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Strong introductions create audience interest; strong conclusions create lasting impressions.

In this chapter, we provided ideas for crafting effective introductions and conclusions for your speeches. We noted that a good introduction has several purposes—including capturing your audience’s attention, indicating your thesis, conveying the importance of your topic for audience members, establishing your credibility, and previewing your main points. We also showed that an effective conclusion transitions smoothly from the body of your speech, helps your audience remember your main points, and enables you to leave a lasting impression on listeners. There are many strategies to choose from in developing your introduction and conclusion, so you have room to be creative. By tailoring these elements of your speech to your audience and allotting the right amount of time to each, you stand an excellent chance of delivering an effective presentation.