How to start a speech in 26 ways Use a quote. One method of starting a speech and gaining the audience's attention is to use a famous or relatable quote. Tell a joke. You might also tell a joke or use a humorous approach to engage the audience. Find a commonality with your audience. Ask a survey question.
Point out something important about the audience or the current setting. Show a compelling visual image. Ask a provocative question. State a fact that is troubling, amusing, or remarkable.
Start with a greeting. Mention the speaker's name and their field of expertise. Highlight their achievements and contributions. Mention any notable degrees or honors they have received. Express your anticipation for their speech.
Use your voice expressively and meaningfully. Minimize the uhs, ums, likes and y'knows. Enunciate words clearly. Don't mumble or garble them. Speak with appropriate loudness and speed. Consider audience, place and topic. Use variations in speed, inflections, and force to enhance your meaning and hold audience attention.
To be more engaging, use the following eight strategies: Use positive body language. Use storytelling. Enunciate clearly. Use silence to your advantage. Control nerves. Develop charisma. Communicate reliable information. Get heard.
Organize your speech into segments... Include concrete details... Use words understood by your audience... Leverage concepts understood by your audience... Interact with the audience... Include personal stories... Add a catchphrase... Practice thoroughly and deliver confidently
A good introduction needs to get the audience's attention, state the topic, make the topic relatable, establish credibility, and preview the main points. Introductions should be the last part of the speech written, as they set expectations and need to match the content.
Reach Out to Contacts: Inform colleagues, friends, and professional contacts that you are available for speaking engagements. Ask for Referrals: Encourage your network to recommend you to event organizers. Create a Compelling Pitch: Outline your speaking topics, what attendees will learn, and your unique perspective.
How to get speaking engagements Get clear on why you want to speak. Listen to a lot of talks from speakers that you admire. Come up with 3-5 talk ideas. Prepare an outline for each talk idea. Build your event list. Slide into event organizers' DMs. Email your pitch. Turn your outline into a speaker proposal.
Tips for a Good Speaker Engagement Proposal Understand the Audience and Theme. Make an Impact on the First Page. Clear and Engaging Title. Define Learning Objectives. Detailed Session Description. Highlight Relevance and Timeliness. Demonstrate Expertise. Keep your Contract and Proposal Separate.