The preview statement lets the audience know HOW you will develop the speech. A preview can be understood as a roadmap—a direction for the speech that leads to a successful conclusion. The preview is essentially an outline—an oral outline—of the basic organizational pattern of the speech.

It is a CORRELATIVE conjunction.

Correlative conjunctions

coordinating conjunction

noun. a post bearing a sign that gives information or guidance. any immediately perceptible indication, obvious clue, etc.

For example, the preview for a speech about kites organized topically might take this form: “First, I will inform you about the invention of the kite. Then, I will explain the evolution of the kite. Third, I will introduce you to the different types of kites.

A good opening grasps the audience’s attention. Remember that most people have very short attention spans. You could use a relevant quote, a rhetorical question, an anecdote, or maybe even a joke. The preview statement is something you will actually say in the speech.

Transitional expressions include conjunctive adverbs used to join or to connect independent clauses such as however, hence, also, consequently, meanwhile, nevertheless, moreover, and furthermore as well as transitional phrases such as after all, even so, in addition, on the other hand, for example, as a result, and in …

Some examples of transition words you can use include:

• First.
• In addition.
• In contrast.
• Next.
• Then.
• However.
• Obviously.
• Therefore.