Introductions Matter: How to Begin a Speech Effectively

What is the general recommended length for an introduction in relation to the entire speech duration?

A good introduction is expected to serve how many basic functions?

According to research by James C. McCroskey and Jason J. Teven, an individual's credibility is composed of which three factors?

Of the three factors of credibility, which one does research indicate is the most important?

Which part of an introduction establishes the direction the speech will take and is sometimes referred to as 'signposting'?

In the context of credibility, what is the definition of competence?

What is the term for a brief account or story of an interesting or humorous event used as an attention-getter?

According to Miller (1946), how many common attention-getting devices do speakers tend to use when starting a speech?

What is a thesis statement?

A speaker begins with the line: 'Oliver Goldsmith, a sixteenth-century writer, poet, and physician, once noted that “the true use of speech is not so much to express our wants as to conceal them.”' What type of attention-getter is this?

Which part of the introduction is described as the 'why should I care?' component, where the speaker explains the topic's importance to the audience?

What is the key difference between a response question and a rhetorical question when used as an attention-getter?

What is the primary function of the 'link to topic' in an introduction?

A speaker starts with a story about a personal experience related to their topic. What attention-getting device are they using?

When a speaker wants to demonstrate competence but is not a recognized expert, what is the easiest way to do so according to the text?

Which attention-getting device is described as the most direct but potentially the least interesting?

A parable or fable is described as what type of anecdote?

What is one of the four basic functions a good thesis statement will fulfill?

When a speaker refers to a current news event to capture attention, what attention-getting device is being employed?

What is the primary ethical responsibility a speaker has when using a startling statement as an attention-getter?

What is one of the four major considerations a speaker must think about when selecting an attention-getting device?

According to the text, what is the 'first major purpose of an introduction'?

When a speaker uses a direct reference to the audience as an attention-getter, what is the speaker trying to do?

In the analysis of the 'Smart Dust' introduction, the espousal of credibility was attempted by including research from which two sources?

What is the second major function of an introduction, which forces the speaker to be mindfully aware of explaining the topic?

To develop a specific purpose, the text suggests completing the sentence 'I want my audience to understand that…' This phrasing is designed to frame the purpose in terms of what?

The text explains that credibility must be understood as a perception of whom?

What is the fourth major function of an introduction, described as an extension of caring/goodwill?

A study by Baker (1965) found that individuals who were unorganized while speaking were perceived as less what?

When using humor as an attention-getter, what does the text always recommend a speaker do prior to the speech?

Which attention-getting device is described as being useful only if the speech is being delivered for a specific occasion, such as a toast at a wedding?

What is the primary characteristic of trustworthiness as a factor of credibility?

When a speaker acknowledges a known disagreement with the audience about the topic, they are primarily attempting to build which characteristic of credibility?

What is the recommended maximum duration for an introduction in a ten-minute speech?

In the 'Smart Dust' introduction, the sentence 'Today I’m going to explain what smart dust is and the various applications smart dust has in the near future' serves as the what?

What potential pitfall of using a personal reference as an attention-getter does the chapter warn against?

What is the primary difference between a 'Reference to Current Events' and a 'Historical Reference' as attention-getters?

A speaker says, 'To understand the nature of bullying in the modern workplace, I will first define what workplace bullying is..., I will then discuss the common characteristics..., and lastly, I will explore some possible solutions...' What is this part of the introduction called?

The thesis checklist in Table 9.1 asks if you can adequately cover the topic in the allotted time. This question helps a speaker achieve what goal in writing a thesis?

What is one of the biggest mistakes novice speakers make, according to the section on gaining audience attention?

The thesis statement 'Medical marijuana, prostitution, and gay marriage should all be legalized in the United States' is identified as a weak thesis because it contains what?

Which of the following is NOT one of the four basic functions a good thesis statement will fulfill?

What does the text mean when it advises that the attention-getter should match the 'speech occasion'?

Aristotle's concept of ethos is another term for what?

In the anecdote about Alexa Longueira falling into an open manhole, what is the 'link to topic' used to connect this story to the speech's subject?

What are the six parts of an introduction as identified in the analysis of the 'Smart Dust' speech?

In creating a thesis statement, asking whether the topic is one clear topic or multiple topics is a way to ensure what?

What is the final major function of an introduction?

A speaker says, 'As an engineering student speaking to fellow engineering students, we can appreciate the complexity of...' This opening is an example of making the language appropriate for whom?

The fourth function of a thesis statement is to 'enhance your delivery.' How does a clear thesis achieve this?