3 Ways To Start Your Speech

It’s true that first impressions are important. So how about first impressions while giving a speech? How can you give a solid first impression with your opening? While the answer to this question may depend on the content of your speech and the audience you are speaking to, here are three ways that Forbes recommends as generally effective ways to open your speech:

#1 Make a dramatic notion or demand.

Examples of this opening could be “Let’s make history tonight. . . .” or “Why not make the news for once instead of reacting to it? Let’s. . . . “ With this type of opening you are tapping into that innate human desire to dream, strive, and achieve. Now, do keep in mind that the demand or notion should fit the audience. So, as with all speech elements, know your audience with this opening method.

#2 Ask your audience to tap into their imaginations.

Create a scenario and invite your audience to reimagine their approach to the situation. Especially if this process or scenario is something that your audience does on a daily or otherwise repetitive basis, opening in this way can get the creative juices flowing in the minds of your audience members.

#3 Simplify the steps.

When you are speaking on an intricate process, you might try by breaking it down for your audience in a simple way they can visualize. This approach can work well in numerous cases, and perhaps one example would be if your speech focuses on just one element of a particular process.