CHAPTER 8

COMPLETING THE OUTLINE: CREATING THE

INTRODUCTION AND CONCLUSION

Chapter Summary

This chapter discusses the significance of carefully planned introductions and conclusions. The information provided gives a solid foundation on which to create attention-getting introductions and memorable conclusions. The proper outlining of these two major speech elements is illustrated with a completed outline at the end of the chapter, combining the organizational fundamentals from both Chapters 7 and 8.

Transition from the 12th Edition

In Chapter 8, greater emphasis is placed on the goals of the introduction, the elaboration of sub points, and the importance of listing the required number of sources. For example, what used to be the introductory goal of “Leading into Content” is now more accurately reflected as “Stating the Thesis.” Given the importance of well-developed sub points, their elaborations are now included as a component of reviewing the outline. At the end of the chapter, sources are properly noted according to acceptable methods for citing sources in a speech.

Chapter Outline

Introduction (p.133): This chapter focuses on the completion of the organizational process discussed in Chapter 7, by creating an introduction that gets attention and leads into the body, creating a conclusion that summarizes the material and ends on a high note, and completing a list of sources used to develop the speech.

  1. Creating the introduction (pp. 133-140).
  1. The introduction establishes your relationship with the audience, gaining its attention, creating goodwill, and motivating it to listen.
  1. Goals of the introduction.
  1. Getting Attention: creating an opening that will win your listeners’ attention by arousing curiosity.
  2. Stating the Thesis: giving the audience a preview of the speech topic by introducing its main points.
  3. Establishing Credibility: building trust between the speaker and the audience.
  4. Setting a Tone: establishing the desired emotional tone appropriate to the topic.
  5. Creating a Bond of Goodwill: encouraging the audience to feel comfortable with the speaker, through enthusiasm, warmth, and concern for the audience’s well-being.
  1. Types of introductions.
  1. Startling Statement: a sentence or two that grabs listeners’ attention by shocking them in some way. The shock of what was said causes audience members stop and focus on the speaker (example, p. 135).
  2. Rhetorical Question: a question seeking a mental, rather than vocal, response (examples, p. 135-136).
  3. Story: an account of something that has happened. Given the length of most stories, it is often necessary to abbreviate (example, p.136).
  4. Personal Reference: presenting information in a way that allows the audience to personally identify with, or find self-interest in, the speech topic (example, p. 137).
  5. Quotation: a particularly vivid or thought provoking phrase that is directly related to the speech topic, and therefore can introduce it (examples, p. 137-138).
  6. Suspense: strategically wording the introduction so that what is described remains uncertain, causing excitement and anticipation in the audience (example, p. 138).
  1. Selecting and outlining the Introduction.
  1. Because the introduction is critical in establishing the speaker/audience relationship, it is important to compare multiple (2-3) openings, before deciding on the final version.
  2. For longer speeches, you may be able to include all five goals in the introduction, however for shorter speeches focus on getting attention and stating the thesis, and develop the others as the speech moves along.
  1. Creating the conclusion (pp. 141-143).
  1. A strong conclusion can heighten the impact of a good speech; therefore it is important that it be carefully planned.
  1. Goals of the Conclusion:
  1. Review key ideas in the speech to help the audience remember what has been said.
  2. Leave with a vivid impression to help audience members understand the importance of what has been said.
  1. Types of conclusions (examples p. 142):
  1. Summary: review of the speech’s main points (because all conclusions should contain a summary, use this in combination with the following types).
  2. Appeal to action: describes the behavior desired from the audience after hearing the speeches arguments (often used in persuasive speeches).
  3. Emotional impact: driving home a speech’s main points by invoking an emotional response in the audience (often used in persuasive speeches).
  4. Story: the retelling of an event, whose story reinforces the overall message of the speech.
  1. Selecting and outlining the conclusion.
  1. Like the introduction, create two to three versions of the conclusion, and then choose the one that best reinforces the speech goal with the audience.
  2. For shorter speeches, a two-sentence conclusion is perfectly appropriate, given the time needed to develop the body.
  1. Completing the outline (pp. 144-147).
  1. Listing sources: allows for easy retrieval of information/sources.
  1. The two standard forms for organizing the source list are alphabetically, by author’s last name, or by content category.
  2. Utilize a standard bibliographic style (APA, MLA, Chicago).
  1. Writing a title: be brief, creative, and preview the content.
  1. Reviewing the outline
  1. Sample speech (pp. 148-149)
  2. Checklist (p. 150)

