How to Write an Introduction Speech for Public Speaking

In every public speaking/speech class, there is bound to be an introduction speech. This speech serves as an ice breaker for the entire semester. The public speaking introduction speech is usually a three to five minutes and explains some aspect of your background, personality, beliefs, or desires. Being a university professor of public speaking, I have seen how the introduction speech can really set the tone for that student's semester speeches; therefore, this may be the most important speech of the college semester.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pen and paper
• Note cards

1. 
    
   The biggest myth about public speaking class: Your grade is based on your performance and natural ability to speak to people. It is actually about writing skills.

   Before you decide on what you will say, you must first understand the purposes behind such a speech. This is not your typical first day of class routine, where the professor goes around the class and has everyone state their name, the reason they are in the class, and something interesting about themselves. First, it will provide you with a brief, more relaxed, initial exposure to speaking in front of an audience. Second, it provides both your professor and yourself with a starting place for accessing your strengths and weaknesses as a writer. Remember, that public speaking is primarily about "writing," NOT "speaking."

2. 
    
   An introduction speech's theme must be about YOU.

   Next, you need to decide on a theme for your speech. Remember that this speech is not a demographics report (i.e., date of birth, your financal statement, etc ). It is more than just a statement of facts. Lots of introduction speeches are about a specific fear. Other people may choose to talk about a turning point in their lives (i.e. loss of a loved one, career change). Some people may elect to bring in an object and explain something about it (i.e., how it is a metaphor of your life, why it is important to you, etc.)

3. 
    
   Organization and writing are the key parts to public speaking.

   After you decide on a theme for your introduction speech, you must then organize what you will say. An introduction speech is a mini-informative speech, so you must have all of the required elements: (1)introduction (with attention getter, ethos, central idea and preview); (2)body (with main points, subpoints, and transitions), and (3) a conclusion (with summary, tie to introduction, concluding remarks. Remember, the more vivid details that you can provide, the better your speech will be.

4. 
    
   With your introduction speech, it is important to create word pictures.

   Finally, construct effective opening and conclusions for your speech. Remember to pay great attention to these, since this is the first and last impression you give to your audience. Introduction speeches are usually written out in full sentence outline form on either a piece of paper or note cards.

Tips & Warnings

• Your goal with an introduction speech is to establish your thesis with two things: (1) a specific topic and (2) a well-defined claim.
• Make sure to include transitions between main points. These will make the speech more cohesive, moving the audience toward the idea in your thesis.
• In the opening of your speech, avoid separating the audience from the speech's content with sentences such as, "My introduction speech is about how my grandmother's death changed my life." Instead, directly address the content (i.e., My grandmother always told me that through death, comes new life."
• Do not use Power Point for your introduction speech -- this will take up too much time and distract the audience. Remember: This is a short speech.

Resources

• Link TextHow to Write a Persuasive Speech for Public Speaking
• How to Write an Informative Speech for Public Speaking

[Mindee94]

on 8/13/2009 Often times people overlook the importance of a strong opening and closing. Definitely areas which deserve considerable thought. Thanks for the great points.