212 10 IntroducIng Your Speech
Learning Objectives
10.1 Explain the functions of a speech introduction.
10.2 List and discuss methods for introducing a speech.Like all teachers, public speaking instructors have pet peeves when it comes to
their students’ work. Of the pet peeves that public-speaking teachers identified
in a recent study, more than 25 percent relate to introductions and conclusions.
Peeves about introductions include the following:
• Beginning a speech with “OK, ah.. .”
• Apologizing or making excuses at the beginning of the speech for not being
prepared
• Beginning a speech with “Hello, my speech is on.. .”^1
Of course, not every public-speaking instructor considers all of the above to be
pet peeves or even tactics to be avoided. But the fact that they appear on this
list suggests that you will probably want to consider alternatives. After all, your
introduction provides your listeners with an important first impression of both
you and your speech.
Like many speakers, you might think that the first task in preparing a
speech is to start drafting your introduction. In fact, the introduction is more of-
ten the last part of the speech you develop. A key purpose of your introduction
is to provide an overview of your message. How can you do that until you know
what the message is going to be?10.1 Purposes of Introductions
Get the Audience’s Attention
Give the Audience a Reason to
Listen
Introduce the Subject
Establish Your Credibility
Preview Your Main Ideas
10.2 Effective Introductions
Illustrations or Anecdotes
Startling Facts or StatisticsQuotations
Humor
Questions
References to Historical Events
References to Recent Events
Personal References
References to the Occasion
References to Preceding Speeches