called a hook or a grabber.
I don’t want to close my eyes; it makes me feel awkward and exposed to be in a group of people with my eyes closed. Because of that, I keep my eyes open. The problem is when I keep my eyes open, I feel like some sort of horrible nonconformist rebel. I feel awkward with my eyes closed and I feel guilty if they are open. Either way, I just feel bad. Besides, half of the time when speakers tell audience members to close their eyes, they forget to tell us when we can open them. If you are wanting me to imagine a story, just tell me to imagine it, don’t make me close my eyes (rant over).
You should plan your opening to be intentional and with power. “Can everybody hear me” is a weak and uncertain statement and this is not the first impression you want to leave. Do a microphone check before the audience members arrive and have someone stand in different corners of the room to make sure you can be heard. Don’t waste your valuable speech time with questions that you should already know the answer to.
You should know that before you begin. Even if the presentations for the day are running over and you are the last speaker, you should ask the MC before you begin. Always plan your first words with power.
You should make your slides big, really big. Test out your slides in advance of your speech, walk all around the room and make sure you can read them. Have a friend check them out as well. You should know they are big enough because you planned for it and tested it.
People really hate having things taken away, not to mention that your audience may want to take notes on their devices. Chances are you are speaking to adults, let them determine if it is appropriate to have out their technology.
Stop apologizing! Stop making excuses! While these lines may be true, they just come of as excuses and can make the audience either feel like you don’t want to be there, or they just feel sorry for you.
Talking about your nervousness will make you more nervous and will make them look for signs of your nervousness. Just start your speech.
Do not start with hesitation. Plan the first words, memorize the first words, practice the first words. Do not start with “Ok, so um, now I’d like…” Plan strong and start strong.
Do Not Discuss Your Business with People Watching…Really! I Mean It! Many of us are giving and listening to presentations in an online format. I have attended numerous presentations this year through Zoom where I have to sit and watch while the organizers engage in personal small talk or deal with the details of the presentation. This is how the speech I recently attended began. “Donna, you are going to share your screen, right?” “Yes. I have my PowerPoint ready to go. Will you push “record” when I give the signal?” “Sure. Where did you say that button is again? Do you think we should wait five more minutes, I think we had more who were coming? Dave, what was the total we were expecting?” “Yeah, we had 116 sign up, but the reminders went out late so this may be all we have. We can give them a few more minutes to log on.” “Donna, How is your dog? Is she still struggling with her cone since her spay surgery? My dog never would wear the cone –she tore her stitches out and broke her wound open. It was terrible. Well, it looks like it is about time to begin, thank you everyone for coming.” If you are organizing an event online, hosting a speech online, giving a presentation online–please keep it professional. Most platforms will allow you to keep the audience in a waiting room until it is time to start. If you have a business to deal with, keep the audience out until you have everything ready to go. Once the audience is in the meeting, you should engage the audience in group-type small talk or you should just start the presentation. In professional settings, you should start the meeting on time. Why punish those who showed up on time to wait for those who aren’t there yet?
I asked my long-time friend, Bill Rogers, to write an excerpt to add to the book. I met Bill when he was the Chief Development Officer for a hospital in Northwest Arkansas and I met him again when he was reinventing himself as a college student getting a Master’s Degree in the theater. He would love to share a symbolic cup of coffee with you and give you advice about public speaking.
Perfect morning for a walk, isn’t it? Join me for a cup of coffee? Wonderful. Find us a table and I’ll get our coffee.
There you go; just like you like it. There’s nothing like a great cup of coffee on the patio of your neighborhood coffee shop, is there?
Now that you’re settled in your favorite chair, take a sip, and let that glorious caffeine kick in and do its stuff. Okay, let’s talk.
So, you were asking me about public speaking.
Well, let’s see. Where do we begin?
One of the first pieces of advice I ever received was to imagine that every member of your audience is sitting there in their underwear! Yeah, right. That never worked for me. I tried it once with a local civic group of community leaders both male and female. If the intent of that tidbit is to make you relax, it certainly didn’t work for me. It just made me more self-conscious…and more nervous. I not only got distracted, but I also lost my train of thought, I started sweating, and, of course, imagined myself standing there without clothes. Needless to say, that speech was a disaster and I’ve never used it again. I suggest you don’t either.
In the early days, I also relied very heavily on my typed-up speech. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that unless you find yourself reading it word for word as I did. Nothing is more boring nor puts an audience to sleep quicker than a speaker with their nose down reading a speech. There’s no connection and connection with your audience is key.
As you know, I love theatre and I’ve done a bit of acting over the years. Early on, I learned that the quicker I learned my lines, the more I could play, experiment, and shape my character. It relaxed me and gave me enormous freedom. It led me to find a mantra for myself: “With discipline comes freedom.” This freedom will allow you to improvise as your audience or situation dictates while still conveying the core message of your presentation. That discipline and its resulting freedom apply to public speaking of any kind and, I think, will serve you well.
Another old adage we’ve all heard is Aristotle’s advice. You know the one. No? Well, roughly, it’s to tell your audience what you’re going to say, say it, and then tell them what you just said. That’s the basic formula for public speaking. And it works as a good place to start.
However, effective speaking is much more and, to me, it starts with a story or even a simple sentence.
You know the feeling you get when you read the first sentence of a good book and it just reaches out and grabs you? That should be your goal with every presentation. One sentence to capture your audience’s attention. Something that causes them to lean forward. Something that sparks their imagination.
It doesn’t have to be all that profound either. It can be something very simple. A personal story that relates to your topic. A relevant fact or statistic that defines or illustrates the issue or subject matter at hand.
A couple of classics come to mind. The first is Alice Walker’s, “The Color of Purple.”
“You better not tell nobody but God.”
And the second one is from my favorite novel, “To Kill A Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee.
“When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm broken at the elbow.”
Both sentences hook you immediately. A few simple words speak volumes. After reading or hearing those words, you naturally lean in. You want to learn more. You want to find out what happens next. Every effective speech or presentation does the same thing.
Of course, make sure that the first and last thing you say to your audience is both relevant and appropriate. I share this out of an abundance of caution. I once worked for an internationally recognized and well-respected children’s research hospital and I was given the privilege to speak at a national educational convention. The room was filled wall to wall with teachers. I thought I’d be cute and add a little levity. I opened my presentation with this line, “You know, I’ve had nightmares like this…” Instead of the roars of laughter, I was expecting, a wave of silence ensued. Not only was the line not funny, but it was also wholly inappropriate and I immediately lost my audience. Not my best day. Learn from my mistakes.
Finally, let’s touch on the importance of approaching a speech as a conversation. You and I are sitting here enjoying our coffee and having a friendly, relaxed conversation. Strive for that every chance you get. You may not always have that luxury. Some speeches and presentations simply demand formality. But even in those cases, you can usually make it somewhat conversational. I always try to write my speeches in a conversational style. Like I’m talking to a friend…or trying to make a new one.
So, to recap: tell a story, learn your lines, hook your audience with a simple sentence, close with a question or call to action, use repetition, keep it conversational, treat your audience as a friend, and give yourself permission to relax.
Above all, be yourself. Allow yourself to be as relaxed as you are with those closest to you. If you’re relaxed, if you try to think of your audience as a friend, then, in most cases, they too will relax and they will root for you. Even if they disagree with what you are telling them, they will respect you and they will listen.
How about another cup?
