8.3: Analyzing a Sample Introduction: From Hook to Credibility
Tiffany Petricini
Learning Objectives
- Identify the six key components of an effective introduction within a sample speech.
- Analyze how each component functions to support audience engagement, clarity, and credibility.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the speaker’s tone, content, and organization.
- Reflect on how introduction strategies apply across live, digital, and AI-influenced speech contexts.
Let’s take everything we’ve learned so far and apply it to a real-world example. Below is the introduction to a speech about AI-generated influencers—digital personas that look and act like real people but are created entirely by algorithms. As you read, look for the six elements of an effective introduction: attention-getter, link to topic, relevance, credibility, thesis statement, and preview.
Sample Introduction: AI Influencers and the Future of Trust
“You’ve probably heard of Instagram influencers—but what if I told you some of the most popular ones aren’t even real?
Meet Lil Miquela: She has over 2 million followers, promotes fashion brands like Prada, and has released multiple singles on Spotify. She also doesn’t exist. Lil Miquela is an AI-generated influencer—completely virtual, but deeply embedded in real human networks.
As AI technology improves, we’re seeing more digital personas being treated like real people. Companies are investing millions into virtual influencers, and audiences are often unaware that the person they’re following is fictional.
As a digital media researcher and content creator, I’ve been tracking this trend closely—and what it reveals about trust, identity, and authenticity in online spaces.
Today, I’ll explain how AI influencers are created, why they’re so appealing to brands, and what their rise tells us about the future of human communication. First, we’ll break down the technology behind these avatars. Then, I’ll share examples of how they’re used in marketing. Finally, we’ll examine the ethical and cultural questions they raise about truth, influence, and emotional connection.”
AI Insight
Yes, an AI tool could generate a basic version of this introduction. It is important to remember that personal connection, ethical framing, and nuanced tone shows the audience intention, voice, and perspective, all of which are individual.
|
Function |
Where It Appears |
Analysis |
|---|---|---|
|
Attention-Getter |
“You’ve probably heard of Instagram influencers—but what if I told you some of the most popular ones aren’t even real?” |
This hook sparks curiosity with a twist. It challenges expectations and invites the audience into a surprising topic. |
|
Link to Topic |
“Meet Lil Miquela…” |
The speaker immediately links the surprise to a concrete, well-known example. It’s specific, intriguing, and establishes credibility. |
|
Relevance (Reason to Listen) |
“Companies are investing millions… audiences are often unaware…” |
This frames the issue as current, relevant, and affecting public trust—a concern likely to resonate with students, creators, and digital citizens. |
|
Credibility |
“As a digital media researcher and content creator…” |
The speaker blends academic and personal experience, establishing both competence and interest. |
|
Thesis Statement |
“Today, I’ll explain how AI influencers are created…” |
Clear, purpose-driven, and audience-focused. It promises a structured, informative speech. |
|
Preview of Main Points |
“First… then… finally…” |
This roadmap makes it easy for the audience to follow the speech’s structure and anticipate transitions. |
Beyond the Podium Insight
Introductions like this move beyond performance—they frame civic questions about authenticity, digital culture, and who we trust. In a world of deepfakes and algorithmically designed personas, public speaking becomes a way of reclaiming human connection and critical voice.
Try It: Can You Tell Who Wrote It?
Activity Introduction: AI can create speech openings that sound convincing—but can you tell the difference between human and AI-generated hooks? This activity will help you evaluate openings for authenticity, specificity, and engagement, while raising your awareness of AI’s strengths and limitations in public speaking.
Activity Instructions: Students are given 6 brief speech hooks about AI and technology — half human-written, half AI-generated. They must match each to either “AI” or “Human,” then explain how they knew.
Wrap-Up: Whether written by a person or a machine, an introduction should feel authentic and relevant. Use what you’ve learned here to make sure your own openings sound like you—and to decide when and how AI fits into your process.
Try It: Label the Introduction
Activity Introduction: Introductions do several jobs at once—getting attention, establishing credibility, stating a thesis, and more. In this activity, you’ll label each part of a sample introduction to see how the six functions fit together.
Activity Instructions: Use the drag-and-drop tool to label each section of the speech with its correct function:
Wrap-Up: Knowing where each element belongs will make your introductions more intentional and organized. When you can spot these functions in others’ speeches, you can more easily apply them to your own.
