Repetitive Introductions: Starting with name, origin, and topic which are already known to the audience signals disengagement.
Technical Checks: Beginning with mic and light tests portrays unpreparedness and loses audience interest.
Effective Ways to Start a Speech
1. Ask a Relevant Question
Engage the audience by phrasing a problem they face as a question.
2. Use a Shocking Factoid
Example: "More people are alive today than have ever died." This grabs attention and encourages the audience to think differently.
3. Tell a Story
Once Upon a Time: Use adult variations of storytelling to engage, similar to how children are engaged by stories.
Personal Stories: Connect the topic with personal experiences or stories of other people to create an emotional engagement.
Importance of Stories in Speeches
Stories should showcase the people behind ideas or products, not the objects themselves.
Focus on stories that highlight change, sacrifice, and the impact on quality of life.
Building Audience Engagement
Self-Interest: Audience engagement is heightened when they see the speaker’s personal connection and passion for the topic.
Trust: Trust and emotional connection with the speaker are crucial for audience engagement and can lead to action based on the speech.
Conclusion
The key to an effective speech is not just the information conveyed, but how the audience feels and connects with the speaker through storytelling and relatable content.