Beginning Your Speech

1. The Better Speaker Series Beginning Your Speech 270

2. Criteria 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

3. Opening Techniques State the importance of your topic Tell your listeners whythe topic is importantto them.   2

4. Opening Techniques Make a startling statement “Smoking kills! More Americans die each year than were killed in battle during World War II and Vietnam together.”    3

5. Opening Techniques Arouse suspense or curiosity Use a series of statements related to the topic that would pique your listeners’ interest. 4

6. Opening Techniques Tell a story or anecdote “My brother and I went hunting last week in the woods behind my house…”   5

7. Opening Techniques Ask a rhetorical question “Do you know what to do ifyour child begins to choke?”   6

8. Opening Techniques Begin with a quotation • A quotation can: • Add authority to a speech • Amuse the audience • Dramatize a speech point 7

9. Opening Techniques Reference the occasion It allows the speaker to recognizean unusual or important event and establish a common interest withthe audience. 8

10. Other Techniques • Humor • Audience participation • A demonstration • A reference to a • historical event 9

11. Openings to Avoid • Avoid acknowledging the amount of preparation • Avoid being dull and boring • Avoid delaying mention of the topic 10

12. Conclusion A dynamic beginningis essential for asuccessful speech! 11