Beginning Your Speech The Better Speaker Series 270

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 entire speech time 1

Opening Techniques Tell your listeners why the topic is important to them. 2 State the importance of your topic

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

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

Opening Techniques Ask a rhetorical question 6 “Do you know what to do if your child begins to choke?”

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

Opening Techniques 8 Reference the occasion It allows the speaker to recognize an unusual or important event and establish a common interest with the audience.

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

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

Conclusion 11 A dynamic beginning is essential for a successful speech!