How to start a speech like a PRO

Summary

This video offers essential tips for delivering a compelling speech or presentation, focusing on how to capture the audience's attention in the first 30 seconds. It emphasizes avoiding dull introductions and starting with a surprise, such as a story, question, quote, fact, or even humor. The key advice includes pausing to breathe, using engaging visuals, and structuring your intro for maximum impact. These strategies aim to make your audience sit up, listen, and stay engaged from the start, setting the tone for a successful presentation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The first 30 seconds of a presentation are crucial for grabbing the audience's attention.
• 😀 It's your job as a speaker to make the audience listen, not their job to give you their attention.
• 😀 Avoid starting with dull housekeeping or small talk, as it can lead the audience to disengage.
• 😀 A surprising or unexpected start is a great way to capture attention and differentiate yourself from other speakers.
• 😀 Before starting your speech, take a deep breath and pause to signal control and readiness to the audience.
• 😀 Storytelling can be a powerful tool for starting a speech, as long as it is succinct and relevant.
• 😀 When telling a story, structure it with a clear beginning, middle, and end, keeping it brief (around 60 seconds).
• 😀 Posing a rhetorical question can force the audience to think and engage with your topic immediately.
• 😀 Using a relevant and meaningful quote can anchor your audience's attention and help contextualize your speech.
• 😀 Starting with an impactful fact or figure can grab attention and set up the analytical part of your speech.
• 😀 Visuals, such as images or videos, can also be a great way to engage the audience, especially with emotional content.

Q & A

What is the primary goal in the first 30 seconds of a presentation or speech?

The primary goal is to grab the audience's attention and make them sit up and listen. It's your responsibility to make them focus, not theirs to give it to you.

Why do people tend to lose interest in the beginning of most speeches or presentations?

The beginnings of most speeches and presentations are dull, leading audiences to check their phones, read emails, or talk to others. This happens because the speaker hasn't captured their attention yet.

What is one of the biggest mistakes speakers make in the first part of their presentation?

One of the biggest mistakes is doing housekeeping first, such as talking about fire exits or thanking people. This makes the audience think the presentation hasn’t started yet.

How can a speaker make sure their presentation has started and grab the audience's attention?

The speaker should avoid small talk and start with something that surprises the audience. This signals that the presentation has begun, and it immediately engages their attention.

What is the importance of breathing before starting a presentation?

Breathing before speaking grounds the presenter, signals confidence, and allows the audience to know the speaker has arrived. A pause before speaking draws attention.

Why is storytelling a powerful tool for starting a presentation?

Storytelling helps to immediately engage the audience by taking them on a journey, creating a narrative they can follow. It’s important to keep the story succinct, relevant, and structured with a beginning, middle, and end.

What should a speaker consider when using a question to start their presentation?

A rhetorical question is a great way to grab attention, but the speaker should avoid expecting an answer. The question should relate directly to the topic to pull the audience into the moment.

How can using a quote help start a speech or presentation?

A relevant and meaningful quote can serve as a strong anchor, instantly contextualizing the speech and engaging the audience's minds. It also lends credibility to the speaker.

What role do facts or figures play in engaging the audience at the start of a presentation?

Starting with a surprising or impactful fact or figure can immediately grab attention and set the tone for the rest of the presentation. It appeals to analytical minds and piques curiosity.

What are the advantages of using an image or video at the beginning of a presentation?

An image or video can emotionally engage the audience and set the scene effectively. Video footage, in particular, can tap into the audience's emotions and create an instant connection.

What is the 'half' tip mentioned in the script for a killer intro?

The 'half' tip is to tell a joke. If done successfully, it can build rapport and make the audience more receptive to the speaker. However, it’s a high-risk strategy and should only be used if the speaker is confident in their ability to tell a joke.