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Advanced Public Speaking Copyright © 2021 by Lynn Meade is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.
12 of the best attention getters to start a speech
By: Susan Dugdale | Last modified: 01-12-2023
The audience settles in their seats. The lights dim. You walk out to the center of the stage. You pause, take a deep breath, open your mouth and begin.
What you say over the next 30 seconds to introduce your speech or presentation is crucial.
That's how much time you have to make a positive impression on your audience. In it they will decide whether or not you have anything relevant or useful to say. Those first impressions count!
So how do you write an effective speech introduction to grab and hold their attention?
Begin by finding out how to choose the right opener.
3. What if?
5. Key fact
7. Rhetorical
9. Headlines
10. History
11. Challenge
The better way to make your choice of opener is after you have carefully considered who you are talking to and why you're talking to them.
One size does not fit all. Different audiences will respond differently. If you are giving the same speech multiple times think about what you may need to change to fit.
To work well your opening needs to be aligned with:
Both the hook * to catch their attention and your topic must be relevant to them. Unless they're a captive audience, they've come freely to listen to you and they're expecting something of value from you.
How are you going to let them know they're in the right place? Why should they listen? What are they going to get or gain through listening?
Out of all the different ways to open, what attention getter is absolutely the best way?
The only way I know to work out what is best is to go through each of them, and as you do, consider your audience. Make a short list of those you think might work then try them out before making your final choice.
* hook – an opening statement that immediately captures the audience's attention just like a well baited hook on a fishing line catches a fish.
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Ask the audience to use their imagination. Get them to build evocative compelling images in their minds. Make them large. Add vibrant color, sound and movement.
For example:
“Let's take a break. Make yourself comfortable. Now close your eyes for a moment. Take a deep breath, and you're there, in the place where you feel the most at ease, the place where all the tensions, all the demands of your normal everyday life disappear. Look around you. See it. Feel it. It's so good, it's perfect."
“Close your eyes. Take a deep breath and a moment to picture in your mind the people dearest to you, the people you feel you could not live without. Now when did you talk to them, or spend real time with them last?"
Choose an image or an object related to your speech, for instance a pair of shoes, to trigger interest and build a connection.
For example, if I were giving a speech on the lives of upper-middle class 19th century women I could open by holding up a pair of ornately decorated kid leather pumps.
“What's the name of the young woman who wore these? Listen. Can you hear the rustle of her silk skirts? And hear her heart beat bom-biddy-bom as the beau of the ball stepped her way? Would he, or wouldn't he ask her to dance?”
'What if...?' invites an audience to consider the possibilities of something becoming real. They can be positive somethings or negative, trivial or something that would have a significant impact if it came to pass.
The power of a 'what if...?' rhetorical question as an opener lies in the potency of the images and feelings it triggers. A well-chosen 'what if...?' will immediately have an audience wanting to hear the rest of your speech.
To be effective a quotation doesn't have to be the clever quip or snippet of enduring wisdom: a famous quote from a well known person. It's origin could be personal, something someone important in your life said that's remained with you.
For example, my Mother answered all initial wails of outrage, pain or hurt from any of her five children with a command. "Breathe!" That was repeated, interwoven with encouraging asides, until whoever it was, was able to talk clearly and be understood. "It's OK.", she'd say. "Breathe. Come on. You can do it. Breathe. That's it. Keep going. Good."
Or I could use this line from one of my high school reports which read, "...with further maturity she should do well." (Thank you Mr Phillips. Your prediction was right on target.)
Or this from our son aged four as he watched me getting ready for another day of teaching: "When I grow up I'm going to wear pretty dresses and go to school just like you."
Choose an interesting key fact as an attention getting device: one of the most rarely known, or a shocking statistic from the body of your speech to open with.
For example: "Take a guess at what the most powerful and frequently used word is in the English language?
It's not one of those usually thought of candidates. Love? No. Money? Nope. Neither is it any member of your family... Mum, Dad, brother, sister, son, or daughter.
It's a three letter word, so common it's overlooked and taken for granted. 'The'. It's the humble 'the'."
(For more see this BBC article: Is this the most powerful word in the English language?
Or: "Between 2020/21 and 2021/2022, Americans consumed about 11 million metric tons of sugar, up from about 10 million metric tons in 2009/2010. Can you even begin to imagine the size of that sweet white mountain?"
(For more see: US sugar consumption statistics )
Share a personal story related to your specific topic as the beginning of a speech. Done well, it lets the audience know you understand their situation and helps establish your credibility: your right to talk on the subject.
As an example here's the opening of a speech I gave about the impact of suicide on families and friends:
“One fine Spring day I biked home from school and found a policemen guarding our backdoor. Through it came sounds I'll never forget: my quiet Mother screaming. He said, "You can't go in."
I kicked him in the shins and did. It was the 15th of September, three days before my thirteenth birthday and my father was dead. Killed by his own hand. Suicide.”
(If you want to find out more about the speech and read it, it's here: After they're gone . It's an example persuasive speech using the five steps of Monroe's Motivated Sequence.)
These are questions that although they are asked, they're never really intended to be answered by anyone other than the person asking them. * Their principal function is to act as a segue, or lead in, to what the person intends to say next. For instance, the first main point of your introduction.
Examples: "What if I were to say to you that there was no such thing as public speaking fear?"
"What do you think the main benefits of being able to speak up in public are?"
* Although there's bound to be someone in your audience who will. Be ready for them, and move on.
These questions bring speaker and audience together, establishing a common ground, a mutual understanding, which is an effective way to ease into a speech. If your question 'works' you'll see heads nodding in agreement.
Take headlines from what's trending in media you know the audience will be familiar with and see.
Using those that relate to your speech topic as the opening of your speech is a good way to grab the attention of the audience. It shows how relevant and up-to-the-minute the topic is.
For example: "'Death toll soars to 76 in Florida after Hurricane Ian demolished entire communities.' 'Noru became a super typhoon in 6 hours. Scientists say powerful storms are becoming harder to forecast.' 'Hurricane Orlene strengthens into Category 4 storm as it heads toward western Mexico.'
Three front page headlines from CNN just today. Climate change. Let's do what we can."
If you're giving a speech to celebrate a special birthday or an anniversary, consider using several carefully selected events that occurred on the same day as a speech opening. They could be either funny or serious, depending on the specific purpose of your speech. They're a great way to place the person in a much wider context and often with exalted company.
For example: "What do the 1863 National Thanksgiving Day proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln, National Boyfriend Day, and Gwen Stefani have in common with Joe? Yes, the 3rd of October! It's a great date made better by being Joe's birthday. And we say Gwen is truly privileged to have the same one as him."
Let the audience know first thing, at the beginning of the speech, what action you expect they'll be able to take by the time your presentation is complete. Then when you come to the final points, repeat the call to action, or challenge, as part of your closing statement.
For example: "I've a challenge for you. That's to sign up for our public speaking course. Right now you may not see yourself doing that. Public speaking? Me? I'd rather have a root canal done, without painkillers. However, by the end of the presentation...well, let's see. There's a first time for everything!"
Use a startling statement, a fact, or a series of facts, to jolt the audience into paying attention.
"Covid. We've had 1.06 million of us die in the US, so far. Today there are nearly 60,00 new cases. More mothers, fathers, friends, colleagues, children – people. People ill. People who might die. So why have we stopped wearing masks?"
