Structure of a Speech (Introduction & Conclusion)

1. Writing a Presentation
By: Bishara Adam1

2. Structure of a speech
(Introduction & Conclusion)
The introduction and conclusion;
 are vitally important
 occupy less than 20% of speaking time
 help listeners form impressions early
 leave lasting impressions

3. Types of Introductions
 Identification with audience
 Reference to situation
 Statement of purpose
 Statement of importance of topic
 Surprise audience with claim or statistic
 Anecdotal Story
 Rhetorical Question (Why me?)
 Quotation
 Humor

4. Functions of Introduction
 Get Attention
 Introduce Topic
 Provide Motivation
 Establish Credibility
 Preview Speech

5. Ask a question/pose a statistic
“Did you know that adults who began volunteering as youth are
twice as likely to volunteer as those who did not volunteer when
they were younger?”
Examples of Introductions

6. Refer to something familiar
“Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, Steve Jobs. These are
all great inventors and innovators that have had an enormous
effect on everyone living in the world today.”
Examples of Introductions

7. Preview
“I’ll begin with why
volunteering first and foremost
improves the lives of those
being helped, then why it
personally changes and benefits
the person volunteering, and
lastly I will convince you that
the long term impacts of
volunteering are high.”
Examples of Introductions

8. Preview
“To begin, I will tell you about the
early life of Steve Jobs with his
childhood and education. Then, I’ll tell
you about his professional
achievements, and lastly about his
death.”
Examples of Introductions

9. Preview
“First, I will tell you what
Eid is and where it came
from; Second, I will tell you
about the traditions and
customs that go along with
this holiday; and lastly, I will
tell you about the activities
that people like to participate
in during this day.”
Examples of Introductions

10. Experience
“Volunteering is something that
has been a huge part of my life
for about 5 years.”
Examples of Introductions

11. Reason for choosing/Authority on Topic
“Steve Jobs had a personal impact on my own life by inspiring
me to major in technology innovation. I’ve also read his
biography recently.”
Examples of Introductions

12. How many people in here have a hard time balancing school
work, working, family, and personal time?
For many of you in here, time management can be a major
struggle, but it doesn’t have to be.
I’ve been effectively using time management strategies for years
now, and it has made my life much easier to balance.
First, I’ll discuss how to manage your school time, then work
time, and lastly family and personal time.
Examples of Introductions

13. Types of Conclusions
Summary
Quotation
Personal reference
Challenge to audience
Offer vision of the future

14. Functions of Conclusions
Summarize speech
Reemphasize main idea
Motivate response
Provide closure

15. Examples of Conclusions
Transition statement
“With that in mind, let me conclude.”

16. Examples of Conclusions
Recap
“First, I told you about the
positive impact it has on the
person being helped, then I told
you about how it affects the
volunteer and lastly I told you
about the long term benefits of
volunteering.”

17. Examples of Conclusions
Call to Action
I hope this inspires all of you to begin volunteering today!

18. Examples of Conclusions
Memorable thought
This is our time—let’s make a difference.”

19. Group Task
Choose a topic.
Discuss and write an introduction
and a conclusion for the given
type. ( 10 to 15 minutes to discuss)
Present the written introduction
and conclusion.