Download - Beginning Your Speech

Beginning Your SpeechBeginning Your Speech

The Better Speaker SeriesThe Better Speaker Series

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Criteria for a Successful OpeningCriteria for a Successful Opening

• Get the attention of the audience

• Introduce the topic

• Establish rapport

• Take less than five to 10 percent of the entirespeech time

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Opening TechniquesOpening Techniques

Tell your listeners whythe topic is importantto them.

2

State the importanceof your topic


Make a startling statement

3

“Smoking kills! More Americans die each year than were killed in battle during World War II and Vietnam together.”


Arouse suspense or curiosity

4

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


Tell a story or anecdote

5

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


Ask a rhetorical question

6

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


Begin with a quotation

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A quotation can:

•Add authority to a speech•Amuse the audience•Dramatize a speech point


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Reference the occasion

It allows the speaker to recognizean unusual or important event and establish a common interest withthe audience.

Other TechniquesOther Techniques

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• Humor• Audience

participation• A

demonstration• A reference to

ahistorical event

Openings to AvoidOpenings to Avoid

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• Avoid acknowledging the amount of preparation• Avoid being dull and boring• Avoid delaying mention of

the topic

ConclusionConclusion

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A dynamic beginning

is essential for a

successful speech!