Choose an opening that captivates your audience, not one that puts them to sleep.
Always plan your opening words carefully. You only get one chance to make a strong first impression.
A great opening stirs curiosity and creates goodwill.
Here are ways to start strong.
1. Ask a question
Involves your audience immediately. You can also call for a show of hands.
“When was the last time you did something for the first time?”
“What’s the one thing we must talk about, but nobody dares?”
“How many of you believe ….?
2. Make a bold claim
This works wonders to fire up the engagement.
“Lifestyle before medicine.”
“Without failure, there is no success.”
“If you risk nothing, you risk everything.”
3. Striking facts or statistics
A great way to build credibility.
“By the age of x, we will have y grammes of plastic in our bodies.”
4. A story opening
This works especially well if you share a personal experience others can relate to.
“Last year was the last time I allowed….”
“I remember the exact moment I realised I was wrong about….”
“After that meeting, I made the decision…..”
5. Myth busting or a contrarian opening
Gets the audience on the edge of their seat
“Everything you have been told about… is wrong.”
“Motivation is overrated.”
“You don’t need more confidence to become a better speaker; you need more clarity.”
6. Demonstration opening
If you have the courage to do it, it will truly make your talk memorable.
Bring an object on stage.
Put a 20 second countdown on the screen and say nothing.
Write one word on a flip chart before speaking
The rule: Don’t open a speech. Open a loop.
Your audience should immediately be thinking:
- What happened?
- Why?
- Is this true (for me)?
- What happens next?
- What does this mean for me?
Attention comes before information.