Lecture Notes

Crafting Your Introduction

In the public speaking writing process, writing speech introductions follows the outline creation. For speech writing, the introduction of a speech is one of the most essential parts. It can make or break the rest of the speech. This is the attention-grabber where youâ€™ll get all eyes and of the audience focused on what you are saying.

But wait, how can they focus on your words? Quite simply, your words have to paint a picture. Your words have to arouse the interest of the audience. Your words have to make your public speaking become more than just words.

The introduction is the most critical part of the speech. A strong introduction sets the tone for the rest of the speech. It creates a favorable first impression with the audience. The audience is there to hear what you have to say and whether your speech has information that is important to them. The introduction, then, should do the following.

Gain attention and interest of the audience.
1. Startle the audience with a blunt statement, a quotation or brief story; these should be related to the speech.
2. Relate the topic to the audience up front and you build the connection.
3. State the importance of the topic.
4. Arouse the curiosity of the audience with your first statement.
5. Ask a question.
6. Involve the audience in an exercise.
Establish credibility and goodwill.
1. Dress appropriately and appear poised and confident.
2. Speak clearly and immediately establish eye contact.
3. Speak of your qualifications as it relates to the topic; this is especially important if your audience is not watching and listening to your speech in real time (as when you are sharing just the audio or written version of your speech).
Preview the speech.
1. Tell the audience what to expect from the rest of the speech.
2. Call attention to important points in the speech.
3. Provide a smooth transition to the rest of the speech.

Things to consider in the Introduction are as follows.

Appropriate to the theme – The introduction also needs to be focused on the theme, central idea or thesis.
The Right Length – The proper length is somewhat subjective. Generally speaking, a four- to six-minute introduction is appropriate for a 60-minute talk. A 15-minute talk may only have a two-minute introduction. A five-minute talk may only have a one-minute introduction. These are not hard and fast rules; dcnsider them suggested guidelines.
Introduction to be linked with the Conclusion – To create a coherent speech, the introduction needs to be linked throughout the talk. It also especially needs to be tied into the conclusion. This will give the entire talk coherence. The introduction is the means to capture the attention of the audience and hold it captive until the conclusion of the talk.

Recommended Reading
- TEASE â€˜em: 5 Ways to Start Your Speech
  http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/how-to-start-your-speech/#more-2829

Developing Your Conclusion

Once you complete the body, it is time to create the conclusion of a speech. This is where you will reinforce what you said in your talk to get the response you had hoped to gain.

Just as important as the introduction is your conclusion. This part of the speech is your last chance to make sure your audience understood the message of your speech. It needs to be strong and conclusive. Your conclusion should achieve the following.

Summarize your main points â€“ To reinforce your audienceâ€™s remembrance and understanding of your central idea. Keep it brief.
Signal the end of the speech â€“ Use a statement, story, or quotation that dramatically or logically brings the speech to a close. You can also intensify your pitch, tone, and volume, and move or pause to signal closure.
Repetition in the conclusion would seem to help a public speech be more memorable.
For a persuasive speech, a call to action is critical. Specifically tell your audience what you want them to DO as a result of your speech.

Recommended Reading
- 10 Ways to End Your Speech with a Bang
  http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/10-ways-to-end-your-speech/#more-2910

Achieving Style through Language

How you say something can be just as important as what you say. This is called style. But what does it mean to write “with style”? Is style a quality that writers can add or remove as they please? Is it, perhaps, a gift that only some writers happen to be blessed with? Can a style ever be good or bad, correct or incorrect? Or is it more a matter of taste? Is style a kind of decorative sprinkle that’s added to a piece of writing — or is it instead an essential ingredient of the writing?

Style in speech is not about adding something to the content of the speech to achieve style. Rather, it is inherent in the speech itself. It is a strategic decision that is based on accomplishing your purpose as a speaker by taking advantage of opportunities to promote your purpose, and minimizing constraints in your speech that get in the way of achieving your purpose.

You notice there are certain speakers whose use of language is so effective that their message is intensified by the words they use to express their ideas. The use of words is the tool of a speakerâ€™s craft in achieving style. Good choice of words gets the job done in a speech. Some adept speakers are aware of the obvious and subtle meanings of words they use. With the use of appropriate, vivid, and accurate language, they are able to transform a dull speech into a memorable one.

It is essential then to be aware that words have different meanings.

