A speech needs a good beginning. So, how to start a speech or introduction is a vital question to ask. If your start is terrible, it isn’t easy to recover. This article will discuss how you can start a speech well and set yourself on the road to success.
The start of your speech does not begin with your first words. Your introduction begins with your address. It would be best if you don’t get the focus of the room yourself. Someone must do this for you. Otherwise, you will appear weak when you take to the podium.
Do not rely on the person who introduces you to do it correctly. On many occasions, you will not have the luxury of writing your introduction. But, if you can put the words into the host’s mouth, then do so. I always carry a card with a basic introduction of myself, which I can give anyone to introduce me. You are best qualified to write the introduction.
Your speech does not begin when your introduction finishes. How you approach the podium or stage will tell your audience much about you and your experience. Many a comedian has lost an audience when approaching a microphone. People read people. They don’t do it well, but they do it all the same. If you show confidence in your approach, you will favour better in the eyes of the audience.
There are many different ways of opening a speech. Let’s look at a few of them now. These should give you ideas on how you could begin yours.
Informal Introduction
I would avoid an informal introduction. Do not ask, “How are you today? ” Do not comment on the weather. Do not tell them you are ill or rushed. People have come to hear what you have to say; they care about your words. It is much better to take one of the tactics below and create a memorable opening than starting weekly.
Formal introduction
A formal introduction often begins, “my Lords, ladies and gentlemen…” or something similar. You may wish to address your host, important people in the room, or someone you will refer to later. Formal introductions are less common now than they were 20 years ago. If the occasion requires a formal introduction, then start with one.
Quote
I talk about quotes on this website. They are a speechwriter’s dream. If there is one way a speechwriter stands on the shoulders of giants, it is through a quote. Do not use tired quotes. JFK’s famous words, “Ask not what your country can do for you…” is excellent. But, it is also very well known and will not surprise your audience. One tactic is to choose a person who was born, died or did something incredible on the day you speak and quote them.
Books devoted to quotes litter the shelves of good speechwriters. Starting with a quote is an excellent way to begin and less risky than other tactics I will discuss here.
How to start a speech or introduction? Use a Joke
Jokes are a much riskier option. Humour may be the best possible opening if it works. An audience likes you when they laugh. Well, most of the time.
Being liked on stage is very important. But joke-telling is complex. Choosing the correct joke for your audience is challenging. If you are an experienced speaker, go ahead. For the novice, I would not start with humour. If it fails, you will find it hard to gain trust later. It is better to use another tactic.
Anecdote
The anecdote shares some of the properties of a joke. It is a great example of how to start a speech or introduction. But it is less risky. You are attributing the story to another source. So, distance yourself from it. Should your audience not find it funny as intended, they will not see it as your fault.
Look for an anecdote connected to your speech’s date, place or subject. There are many books available with stories categorised by subject and person. Speech writers refer to these books often. There are great examples of anecdotes in Dowis book, The Lost Art of the Great Speech.
Historic events
When thinking about how to start a speech or introduction, it is always worth looking at relevant historical events. Relate the anecdote to the day, place, or subject you speak on. It can make you look more knowledgeable than you are. It works well when the event is relevant to the theme of your talk. Whenever I write a speech, I search the Internet for relevant historical events. It will not always bear fruit, but it can be invaluable when it does.
Unusual or Eye Catching
The novelty introduction is a risky one. Below you will see a video of a young man using a surprise start to his speech. It is very eye-catching. But does it damage his status? Does this mean that some audience members stop taking him seriously?
I have, on occasion, used a novelty opening. But these starts are few and far between.
Being taken seriously is a speaker’s goal. So, the content, not the gimmicks, must be memorable. If you are a best man, go ahead, but leaders and influencers, beware.
Question
Starting your speech with a question can work very well. The audience must realise that the question is rhetorical. In more intimate gatherings, you need to be wary. Someone might answer your question. This interaction is rarely what the speaker wants. To take the floor and then lose it to a member of the audience is not helpful. Skilled speakers can ask questions early on and then retake the floor. But on most occasions, the question will be rhetorical.
A question makes the audience think about a problem and the solution. The speaker must address the problem and solution.
A writer thinks about the central thesis of a speech, the core message the speaker wants to convey. It is always helpful to ask the questions that the main idea demands.
Dramatic
A dramatic start to a speech can be any of the things above. It can be edgy and humorous, but it must be memorable. Music, media, quotes, or even anecdotes can achieve a dramatic start.
I would say that every start should be dramatic. If it is not, it is not as good as it could be.
Conclusion
As you can see, many good ways to start a speech exist. It is well worth spending time on your opening. Your introduction, walk to the podium, and first words are critical. Getting something wrong at this juncture will fail.
When I’m writing, it amazes me how the speaker wants to skate over this first step, the introduction. It seems that speakers feel the substance of their words will win through. A good speech is a journey. This journey starts with the symbolic first step. Without these first few steps, there is no journey. Make sure your footing is firm.
Hopefully, this has helped to answer the question of how to start a speech or introduction.