Working in groups, select a potential speech topic. Then have each group member select a different attention-gaining strategy and use that strategy to develop an attention-getter. Share your attention-getter with other group members.

Imagine that you are about to give a speech to a group of total strangers you know little about. How would you use your introduction to establish credibility? How would this differ from the way you would establish credibility to a group you had something in common with—for example, students at your college, members of your religious faith, or people who participate in the same sport or activity that you do?

Watch the introduction and conclusion to Cameron’s speech analyzing a quotation by Confucius. Which parts of an introduction does he include (attention-getter, thesis, connection with the audience, credibility, preview)? Does his conclusion include a summary and a clincher? Evaluate the quality of his introduction and conclusion. Is there anything you would add or change?