Introduction | Concept, Types, Parts, Structure and 10 Characteristics

We explain what an introduction is and what its general characteristics are. Also, how is its structure and the types that exist.

What is an introduction?

An introduction is  the initial part of a speech in the form of synthesis to identify the topic to be developed, to awaken the interest of the reader or the audience and to internalize them in the topic. It can also be called an opening or a prologue .

The introduction applies to both a written text and an oral speech . A correct introduction should persuade the reader or audience to be interested in continuing to read or hear about the topic at hand, even if they are not knowledgeable about it.

The word introduction comes from Latin and means "towards the interior" , that is, it leads towards what will be the core or the argument of a speech. From rhetoric, the introduction is a way of anticipating and has the property of persuading.

Introduction features

The main characteristics of an introduction consist of:

• Be brief and provide general information to understand what topic is going to be developed.
• Raise in a clear and orderly way, the theme to be developed to justify its presentation.
• Contain easily decodable language and terms, except for scientific or specialized speeches.
• Maintain the same grammatical style as the rest of the essay or speech.

Parts of an introduction

To prepare an introduction it is important to answer the following questions:

• What is the topic to expose ?. The answer must show the argument, with some of its characteristics and its causes (without expounding literally the conclusion of the hypothesis or discourse).
• What was the interest in exposing the subject? The answer must define the origin of the interest, which can be diverse: professional, academic, informative or personal.
• What was the methodology or strategy used? The answer must show the method chosen or required to carry out the hypothesis or development of the argument. For example, through research , theory, observation instruments , among others.
• What is the purpose or objective of the topic? The answer must state whether the intention of the speech is to analyze, entertain, differentiate or understand a new concept on an already known topic.

Depending on the speech to be developed, sometimes it is convenient to prepare the introduction when the work is finished . For example, in scientific research work, in which relevant data may emerge during the development of the information analysis.

Types of introduction

The introduction is part of a structure that applies to different types of speeches and compositions, such as:

• The narration . It consists of a genre that, through different intellectual and audiovisual techniques, etc., introduces the viewer to the data of a novel or a story .
• The musical score .  It consists of a document that, through the language of musical symbols, establishes an introduction to the song and gives rise to the development of the different parts of the melody.
• The popular science article . It consists of a research work or scientific communication , so it usually uses technical and specialized language. It must contain a concise and practical introduction that justifies the existence of the document.
• The newspaper article. It consists of a document that can be opinion , informative or chronic , and that provides detailed data about an event.

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