Why the intro & conclusion are the most important parts your speech

What’s the most important part of a speech?

The introduction and conclusion. Why? Because they are the gateway to your idea.

The intro is the reason people want to listen, and the conclusion is why they tell their friends about you.


Imagine a door.

You weren't expecting it, but it's held open so invitingly, so intriguingly and with such warmth, you can't help but step through.

You're introduced to new people, new ideas or a new perspective.

The worst thing that could possibly happen is for that door to slam shut, ending your experience abruptly, without direction and without connection.

A good conclusion is the same door, held open.

It's propped open so people can wander back in and bring others with them, keep the conversation alive and take your message with them into the world.

A great intro and conclusion will never hold the juiciest parts of your talk, but without them you are losing half your impact.