All good speeches include an opening, body and conclusion. It can be argued that the opening is the most important part of the speech. If the speaker can’t get the audience to “tune in” from the start, it is unlikely that they will listen to the body and conclusion of the speech. In other words, a great opening is needed to grab their interest right from the very start. Here are some tips for a great opening.
8 Tips for a Great Opening
1. Start on time
2. Open on a positive note
3. Open quickly
4. Grab their attention
5. Let them know you care
6. Give them a reason to listen
7. Smoothly introduce your topic
8. Memorize opening
1. Start on time
Plan ahead, arrive early and start on time. If you start late due to circumstances beyond your control, don’t remind the audience of it. Just start your speech and abbreviate it to end on time.
2. Open on a positive note
Always start out on a positive note. Never apologize for anything (except being late). When speakers open on a negative note, the tone of the entire speech will likely remain negative. Have a positive, upbeat opening.
3. Open quickly
Never start slowly. Open your speech with a bang and then move right into it. Save facts, information, and longer detailed stories for the body of the speech. The opening is to grab their attention and interest. This can best be accomplished at a quicker pace.
4. Grab their attention right from the start
You can grab their attention a number of ways. Start with a comment about current events, a humorous story, an anecdote, a quotation, a real world situation or a thought-provoking question. Or begin your speech with music or an activity to grab their attention. Just make sure that whatever technique you use relates to your speech topic.
5. Let them know you care
While your credentials help, be sure to let them know that you care about them. Taking the time to learn as much as you can about them and their organization before preparing your speech is a great way of doing this. Talk about them.
6. Give them a reason to listen
Quickly run down what you will tell them and why it is important for them to listen. If you can’t come up with this, you shouldn’t be speaking.
7. Smoothly introduce your topic
In the opening, you should smoothly introduce your topic and transition to the body of your speech.
8. Memorize opening
While trying to memorize an entire speech isn’t necessary, it is helpful to be very familiar and comfortable with your opening. Speakers usually report being nervous when they start, and less nervous after they get into the “flow” of their speech.
The opening of the speech is brief, but very important. Start with a great opening and you will likely grab and hold your audience’s attention, get your message across effectively and become recognized as a good speaker.