What is the purpose of the introduction in a speech?

The introduction of a speech serves a vital role in establishing the framework for the presentation. Its primary purpose is to engage the audience and introduce the topic, which helps to set the stage for what is to come. A well-crafted introduction captures the audience’s attention, piques their interest, and provides them with the context they need to understand the material being presented.

Furthermore, an effective introduction often includes a hook, such as a surprising statistic, a relevant quote, or an engaging anecdote, which draws the audience in and encourages them to listen attentively. It may also outline the main points or purpose of the speech, giving the audience a roadmap of what to expect. This is essential for building rapport and establishing the speaker's credibility and connection with the audience.

The other possibilities do not accurately reflect the function of an introduction. While summarizing key points belongs to the conclusion of the speech, and conclusions serve to wrap up and reinforce the speaker's arguments, distracting from main points contradicts the intended goal of engaging and informing the audience. Thus, focusing on audience engagement and topic introduction is key in the introductory phase of a speech.