introductions

🎯 First Impressions

• Appearance, posture, and presence affect audience interest before speaking.

🎤 Attention-Getting Strategies

• Tell a story: real or hypothetical; vivid language, timing, pacing.

• Use references:

  • Previous speeches

  • Personal experience/interest

  • Historical or recent events

  • Current occasion

• Startle audience: accurate, relevant statistics.

• Use a quotation: relatable quotes; well-known authors can boost credibility.

🤝 Gain Goodwill & Credibility

• Credibility = believability.

• External credibility: credible sources/associations.

• Internal credibility: attire, eye contact, clear/confident speech, personal experience, shared values with audience.

✍ Introduction Tips

• Write introduction last (after body is complete).

• Must: state purpose, preview structure, gain attention, build goodwill.

• Be concise: ~10–15% of total speech time.

• Write word-for-word & memorize for clear, controlled delivery.