The Beginning of a Speech

Impressions really count…
Just as first impressions are of prime importance when you first meet someone, so the opening words of your presentation will either solicit the interest of the audience, or turn them off.  Once interest is aroused, it is fairly easy to retain, but to have to regain it in the middle of your presentation is practically impossible.

Therefore, a clever beginning, which is tied to a clever ending, and both related to each other… is the only answer. Making a good beginning or the big entrance requires the following…

• Be confident-don’t apologize
• Outline your direction… tell them what you’re going to tell them, tell them, and tell them what you’ve told them.
• Go to the lectern with energetic flair, don’t drag your feet
• If you want a friendly audience… be friendly
• Acknowledge your introducer by name and find something good to say about your introduction
• Pause when you reach the lectern and podium, look at the audience, and smile
• Begin with something special—a story, an anecdote, a question, a strong statement, a description.
• Stress the importance of the subject… before you are through, they should feel they couldn’t have lived without it
• Challenge them to action
• Outline action they might take

Remember…. if you can carry on a conversation, you can make a presentation…. we never talk to an audience; we talk with an audience…