Denotative meaning â€“ This is the objective, literal meaning of the word as the dictionary would define it. For example, the dictionary might define word â€œhomeâ€ as the â€œphysical structure within which one lives, such as a house or apartment.â€
Connotative meaning â€“ This is a more subjective meaning of a word. The meaning gives the words their intensity and emotional power. Taking the example above, the word â€œhomeâ€ connotes a meaning of something that is â€œloving, full of memories, warmth, and safetyâ€ or it may be that of â€œemptiness and pain.â€

Requirements of Effective Style

Use Language Accurately â€“ Sometimes people have a tendency to use words that are almost similar. Take the word â€œpersecutionâ€ and â€œprosecution.â€ It may seem easy to confuse these words, but the variance of meaning is so vast that making this mistake may ruin the content of your speech. Another way is using a similar sounding word in the wrong context as in â€œholding a nation hostileâ€ when the word meant is â€œhostage.â€ The unintentional but possibly meaningful confusion of use of words is called malapropism. Such confusion can have a devastating effect on oneâ€™s speech.
Use Language Appropriately — This means using language that is appropriate to the audience and situation. For example, if you are speaking to an audience made up of ordinary people, probably not all highly educated, avoid using abstract words and technical jargons. Not only will they not understand, they might resent your arrogance and perceive these words as insult to their intelligence. Another situation is the delivering a kind of doom-and-gloom speech in a wedding. Such occasion calls for celebration, not doomsday.
Using Language Clearly â€“ A speakerâ€™s meaning must be so clear that there is no room for misunderstanding or miscomprehension. You can master this by using simple, concrete words versus abstract words and avoiding too many unnecessary words that will only clutter the speech.
Using Language Vividly â€“ There is a difference between clarity and vividness in language. Your language may be clear, even accurate, but may still end up being uninteresting. Vividness is using language that is full of imagery and color. Vividness enables the listener to create pictures of what they are hearing in their minds.
Using Inclusive Language â€“ It is always important to be mindful of the diversity in your audience and to use language that does not discriminate or exclude some people because of their differences. Some examples:
- â€œHeâ€
- â€œManâ€ when referring to â€œmen and womenâ€
- Stereotyping jobs and social roles by gender
When in doubt about the use of language that is exclusive, it is better to research many guides on the Internet regarding this topic.

Other guidelines to keep in mind about style:

To be credible, choose language that commands authority. For example, instead of saying â€œI hope you will â€¦.,â€ say, â€œI know you will â€¦.â€
Make the audience a part of your presentation by addressing them in the second person (â€œyouâ€).
Establish a bond by using the jargon of the people you are addressing, if appropriate. For example, if addressing a group of computer programmers, use technical language.
Keep the audienceâ€™s attention by keeping your language action-oriented. Use words in the active voice. For example, instead of saying â€œthe poem was written by â€¦.,â€ say, â€œRobert Frost wrote the poem â€¦.â€

Creating imagery and rhythm in your speech

Analogies, stories, and examples are powerful ways to give punch to your speech. They can stir the emotions, stimulate thinking, persuade a change in thought, and motivate to action. Because of the way our minds work, they are a great tool to enable the audience to remember the speech.

Analogies and stories work best if they have some emotional or spiritual significance and appeal to the listeners. They go beyond logic in motivating and persuading.

Stories â€“ A story is familiar narrative form that is powerful in painting images. It permits listeners to â€œseeâ€ what is going on. Audiences may identify with the story and thus generate empathy.

Analogies â€“ An analogy is reasoning or explaining from parallel cases. Normally an analogy compares substantially different kinds of things and reports several points of resemblance.

Examples:

“I am to dancing what Roseanne is to singing and Donald Duck is to motivational speeches. I am as graceful as a refrigerator falling down a flight of stairs.”

(Leonard Pitts, “Curse of Rhythm Impairment.” Miami Herald, Sep. 28, 2009)

“This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs. Any questions?” (The Partnership for a Drug-Free America)

Stylistic Devices

Stylistic devices, also called rhetorical devices or figures of speech, make your speeches more interesting and help to get and keep your audienceâ€™s attention. Some of the more common figures of speech are as follows.

A simile is a figure of speech in which the subject is compared to another subject. Frequently, it is marked by use of the words â€œlikeâ€ or â€œas.â€

“The snow was like a blanket.”

“The deer ran like the wind.”

â€The raindrops sounded like popcorn kernels popping.”

“The lullaby was like the hush of the winter.”

A metaphor compares two different things in a figurative sense; an implied comparison between two unlike things that actually have something important in common. Unlike in a simile (A is like B), â€œlikeâ€ is not used in metaphor (A is B).

Example:

Through much of the last century, America’s faith in freedom and democracy was a rock in a raging sea. Now it is a seed upon the wind, taking root in many nations.

A hyperbole is an extravagant statement; the use of exaggerated terms for the purpose of emphasis or heightened effect.

