June 19, 2024
Starting a speech can be one of the hardest parts of public speaking. You want to grab your audience’s attention right from the start. If you’re wondering how to start a speech effectively, we’ve got you covered.
Here are 7 proven way how to start your speech and grab everyone’s attention from the first second.
Using a surprising fact is a great way to pique interest and make your audience eager to hear more.
Example 1:
“70… the average person will eat around 70 insects while sleeping. Today, ladies and gentlemen, you’ll learn how to keep your home free of insects.”
Example 2:
“Did you know that more people die each year from vending machines than from shark attacks? Today, we’ll discuss the unexpected dangers in our daily lives.”
Starting with a poll can engage your audience right away and make them feel involved.
Example 1:
“Quick show of hands –
Who likes pineapple on pizza?
Who thinks pineapple on pizza is a crime?
And who of you has no clue what I’m talking about?”
Example 2:
“By a show of hands,
who prefers working from home?
And who prefers working in the office?
Today, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both.”
A relevant and intriguing quote to start your speech can set the tone for your speech and lend it authority.
Example 1:
“As the grand Shakespeare said, ‘To swipe right or to swipe left, that is the question.’”
Example 2:
“Albert Einstein once said, ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’ Today, we’ll delve into why creativity is essential in problem-solving.”
Asking your audience to visualize a scene can make your message more relatable and vivid.
Example 1: “Imagine yourself at a favorite coffee shop, sitting on a big comfy couch, coffee in hand, smelling the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Today, we’ll talk about how to create that same customer experience in our company.”
Example 2:
“Picture yourself on a serene beach, the sound of waves gently crashing. We’re here to discuss how you can achieve work-life balance and enjoy moments like these.”
A moment of silence can be powerful to start a speech, creating anticipation and focus before you begin.
Example 1:
[Do nothing for a few seconds] “Welcome everyone.”
Example 2:
[Pause for a few seconds] “Good morning, and thank you for being here.”
Asking a thought-provoking question can stimulate your audience’s imagination and interest.
Example 1:
“If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?”
Example 2:
“What would you do if you had only 24 hours to achieve your biggest goal?”
Sharing a personal story can make your speech more relatable and engaging.
Example 1:
“Just the other day, I decided to enjoy my lunch in the park. I found the perfect spot, laid out my blanket, and took out my delicious sandwich. But before I could take a single bite, a little raccoon swooped in and snatched it right from my hands! Immediately, I jumped up, chasing after him. We zigzagged between trees, over hills, and through bushes, but I wasn’t quick enough. With one last mischievous look, the raccoon disappeared into the trees.”
Example 2:
“Last week, I was stuck in an elevator for an hour. What could have been a nightmare turned into an opportunity to meet new people and hear their fascinating stories.”
Give them a try. Take one of you upcoming speeches or presentations and think how you’d like to start. What hook can you use to start your speech? You’ll be amazed easy it is to include a hook, but also how effective that hook is at grabbing your listeners’ attention.
Today, we briefly talked about storytelling. Storytelling is one of the most effective tools you can use in your presentations. But it can be challenging if you’re just starting out. If you want to learn more about structuring your stories, you may want to check out this next article in which a simple four-step story storytelling structure.
Enjoy!
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