Imagine that you have been tasked with delivering a speech of introduction for a controversial figure (such as Roman Polanski, Ann Coulter, Lance Armstrong, or Charlie Sheen). How would you handle introducing someone whom you dislike or do not respect, or whom the audience might view negatively? Craft an attention-getter for this type of speech.

Think back to any wedding dinner you may have attended in which someone made a toast. Did it follow the guidelines suggested in this chapter? Did it resonate with the audience?

Imagine that you have to give a special-occasion speech honoring someone important to you. Prepare three outlines: one for a speech of introduction for this person, one for a speech of presentation of an imaginary award, and one to toast the person on a life event (such as a wedding, graduation, or retirement). How do your three outlines differ?