Which section of a speech provides the reason for speaking?

• A. Introduction
• B. Body
• C. Conclusion
• D. Summary

Answer: (A)

The reason for speaking—the purpose or thesis you want the audience to take away—is introduced in the opening of the speech. The introduction is where you set up why you’re addressing the audience, what you aim to explain or persuade, and why it matters. By presenting the topic and a clear purpose right at the start, you give listeners a roadmap for what to listen for and why they should care. That upfront purpose shapes how you organize the rest of the speech, guiding what you include in the body and what you emphasize in the conclusion.

The body is where you develop and support that purpose with facts, examples, and reasoning. The conclusion then reinforces the same goal, often leaving the audience with a memorable takeaway or call to action. A summary, if included, simply recaps what was said rather than establishing the reason for speaking.