Writing Attention Getting Statements in the Introduction

Using a topic of your choice, write a coherent introduction using three different forms of support. Write the introduction out in full, as you would use it in a speech. Be specific and tailor the statement to your topic and expected audience.

The three basic support devices are examples, statistics and testimony.

If you were talking about outdoor recreation, an example might detail some exciting experience you or a family member had; a statistic might indicate the size of the outdoor recreation industry, or the number of times the average person participates or the relevance of the industry to the economy of Maine. Testimony would be statements from friends, acquaintances or from interviews in papers, books, journals, radio, tv, the internet, etc. on the topic of outdoor recreation.

Overall, an introduction, which contains the attention getter, a credibility statement and a preview of the topic, is about 10% of the total speech in length. So, for a 5-8 minute speech, the introduction is anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute.

Here's an example using one of the outline assignments.

My best friend told me about a mutual friend's recent suicide. I couldn't understand why someone, who seemed to have everything to live for, would take her own life. That question bothered me so much that I did some research on the topic and event talked to our Associate Dean of Students. The information startled me. (example)

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is the fastest growing cause of death for people aged 17 to 24 nationwide. Last year 10,000 young Americans committed suicide. (statistic)

I interviewed Roger Howard, associate dean of students. Dean Howard said last year there were over 60 known suicide attempts on our campus. Dean Howard also said that for every known suicide attempt, two or three more go unnoticed. (Testimony)

In today’s speech, I will detail the scope of the problem of teen suicide and give you some tips on spotting behaviors that could alert you to the fact that a friend is in trouble.

Your introduction should engage the audience’s attention, establish your credibility and preview your topic.