Tell a Story
Tell a Story
Earlier in this section when we discussed introductions, it was argued that stories are quite possibly the most effective form of introduction: Stories appear to be almost “hard-wired” into our individual and cultural make-up; and stories have a built-in structure. Stories, then, also make excellent conclusions, and can be used as conclusions in at least two ways. First, you can complete the story that you started in the introduction. Remember: You stopped right before the climax or denouement, and now, you can finish the story. Alternatively, you can retell the story, and this time the story will reflect what we have learned from your speech. Either method provides coherence and closure to the story and the speech.
This same approach, using the built-in structure of the specific introduction/conclusion technique, is equally effective with types such as quotations, questions and startling statistics.
- You can use the same quotation at the end as at the beginning, but because of what we have learned in the speech, the quotation has a new and more developed meaning. You can also use a new quotation that draws a comparison and contrast to the beginning quotation, and also highlights what we have learned in the speech.
- You can use the same question at the conclusion as you did at the beginning, and regardless of whether you ask for a response or pose it as a rhetorical question (and allow the audience to consider the answer) the answer will be different because of your speech. The audience will be able to see what you have accomplished in the speech. You can also pose a new question, one that again points out what the audience has learned from your speech.
- Startling statistics, as quotations and questions, now take on new meaning because of all that you have told the audience in your speech. Repetition of startling statistics should provide audiences with a key reminder of the main point of your speech.
