What is the purpose of an introduction in a speech?

The purpose of an introduction in a speech is primarily to grab the audience's attention and provide a preview of the main points that will be discussed. This initial section sets the tone for the entire presentation, engaging the audience right from the start. By capturing their interest, the speaker encourages them to stay focused and receptive to the message. Additionally, the introduction lays out the structure of the speech, giving the audience a roadmap of what to expect and helping them to follow along with ease.

Providing a detailed analysis of the topic or a summary of the conclusion, as suggested in some of the other choices, falls outside the typical function of an introduction, which should remain concise and engaging rather than exhaustive. While introducing the speaker’s background and credentials may be relevant in some contexts, it is not the core purpose of an introduction. It is more relevant to establishing credibility but does not serve the primary role of engaging the audience and outlining the main ideas of the speech.