Speech Structure: Mastering the Introduction
This week I was asked to go over the course book chapter 4.1 The introduction can "make or break" you as a speaker and complete some tasks focused on the introduction which helps us to get the audience attention and set the right mood of the speech.
Task 1
I need to watch following public speech performances and identify the technique(s) used in the introduction (attention-getter) in each performance.
The most common attention-getters for introduction are asking questions, making references, making a startling statement, giving a quotation and telling a story.
- “How will we survive when the population hits 10 billion?” by Charles C. Mann at TED2018 https://www.ted.com/talks/charles_c_mann_how_will_we_survive_when_the_population_hits_10_billion
- “Still Standing” by Ramona J. Smith at the 2018 Toastmasters International World Champion of Public Speaking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Tev43VNRIc
- “Every kid needs a champion” by Rita Pierson at TED Talks Education https://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion/discussion?...en
- “How great leaders inspire action” by Simon Sinek at TEDxPuget Sound https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action?referrer=playlist-the_most_popular_talks_of_all
- “Looks aren't everything. Believe me, I'm a model” by Cameron Russell at TEDxMidAtlantic https://www.ted.com/talks/cameron_russell_looks_aren_t_everything_believe_me_i_m_a_model?referrer=playlist-the_most_popular_talks_of_all&language=en
Once I got the audience attention, I move towards the thesis statement. I need to identify the thesis statement and evaluate the transition between the attention-getter and the thesis statement on the scale from 0 (poor transition) to 3 (well-done transition).
“How will we survive when the population hits 10 billion?” by Charles C. Mann at TED2018
Such attention-getter as asking questions is used in the introduction.
I would give 2 points out of 3 for the transition between the attention-getter and the thesis statement. I think it was quite long and I could not wait for the thesis statement and the main part, but Charles C. Mann starts his speech with the question which seems interesting and attractive to me.
“Still Standing” by Ramona J. Smith at the 2018 Toastmasters International World Champion of Public Speaking
The attention-getter is telling a story. And there are some questions.
I would give 3 points out of 3. I really like the way she starts her performance and gives us a thesis statement. I think that transition is logic enough. (By the way, I am impressed by her vocal as well as her physical presentation.)
“Every kid needs a champion” by Rita Pierson at TED Talks Education
The attention-getter is telling a story. 3 out of 3 for the transition between the attention-getter and the thesis statement. Her thoughts are easy to follow.
Such attention-getter as asking questions is used in the introduction. And this questions, of course, are connected with the main message of his speech. Also, he gives us some comments to them. 3 out of 3.
The attention-getter is making a references. Also, she asks some questions. To be honest, I like this speech the most. I think that changing the outfit was a good idea to make a startling statement. I would give 3 points out of 3 for the transition between the attention-getter and the thesis statement.
Hey! Thank you for your analysis!
ОтветитьУдалитьYeah, I agree that the transtit in the first speech was pretty long.
As for the other speeches, I think you identified almost all the attention-getters right.
I can't say it was a story in the second speech. For me it is more like an illustration, but this attention-getter is not in the list, so it's ok.
That's really important that you pointed out the changing the outfit in the last speech. I'd say IT IS an attention-getter, moreover, it's the most effective one among all three she used. I'd call it "making a startling ACTION".
What do you think?
Hello! Right, I agree that changing the outfit in the last speech as an attention-getter can be really effective method to start your speech. And I will remember this attention-getter you called "making a startling action". Thank you!
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