For more: Google: Covid stats US
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A compelling opening is crucial in public speaking as it sets the stage for your presentation or speech.
You grab the audience’s attention and establish a connection in the first few moments, making them eager to hear what you say next.
The success of this initial interaction can influence audience engagement throughout your speech.
By starting strong, you captivate your listeners and build the momentum needed to carry your message effectively.
Therefore, mastering the art of the opening is essential for any successful speaker. It ensures that the audience is engaged and receptive right from the start.
The opening of a speech serves as the foundation for what’s to follow, crucial for grasping the audience’s attention from the get-go.
Its main objectives are threefold: first, to captivate the audience, ensuring they are fully engaged and eager to listen; second, to establish a connection or rapport, making the audience feel involved and valued; and third, to set the tone of the presentation, providing a clear indication of the speech’s direction and mood.
There are many ways to craft a memorable opening. Here are 13 strategies with examples: Use a startling statement
Begin with a fact or statement that surprises your audience, prompting them to keenly focus on what you’re about to say.
For example:
“Last year, over 60% of small businesses faced cyber attacks, yet only a fraction were prepared.”
This statistic is likely to grab attention due to its unexpected gravity and relevance.
Stories are universally compelling, tapping into emotions and creating a human connection.
For instance, if addressing the importance of resilience, you might start with a personal anecdote:
“Three years ago, I stood at the brink of bankruptcy. Yet here I am today, sharing my journey toward rebuilding what I lost.”
This approach draws in listeners and establishes a rapport as you’ve let them into a part of your life where you felt vulnerable.
Engage your audience’s curiosity and invite them to think deeply by starting with a thought-provoking question.
For a speech on innovation, you could ask:
“What if the next product you invent becomes a staple in every household across the globe?”
Such a question stimulates the audience’s imagination and encourages them to consider their own potential impact.
Opening with a pertinent quote can lend authority to your speech and anchor your message within a broader conversation.
For example, in a discourse on leadership, starting with Nelson Mandela’s “It always seems impossible until it’s done” sets a tone of aspiration and endurance.
This method not only lends credibility to your speech but also aligns your message with the values embodied by the quoted individual.
Rhetorical questions don’t need a response. Still, they prompt personal reflection and get your audience in the zone to engage with your topic at the right energy and emotional levels.
“How many of you have laid awake at night, pondering if your hard work is truly making a difference?”
Hypothetical scenarios thrust the audience into a thought experiment. Similar to a rhetorical question, they prime people for a discussion on the topic you’re about to speak on.
“Imagine you wake up tomorrow in a world where every piece of technology you rely on has disappeared.”
Starting with a light-hearted joke can disarm the audience, making them more receptive and creating a friendly, engaging atmosphere.
For example
“They say the best way to avoid a parking ticket is to remove your windshield wipers. But seriously…”
These provide a sensory-rich context that enhances your message.
“Picture a vast forest, its canopy ablaze with autumn colors, a gentle breeze whispering through the leaves.”
Clearly articulating your speech’s goal from the outset establishes a clear direction and intent, helping the audience focus on your core message.
“Today, I’m here to talk about how we can revolutionize our approach to education.”
Directly addressing the audience acknowledges their importance and role, creating a sense of inclusion.
“You, the future leaders of tomorrow, are the architects of the next great era.”
Challenging a widespread notion piques curiosity and sets the stage for a persuasive argument against said common belief.
“We’ve been taught that failure is the end of the road, but what if I told you it’s just the beginning?”
Linking your speech to a timely event demonstrates relevance and urgency, encouraging the audience to engage with the present moment.
For example:
“In light of the recent global summit, let’s discuss why sustainable development is the clarion call of our times.”
Presenting a critical issue engages the audience’s intellect, prompting them to consider the complexity of the topic at hand.
“How do we ensure our planet remains habitable for future generations while advancing economically?”
The openings discussed here differ in style and delivery–but they all have three things in common.
It’s paramount that your opening is clear and understandable.
Clarity ensures that your audience grasps the core message right away, setting the stage for everything that follows.
Ambiguity or complexity at the start can lead to confusion, diminishing the impact of your speech.
Being direct and straightforward in your opening helps anchor the audience’s attention and understanding.
The opening must be directly tied to your main topic, providing a seamless entry point into the heart of your presentation.
This relevance confirms for the audience that they are in the right place and prepares them for the content to come.
An opening that strays from the central theme can mislead or disengage listeners, making it harder to draw them back in as you progress.
An effective opening is also succinct, delivering its punch without dragging on.
Lengthy introductions risk losing the audience’s attention before you’ve even reached the core of your message.
A concise opening respects your audience’s time and patience, creating anticipation for deeper exploration. It should intrigue and invite, not overwhelm or bore.
When crafting the opening of a speech, it’s crucial to avoid certain pitfalls that can undermine its effectiveness:
Beginning your speech with a cliché can quickly disengage your audience, making your message feel stale and unoriginal.
Audiences seek fresh, thought-provoking content, and starting with a cliché can set a tone of predictability, reducing their interest in what follows.
To maintain the audience’s attention, opt for original, impactful openings that resonate and leave a lasting impression.
An effective opening not only captivates but also sets the stage for the audience, providing a roadmap of what to expect.
Neglecting to give a preview can leave listeners disoriented, unsure of the speech’s direction, or the key takeaways.
By clearly outlining the main points or objectives at the beginning, you help the audience follow along more effectively, enhancing their engagement and retention of the information presented.
Tailoring your opening to the specific audience in front of you is paramount.
A generic opening risks missing the mark, failing to address the audience’s unique interests, concerns, or context.
Consider the audience’s demographics, their familiarity with the topic, and their potential expectations or biases.
Customising your approach demonstrates respect and consideration for the audience, creating a stronger connection and increasing the likelihood that your message will resonate.
Practicing your opening and receiving feedback are critical to honing your public speaking skills.
Regularly rehearse your speech’s introduction in front of a mirror, with friends or family, or even record yourself to self-assess.
Seeking feedback is invaluable; consider hiring a communications coach for professional advice. Additionally, enrolling in an online public speaking course can offer structured learning for busy professionals. By integrating these practices, you’ll refine your opening, making it more impactful and setting the tone for a successful speech.
Good luck! And if you want to hear more from me, you can find me on:
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"Be a voice not an echo." - Albert Einstein
Want to move audiences? Develop a powerful opening! Here is how to start a speech, including 12 foolproof ways to grab audiences in public speaking.
Let's talk about how to start a speech. When it comes to persuading, inspiring, or influencing an audience, your opening is by far the most important moment in your performance.
So how do you begin a presentation in ways that will get an audience on your side and start you on the road to speaking memorably?
Learn this skill and 101 tips and tricks for more successful speaking in my Public Speaking Handbook, How to Give a Speech . Also available as an Amazon bestseller!
Let's imagine that you're finally pitching to that audience of decision makers. It's the high-stakes opportunity you've been waiting for, and you've put together a killer presentation. There's just one problem: how do you start the thing off with a bang? Remember, anyone can give an ordinary presentation. It's your job to stand out from the crowd for career success.
Your Opening Sets the Tone of Your Presentation
You probably already know you need to begin with power and purpose. You're just not sure how . . . or for that matter, exactly why.
The answer is that, when it comes to influencing listeners in speeches and presentations, two concepts explain why your beginning and ending need to be particularly strong. I'll discuss both concepts here, then provide some powerful tools for your opening gambit: your speech Introduction .
