduction. Now you will prepare a conclusion. Using the same
topic, specific purpose, and central idea, write a conclusion that includes these four (4)
objectives:
1.
Use a signpost to signal the conclusion is beginning.
2.
Summarize the three to five main points.
3.
Reinforce the Importance. Remind us why the topic is relevant/important
to us/you/the community/ the world, etc.
4.
Use a vivid, interesting ending that makes the conclusion memorable.
(TECHNIQUES: Anecdote; Quotations; Startling Statistic; Crescendo or
Dissolve Ending; Dramatic Statement; Refer to the Introduction; End with
a BANG!—Not a WHIMPER!)
(INGREDIENTS: Remember to use Vivid Language with: Metaphors,
Alliteration, or Similes; Adjectives involving the Seven Senses; Active
Verbs showing ACTIONS; Comparisons, etc.)
Expectations:
1.
Work together on each objective in the conclusion. All members of the
team are expected to actively participate.
2.
Use the space below to write your draft.
The Conclusion:
*Adapted from Dwyer, K.D. (2002). Public Speaking Workbook, 7th Edition. Boston:
McGraw-Hill Primis Custom.
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