Refer to Recent or Historical Events
Refer to Recent or Historical Events
In addition to referring to the occasion, another effective introduction is to refer to current events or to historical events. This style of reference again helps to create a shared experience for the speaker and the audience, as the speaker reminds all present that they have these events in common. Additionally, referring to current or historical events can also help establish goodwill and personal credibility by demonstrating that the speaker is aware of the relationship between this particular speech and what is going on in the world at that time, or what has occurred in the past. Abraham Lincoln, in one of the most well known speeches in American history, refers both to historical events and current events in the beginning of the “Gettysburg Address:”