Ready to set your audience on fire?
This article is available as a free PDF . Click here to download "How to Start a Speech - 12 Foolproof Ways to Grab Your Audience!" Learn and practice starting out powerfully!
Your Introduction and Conclusion Need to Be Strong
The two concepts concerning why you need to start and end strongly, are primacy and recency . Primacy states that people remember most vividly what they hear at the beginning of a speech. Recency says those same people will strongly recall what you say at the end. In terms of public speaking, this translates into your introduction and conclusion. And you really do need to start early. Here's how to create an opening your audience will remember .
In more practical terms, there are three specific reasons why your introduction needs to be engaging and interesting immediately :
(1) Audiences make judgments about you and your message in the first minute. After that point, you'll be able to change those opinions about as easily as you can change a hamster into a ham sandwich. So here's how to be strong in the first 60 seconds of your speech .
(2) Your opening sets the entire tone of your presentation (including whether you'll be interesting or not).
(3) This is when you introduce your message and tell the audience why they should listen.
Sound like a tall order? It isn't, if you use the seven key components of successful presentations . Your audience needs to be both fully engaged and predisposed favorably toward you and your message. Neither will happen unless you can grab their attention, so they're onboard when you spin your verbal magic. Keep reading to learn how that's done.
Ready to boost your influence with stakeholders? Grab your copy of my book, Speak for Leadership . Learn an executive speech coach's secrets! Get it today here or on Amazon .
Achieving the objective of a 'grabbing' opening takes thought, a bit of imagination, and yes, a little creativity. The good news is that since you know your topic well and you're psyched up for the big game (it's an audience of decision-makers, remember?), you should be well positioned to succeed.
Primacy won't have much of a chance to operate, though, if you use what I call the 'Today, I'm going to talk about . . .' opening. This is boring! Be on the lookout instead for something that will pique the interest of your listeners, and perhaps surprise them. And here's something else you absolutely need to know: 20 ways to connect with an audience for lasting influence .
A few minutes of focused thinking should be all you need to know how to come up with an effective opening. And remember to avoid that I call introducing your introduction. That sounds like this: 'Let me start out with a story . . .', or, 'I heard a very funny joke the other day . . . ' Or even the inexplicable 'Before I begin . . . ' since you've already begun!
Just tell us the story, the joke, or the in-the-know reference that will delight your listeners. But if you signal your effect beforehand, you water down its potency and its power to surprise.
So how can you be completely focused and on your game?
As a springboard to launching your presentation with verve and originality, here are a dozen rhetorical devices you can use. Each of them is an effective 'speech hook that you can use to start any speech or presentation:
You could literally think of dozens more from your own experience or that of your audience. Remember, the best grabbers engage an audience immediately, both intellectually and emotionally. Interestingly, these same devices can be used to conclude in a way that keeps your audience thinking about what you said. It's all part of my six rules for effective public speaking .
Coming up with an exciting grabber and clincher involves some work on your part. But the rewards if you're successful more than justify the effort.
How about a few examples? Here are four great openings that illustrate some of the grabbers listed above:
Jesus , Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." — Startling statement.
Bill Clinton , 1993 speech in Memphis to ministers (after having heard himself introduced as "Bishop Clinton"): "You know, in the last ten months, I've been called a lot of things, but nobody's called me a bishop yet. When I was about nine years old, my beloved and now departed grandmother, who was a very wise woman, looked at me and she said, 'You know, I believe you could be a preacher if you were just a little better boy.'" — Humor
Jane Fonda in her TED Talk "Life's Third Act": "There have been many revolutions over the last century, but perhaps none as significant as the longevity revolution. We are living on average today 34 years longer than our great-grandparents did. Think about that: that's an entire second adult lifetime that's been added to our lifespan." — Statistic.
Steve Jobs , 2005 Commencement Address at Stanford University: "Truth be told, I never graduated from college, and this is the closest I've ever gotten to a college graduation. Today, I want to tell you three stories from my life. That's it, no big deal—just three stories. The first story is about connecting the dots. I dropped out of Reed College after the first six months, but then stayed around as a drop-in for another eighteen months or so before I really quit. So why'd I drop out? It started before I was born." — Story, with a seamless transition into his speech.
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A haunted young artist. A trail of bodies. What is terrorizing London? Scotland Yard surgeon and psychic Dr. William Scarlet pursues a serial killer in Red Season ! Also on Amazon .
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Gary Genard is an actor, author, and expert in public speaking and overcoming speaking fear. His company, The Genard Method offers live 1:1 Zoom executive coaching and corporate group training worldwide. He was named for nine consecutive years as One of the World’s Top 30 Communication Professionals , and also named as One of America's Top 5 Speech Coaches . He is the author of the Amazon Best-Sellers How to Give a Speech and Speak for Leadership: An Executive Speech Coach's Secrets for Developing Leadership Presence . His book, Fearless Speaking , was named in 2019 as "One of the 100 Best Confidence Books of All Time." He is also the author of the Dr. William Scarlet Mysteries . Contact Gary here.
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by Allison Shapira | May 12, 2016 | Writing Tips | 0 comments
The first and last sentences are the most important sentences in your speech. The first sentence grabs your audience’s attention and sets the tone for the entire event. In fact, the audience forms its first impressions of you as soon as you walk on stage – or, in a meeting, when you walk into the room. The first sentence can make the audience sit up and take notice or, as commonly happens, finish up those last few emails on their digital device.
Before you write your opening sentence, you have a few things to do:
Identify the context of your speech. What time of day will it start? What will be the audience’s state of mind? Who will speak before you? The answers give you valuable data as you decide on your speech opener.
Identify the emotion of your speech . How do you want people to feel after your speech: Inspired? Outraged? Excited? Your opening should build towards that feeling.
Leave the Thank You’s to the end. Many people start with acknowledgements, which may be a generally accepted practice in your organization, but it’s not a good way to capture people’s attention. I like to include my acknowledgements toward the end so that I can start with content rather than formalities. Of course, you can always thank the person introducing you.
Write your speech first . I write the opening and closing sentences only after I’ve written (or drafted bullet points for) the speech itself. That way, I make sure that the opening/closing sentences reflect the content of the speech.
With that in mind, here are some powerful speech openers. You’ll notice they are similar to the speech closers I recommended last month.
A few other tips:
Connect with your “Why you?” before you begin. When you are passionate and authentic, you are fulfilling your potential as a powerful speaker. Before you begin, ask yourself “Why you? Why is this subject important to you?” That sense of purpose will naturally infuse your energy, presence, and intensity throughout the speech.
You are “on” before you walk on stage. Don’t wait to get on stage to look at the audience and smile. Put yourself in the speaker’s frame of mind before you get up out of your chair or before you walk into the room. Before you enter the room, do some breathing and stretching techniques to center yourself and give your voice strength and resonance.
Smile, pause, and breathe before you begin. You can take a moment to look at your audience and smile before starting to speak. Silence at the beginning of a speech is better than trying to “fill” the silence with filler words. Avoid phrases like, “So…yeah” or, “Um, OK;” these words detract from your message and credibility.
By using the above techniques, you will create a powerful first impression from the moment you step on stage, into the boardroom, or even right before you speak up on a conference call. You will capture people’s attention and they will listen.