Lecture Ideas

  1. Because of their trade, journalists have a limited number of words with which to relate their story. Such pressure results in the use of the “inverted pyramid”—presenting the most newsworthy information first and then moving towards the least. Based on the inverted pyramid, the beginning or introductory words of a news story will often contain the most important elements: who, what, when, where, why, and how. As a class, discuss the similarities and differences between speeches and newspaper articles, specifically focusing on their beginnings and endings. For a closer examination, use InfoTrac to find example newspaper articles and speeches to distribute for comparison.
  1. Too often, students do not put forth the effort when writing their conclusion that they did when writing their introduction. Understandably, the introduction needs to grab the audience’s attention so it is stressed more in the text, leaving the conclusion to be less emphasized. However, the conclusion is a vital part of the speech and students should not brush it off. Some of the best endings appear on screen, instead of on paper. Introduce students to some of the finest “conclusions” by selecting a handful of movie clips, known for their ending. Play these clips in class, discussing each. When all have been viewed, comment on the similarities between a movie’s ending and a speech’s conclusion. Ask students what they can take away from the screen to use in their own conclusions.
  1. Search the journal Vital Speeches of the Day, for examples of powerful speeches. Analyze these speeches for their introductions and conclusions. As a class, discuss their strengths and weaknesses. Determine what truly made these introductions and conclusions memorable. What can students learn from these speeches about their own creativity, and how to apply it to their own speech introductions and conclusions? Most importantly, try to use these examples as a way to get students excited about this step in the speech process.
  1. Assign “Beginnings and Endings for Speeches,” from InfoTracCollege Edition Student Workbook for Communication. Allow the students to share their perceptions about the speech introductions and conclusions found in these exercises. Discussion should focus on the effectiveness of the speakers’ choices and why the choices reflect topic selection and audience analysis.

Discussion Questions

  1. Many speakers begin with “Hello, I am …, and today I am going to talk about…” Is this an effective means of beginning a speech, why or why not? Many speakers also say “In conclusion” at the end of a speech. Is this effective, why or why not?
  1. What possible problems might a speaker encounter when using humor in a speech introduction? Can such problems be prevented? What are some suggestions for dealing with humor and its appropriateness?
  1. One option for concluding a speech is through the use of an appeal, which can be emotional or based on cost/reward. What are the ethical implications of appealing to an audience at the end of a speech? What must a speaker do, in both the speech’s content and delivery, to successfully appeal to an audience, and stay within ethical boundaries?
  1. Which is more difficult for the speaker, the introduction or conclusion? Why? What, if anything, can be done to make it easier?

Class Activities

Activity #8.1: Impromptu Speech Introductions

Provide each student with a note card displaying one of the six types of speech introductions. You will use all six types—startling statement, rhetorical question, story, personal reference, quotation, suspense—therefore if you have 24 students you will have 4 cards of each type. When each student has a card, pass around an envelope or container filled with predetermined speech topics (ex. current events, entertainment issues/figures, special interests, school, leisure). Each student will draw a different topic, which they will then use to create their individual introductions. To practice and encourage proper speech construction, students should develop a speech goal and thesis statement to help build their introductions. After five minutes of preparation time, call students at random to present their introductions to the class. Time allowing, vote on the best introduction and discuss the reasons behind the selection.

