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Outlining: Introductions and Conclusions
Last Updated: Apr 11, 2023

Start Strong

You only get one first impression, which means the introduction of your presentation needs to pack a punch. Your introduction is your big chance to prove to the audience that you're worth listening to. 

Take it Step by Step

There are many components of an effective introduction:

  1. Attention getter
  2. Self/topic introduction
  3. Statement of purpose
  4. Thesis statement/central Idea
  5. Relevance
  6. Preview of main points
  7. Transition into first main point

Finish Strong

You've just developed an impactful introduction and a solid body to your speech – now what? Many students struggle to write the conclusion to a speech, but the great news is that a conclusion is essentially a backwards introduction. Remember: in the introduction we preview and in the conclusion we review!

  1. Review statement of purpose
  2. Review thesis statement/central idea
  3. Review main points
  4.  Closure statement (revisit attention getter)

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