Final answer:
Effective speeches often start with a thesis statement rather than a personal introduction. This statement engages the audience, introduces the main points, and sets the stage for the speech.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks whether effective speeches usually begin with a personal introduction such as 'Hi, my name is Jamaal, and I'm here to talk to you about...'. This is false. While some speeches might start that way, particularly in informal settings, strong speeches often open with a hook that engages the audience and presents the topic in a compelling manner.
Effective speeches often begin with a thesis statement that serves to catch the audience's attention and outlines the main points of the speech. A good thesis statement sets the stage for an informative speech or persuasive speech and helps to clearly communicate the speaker's main arguments and objectives to the audience.
During the preparation phase, a speaker will usually craft a purpose statement to clarify their aims for the speech. Though this statement itself isn't usually shared with the audience, it guides the speaker in creating a focused and coherent presentation. The introduction of a speech should also establish the credibility of the speaker and explain why the topic matters.
To effectively reach and engage an audience, a speaker must consider their interests and background. This might include using relevant anecdotes, facts, or questions that pique curiosity and draw the audience into the topic being discussed. Thus, a more effective opening to a speech would directly address the audience's interests and set the stage for the argument or discussion to follow.