Activity #8.2: Pivotal Introductions & Conclusions

Obtain copies of three or four major speeches from history (or current events), and distribute them to the students. Individually or in groups, have students identify the following components: the type of introduction and/or conclusion used, the intended audience, the intended goal, and the context of the speech. Then, as a class, discuss what the students have found. Were these introductions and conclusions effective? Why? Overall, were the speeches effective? Why? Do the basic “types” of introductions and conclusions transcend time and context? Why?

Activity #8.3: Outside Speech Research

Have students attend a speech outside of class, observing the style of introduction and conclusion used by the speaker. What type of introduction/conclusion was used? Was it appropriate? Was it effective?

Activity #8.4: Writing Introductions & Conclusions Using
Speech Builder Express

For homework, direct students to the Speech Builder Express website and have them complete Step 5, “Introduction” and Step 6, “Conclusion.” When finished, students should export their work to a Word document to be turned in to the instructor.

Activity #8.5: Evaluation of Introductions & Conclusions

Select three students to deliver either an introduction or conclusion, or both (depending on time). Distribute the following questionnaire to the class and have students evaluate the presentations.

WORKSHEET: EVALUATION OF INTROS AND CONCLUSIONS

Speaker:

Type of Introduction:

1. Does the introduction relate to and reinforce the topic?

2. Does the introduction stimulate interest or curiosity?

3. Did the introduction establish the speaker’s credibility or goodwill?

4. Was the thesis identifiable?

Type of Conclusion:

1. Did the speaker restate the thesis?

2. Did the conclusion relate to the introduction?

3. Did the conclusion leave the audience on a high note?

4. Did the conclusion adequately “tie-up” the speech?

Glossary of Key Terms

appeal: describes the behavior that you want your listeners to follow after they have heard the arguments.

rhetorical question: a question seeking a mental rather than a vocal response.

Test Questions

Chapter 8

Multiple Choice

  1. A good introduction will, at minimum, ______.
  1. state the information on the outline
  2. include source material
  3. utilize parallel structure
  4. get the attention of the audience

ANS: dSEE PAGE 133

  1. One technique for creating a bond of goodwill is through the use of ______.
  1. quotations
  2. startling statements
  3. personal references
  4. suspense

ANS: cSEE PAGE 135

  1. If a speaker is considering using a “story” introduction, its effectiveness will depend on ______.
  1. its contrast with the speech topic
  2. its relevance to the speech content
  3. its entertainment value
  4. its creativity

ANS: bSEE PAGE 136

  1. One way top determine whether or not your introduction is appropriate for your speech is to ______.
  1. prepare several then select the best one
  2. use introductions that have succeeded in the past
  3. practice saying the introduction many times
  4. decide if it can be memorized

ANS: aSEE PAGE 138

  1. Speakers ask rhetorical questions in order to ______.
  1. entertain the audience
  2. get the audience thinking about an idea
  3. startle the audience
  4. demonstrate knowledge on the subject

ANS: bSEE PAGE 135

  1. The thesis statement ______.
  1. sets the tone of the speech
  2. acts as an attention-getter
  3. is the opening sentence in the introduction
  4. introduces the speech’s main points

ANS: dSEE PAGE 134

  1. If a speaker begins by saying, “It is nature’s best bug control, and night-blooming flowers depend on it for pollination. As North America’s most endangered animal, the Chiroptera, or ‘bat’, is in serious trouble,” what type of introduction is he/she trying to use?
  1. Quotation
  2. Story
  3. Personal Reference
  4. Suspense

ANS: dSEE PAGE 138

  1. A speaker who begins with, “It’s a pleasure to return to StateUniversity. As you know, I’m a graduate of State. Though it was some time ago, the last few days I’ve spent on campus have made me feel as though I never left,” is using what type of introduction?
  1. Personal Reference
  2. Story
  3. Quotation
  4. Rhetorical Question

ANS: a SEE PAGE 136

  1. The conclusion offers a speaker one last chance to do all of the following except ______.
  1. emphasize the speech’s main points
  2. leave the audience with a vivid impression
  3. motivate the audience to action
  4. introduce new information

