Chapter 6 - Introductions and Conclusions

Question 1

What makes up a competent introduction?

Answer 1

Focus, purpose statements, credibility, and a preview.

Question 2

What are some ways to show focus?

Answer 2

Using a quotation to attract attention, a strong rhetorical question (No “Have you ever wondered…”), a direct question (Audience participation) a show and tell with visual aids, or a narrative story.

Question 3

What makes up good purpose statements?

Answer 3

There is always general purpose (overall goal of the speech) and a specific purpose statement (gives structure to the speech, like To……{explain, persuade, demonstrate, inform, etc.}).

Question 4

What is credibility and why is it useful to have in the beginning of a speech.

Answer 4

It is essential for your audience to be able to believe you. If you don’t seem prepared or you stumble over your words, or say I don’t know, then it will discredit you and people will disregard information you have. It also allows the audience to be able to actually care about your topic.

Question 5

What is the preview and why is it important?

Answer 5

It is the mention of the main points that are being discussed. It helps create structure to your speech.

Question 6

What is the order of components for an introduction?

Answer 6

1. Attention
2. Purpose Statement
3. Credibility // Significance
4. Preview

Question 7

What makes up a competent conclusion?

Answer 7

A summary of main points and a strong closing statement.

Question 8

What are some effective ways to end a speech?

Answer 8

You can bookend (relate back to introduction, esp. if it was a narrative). It is very important to sizzle, not fizzle (end it on a high note, don’t trail off rambling).