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Effective Attention Getting Devices for Public Speaking, Lecture notes of Statistics

An overview of various attention getting devices that can be used to capture an audience's attention in the first sentence of a speech. The devices include anecdotes, quotes, surprising statements, questions, humor, and references to the audience or occasion. Each device is described in detail, along with examples and tips for effective use.

What you will learn

  • What are the different types of questions that can be used as attention getting devices?
  • How can anecdotes be used effectively as an attention getting device?
  • What are some common attention getting devices for public speaking?

Typology: Lecture notes

2021/2022

Uploaded on 09/12/2022

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Attention Getting Devices
Attention getting devicesalso known as attention getters—are designed to capture your audience’s
attention in the first sentence of your speech. Make sure to select a device that is appropriate for your
audience, occasion, and topic.
Common Attention Getting Devices:
1. AnecdoteAnecdotes are short stories that illustrate the main points of the speech.
A. Personal anecdoteThis story describes your personal experience with the topic.
B. Historical anecdoteThis story describes a historical event.
C. Hypothetical exampleThis device asks your audience to envision a scenario as if it
were happening to them. This can be accomplished with a hypothetical situation
(“imagine that you are walking through the forest”), or with an anecdote (“imagine that
you are Sam, a forest ranger in Alaska”).
2. Quote Quotes that are humorous, insightful, or emotional can add color to an introduction, and
boost the credibility to the speaker. Avoid quotes that are irrelevant, inappropriate, unethical, or
misleading, and always remember to cite your sources.
3. Surprising statementSurprising statements reveal facts or statistics that would surprise the
audience. When used correctly, this device can boost the speaker’s credibility and the audience’s
interest in the topic. Make sure to avoid facts or statistics that may not be true, or are published by
a questionable source.
4. QuestionThese are questions posed directly to the audience.
A. Rhetorical question Rhetorical questions are designed to make your audience consider
your argument, and do not elicit a response.
B. Overt-response question Overt-response questions are questions designed to elicit a
response from your audience.
I. PollsThese questions poll your audience (“raise your hand if…”).
II. Free-responseThese questions are less commonly used, but may be appropriate
for some contexts. Classroom lectures, for example, frequently use free-response
questions as a way to encourage student participation.
5. Humor Humorous introductions can be effective, but they are very difficult to execute
effectively. When writing a humorous introduction, make sure that it is appropriate for the
situation and the audience, relevant to the topic of the presentation, and flows naturally into the
rest of the introduction.
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Attention Getting Devices

Attention getting devices—also known as attention getters—are designed to capture your audience’s attention in the first sentence of your speech. Make sure to select a device that is appropriate for your audience, occasion, and topic.

Common Attention Getting Devices:

1. Anecdote— Anecdotes are short stories that illustrate the main points of the speech. A. Personal anecdote—This story describes your personal experience with the topic. B. Historical anecdote—This story describes a historical event. C. Hypothetical example—This device asks your audience to envision a scenario as if it were happening to them. This can be accomplished with a hypothetical situation (“imagine that you are walking through the forest”), or with an anecdote (“imagine that you are Sam, a forest ranger in Alaska”). 2. Quote — Quotes that are humorous, insightful, or emotional can add color to an introduction, and boost the credibility to the speaker. Avoid quotes that are irrelevant, inappropriate, unethical, or misleading, and always remember to cite your sources. 3. Surprising statement —Surprising statements reveal facts or statistics that would surprise the audience. When used correctly, this device can boost the speaker’s credibility and the audience’s interest in the topic. Make sure to avoid facts or statistics that may not be true, or are published by a questionable source. 4. Question— These are questions posed directly to the audience. A. Rhetorical question— Rhetorical questions are designed to make your audience consider your argument, and do not elicit a response. B. Overt-response question— Overt-response questions are questions designed to elicit a response from your audience. I. Polls—These questions poll your audience (“raise your hand if…”). II. Free-response—These questions are less commonly used, but may be appropriate for some contexts. Classroom lectures, for example, frequently use free-response questions as a way to encourage student participation. 5. Humor— Humorous introductions can be effective, but they are very difficult to execute effectively. When writing a humorous introduction, make sure that it is appropriate for the situation and the audience, relevant to the topic of the presentation, and flows naturally into the rest of the introduction.

6. Reference to audience/occasion— For significant events or ceremonies, it may be effective to begin your introduction by describing the audience or occasion. A. Audience—Referencing the audience is only effective when all audience members share a common identity (“as college students, we are all familiar with…”). B. Occasion—For special occasions—such as weddings, funerals, or award ceremonies— reminding the audience of the meaning behind the event can bring them together and boost your credibility.