How to start a speech

As the saying goes:
“You only get one chance to make a first impression”

The same is true with your speech.

You only get one chance to make a proper intro to your Speech.

If you want to know how to start a speech that will make the difference.,
This post is for you.

If you want to do what everybody else does,
you can’t go wrong by saying: Okay, so…, Hello

But you want to make a difference, right?
Then keep reading.

Good Openings for a Speech

There are many options for how to start a speech in style,
We will detail here our three favorite options, being the leading option starting your speech by telling a story and if possible a personal story.

How? – see below

Tell a story

The best option by far,

You can never go wrong by starting your speech with a story.
Think about the time you were a kid.
Think about all those stories.

There you have your answer.

Stories stick to us,
Stories make us curious.

Stories are the key element to engaging with your audience.

Why are films lasting around 1h30, instead of 5min?
The building momentum tells you a “story”,
that makes you stay until the end.

Think about a personal story that connects with the main topic of your speech.

If you don’t have any personal story (for sure you have),
you can refer to the books as one the biggest sources of information.

Do you need ideas for stories?
This post may be interesting for you.

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Ask a question to the audience

Another valid option(not as good as telling a story),
for starting your speech is by asking a question to the audience.

How to do it?
Simple.

Jump into the stage,
take a deep breath,
and ask a question to your audience.

Watch out.
There is a rookie mistake here.

If you are asking a question to your audience,
give space (a few seconds) for your audience to answer

Once again,
as you would do in a normal conversation,
you would wait for an answer from the other person.

Same for your speech.
Give a few seconds for your audience to react to your question.

Example of questions you can ask:
Who is a fan of F1 here?
Who would rather be in the Bahamas instead of this meeting?

I think you get the idea, right?

Try to ask a question that people can “respond”,
by raising their arms this way, you “secure” the participation of the audience.

Do something different

Do you feel brave enough? (you see a question, it works)

If that’s the case.

You may want to consider doing something,
that for sure will grab the attention of your audience from the beginning.

Few examples for inspiration:

Dress yourself in a way that would be unusual,
for example, a lab coat, and make sure it connects with the story.

Wear a wig – connect it with your story.

Pretend you are “falling” while stepping onto the stage.

Your imagination is your limit.
be creative.

Common mistakes while opening a Speech

We will detail for you,
which are the most common mistakes speakers make when they start their speech

Okay

What is the value added?
There is no Avoid this or similar word fillers.
Avoid all the: Okay, so, yes…
Start your speech with someone that adds value to your audience.

Hello

Those events when there is one speaker after the other,
all saying: Hello, Good Morning….

It is 12:00 in the morning,
and you wished 10 times Good Morning.

Don’t be the next one saying it.

Start with a question,
and from there you can make your personal intro.

For example:
Who is a Formula 1 fan here?
(wait)
Quite many, just like me.

My name is X and I will talk to you about … [your topic]

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Can you hear me?

This is very common.
Especially now during the online meetings.

When possible do the relevant technical checks before starting your speech.

Trust the technology and start with confidence.

If people can’t hear you,
you will notice it. No worries about that.