Many speakers begin by stating their name and topic, which often signals the audience to disengage.
E.g., "My name is Connor Neal, I'm from Tango, and this talk is about..."
This can lead to distractions, such as checking phones.
Alternative Ways to Start a Speech:
Engaging Questions:
Start with a question that resonates with the audience, addressing a problem they face.
Shocking Facts:
Use surprising statistics or facts to capture attention.
Example: "There are more people alive today than have ever died."
Storytelling Approach:
Begin like a story for children: "Once upon a time..."
This engages the audience immediately, making them lean in and listen.
Effective Engagement Techniques
Networking Approaches:
Introduce yourself by finding common connections to engage others.
Utilizing Research:
Use platforms like LinkedIn to learn about your audience and find commonalities.
Storytelling in Speeches
Connecting with the Audience:
Share personal stories that relate to the topic.
Discuss quality of life and how it relates to the audience's experiences.
Focus on People, Not Products:
Talk about the people who created the software or service, rather than just the software itself.
Discuss their motivations, sacrifices, and the human aspect of the story.
Trust and Engagement
Building Trust:
Audiences need to trust and care about the speaker to engage with the content.
Use stories to build a personal connection.
End with a Call to Action:
Summarize key points and inspire the audience to take action based on the insights shared.
Conclusion
Key Takeaway:
The impact of a speech lies not just in the information presented, but in how the speaker connects with the audience through storytelling and personal engagement.