As they say, there is only one speech opening.
The very first line of your opening speech has to be something new, different and even entertaining.
In other words, you have to pique their interest right away. Yes, open it with a bang, so to speak.
First impressions are very important. So you have to set the audience's expectations and surpass them.
That will determine how your audience will react to your speech or presentation.
This is the time to gain their attention, create rapport and lead them into the rest of your speech.
Remember, your audience is sure to make instant judgement when you stand up to speak before them.
If you have problem coming out with an attention-grabbing speech opening, ask yourself this question:
Why should they listen to my speech or presentation?
The answer is your presentation or speech opening should have all the motivating reasons to make them listen to you.
You should know up front why your speech is important to them, before you stand in front of them to speak.
Basically, the opening or introduction should give your audience a general idea what you'll be talking about.
The introduction should be around 10 percent of your speech or presentation.
There are various ways to start your speech.
You can begin it with a shocking statistics, a rhetorical question, a profound quotation, an amazing fact, historic event, definition, a personal anecdote, a prop, magic trick, or even a relevant joke.
So what type of opening should you use?
The key point, you have to know your audience's profile.
From there, you have a better picture as how to use an appropriate opening or introduction to get their attention.
As I have mentioned you only have one chance to make a first impression, it is very important that you need to work out an impact speech opening.
For those who are new in public speaking or have speech anxiety, then what I suggest is write out your entire speech opening or introduction in full.
Yes, a fully scripted speech which I want you to memorize it.
As you know the speech opening is critical and it is also the most anxiety-ridden part of your speech.
In order to deliver a powerful opening, you cannot afford to ramble and start off on the wrong foot.
You have to speak with precision and the use of appropriate words in order to have punch in the opening.
By writing out the introduction in full can help you to ensure a successful and powerful opening, especially for those of you who have fear of public speaking.
So that is why I want you to write it out word for word.
Then edit it to your satisfaction and memorize it. So you can speak with confidence in your speech opening.
A flawless opening will boost your confidence and that can help you to overcome your fear of public speaking.
Anyway, here are some common mistakes you should avoid when making your speech introduction or opening.
