An attention-grabbing statement presents a reason for the audience to listen to a speech. These include astounding facts, quotations from individuals the audience knows or an anecdotal story, describing the situation on a personal level. The attention-grabbing statement answers the question, “Why should the audience care?”
The speaker credibility statement informs the audience of the speaker’s experience with the topic, including education and specific actions in the past. The speaker credibility section answers the question, “Why should the audience listen to this speaker?”
A thesis statement identifies each of the main points of the argument, outlining the body of the speech and preparing the audience to hear each argument in detail. A thesis statement is generally one sentence long, but more complex topics may require longer thesis statements. The thesis statement answers the question, “What is this speech going to cover?”
The severity argument presents the current situation of the topic, describing the potential ramifications if the audience chooses not to address the issue. This section should be engaging, providing the motivation for the audience to take action on the topic. The severity section answers the question, “Why is this topic so important?”
The solution section presents a plausible, actionable suggestion for the audience to address the issue and work towards a resolution. An effective solution should suggest actions the audience is capable of carrying out, such as putting recycling bins in a school or transitioning to an electronic data system to save paper. The solution section answers the question, “What can the audience do to help?”
Transitional phrases work like verbal road signs, directing the audience from point to point in a clear, understandable manner. This includes using words like “next,” “finally” and “also.” Transitional phrases can also move from point to point by combining several points, such as “While the problem of waste control continues to grow, you can take the initiative to help resolve this situation,” which connects the severity statement to the actual solution.
Just as the thesis statement explains the main points of the body of a speech, the conclusion encapsulates these points, reminding the audience about each of the main speaking points. The review of information section refreshes the main points in the audience’s mind.
A memorable closing includes a statement designed to linger in an audience’s mind and provoke additional discussion regarding the topic. Memorable closings include motivational messages, concluding an introduction anecdote with a moral message or a particularly memorable quotation. The memorable closing answers the question, “What should I take away from this speech?”