The best way to start a speech depends on the type and topic of the speech itself, the audience, and the general tone of the event. To be able to deliver a successful speech, you will need to immediately capture the attention of the listener; if you do, you will probably be followed to the end. While there's no sure way to grab your audience's attention, many methods can work. Choose the one that best suits the event and your personality.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Gaining the Audience Attention
Step 1. Start with a joke
If the occasion is cheerful enough, a joke or humor can be great ways to kick off an entertainment or special occasion speech. Just make sure your irony doesn't offend anyone in the audience.
- For an event honoring a particular person, you could tell a funny story about you and the guest of honor. Just make sure the story or joke isn't embarrassing or potentially offensive.
- Test the joke on multiple people before using it in speech. If the joke is unsuccessful or offensive, cut it.
Step 2. Start with a shocking statement
Such a statement amazes or surprises the public to the point of attracting everyone's attention. Since these phrases often provoke a strong emotional reaction, saying one at the beginning of the speech can quickly engage the audience.
Try something simple that goes straight to the point, like "Seat Belts Save Lives"
Step 3. Make a bold statement
A bold statement can shock or shock the audience and lead them to pay attention to a topic that seems important. You could also say that, without a doubt, the public needs the information you are about to share.
- If your talk is about mood disorders, you might start with something like "Depression, clinical depression, and similar mood disorders can have lethal side effects."
- If your talk is about self-defense, you might say something like "If you are alone and suddenly attacked, your reaction in the first few seconds can mean the difference between life and death."
Step 4. It evokes a sense of suspense or curiosity
Describe something before you reveal what it is. By describing the characteristics of something, the audience will try to unravel its mystery before receiving the answer, so you will force bystanders to become active listeners.
For a talk about dogs, you could describe the normal characteristics of a dog's everyday life, from his point of view, concluding with the phrase "I am a dog"
Step 5. Introduce a surprising fact or statistic
A surprising statistic can make the audience understand the importance of the topic you have chosen. As a result, the public will pay more attention.
A statistic about the increase or decrease in births in a specific region or nation can draw people's attention to the demographic problem
Step 6. Offer amazing stats and other evidence
Evidence should be essential elements of your entire speech, but if you want to start off on the right foot, a good way to do this is to give the audience a statistic or similar piece of evidence that demonstrates the importance of your statement. Statistics will be more effective if what you say will amaze the audience.
For a speech where you try to get people to protect themselves from the sun, you might cite the statistic of the number of people who die from skin cancer each year
Step 7. Tell a story or anecdote
The stories attract the attention of the public by combining information and entertainment. The story you choose for the beginning of your speech can be both real and invented, but in any case it should be clearly linked to the topic you are dealing with.
- For a speech about motherhood in Italy, you could tell a story about an experience you or someone you know.
- If you were to give a speech about how to make cakes for children or teenagers, you could describe a situation in which a child baked a cake for a loved one on a special occasion. Include details regarding the gesture's appreciation.
Step 8. Offer an appropriate quote
A bright quote tied to the topic of your speech can give you a solid foundation on which to build the rest of the content. For a motivational or funny speech about a particular occasion, use quotes that are appropriate or that refer to the interests of the audience.
- Try picking a quote from a famous person, as people will accept it more willingly if they know who said it.
- Motivational quotes are a common method for starting graduation speeches. Usually the speaker chooses a quote that talks about dreams, education, looking to the future or forging character.
- Quotations are not often used to initiate demonstration speeches.
Step 9. Cite expert opinion
If you can find an expert on the topic who agrees with your position, quote or paraphrase their opinion to give your speech a solid foundation from the start.
If you're trying to convince the public about the importance of adopting healthy eating and physical activity habits, you might want to start with a statement made by a well-known expert on the subject to engage your audience
Step 10. Use eye-catching visual aid
When your intention is to deliver a speech that instructs the audience to achieve tangible products or results, displaying a "finished product" at the beginning of the speech can draw attention and make bystanders want to learn how to achieve the same result.
