Your opening is an invitation. It gives your audience a reason to
listen and prepares them for the message you want to share.
You may have a useful idea, an engaging story, or an important
lesson. Before you can share it, you need to capture your
audience's attention. A strong opening helps listeners move
from whatever they were thinking about to what you are saying.
You do not need a dramatic performance or a clever quotation.
You need an opening that fits your message, your audience,
and your speaking style.
Start With Your Message
Before writing your opening, decide what you want the audience
to understand, feel, or do by the end of your speech.
Complete this sentence:
After hearing my speech, I want my audience to...
Your answer gives your speech direction. Once you know your
destination, choose an opening that leads toward it. If you
are still developing your ideas, draft the body first and
return to the opening when your message is clear.
Five Ways to Open a Speech
1. Tell a Short Story
Begin with a moment that illustrates your message. Introduce
the situation quickly and include a detail that helps listeners
picture what happened.
The first time I stood up to speak at a meeting, I held my notes so tightly
that the paper shook. I knew my subject. What I did not know was how to
begin.
Keep the story brief enough to leave room for the rest of your
speech. Its purpose is to open the door to your message.
2. Make a Striking Statement
A clear, unexpected statement can make listeners pause and
think. Choose one you can explain and support in your speech.
If you use a statistic, verify it and identify its source.
You can be the most knowledgeable person in the room and still struggle to
make your ideas heard.
Follow the statement with a sentence that connects it to the
audience and introduces your main idea.
3. Ask a Thought-Provoking Question
Ask a question that connects the topic to your listeners experiences. Give them a moment to consider their answers.
Make it clear whether you want a spoken response, a show of
hands, or quiet reflection.
Have you ever had a good idea but hesitated to share it because you were not
sure how to explain it?
Choose a question that matters to your message. Then use it
to guide the audience into the speech.
4. Use Relevant Humor
A light observation or a brief, good-natured story can help
you connect with listeners. Humor works best when it fits
both the occasion and the topic.
I practiced this speech in front of my mirror. It was a wonderful
audience—excellent eye contact and no difficult questions.
Use humor you are comfortable delivering. Practice the opening
so you can continue smoothly whether the audience laughs
or simply smiles.
5. Paint a Scene With Words
Invite your audience into a place or moment. Use a few sensory
details to help listeners imagine the experience.
he room grows quiet. You hear your name. As you walk to the front, you feel
the note cards in your hand and see the faces waiting for your first words.
Choose details that serve your message. Move from the scene
to your topic before the description becomes a speech
of its own.
Give Your Introduction a Job
Capturing attention is the first step. Your introduction
should also help the audience understand where you are
taking them.
-
Establish the topic.
Make clear what your speech is about.
-
Show why it matters.
Connect your message to the audience's needs, interests,
or experiences.
-
Build a connection.
Give listeners a reason to trust you and remain engaged.
-
Lead into the body.
Use a clear transition to move to your first main point.
Keep the Opening Brief
Give your opening enough time to establish interest and
direction, while leaving most of the speech for your main
points. Avoid lengthy background information or explaining
everything you plan to say.
If you acknowledge the Toastmaster and greet fellow
Toastmasters and guests, keep that greeting concise.
Then move confidently into your prepared opening.
Make the Transition Clear
Your opening should lead naturally into the body of your
speech. A transition connects the story, question, or
statement to the idea you will develop.
Opening:
Have you ever had a good idea but hesitated to share it because you were not
sure how to explain it?
Transition:
“Today, I will share three ways to organize your thoughts so you can
explain your ideas with greater confidence.
Try It: Write Three Openings
Choose a topic for an upcoming speech. Write three different
openings for the same message:
- A short story.
- A question.
- A striking statement or a pictured scene.
Read each opening aloud. Which sounds most natural?
Which best connects with your audience? Which leads most
clearly into your first main point?
Select the strongest one and practice the opening together
with its transition.
Why It's Important
Helpful Tip
Practice your opening aloud, including your first pause and
the transition into the body. Become familiar enough with
it to look at your audience as you begin.
Ask a fellow Toastmaster to listen and answer two questions: Did this make
you want to hear more and as it clear what my speech would be about?
Your Takeaway
Open with purpose. Give your audience a reason to listen,
then lead them into your message.
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