Five Elements of a Successful Speech Introduction
All too often, speakers open a presentation by stating their name or speech topic. While these are useful elements in a speech introduction, they shouldn’t come first.
Spoken with Authority’s coach and facilitator Dr. Jean Costanza Miller shares advice on the five elements of your speech introduction to have a solid start and maximum impact for your presentation or talk.
1. Gain attention.
You can gain your audience’s attention and compel them to listen to you in a variety of ways. Some strategies may include:
Conveying humor that is appropriate and on point with your audience.
Engaging the audience with a thought-provoking question.
Connecting to your audience with an anecdote or story.
Using compelling quotes to allow your audience think and wonder.
2. Relate to your audience.
Tell the audience explicitly how what you are talking about is it relevant to them. Don’t assume that if it is interesting to you that it will be interesting to your audience.
3. Establish your credibility.
You can establish your credibility through sharing something about yourself which can sometimes include your formal education and technical learning and expertise. Though understand it is not about tooting your own horn. Rather, the idea is about letting the audience know how you are connected to the topic by sharing your personal experience or sharing your passion for what you are talking about and letting the audience know, so they’ll want to listen to you.
4. State your central idea.
Be explicit with your message and share with your audience a declarative statement of what your point is so they do not have to wonder or create their own interpretation which may or may not align with what you are communicating to them.
5. Preview your main points.
Give your audience the roadmap or a preview of what you are going to talk about.
Remember, the first minute or two of a speech can make or break an entire presentation. By following Dr. Jean Costanza Miller’s advice on the five elements of your speech introduction, you will have a solid start to build on in the body and conclusion of your talk.