THE ATTENTION GETTER

"I want to use an attention getter--I just cant think of any."

There are many kinds of attention getters that you can use to
begin your speech. The following are examples of four
different types of attention getters for a speech against the
use of bail.

1. A Story or anecdote that exemplifies your thesis or claim

ON THE OUTLINE
John Stacy stood up . . .
AS DELIVERED
John Stacy stood up and began to move back cautiously. The
two tall, rough looking men in his cell moved toward him. He ran
to the cells bars, screaming for help. No one heard. John Stacy
would never be heard from again because he was viciously
murdered while waiting for his trial. It is time we stopped sitting
by while innocent Americans are thrown into jail merely because
they do not have enough money to post bail.

2. Famous quotations that back up the thesis or claim

ON THE OUTLINE
Bail a disgrace; Swetnam: "Justice like lightning, ever should
appear. To few mens ruin, but to all mens fear."
AS DELIVERED
Americas bail system is a disgrace. It is neither just nor safe.
Swetnam once said, "Justice like lightning, ever should
appear. To few mens ruin, but to all mens fear." Today, bail
strikes the poor and brings no fear, except to those who wait
in crowded, filthy cells. That is why courts should stop using
bail.

3. PHILOSOPHY OR VALUE SUPPORTING THE THESIS

ON THE OUTLINE
America an infant; filthy jails--innocent before proven guilty
AS DELIVERED
America was born an infant struggling for freedom. Today, many
Americans continue that struggle as they wait in filthy and
dangerous jails because Americas court system jails the
innocent before they are proven guilty. The bail system should
grow up and that is why courts should stop using bail.

4. Statistic or Fact

(If you use this you can only achieve an MS for

Communicate)

ON THE OUTLINE
70% in jail never found guilty
AS DELIVERED
Did you know that nearly 70% of all people held on jail are never
even found guilty of any crime? Why are innocent people forced
to stay in jail? It is because they dont have the money to pay the
bail. That is why my speech will support the thesis, courts should
stop using bail.

YOUR TURN: Complete the following:

I.

Choose your topic. Your topic must be a theme from The Little Prince.

II. Write an engaging introduction to your speech

addressing one of the following ways to start:
1. A story or anecdote
2. Famous quote (can be from The Little Prince)
3. A philosophy or idea
4. Statistic(last resort)
III. Thesis: What will you do in your speech?
IV. What three points will you address in your speech
1.
2.
3.

Possible Themes:

1.
2.

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

That which is important is

invisible to the eye.
The importance of having
a simple sense in
humanity.
Individuality in the crowd.
Friendship and love.
Compassion for others.
Loss of innocence.
Loss/separation
Other____________