Public Speaking

Plan Your Introduction (^129)
Begin with an Example
As Chapter 8 pointed out, examples spark attention and help your listeners become
emotionally involved with your topic. Use real stories of real people, or scenarios that
could be, but are not necessarily, factual. Katie’s opening for a speech on power naps
began this way:^9
It’s two in the afternoon, and you’ve already had three classes. Staying up last night
until 3 a.m. writing that paper is starting to take a toll, no matter how many cups of
coffee you guzzle down. Now, standing over your warm, cozy bed, it’s never looked
so inviting. You’re faced with a decision: Climb in and sleep for a few hours, but what
if you won’t be able to sleep later? Or drink more coffee and fight to stay awake until
bedtime? A third option is available: Take a power nap.
Diversity
in praCtiCe
a navajo (Diné) speech introduction
© iStockphoto.com/westphalia
Not every cultural group assumes speakers will gain attention first, relate to audi-
ence interests next, and establish credibility following that. Audiences at Diné
College (formerly Navajo Community College) expect speakers to first answer
the question, “Who are you and what is your clan affiliation?” Upon first meeting,
members of Diné (Navajo) culture exchange information—first, about their
mother’s clan; next, their father’s clan; followed by their maternal grandfather’s
clan; and finally, their paternal grandfather’s clan.^10 This discloses the roots of
the speakers’ identity and helps establish their relationship with others in the
audience. Only after these personal, identifying facts are shared do speakers and
listeners feel comfortable discussing a topic.^11
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