For a talk on how to lose weight, you might want to start by showing before and after photos of people who have followed the method you described
Step 11. Give a testimony
If you're trying to sell a product or idea, or trying to explain why a certain course of action is beneficial, a testimony can engage the audience with a story and convince them of the goodness of what you're saying.
If you are trying to persuade the public to buy a specific language learning program, you could take as an example a person who used that program and now lives in a country where the language learned is spoken
Method 2 of 5: Get the Audience Involved
Step 1. Ask a question
Ask the audience's position on a particular topic to understand what the listener thinks. This will help the audience pay attention to the information you are sharing and make it relevant to them.
For a talk on how to prepare your car for winter, you could ask the audience something like "How many of you have felt the car slip on an icy road? Or who among those present broke down when the temperature was freezing?"
Step 2. Ask a rhetorical question
With a question about the topic you are dealing with, you will engage the audience almost instantly. Audience members will hear the question and begin to find their answers, getting involved in the topic of the speech.
If you are giving a talk about holiday traditions, you might ask "What was your favorite holiday tradition as a kid?"
Step 3. Ask the audience to view something
Lead people through a short visualization exercise to inspire their imagination regarding your topic. They will remember the images evoked in their mind better than the words during this part of the speech.
For example, if your speech is about the journey of dreams, you might start with: "Imagine you are on a tropical beach. Feel the sand under your feet and the sun beating on your face. You can feel the ocean waves and the wind. that blows among the palm trees"
Step 4. Ask the audience for suggestions
When people listen to a speech, they often look for answers to questions. Giving the audience the opportunity to ask direct questions can help shape your speech and ensure that you address the specific concerns of the audience.
If your talk deals with telematics teaching in relation to first-person teaching, you might ask "What is your biggest concern about distance teaching?". Ask a few people to share their point of view. Probably, you will already cover their responses in your speech
Step 5. Ask audience members to talk to each other
Begin the talk by asking audience members to share something with the person sitting next to them. This will break the ice, creating a friendlier and more communicative environment.
You could tell audience members, "Turn to whoever sits next to you and describe your favorite workout."
Step 6. Describe a scenario that people can relate to
If you need to convince bystanders to buy a product or idea, explaining why that product or idea can improve their lives, you can get them interested in what you say.
If you are trying to explain to the public why they should buy a kitchen utensil, start by describing a common scenario in the kitchen where that utensil would be very useful
Method 3 of 5: Improve Your Ethos
Step 1. Say hello personally
In most entertainment speeches, you can use a light, personal tone. Speakers often introduce themselves to the audience. In his introduction, the speaker should explain the relationship he has with the topic in question and use this explanation to start the speech.
- This technique is often used in the case of eulogies or speeches at weddings. The speaker introduces himself and begins to explain who he is in relation to the topic being discussed. If you're making a toast at a wedding, you may want to start talking about your relationship with the bride, husband, or married couple.
- You can also use this method at an event held by an organization. In this case, the speaker should describe his or her position within the organization.
Step 2. Recall your connection to the topic
Speakers often begin a speech by referring directly to the topic being discussed. This allows them to create an immediate connection with the public, who is present for that same topic.
Step 3. Tell a personal story
When you have a personal connection with the subject of your speech, a common way to start your speech could be to share a personal story that demonstrates this connection.
Step 4. Refer to current events
Incorporating topical news into your speech is a good strategy, because it makes the audience understand that your speech is relevant. Make a link between the topic of your speech and a current event by referencing something that happened recently.
For example, if your talk deals with the lack of women employed in the technology industry, you may find recent news about how girls are being discouraged from studying science in high school
Step 5. Refer to a historical event or person
Begin your speech by citing a relevant historical event to give the audience a point of reference. For example, if your talk is about overcoming difficulties, you might be talking about a historical figure who did it, such as Helen Keller.
Step 6. Connect to the conference theme
Many speeches are delivered at academic or professional conferences. These events often have a theme that expresses the overall purpose of the conference. Connect to this theme at the beginning of the talk.
