• Unit 9: Introductions and Conclusions

    Now that you have an understanding of how to develop the body of your speech, it is time to focus on creating an engaging introduction and memorable conclusion. This unit will provide information on the functions of an introduction and conclusion, as well as it will provide tips on developing effective openings and closings to your speech. You will also review analysis of introductions and conclusions in this unit to use as models in understanding which techniques work best in developing strong introductions and conclusions. As you review the resources in this unit, keep in mind that terminology used in instruction can vary from source to source. Moreover, some sources will group together information which others keep separate. These two traits are often the case with resources which discuss the functions of speech introductions and conclusions. When you encounter differences in the resources in this section, consider focusing on that resource which breaks down the information the most. Such a breakdown can be used as a checklist of what you must accomplish to be effective when you present these sections of your speech. This is particularly important with introductions and conclusions since different sources identify between three and five functions which these sections must fulfill. As a result, you should favor that source which identifies the most functions, thereby insuring that your introduction and conclusion sections are as effective as possible.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.

    • 9.1: Functions of the Introduction

    • 9.2: The Attention-Getter: The First Step of an Introduction

    • 9.3: Putting It Together: Steps to Complete Your Introduction

    • 9.4: Analyzing an Introduction

    • 9.5: Functions of a Conclusion

    • 9.6: Steps In Developing a Conclusion

    • 9.7: Analyzing a Conclusion

    • 9.8: Unit 9 Exercises