Answer:
- Credibility statement.
Explanation:
As per the question, the given passage exemplifies the 'credibility statement' of a speech introduction as it primarily aims to provide reasons to the audience to trust in the speaker's claim and consider the information provided by him/her as credible.
Such a statement is included right in the introductory part of the speech as it aims to convince the audience straight from the beginning to have reliability on the speaker's claim. Similarly, the speaker includes the description of personal experience regarding 'canine companions' and how it assisted him to 'learn more'. Therefore, this description persuades the audience to believe that the speaker presents 'reliable and trustworthy' information. Thus, the 'credibility statement' is the answer.