I booked 2 speeches today! Whew! Now, I have to write the speech. Everyone has a different ‘method’ they use to write a speech. Whether you think it through while staring out the window, put fingers to keyboard and write train of thought or draft a detailed outline you have to include a strong opening.
With a strong opening you will
- Grab the audience’s
- Set the stage for where you are going
- Create greater interest (the audience is there so I presume they are already a bit interested!)
There are a few things you can do to help ensure a strong opening.
- Don’t start with an introduction of who you are- while it is important to your credibility it can be a snore. Unless, you can start with a story that relates to your credibility, for instance, for this speech I think I will talk about the experience that led me to become a professional speaker. The entire experience was a horror show. I will use vivid words and common experience to make it relatable and the story usually has everyone squirming at just how awful the situation was. And it leads directly to the beginning of my training which ties directly to credibility.
- Start with a story
- Ask questions to get them thinking. Help the audience identify areas where they have a knowledge gap. Stir curiosity- How would you…. What if …..
- Start with a controversial or startling statement.
Now sure if your opening is strong? Try it out on a few people, if their eyes glaze over in boredom you should start over.
