Discuss the functions of introductions and conclusions. Construct an introduction and a conclusion for a speech on a topic of your choice

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: The introduction serves three functions: gain attention, establish a speaker-audience-topic connection, and orient the audience as to what to follow. To gain attention, the author recommends asking a question, referring to audience members or recent happenings, using humor, stressing the importance of the topic, using a presentation aid, telling the audience to pay attention, using a quotation, citing a little-known fact or statistic, and using illustrations or dramatic or humorous stories. To establish a speaker-audience-topic connection, the author recommends referring to others present, referring to the occasion, expressing your pleasure or interest in speaking, establishing your competence in the subject, expressing similarities with the audience, and complimenting the audience. To orient the audience, the author recommends giving a general idea of the subject, identifying the main points you want to cover, giving a detailed preview, and identifying your goal. The conclusion serves three functions: summarize, motivate, and provide closure. To summarize, the author recommends restating your thesis or purpose, restating the importance of the topic, and restating your main points. To motivate, the author recommends asking for a specific response and providing directions for future action. To close, the author recommends using a quotation, referring to subsequent events, posing a challenge or question, and thanking the audience.