15. Introduction

• In speech introductions, reveal the topic clearly, establish credibility and goodwill, and preview the main points to be discussed in the body of the speech
• • Relate the topic to the audience: relate the topic to your listeners, they are much more likely to be interested in it (15. Introduction)
• State the importance of your topic: tell your audience why they should think your speech is important, and should think about ways to demonstrate its significance in the introduction (15. Introduction)
• Ways to get attention and interest in a speech:

  • Relate the topic to the audience
  • State the importance of the topic
  • Startle the audience with an arresting statement related to the subject
  • Arouse curiosity progressively with intriguing statements
  • Pose a rhetorical question to make listeners think
  • Begin with an attention-getting quotation
  • Tell a relevant story, whether provocative, amusing, dramatic, or suspenseful
• A rhetorical question is a question that the audience answers mentally rather than out loud
• 4. PREVIEW THE BODY OF THE SPEECH

  •  Preview is the introduction of a speech that identifies the main points to be discussed in the body 
  • come at the very end of the introduction, a smooth lead-in to the body of the speech
  • signal that the body of the speech is about to begin.