ANS: cSEE PAGE 141

  1. One of the goals of a conclusion is to ______.
  1. put the speaker at ease
  2. leave the subject on a high note
  3. make the structure of the speech clear
  4. offer new information

ANS: bSEE PAGE 141

  1. The easiest, appropriate way to end a speech is to ______.
  1. restate the introduction
  2. restate the thesis
  3. summarize the main points
  4. say, “In conclusion…”

ANS: cSEE PAGE 141

  1. If a speaker concludes his/her speech by saying, “With his vision, courage, and brotherly love, Martin Luther King Jr. will always be remembered as a great humanitarian,” what type of conclusion is in use?
  1. Appeal
  2. Summary
  3. Challenge
  4. Illustration

ANS: bSEE PAGE 141

  1. A conclusion that states, “We must not permit our forests to die. Please, the next time you are camping, practice the suggestions I have made you,” is using the technique called ______.
  1. Appeal
  2. Summary
  3. Illustration
  4. Emotional Impact

ANS: a SEE PAGE 142

  1. A conclusion that uses ______arouses a personal response in the audience, inviting it to feel a certain way.
  1. an appeal
  2. a summary
  3. an illustration
  4. emotional impact

ANS: dSEE PAGE 142

  1. Regardless of the type of speech, all conclusions should contain ______.
  1. an argument
  2. a personal reference
  3. a story
  4. a summary

ANS: dSEE PAGE 143

  1. When preparing a speech outline, you should begin with the ______.
  1. introduction
  2. body
  3. conclusion
  4. reference list

ANS: bSEE PAGE 133

  1. The last item on the speech outline is ______.
  1. the specific goal
  2. the source list
  3. the thesis statement
  4. the conclusion

ANS: bSEE PAGE 144

  1. The following are all essential elements of a source list except ______.
  1. author
  2. date of publication
  3. title of the work
  4. none of the above

ANS: dSEE PAGE 145

  1. A good title will do all of the following except ______.
  1. attract the audience
  2. build interest
  3. introduce the main points
  4. preview the content

ANS: cSEE PAGE 147

  1. The final stage in completing the outline is ______.
  1. creating a title
  2. reviewing the outline
  3. adding the source list
  4. reviewing the facts

ANS: bSEE PAGE 147

True-False

21. T F Because the introduction establishes a relationship with the audience, it is worth the time to compare different openings.

ANS: TSEE PAGE 133

22. T F The audience’s physical presence guarantees that its member’s will listen to the speech.

ANS: FSEE PAGE 133

23. T F A speech’s introductory remarks set the overall tone for the speech.

ANS: TSEE PAGE 134

24. T F Regardless of length, all five goals must be present for an introduction to be effective.

ANS: FSEE PAGE 135

25. T F Because the conclusion only represents 5% of the speech, careful planning is not a must.

ANS: FSEE PAGE 141

26. T F For shorter speeches, a speaker only needs to summarize the main points.

ANS: FSEE PAGE 141

27. T F Ending with emotional impact is particularly appropriate for persuasive speeches.

ANS: TSEE PAGE 142

28. T F Depending on the type of speech, a source list may not be necessary.

ANS: FSEE PAGE 144

29. T F The two standard methods for organizing a source list are alphabetically and chronologically.

ANS: FSEE PAGE 144

30. T F In addition to the source in the outline, sources should also be cited in the speech body.

ANS: TSEE PAGE 146

Additional Resources

Gring-Pemble, L., & Watson, M. S. (2003). The rhetorical limits of satire: An

analysis of James Finn Garner’s politically correct bedtime stories. Quarterly Journal of Speech, 89(2), 132-154.

Hart, M. (2000). A compelling introduction leads to a good presentation.

Presentations, 14(8), 82.

McGrath, V. (2002). The quest to engage and involve your audience.

Presentations, 16(9), 58.

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