What are important elements to include in an introduction? Discuss at least three strategies a speaker can use to gain audience attention in the introduction

What will be an ideal response?

An introduction should do several things in order to prepare an audience to listen to a presentation. First, a speaker should gain the audience's attention. Then, an introduction should focus the audience's attention on the topic by relating the topic to the listeners. An introduction should also give the audience an overview of the organizational pattern so that audience members can follow the presentation and know what to expect. Finally, an introduction should help the audience understand the thesis statement so they are aware of the speaker's focus and goals.

In order to gain the audience's attention, speakers can use a variety of strategies. (Note: students should include at least three of the following strategies.) For example, a speaker may begin with an anecdote or a personal narrative by telling a story that directly relates to the topic and helps the audience to focus. Another strategy is to begin with a meaningful quotation that is appropriate to the topic and purpose of the speech. Humor can also gain the audience's attention and set the tone for the presentation, but should be used carefully. Powerful statistics can also gain the audience's attention and demonstrate the importance or prevalence of a topic to audience members. Finally, speakers can begin with a powerful image or audiovisual aid that relates to the topic and is interesting.