Effective Introductions Conclusions Professor Tamara Arrington COM 181

Effective Introductions & Conclusions Professor Tamara Arrington COM 181 University of Kentucky

Effective Introductions. . n n n First gain the attention of the audience Relate the topic directly to the audience Reveal the topic & it’s importance Establish credibility & goodwill Preview the body of the talk

Various Attention-Getters n n n Startling statement or statistic Rhetorical question Quote Story or personal experience Visual image & statement or question Reference to a current event

NEVER! n n n Restate the title of the talk Say how nervous you are Greet an important audience member Explain your presence Open with an apology n n Depict difficulties choosing topic Thank audience for having you Start with “Mine’s on…” Say “Today I’m going to talk about…”

Effective Conclusions. . . n n Are signaled by the speaker Contain a summary of main ideas Reinforce thesis End with a final impact statement

Conclusions Can. . . n n n Re-emphasize identification w/ audience Ask rhetorical questions Close with a narrative illustrating thesis Close with a quote Create a sense of balance by using the same technique for both intro. & conclusion Include a final call to action

Conclusions Should. . . n n n Ensure the talk has delivered on what was promised in the introduction Have a slowed pace and heightened tone to “signal” the end Have a final statement delivered firmly, with conviction and appropriate volume

NEVER Conclude With. . . n n n “That’s about it. ” “I guess that’s all. ” “The end. ” “I’m done. ” “God, I’m glad that’s over. ” “Thank you. ”