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It’s that horrible moment! You’ve just been called to stage, your audience is silent, waiting for you to open your mouth and now it’s your turn. But what do you say? How do you start a speech with power and confidence, rather than the usual “Erm… thanks very much for inviting me here…”
The simple truth is… your audience will judge you from the very first line of your speech . It may sound harsh but it’s very true. So it’s a good idea to start your speech with certainty and confidence, to quickly build a connection with the audience so they are eager to hear what you have to say next. There are many different ways to start your speech but it’s not just about the words you use. Creating a strong first impression is about more than your opening lines.
Before you start to write your speech, think about your natural style and how you want people to feel. Give yourself time to consider:
This will help you choose an authentic way to start your speech and will guide the rest of your talk in a direction that stays true to your individual personality and purpose. But that doesn’t mean playing it safe and being predictable. You can step out of your comfort zone – in fact, we positively encourage our speakers to be fearless – but that’s about stretching your true self rather than trying to be someone you’re not.
And now onto what you’re going to say. First off, avoid starting a speech with lines like:
This is your moment to shine, so shine from the get-go. To start a speech with power, find something unique, engaging and memorable to say. And make sure it’s a line that you’re 100% comfortable with, so your talk flies rather than sags from the beginning.
You might start your speech with a provocative question –
An amazing or shocking fact –
A joke –
By evoking an image –
All of these speech beginnings get the audience connected and ready to listen . And a great opening line allows you to settle into your speech so that you can shine.
It feels a little scary cutting to the chase rather than dwelling on niceties. But you will have far more impact if you draw people into your talk immediately. And the audience will have heard the same bland introductions over and over again, so you’re actually doing them a favour by getting straight to the point!
Start a speech with a compelling introduction to a story is a powerful way to begin. Even the driest of subjects can be brought to life through storytelling . Think about what drives you to do what you do. Has there been a pivotal moment in your life or career that led you to this moment? Did someone tell you that you’d never be able to do what you are doing now? Or can you paint a picture of a person you’ve helped, or want to help – what does that look like? Stories can immediately connect you with your audience and set the tone for the whole talk. And people are far more likely to listen to, remember and share your speech if it’s rooted in a strong story, rather than stuffed with facts and theory.
Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few different ways to begin your speech, it’s time to try them out. It’s a bit like choosing a new item of clothing – it might look good on the hanger but it’s not until you try it on that you know whether it’s the right fit for you. By saying the opening lines out loud, you’ll get a feel for which ones are right for you.
Having said that, it’s important to challenge yourself to do something different, which may feel a little uncomfortable at first. One of the best ways to find out how your speech is likely to go down with the audience is to get independent, expert advice. The opportunity to explore and experiment with different styles in a safe environment is a huge benefit to our clients at Ginger. Our experienced coaches provide affirming feedback to help people understand and develop their strengths while challenging them to be even more ambitious with their speaking. If you feel like you are playing it a bit safe, then have a look at our training options so we can help you speak with more impact.
As it gets closer to the big day when you are going to deliver your talk, you can spend all the time in the world worrying about speaking. Am I wearing the right clothing? Do I have all my stuff here? What will the audience think of me? What if I forget what I’m going to say? It’s really common to find yourself in a whirl of endless questions which only serve to build your nerves. Many people describe public speaking as an ‘out-of-body’ experience, where they become so disconnected with themselves and the audience that they are unaware of what they are doing and can’t remember a thing about it afterwards. But the best speakers are fully present in the moment. According to Ginger coach Liz Balmford : “We can’t say for sure that they’re ‘relishing’ it, but perhaps one of the things that makes them compelling is their surrender to the moment, being fully present in their story and their message. I believe it’s this presence that makes them believable, that captivates us and makes us want to follow them.” To start a speech with power and confidence, it is vital that you reconnect with yourself before you get up to speak. That means spending a few moments getting back to yourself by finding a method to quieten the nerves and break the distance between yourself and your speaking. You might like to head outside for a few moments or even go to the loo; or find a place that is a little bit quiet and do a short breathing exercise. Focus in on your breath as well as your intentions for your speaking. Doing this allows you to be grounded and will help you to start your speech as yourself, rather than starting from a place of panic or self-doubt. Many people find it helpful to start this reconnection much earlier than the few minutes before their talk – for example, starting the day with meditation or mindfulness, taking a walk in nature, or going for a run. Whatever helps you to minimise distractions and worries.
So, starting a speech is not as much about what you say as you might think. In fact, the key thing about starting a speech is to get yourself in the right state. If you show your confidence, your audience will have confidence in you too. But you don’t have to start ‘all-guns-blazing’.
The biggest cause of nerves in public speaking is that most of us try to be someone we’re not; so to get started with confidence, begin by being yourself . If the kapow, kapow approach just isn’t your style, then don’t start your speech like that. Find a different way to start that’s powerful for you. Permission to be authentic.
The key to starting a speech with power and confidence involves knowing what you’re good at and doing more of that; pushing yourself to try different ways to start your speech; telling your story; getting feedback on what works from the audience’s perspective; and staying connected with yourself as you step forward to do your talk. If you bring these elements together, you’ll captivate your audience as soon as you start speaking.
As the wise Maya Angelou said:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
If you’d like to find out more about how you can get your talk off to a strong start, you can download our free guide: The 10 best ways to start your talk . And if you’d like to maximise your public speaking impact, take a look at our classes page for a range of training options. Learn to speak with Power and Confidence. Here’s a selection of courses that will help you develop your sills as a confident public speaker:
Pubilc Speaking Essentials
Leadership Communications
TED Style Presentation Training
This showcase of inspiring female speakers is part of Ginger’s work with game changing leaders.
Imagine standing in front of an eager audience, every pair of eyes on you. You only have a moment to capture their attention with your speech, or you’ll lose them. If you begin it well, your words have the potential to get the crowd buzzing and inspire your audience to action. Yet, to do this, the beginning of a speech needs to be captivating, which is not always easy to pull off, even for experienced speakers. For this reason, it’s crucial leaders know how to start a speech, as it’s an asset used throughout their entire careers.
1. don’t wing it, 2. create an imaginary scenario, 3. use a quote, check out these quotes to get some ideas:, 4. use humor.
You can always start your speech out with a joke. Admittedly, this can be tricky to pull off since humor is subjective, but a joke can immediately put the audience at ease. Pick a joke that’s tasteful and relevant to the topic at hand. For obvious reasons, you should avoid starting with a joke if the subject of your speech is serious or sad.
If you’re struggling with a way to begin your speech, why not try asking a question? The question you choose can be a literal question, such as, “How many people here run their own business?” Or you can go the rhetorical route by asking a “what if” question. A “what if” question is a great way to get people thinking about possible scenarios. For example, think about a speech that started by saying, “What kind of world would it be if every leader fulfilled their full potential?” The audience would immediately begin coming up with ideas and imagining what such a world would look like.
7. shock the audience.
In another popular TED Talk, Pamela Meyer begins by making a shocking announcement : “Okay, now I don’t want to alarm anybody in this room, but it’s just come to my attention that the person to your right is a liar.” Think of what a compelling way that is to get people to put down their phones and look at the speaker. It also ties nicely into the subject of her speech, “How to Spot a Liar.” With a shocking statement, you too can capture people’s attention in just a few seconds.
9. share a story, bonus tips for starting a speech, the one thing you should not do.
