Oral Communication Center

Developing a Presentation

Speech Introductions and Conclusions

View in PDF format PDF icon

Introductions

Should 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.
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

Should 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.