The opening of a speech is important, as are opeings in everyday life. It can grab the listener's attention and interest or turn them off. A poor start makes it more difficult for the speaker to get their message across. An effective speaker realises the importance and takes action to ensure he starts off well.
The content of an introduction will vary from speech to speech depending on the circumstances of the speech and the speaker's personality. Because of this there are only few generalities that apply to beginnings.
Firstly avoid the following:
(a) Thanking a long list of people. The shorter your thank you list is the better. Your audience's attention will start to wander if this takes too long.
(b) Apologizing for speaking. Never apologize, and especially don't start with "unaccustomed as I am in speaking in public..." It combines an apology with an overused stock phrase. (You may get away with this, if it is used in humor).
Secondly, the beginning of the speech should contain the following characteristics:
1. It is brief. If it is too long the audience gets bored and they start to wonder how long will the speech and whether it will ever get past the beginning.
2. It is relevant. The opening should link up with the speech otherwise it may confuse or mislead the audience.
Thirdly, the steps commonly found in an introduction to a speech are:
1. The Opening Step
This first step is about getting started and to getting the audience's attention. Before you speak, pause momentarily and take a few deep breaths to calm any nerves. Look out at your audience and smile at them. To give you chance to get going properly, memeorize your opening lines, it gives your brain chance to catch up.
There are a variety of ways that can be used to effectively open your speech e.g., begin with an interesting story, a question to get the audience thinking, an amusing anecdote and a relevant quotation etc.
2. What's In It For The Audience
The audience are always keen to understand what they will get out of listening to a speaker. By letting them know how the speech will benefit them, they will be keen to listen to the rest of the speech. Some examples of common wants of an audience are: to make more money, to have better health, to have better relationships etc.
3. What Is Coming Up
Here the speaker provides the audience with a quick preview of what to expect. The audience will have an idea where the speech is headed.
An effective public speaker realises the importance of the opening plans it carefully, taking into account the circumstances of the speech and their personality. They keep it brief and to the point. They get their listener's attention and interest.
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information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
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