If there’s a surefire way to lose your audience right at the start, it’s by simply introducing yourself. First off, in most speech settings, someone will likely have introduced you anyway, so it would be a waste of time. Secondly, most people in the audience will already know who you are and why you are there. Introducing yourself treats your audience like children and may even lead to some people zoning out immediately. Don’t dawdle or play schoolteacher with the people in front of you. Launch right into your speech with the skills discussed earlier. The results will speak for themselves.
Giving a speech is an art form that often relies on what happens at the start. Try out the above tips the next time you need to give a speech. Using assertive communication is another way to establish a connection with your audience. With the right beginning, you’ll have people following you every step of the way until you’ve finished.
Want more great quotes for starting a speech? Check out the following:
50+ Success Quotes to Inspire Leaders
Coming up with a great opening line has never been so easy thanks to these ideas.
Arguably, the hardest part of writing a speech is coming up with the perfect hook. The first sentence that comes out of your mouth sets the tone for everything that's going to follow. You need to pack the first few lines with attention getters to make your speech immediately engaging to the audience.
But you don't have to be inherently good at oration like Cicero or Martin Luther King Jr. Instead, you can use these clever tactics to rock your speech from start to finish.
No two orators have the same methods, so no two speeches should start the same way. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ideas to see which one resonates the most with your topic and delivery style.
All beginners have to start somewhere, and these are some tried-and-true proven ways to grab an audience's attention right away:
Asking a thought-provoking question can stimulate your audience's curiosity and get them feeling interested in hearing what you plan to follow up with.
Lighthearted jokes or funny anecdotes can warm up the audience by breaking the tension. After a little laugh, they'll probably be more receptive to whatever your message is.
An unexpected or shocking statistic can spark interest and emphasize a major selling point of your topic. Simple stats can also be very punchy, so they make a big impact.
Humans love a narrative, so you can start with a personal or relevant story that makes connections to the various points of your speech in an indirect way.
Incorporating graphics, videos, props, or diagrams can add a new dimension to your speech and keep your audience's short attention span locked on you.
One way to open your speech is with an impactful quote from a respected figure to lend authority to your argument or topic.
Polls, question-and-answer sessions, or requesting audience members to share their experiences can keep your audience involved. You know what they say - idle hands are the devil's workshop.
Stating a contrary opinion or debunking a common myth can be an electric way to get the audience engaged.
This can draw people in and help them connect with your message on an emotional level. After all, there's a reason one of Cicero's branches of rhetoric is pathos.
People like to listen to stuff they relate to, so you can start with a few examples or scenarios that are relatable to your audience's experience.
Audio elements can make your presentation more dynamic and memorable. It's hard to look away from a light show or someone sauntering up to the stage with a theme song.
Asking your audience to stand up, high five their neighbor, or do a simple exercise can re-energize them. This is especially useful if you're in a group of speeches and need to get the audience to reconnect with you.
Paint a picture of a possible future or situation and you can pique your audience's interest.
Audiences tend to pay attention when speakers display genuine enthusiasm and conviction about their topic, so don't be afraid to get passionate. Inflect in your phrases and let your facial expressions run wild.
Doing something unexpected can break the routine and instantly grab the group's attention.
It's all good and well to know different methods for crafting your intro, but that doesn't magically help with putting the words together. Don't panic. We've got a whole host of attention-grabbing phrases you can use to open any speech with.
People usually think about the mic drop moment towards the end of the speech and leave the opening bit for minutes before they go on. But reciting a speech isn't like performing open mic night at the comedy club.
You need a good hook to reel the audience in, and which one you use will depend on your audience, your topic, and what you want people to take away from your speech. The long and the short of it is, you might be able to procrastinate on writing your speech, but you probably don't want to leave the opener 'til last minute.
Last Updated: January 12, 2024 Fact Checked
This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 397,159 times.
The best way to start a speech depends on the type and topic of the speech, your audience, and the overall tone of the event. The best way to ensure a successful speech is to grab your audience’s attention in the beginning of the speech; if you do so, they will likely stick with you to the very end. While there is no one way to capture an audience’s attention, there are several methods that may work. Choose the one that is the best fit for the event and your own personality.
How you start a speech will depend a lot on what it’s about, but you should always aim to grab your audience’s attention. You should start by introducing yourself and explaining your connection to the topic. For example, if you’re giving a wedding toast, talk about how you know the married couple. Speak in a clear, loud voice, which will encourage your audience to pay attention. Telling a joke can be a good way to break the ice and focus your audience on what you’re saying, but make sure humor is appropriate for the occasion first. Alternatively, make a startling statement about your topic. For instance, you could begin a speech about self-defense by saying, “If you’re out alone and get assaulted, the way you respond in the first few seconds can make the difference between life and death.” As you speak, look out at the audience and maintain eye contact, which will make your speech more engaging. For tips on how to prepare to deliver your speech, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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Your initial impression has a lasting impact. In English, a welcome speech should capture the audience's interest in the opening few sentences. Using the opening few phrases to pique the listener's interest keeps them engaged through to the very end. Top goals for the most effective speakers are grabbing the audience's attention right away and making a lasting impact. Before you talk, try to learn about the issue, the audience, and the location. Speak casually if it's a young or well-known audience. If the opposite is true, one needs to use a more formal terminology. These are some suggestions for speech openings. Your introduction could have a big impression on the audience.
While giving a speech, there are a few easy tips that one can use. They captivate and assist the audience find relatability, all while having a beneficial effect on them. Let's examine a few of the helpful advice:
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Famous people's quotes can be great speech openers if the speech's topic is familiar with the quote. Quotations lend the speech a certain authority.
Look at one such example -
Steve Jobs once said, "Don't waste your time living someone else's life; your time is valuable." Avoid being bound by dogma, which entails accepting the conclusions of other people's perspectives. Sentences such as these may be a great way to start a speech and improve your reputation as a speaker. You may also reference current affairs or studies from any source. It's not need to be a quotation from a well-known person. As an illustration, consider this: "According to Forbes, people who are knowledgeable about personal finance are wealthier."
An inspiring story about a well-known person could be utilized to begin a speech . When someone shares the experiences, setbacks, and triumphs of someone who was once just another everyday person, the audience usually connects on some level.
We have learned a great deal from our varied historical experiences, and these lessons have enabled us to make significant progress and adaptation. Starting a speech by discussing historical events can be a terrific idea, particularly in a cultural setting.
Everyone likes to laugh heartily. It swiftly elevates people's emotions. Comedies can be utilized to energize the audience and help them understand the topic. A funny story to start your speech off is a terrific way to get the audience interested. Here's an example of what Ellen DeGeneres' once said: "Life is short. Ask a butterfly if you have any doubts. They only live for five to fourteen days on average". "Life is short" feels like a tired saying. Conversely, Ellen softens the tone and adds a lighthearted touch to the entire discourse. That's a fantastic example of incorporating humor into public speaking.
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Not every incident is humorous or typical. One must utilize stronger language in the beginning remark when expressing a serious issue. When Greta Thunberg, an environmental activist, exclaimed, "This is all wrong," during the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit, she raised awareness to the subject of climate change. "This is not my place to be. I should be back across the ocean at school." "How dare you! But you all turn to us young people for hope."
A statistical fact used at the start of a speech conveys that the speaker has done their research and is well-informed. Statistical data is also used to make the speech less repetitive and easier to recall. For instance, if delivering a presentation on "How to be a better speaker," one may begin with some thoroughly investigated speaking statistics, like this one: "According to studies, 61% of individuals get worried before giving a presentation."
