Beginning Your SpeechThe Better Speaker Series

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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

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Opening Techniques

State the importance of your topic

Tell your listeners why the topic is important to them.

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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.”

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Opening Techniques

Arouse suspense or curiosity

Use a series of statements related to the topic that would pique your listeners’ interest.

4

Opening Techniques

Tell a story or anecdote

“My brother and I went hunting last week in the woods behind my house…”

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Opening Techniques

Ask a rhetorical question

“Do you know what to do if your child begins to choke?”

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Opening Techniques

Begin with a quotationA quotation can:

Add authority to a speech

Amuse the audience

Dramatize a speech point

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Opening Techniques

Reference the occasion

It allows the speaker to recognize an unusual or important event and establish a common interest with the audience.

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Other Techniques

Humor

Audience participation

A demonstration

A reference to a historical event

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Openings to Avoid

Avoid acknowledging the amount of preparation

Avoid being dull and boring

Avoid delaying mention of the topic

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Conclusion

A dynamic beginning

is essential for a

successful speech!

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