Step 7. Refer to the occasion
For a speech delivered on a particular occasion or event, speakers often begin their presentation by speaking directly about the event itself. Since everyone in the audience is likely there for the same reason, talking about the event right away is a great way to connect with your audience right away.
If you need to deliver a speech at a Christmas party or charity party, you might want to talk about your Christmas memories or what you love about the winter season
Method 4 of 5: Learning to Know the Types of Speech
Step 1. Choose an informational speech to disseminate information
Speeches of this type are very basic and only provide the public with actual and useful information without giving personal opinions.
The tone of an informative speech is usually quite flexible and often depends on the topic of the speech. For example, a talk about cancer would require a serious start and tone, while one about the yo-yo story would have to be very light
Step 2. Use a demonstration speech to explain a process
Demonstration speeches are usually meant to teach the audience "how to" do something, instead of giving information "about" something.
Demonstration speeches are often light and non-academic, so introductions are more relaxed. That said, if you have to cover a serious topic, like staying safe in a hurricane or tornado, you need a relatively serious introduction and speech
Step 3. Make a persuasive speech to convince the audience of something
Persuasive speech aims to get the audience to change their ideas or behavior about a topic and should use a tone appropriate to that persuasion.
- These types of speeches can be the most difficult to deliver because, as a speaker, you will need to be interesting enough to sell your opinion to the listener.
- Persuasive speeches are often serious and can include a serious introduction, especially if the speaker is trying to persuade an audience to take a certain positive action or to adopt a new perspective in a certain area. The only time a persuasive speech could have a lighter and more frivolous tone is when the speaker is really trying to sell a product.
Step 4. Commemorate an event with a speech
This category of discourse probably covers the widest range of tones and aims; This category includes speeches on weddings, those at funerals, graduations and other events. These talks focus on the values and qualities of the specific people you speak of. Create a tailored introduction that fits the tone of the occasion.
A serious, grief-stricken occasion usually requires a sober and nostalgic tone, while a celebratory one requires a fun or morale-boosting introduction and speech. For example, a speech given at someone's wedding should be much lighter than one at a funeral, and both will be deeply personal. A graduation speech, on the other hand, must be generic enough to suit a wider audience
Step 5. Get to know the audience
Understanding the type of people your audience is made up of before writing your speech will help you point them in the right direction. For example, if your audience is a group of leading businesspeople from your community, you should speak to them differently than you would a group of teenagers.
Method 5 of 5: Deliver the Speech
Step 1. Test the speech beforehand
Spend time on speech rehearsals. Make sure you stay on time and cut some parts if necessary. Ask a friend for an opinion.
- This will ensure that you are comfortable with the speech and that you are able to relax.
- Memorize the first sentence of the speech. This will help you overcome the anxiety of starting the speech right. Bring a paper copy of the talk with you.
Step 2. Test the technology you will be using in advance
If you are using visual aids such as presentations, test all devices to make sure everything is working properly.
Step 3. Have a glass of water nearby
Many people have dry mouths when they speak, so take some water with you. Take a sip right before you start talking.
If the speech is short, you probably won't need to drink during the speech. If your speech is longer, you may find a good time to take a break and drink. Don't gulp the water; you will risk getting your shirt wet or coughing
Step 4. Start with a voice and body language that show confidence
Start with a strong voice. Make sure your body language projects confidence. Stand straight with your shoulders back and your head held high. Take deep breaths before the speech begins to calm your body and mind.
Step 5. Don't start with excuses
Do not start the speech with a comment such as "I'm sorry if the speech sounds disorganized" or "I apologize for my nervousness". The public will only be aware of these issues if you make them known. If you behave in a prepared and organized way, the public will believe appearances.
Step 6. Look the members in the audience in the eye
Watch the audience when you speak. If you are too shy or embarrassed to look people in the eye, choose a spot just above the audience's heads or on the wall in front of you.
Step 7. Don't read from your notes
It will be more difficult for the audience to pay attention if you read directly from a sheet. Instead, try to look up often to gauge audience engagement.
