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The introduction and conclusion, although not more important than the body of the speech, are equally essential to its success. A good opening previews what’s to come in a way that engages listeners in the topic and establishes a tone of goodwill. An effective conclusion ensures that the audience remembers the speech and reacts in a way that the speaker intends.

Any kind of supporting material—examples, stories, testimony, facts, or statistics—can be used to open and conclude a speech as long as it accomplishes these objectives.