Write Your Introduction and Conclusion

Unless you are very familiar with your audience and your topic, we recommend that you write your introduction and conclusion word for word with the expectation that you will change and improve the phrasing several times—even as you speak. Because the beginning and ending of a presentation matter so much, every word counts.

Instead of reading these sections from a manuscript, PRACTICE (220–24) your introduction and conclusion so often that you won’t need detailed notes (unless you’re including a long quotation or complicated set of statistics). You will probably be most nervous at the beginning of your speech, so knowing your introduction very well will also help you mask and minimize any SPEAKING ANXIETY (18–26) you may be feeling. As you close, delivering a well-practiced conclusion allows you to focus on your audience and “clinch” your message.

We are not recommending that you memorize and recite your introduction and conclusion. Rather, make sure you can begin and end your presentation with only a few notes, plenty of eye contact, and expressive delivery that reinforces the connection between you and your audience.