Internal summaries, as their name suggests, occur within and throughout a speech. They are often used after two or three points have been discussed, to keep those points fresh in the minds of the audience as the speech progresses. Susan uses this internal summary in her speech on the teacher shortage:

So let’s review for just a moment. One, we are endeavoring to implement educa- tional reforms; but two, we are in the first years of a dramatic increase in enrollment; and three, fewer quality students are opting for education; while four, many good teachers want out of teaching; plus five, large numbers will soon be retiring.22

Like internal previews, internal summaries can help provide transitions. In fact, in- ternal summaries are often used in combination with internal previews to form transi- tions between major points and ideas. Each of the following examples makes clear what has just been discussed in the speech as well as what will be discussed next:

Now that we’ve seen how radon can get into our homes, let’s take a look at some of the effects that it can have on our health once it begins to build.23

So now [that] we are aware of the severity of the disease and unique reasons for college students to be concerned, we will look at some steps we need to take to combat bacterial meningitis.24

It seems as though everyone is saying that something should be done about Nutra-Sweet. It should be retested. Well, now that it is here on the market, what can we do to see that it does get investi- gated further?25

Supplementing Signposts with Presentation Aids Transitions, summaries, and previews are the glue that holds a speech together. Such signposts can help you achieve a coherent flow of ideas and help your audience re- member those ideas. Unfortunately, however, you cannot guarantee that your audi- ence will be attentive to your signposts. In Chapter 1, we discussed the concept of noise as it affects the public-speaking process. It is possible for your listeners to be so distracted by internal or external noise that they fail to hear or process even your most carefully planned verbal signposts.

You must proofread your paper.

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