Example: â€œI am starving!â€

(Source: http://grammar.about.com/od/rhetoricstyle/u/RhetoricStyle.htm#s1)

Recommended Reading
- Add Impact with Rhetorical Devices
  http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/speech-preparation-6-rhetorical-devices/#more-223
- How to Use the Rule of Three
  http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/rule-of-three-speeches-public-speaking/
- Writing Your First Draft
  http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/speech-preparation-4-first-draft-writers-block/
- Effective Writing Podcast. (2011). KUWC Library. (Requires Quicktime Player)
  http://www.screencast.com/users/KUWC/folders/Effective Writing Podcasts %282011%29

Preparing for Your Assignment

Thus far in this course, you have learned many different techniques and skills to help you develop a quality speech. It’ time to put what you’ve learned into action. In Lesson 4 we talked about the different types of speeches. assignment in this lesson involves writing a persuasive speech, so this is a good time for us to review.

Quite often in the workplace, we’re called upon to convince others to agree with our points of view. One of the most straightforward approaches to this type of persuasion is a five-step process called Monroe’s Motivated Sequence, developed by Purdue University Professor Alan Monroe in the late 1960s. You’ll notice that it is the sequence of steps that is still used in many television ads today.

Monroe’s Motivated Sequence has five steps:

1.
Attention: Gain the attention of your audience using any of a variety of standard techniques

2. Need: Describe the problem and demonstrate a need for a change
3. Satisfaction: Share a practical solution (using facts from your research and citing your sources)
4. Visualization: Using descriptive language, help your audience picture how their lives will be when they implement your idea
5. Action: Present a call to immediate action from your audience

Recommended Reading and Viewing
- Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Pattern handout
  http://www.disciplewalk.com/files/Ron_St._John_monroe_sequence_Handout.pdf
- How to use Monroe’s Motivated Sequence
- A sample speech using Monroe’s Motivated Sequence
- Click the next arrow to view your Assignment 7 instructions.

FAQ About Assignment 7

Is this an informative or persuasive speech?

Assignment 7 requires you to persuade your audience to agree with your viewpoint, not just provide information on a topic.

What is the purpose of the outline? Can I just turn in the filled-in outline as my completed assignment?

The outline will help you organize your material for your speech. It is NOT a replacement for the actual speech script, however. The script should be written in paragraph form, with well-developed transitions to lead the listener/reader through the speech.

Can I pick any topic I want?

Yes, as long as it fits one of the two scenarios in the assignment description.

How should I organize my persuasive speech?

You will use Monroeâ€™s Motivated Sequence to organize this speech.

See Lesson 7, under the topic Preparing for Your Assignment: https://courses.ashworthcollege.edu/d2l/le/content/9884/viewContent/92935/View

What format should I use for my speech script?

Use standard APA format, including a cover page and a reference page. You do not need to worry about an abstract for a short speech like this one.

See https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ for more information on APA format.

I want to do a video or audio recording of my speech. What do I need to turn in? Do I need to turn in a script, too?

No. You will just need to turn in a list of your references (in APA format) along with your recording.

How many sources do I need for this speech?

Two to four sources are enough. You can use one source for more than one of your supporting points.

How long does my speech need to be?

It should be about five minutes long, or 700-1000 words.

Should I write this like a term paper?

No. This is the script for a speech. It should be written in a way that can be easily read aloud. Youâ€™ll use more conversational language in a speech than in a term paper. This means that itâ€™s acceptableâ€”even encouragedâ€”for you to use the words â€œyouâ€ and â€œI,â€ unlike in a term paper.

For my introduction, do I just announce my topic?

No. See the beginning part of Lesson 7’s Lecture Notes to get a better understanding of what goes into a well-crafted introduction. https://courses.ashworthcollege.edu/d2l/le/content/9884/viewContent/92935/View

What goes into the conclusion of my speech?

Summarize your main points and end with a call to action.

Whatâ€™s a call to action?

What do you want your audience to DO as a result of your speech? Once you determine that, you can create your call to action where you tell them specifically what you want them to do.

See http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/speech-call-to-action/ for additional tips.

When I read my speech aloud, my friend told me it sounds choppy. What can I do to make it flow more smoothly?

Work on developing transitions to smoothly lead the listener from one point to the next. The best transitions review the point you just covered, then preview your next point.

A good source for information on transitions is http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/speech-transitions/

I donâ€™t get it. How do I cite sources in a script? It would be weird to read the citations aloud.

When youâ€™re writing a speech, you still need to let your listeners know where you got your information from.

See the â€œCiting Orallyâ€ section of http://www.bucks.edu/academics/department/lang-lit… for suggestions.

Itâ€™s been forever since I had to write a paper. How can I make sure I donâ€™t plagiarize?

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