Which of the following is the primary purpose of an introduction to a speech?

The primary purpose of an introduction to a speech is to gain the attention of the audience. Capturing the audience’s interest at the outset is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire presentation. An effective introduction hooks the listeners, making them eager to hear more. Techniques for gaining attention may include using a startling statistic, telling a relevant story, asking a thought-provoking question, or presenting a compelling quote.

While acknowledging similarities with the audience, summarizing the importance of the topic, and explaining the main points are valuable elements of a speech, they typically occur after attention has been secured. An introduction that fails to engage the audience's interest will likely struggle to maintain their focus throughout the speech, making it essential to prioritize attention-grabbing tactics right from the start.