Most business presentations consist of

Identify and briefly explain the functions of a speech introduction.

What will be an ideal response?

Dante is giving a speech at his company's yearly holiday party. He has prepared a few jokes that he would like to use, but he does not know if he should. Which of the following would best indicate that telling the jokes is a good idea?

A. The audience looks relaxed and is smiling. B. The party is more than half over. C. The food has been served and the waiters have departed. D. The audience looks impatient or hostile.