Exam 9: Introductions Matter: How to Begin a Speech Effectively

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As a speaker,you want to be seen as credible (competent,trustworthy,and caring/having goodwill).First,to make yourself appear competent,you can either clearly explain to your audience why you are competent about a given subject or demonstrate your competence by showing that you have thoroughly researched a topic by including relevant references within your introduction.If you are not actually a recognized expert on a topic,you need to demonstrate that you have done your homework to become more knowledgeable than your audience about your topic.The easiest way to demonstrate your competence is through the use of appropriate references from leading thinkers and researchers on your topic.The second characteristic of credibility,trustworthiness,is a little more complicated than competence,for it ultimately relies on audience perceptions.One way to increase the likelihood that a speaker will be perceived as trustworthy is to use reputable sources.When you are honest about your sources with your audience,they will trust you and your information more so than when you are ambiguous.The third characteristic of credibility to establish during the introduction is the sense of caring/goodwill.While some unethical speakers can attempt to manipulate an audience's perception that the speaker cares,ethical speakers truly do care about their audiences and have their audience's best interests in mind while speaking.

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If you're quoting Dr.John Smith,you need to explain who he is so your audience will see the quotation as being more trustworthy.Examples will vary.