1. Beginning Your Speech
The Better Speaker Series
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 entire speech time

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

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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. A dynamic beginning is essential for a successful speech!
Conclusion
A dynamic beginning is essential for a successful speech!