Opening a speech with a personal tale allows you to establish an immediate connection with the audience. It leaves a greater impression and piques interest in further information. It's one of the best methods to get your audience interested, and if they can relate to the narrative, they'll be more open to what you have to say. A personal story like, "When I was 16, a high school student, my parents merely had the money to afford school, but I was a good student and worked really hard," might be a nice way to begin a speech. Make it a point to provide personal stories to draw in and increase the familiarity of the audience.
A skilled storyteller will ask the audience to picture a particular scene. It creates pleasant anticipation for the speaker's remarks by assisting listeners in visualizing the speech's content. For instance, "Imagine you get excellent grades and perform well at school, all because of the work you put in and follow a disciplined routine ..." This comment will help the listeners see and connect to the speech's context .
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Telling a funny story regarding the subject at the beginning of your speech will make the audience more engaged. Starting the story with "Let me tell you a story of a man who had no limbs, yet..." is superfluous. The narrative regarding the circumstance may be kept brief and direct. A better way to start may be, "In 1965, Joey was one of the first mountaineers with no limbs to conquer the summit of Mt. Everest." In only the speech's opening two sentences, extra context is added.
Sentimental sentences are used at the beginning of the speech to establish the topic and tone. Make a more thoughtful first impression if you want to leave an impact on the audience. As the cliché goes, first impressions matter most. Make the greatest initial impression imaginable. Our classes concentrate specifically on the practice and composure that are necessary for the art of public speaking. Learn more about it here " 98thPercentile's Public Speaking Program ".
1. 10 ways in which children can overcome stage fear 2. 5 reasons why is public speaking important 3. importance of public speaking in this communicative world 4. body language & nonverbal communication in public speaking.
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How To Start A Speech
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First impressions are crucial in public speaking, and starting a speech well is often the hardest part. It's the moment to capture your audience's attention or risk losing it.
Many find this difficult, as a poor start can lead to disinterested listeners and missed opportunities. In this blog, we'll explore simple and creative ways to begin your speech, ensuring you engage your audience right from the start.
Keep reading to find effective techniques to start your speech!
When it comes to inspiring, persuading, and influencing audiences, your speech’s most essential element is the opening.
So how do you start your speech in a way that will get the audience on your side?
Here are ten effective ways to start your speech successfully every time.
Quotes are gems of wisdom that resonate with people. They inspire and motivate while being easy to remember.
Well-thought-out words of history’s best orators can sometimes be the ticket for your successful speech.
One good example is: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams.
Statistics are the proof that can add weight to your words.
By opening with compelling and personalized statistics, you can add a quantifiable and persuasive aspect to your message. It provides you the basis for building your argument, supporting your claim, and proving it right.
An example could be: “72% of adult internet users use Facebook”.
Rhetorical questions are engaging and thought-provoking. They invite your audience to think and participate in your presentation. These questions can captivate your listeners and lead them down the path of your message.
A very famous rhetorical question of all times by William Shakespeare is:
“If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not get revenge?” - The Merchant of Venice.
Creating a "what if" scenario sparks curiosity and imagination. You can use this technique to encourage your audience to envision a different perspective or a unique situation related to your topic.
For example: “What if you were blind for your life and today you just got to see the world? How have you imagined the world so far? And how do these colors attract you? By the way, is there anyone who is color blind?”
You can start your speech with a powerful and catchy statement without asking the audience to pay attention to you. Interesting statements are very useful in engaging the audience and persuading them to listen and agree with you.
A famous statement from Amy Cuddy’s Ted talk “ Your Body May Shape Who You Are ” is:
"So I want to start by offering you a free, no-tech life hack, and all it requires of you is this: that you change your posture for two minutes."
Sharing personal experiences creates a genuine connection with your audience. It allows them to relate to you on a human level and sets the stage for a compelling narrative.
For example: “I was in high school when I first fell in love…..”
People love stories of any kind from infancy and childhood. As soon as people learn that you are going to tell a story, they immediately settle down, become quiet and lean forward like kids around a campfire.
Pauses are the unsung heroes of a speech. Well-timed silence can emphasize your message and create an impact that words alone cannot.
Take a little pause every time you need to emphasize something. Knowing where to take a pause helps you make your message effective.
For example:
“Lyla is dead.”
“But they don’t know it yet.”
By using the word "imagine," you can transport your listeners into your narrative. According to Frank Luntz, “One word automatically triggers the process of visualization by its mere mention: imagine.”
“Imagine” scenarios put the audience directly into the presentation by allowing them to visualize the extraordinary scenes. For example:
“Imagine you are hiking on Mount Everest, and you are just about to reach the peak, but suddenly you slip and roll down to the ground. How would you feel at that moment?”
You can capture your audience’s attention by referring to a historical event related to your speech. Well-known historical events are good reference points to get the audience to use their imagination.
For example: “During the 1960s and ’70s, the United States intervened in the civil strife between North and South Vietnam. The result was a long running war of attrition in which many American lives were lost, and the country of Vietnam suffered tremendous damage and destruction.”
Humor, when used thoughtfully, can instantly connect with your audience. It lightens the mood and draws people in, but it's essential to tread carefully to avoid offense.
An example of a humorous beginning is: “Speak when you are angry – and you’ll make the best speech you’ll ever regret.” - Dr. Laurence J Peter.
Usage of humor is a genius trick to get your audience involved in your speech.
Starting your speech with suspense can immediately capture your audience's curiosity and keep them engaged as they eagerly anticipate what comes next. This technique is effective for drawing your audience into a story, a mystery, or a problem that needs solving.
Example: "As the clock struck midnight, and the footsteps echoed in the darkness, she knew that her life was about to change forever. But, what was waiting for her beyond that door?"
Defining key terms or concepts at the beginning of your speech can set the stage for a clear and focused discussion. This is especially useful when your topic involves technical or specialized terms that your audience may not be familiar with.
Example: "Today, let's begin with a clear understanding of 'sustainable development.' It refers to the practice of using resources in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
Opening with a contradiction can intrigue your audience by presenting two seemingly conflicting ideas or statements. This encourages them to explore the topic further and seek resolution.
Example: "In a world where we often believe that 'time is money,' today, we'll explore a paradox – how sometimes, time spent without rushing can be the most valuable time of all."
These opening techniques can help you capture your audience's attention and set the tone for a successful speech. The choice of which one to use will depend on your topic, audience, and the overall tone you want to convey.
Speech openings are not one-size-fits-all; they should be tailored to the specific type of speech you're delivering.
Here, we'll explore how to start various types of speeches , providing examples to illustrate each approach.
Starting a graduation speech is a unique opportunity to inspire and reflect on the journey of the graduates. A great way to begin is by acknowledging the significance of the moment. For instance:
Example: "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty, proud parents, and, of course, the brilliant Class of 2023 - today, as we stand on the precipice of our future, we are not just marking the end of an educational journey but celebrating the beginning of countless new adventures."
In a persuasive speech , your aim is to influence your audience's thoughts, beliefs, or actions. Begin with a statement that grabs attention and introduces your persuasive intent:
Example: "Picture this: a world where every individual makes small, conscious choices every day to reduce their carbon footprint. Today, I'm here to persuade you that we can create that world, one step at a time."
