Beginning

Your Speech
The Better Speaker Series

270
Criteria for a Successful
Opening

Get the attention of the audience

Introduce the topic
Establish rapport
Take less than five to 10 percent of
the entire speech time

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Opening Techniques

State the importance of

your topic
Tell your listeners why the
topic is important to them.

2
Opening Techniques

Make a startling statement

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

3
Opening Techniques
Arouse suspense or curiosity
Use a series of statements
related to the topic that would
pique your listeners’ interest.

4
Opening Techniques

Tell a story or anecdote

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

5
Opening Techniques

Ask a rhetorical question

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

6
Opening Techniques

Begin with a quotation

A quotation can:
Add authority to a speech
Amuse the audience
Dramatize a speech point

7
Opening Techniques

Reference the occasion

It allows the speaker to recognize
an unusual or important event
and establish a common interest
with the audience.

8
Other Techniques

Humor
Audience participation
A demonstration
A reference to a historical event

9
Openings to Avoid

Avoid acknowledging the

amount of preparation
Avoid being dull and boring
Avoid delaying mention of
the topic

10
Conclusion

A dynamic beginning
is essential for a
successful speech!

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