Presentation: Best and Worst Speech Openers

Introduction

• Speaker expresses nervousness and addresses audience incorrectly (common mistakes)
• Topic: Discussing effective and ineffective ways to open speeches

Worst Ways to Open a Speech

• Technical Issues
  • Avoid starting with technical problems (e.g., mic issues, lighting)
  • Suggestion: Perform tech checks early to avoid distractions
• Mentioning Nervousness
  • Avoid expressing nervousness as it distracts the audience
  • Audience may start focusing on signs of nervousness
• Half-hearted Welcome
  • Avoid insincere or monotonous greetings
  • Exception: Make it humorous (e.g., Ken Robinson's opening joke)

Best Ways to Open a Speech

• Use Stories
  • Engages imagination and attention
  • Example: David Brooks uses a personal story
  • Suggested prompts: "Once upon a time," "I'm here for a reason"
• Present Your Big Idea
  • Share the main point upfront
  • Example: Stacy Smith starts with a pressing social issue
  • Suggested prompts: "The single most important thing," "Today I want to share"
• Quirky One-Liner
  • Use humor to intrigue and engage audience
  • Example: Vanessa uses a humorous self-introduction
  • Suggested prompts: "Did you know," "Do you ever worry about"

Conclusion

• Invites audience to learn more about closing speeches from historical examples
• Promotes a course on presentation skills
• Highlights that the course covers key aspects like body language and storytelling

Additional Resources

• Website for more insights: sciencepeople.com/closers and sciencepeople.com/presentations