Starting a presentation speech requires a balance between engaging your audience and previewing the content. Open a speech or presentation with an engaging fact or question related to your topic:
Example: "Did you know that in just the last five years, the world has generated more data than in all of human history before that? Today, we're going to delve into the fascinating world of data analytics and its impact on our lives."
In each of these examples, the opening lines are designed to fit the specific type of speech.
Remember that a well-crafted opening not only captivates your audience but also makes the rest of your speech more impactful.
Starting a speech can be daunting, and it's easy to make mistakes that can undermine your credibility or fail to engage your audience. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
1. Avoid Starting with Apologies Opening your speech with an apology, such as "I'm sorry if this is boring" or "I'm not a great speaker," sets a negative tone and diminishes your authority. Instead, begin with confidence and enthusiasm to captivate your audience from the start.
2. Don’t Use Overused Clichés Starting with clichés like "Webster's dictionary defines..." or "Since the dawn of time..." can make your speech sound unoriginal and uninspiring. Aim for a fresh and unique opening that grabs attention.
3. Avoid Overloading with Facts and Statistics While facts and statistics can be powerful, bombarding your audience with too many at the start can overwhelm and disengage them. Instead of starting straight with data-heavy facts, create a seamless speech format that weaves in fact and information smoothly.
4. Steer Clear of Irrelevant Jokes Humor can be an excellent icebreaker, but starting with an irrelevant or inappropriate joke can backfire. Ensure that any humor used is relevant to your topic and suitable for your audience.
5. Don’t Read Directly from Your Notes Reading verbatim from your notes or slides can make your opening seem rehearsed and impersonal. Practice enough to deliver your opening naturally, making eye contact with your audience to establish a connection.
6. Avoid Long-Winded Openings A lengthy opening can lose your audience's attention quickly. Keep your introduction concise and to the point, leading smoothly into the main content of your speech.
7. Don’t Start with Negative Statements Beginning with negative statements or criticisms can alienate your audience. Focus on positive and engaging statements that draw listeners in and set a constructive tone for your speech.
8. Avoid Technical Jargon Starting with complex technical terms or industry jargon can confuse and alienate your audience. Use simple, clear language that everyone can understand, especially in the opening.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a strong and engaging opening that sets the stage for a successful speech.
Here is an example of how to start a speech on stage:
Here are some more samples of how to start a speech for students:
How to Start a Speech Introduction Example
How to Start a Speech About Yourself?
How to Start a Speech In School?
How To Start A Speech In English
How To Start A Speech In English For Students
How To Start A Speech For Kids
How To Start A Speech In School Assembly
Need more examples? Have a look at these speech examples and get inspired!
Now that you've learned various ways to start your speech and make a strong impression, you're well-prepared for your speaking journey.
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Analyze their response and tweak the joke accordingly if necessary. Starting your speech with humour means your setting the tone of your speech. It would make sense to have a few more jokes sprinkled around the rest of the speech as well as the audience might be expecting the same from you. 4.
Thought-Provoking speech Opening lines. " Imagine a world where…. " (This prompts the audience to envision a scenario related to your topic.) " Have you ever wondered why…. " (This sparks curiosity and encourages active listening.) " The most important thing you'll learn today is…. " (This creates anticipation and emphasizes ...
Step 2: Based upon this audience analysis, figure out their set expectation regarding the topic you are about to deliver your speech on. Step 3: Shred that expectation by challenging that set expectation in your opening remark. Remember not to be offensive and play by the rule of your moral compass.
Speech starting lines are the initial sentences or opening statements in a speech. They serve to capture the audience's attention, set the tone for the speech, and introduce the topic or purpose of the address. Effective speech starting lines are engaging, clear, and relevant to the audience, helping to establish a connection and interest ...
One of the best ways to open your speech with a buzz is to startle or shock them. You can shock an audience in many ways, but they all rest on the major senses of V.A.K.S: Visual. Auditory. Kinaesthetic (touch) and Smell. We don't want your audience tasting your talk, but it should leave a good taste in their mouths.
How to Start a Speech: The Best (and Worst ...
This speech opening line both makes our jaws drop to the ground in shock at such a statistic and opens our hearts to the human side of the story. Powerful stuff. Ginger tip: punchy facts. Opening your speech with a hard-hitting fact can quickly add credibility to your talk and demonstrate the scale of an issue. It's best to keep statistics ...
4. Make them laugh. Injecting a little humor into your opening line puts everyone at ease and makes your speech more memorable. Just make sure your joke is relevant and doesn't offend your audience. Example: "They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but if the doctor is cute, forget the fruit!". 5.
How to Start a Speech: The Best Ways to Capture Your ...
8. Opening a Speech: Get Their Attention from the Start!
9. It's in the news. Take headlines from what's trending in media you know the audience will be familiar with and see. Using those that relate to your speech topic as the opening of your speech is a good way to grab the attention of the audience. It shows how relevant and up-to-the-minute the topic is. For example:
Here are 13 strategies with examples:Use a startling statement. Begin with a fact or statement that surprises your audience, prompting them to keenly focus on what you're about to say. For example: "Last year, over 60% of small businesses faced cyber attacks, yet only a fraction were prepared.". This statistic is likely to grab attention ...
After that point, you'll be able to change those opinions about as easily as you can change a hamster into a ham sandwich. So here's how to be strong in the first 60 seconds of your speech. (2) Your opening sets the entire tone of your presentation (including whether you'll be interesting or not). (3) This is when you introduce your message and ...
26 Ways To Start a Speech and Capture People's Attention
Smile, pause, and breathe before you begin. You can take a moment to look at your audience and smile before starting to speak. Silence at the beginning of a speech is better than trying to "fill" the silence with filler words. Avoid phrases like, "So…yeah" or, "Um, OK;" these words detract from your message and credibility.
2. Starting a speech: First words count. And now onto what you're going to say. First off, avoid starting a speech with lines like: Thank you so much, it's a pleasure to be here. I'm sorry, this isn't going to take very long. I was only asked last week/yesterday/10 minutes ago to do this speech.
9 Tips on How to Start a Speech. Giving a speech can be equal parts intimidating and nerve-racking. To pacify any fears, explore each of the tips below. They'll help you launch into an engaging, interesting speech. Prepare for the speech. Use imagery. Start with a famous quote. Tell a joke. Ask a thought-provoking question.
How To Start an Effective Speech in 10 Steps (With Tips)
15 Powerful Attention Getters for Any Type of Speech
7. Solve a problem. Problems and solutions are an excellent way to make your speech circular and coherent all the way through. You can pose a problem at the start of the speech and ask your audience to consider it as you talk. Your speech will offer a solution to the issue, which you will summarise in your conclusion.
This makes an immediate connection to the audience, whose members are all there for the sake of the same subject. 3. Tell a personal story. When you have a personal connection to the subject of your speech, a common way to start your speech would be to share a personal story that demonstrates that connection. 4.
A better way to start may be, "In 1965, Joey was one of the first mountaineers with no limbs to conquer the summit of Mt. Everest." In only the speech's opening two sentences, extra context is added. Sentimental sentences are used at the beginning of the speech to establish the topic and tone.
Practice enough to deliver your opening naturally, making eye contact with your audience to establish a connection. 6. Avoid Long-Winded Openings. A lengthy opening can lose your audience's attention quickly. Keep your introduction concise and to the point, leading smoothly into the main content of your speech. 7.