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Speech Guidelines

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BCOM 3950 PROFESSOR TERESA LOWERY FALL 2013

SPEECH OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS (SOME SUGGESTIONS)

Aristotle was the first (recorded) rhetorician to name the three parts of a speech: the Introduction, the Body, and the Conclusion. Here are some suggestions about opening your Informative Speech (as well as other types of speech). Also included: Conclusions and the Question-Answer Period.

Openings:

1. If you choose to begin with a humorous story, never tell a funny story for the mere sake of humor. It has to be relevant or illustrate a point. Remember: never use distasteful or insulting language. Avoid curse words. Tiptoe around body functions. Ask yourself, what does the audience think is acceptable when speaking of body fluids or private parts? Don’t tease anyone in your audience unless you are speaking at a roast. Never ever use ethnic, racial, or religious humor, unless you are making fun of yourself, which must be crystal clear to your audience. Don’t go overboard with the humor: you are a speaker not a comedian. Also: Try using a pun or play on words (a “fun” humor strategy). Example: When is a door not a door? When it’s ajar.
2. Tell a joke on yourself (called self-effacing humor); studies have shown that this almost always provokes a laugh. Depict yourself in some ridiculous or embarrassing situation. This is the very essence of humor. Poking fun at yourself can also lower the barrier between the speaker and audience by showing the audience that you are an ordinary, fallible human being – just like them. Successful topics for self-effacing humor? Your job, family, various funny experiences and even failures. Warning: be careful that you don’t poke TOO much fun at yourself. You don’t want to damage your

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