Beginning Your SpeechBeginning Your Speech

The Better Speaker SeriesThe Better Speaker Series

270

Criteria for a Successful OpeningCriteria for a Successful Opening

• Get the attention of the audience

• Introduce the topic

• Establish rapport

• Take less than five to 10 percent of the entirespeech time

   1

Opening TechniquesOpening Techniques

Tell your listeners whythe topic is importantto them.

   2

State the importanceof your topic

Opening TechniquesOpening Techniques

Make a startling statement

   3

“Smoking kills! More Americans die each year than were killed in battle during World War II and Vietnam together.”

Opening TechniquesOpening Techniques

Arouse suspense or curiosity

  4

Use a series of statements related to the topic that would pique your listeners’ interest.

Opening TechniquesOpening Techniques

Tell a story or anecdote

  5

“My brother and I went hunting last week in the woods behind my house…”

Opening TechniquesOpening Techniques

Ask a rhetorical question

  6

“Do you know what to do ifyour child begins to choke?”

Opening TechniquesOpening Techniques

Begin with a quotation

  7

A quotation can:

•Add authority to a speech•Amuse the audience•Dramatize a speech point

Opening TechniquesOpening Techniques

 8

Reference the occasion

It allows the speaker to recognizean unusual or important event and establish a common interest withthe audience.

Other TechniquesOther Techniques

 9

• Humor• Audience

participation• A

demonstration• A reference to

ahistorical event

Openings to AvoidOpenings to Avoid

 10

• Avoid acknowledging the amount of preparation• Avoid being dull and boring• Avoid delaying mention of

the topic

ConclusionConclusion

 11

A dynamic beginning

is essential for a

successful speech!