Page 265 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking

232 Part 3 Putting Theory Into Practice

and most important are useful. To emphasize time, we use words such as then, af-
terward, eventually, next, immediately, meanwhile, previously, often, usually, and later.
Cause and effect can be suggested by the words consequently, therefore, and thus.
To stress that we are using an example, we say, “for example” or “for instance.”
The progress from one point to another in our speech can be highlighted by
terms such as first, second, third, or furthermore. Contrast can be indicated by use
of but, however, instead, nevertheless and phrases such as to the contrary, on the other
hand, and in contrast. The conclusion of a speech can be indicated by phrases
such as to sum up, for these reasons, in retrospect, and in conclusion. 4

Tips and Tactics
Techniques for Transitional Statements

• Refer to preceding and upcoming ideas. “Now that you know what computer
viruses are, I’ll discuss how to prevent their spread to your computer.”
• Enumerate key points. “First, never assume that a program from a friend or
computer bulletin board is virus free.”
• Give nonverbal reinforcement. Changes in vocal infl ection signal a change is
coming. Movement can signal a transition. Some speakers physically move
from one place to another while speaking in order to emphasize that they
are moving from one point to the next. Others hold up fi ngers to indicate the
number of points.
• Use visual aids to reinforce transitions. Moving to the next PowerPoint™ slide
or putting up a new transparency clearly signals to the audience that we are
moving on. It’s also a way to help us remember the sequence of our speech.
• Words can cue the audience that we are changing points: Next, another, number,
moving on, fi nally, therefore, and in summary.

Introducing the Speech

After organizing the body of the speech, it is time to construct the introduc-
tion and conclusion. Recall from Chapter 2 that an introduction should do four
things: open with impact, focus on the thesis statement, connect with the audi-
ence, and preview the rest of the speech. Let’s look at each of these functions
in turn.

Open With Impact

A speech should immediately grab the audience’s attention. First impressions
count. One way to control this impression is to open the speech with impact.
The most common ways are with a story; a quotation; a startling statement; a
reference to the audience, the occasion, or a current event; appropriate humor; a
personal experience; or a thought-provoking question.