Failed introductions will often result in setting the tone for a disappointing speech and its very difficult to recover from. Speeches will flow naturally if introductions are pleasantly established. The audience will be ready to give their full attention to what is ahead.
The primary goals of making an introduction are to introduce yourself, your topic, and take hold of the audience's curiosity and concentration.
It is very important to start things off positively. Introductions are crucial and should be delivered in a powerful manner.
Here are some tips and techniques on how to make a smashing and gripping introduction:
Start with a very controversial statement
Everybody likes controversies. They immediately catch your attention and keep you interested. Controversies are rarely boring and they are great ways to arouse interest from the audience.
An interesting historical fact
If you know a historical fact relevant to your speech topic, include it in your introduction. However, the information must be very interesting or amazing to say the least. Aim for a 'Wow! Is that true? Did that really happen?' reaction.
Give an astonishing statistical fact
Lots of people, when given a statistic, will have a surprised reaction because they have not really thought about a particular subject that deeply. Statistics give audience something to visualize and they will be fascinated with the statistical figure you have given.
Example stats like these will surely grab your audience interest:
Rats multiply so quickly that in 18 months, two rats could have over a million descendants
100% of all lottery winners gain weight
23% of all photocopier faults worldwide are caused by people sitting on them and photocopying their buttocks.
Of course, you have got to state facts that may be relevant to the topic of your speech.
Humorous anecdote or a hilarious joke
Tell me, who doesn't like a good laugh? Humor is a powerful tool in public speaking. If you are able to make people laugh from the very start, success for your speech is in the bag.
Humor will create a relaxed atmosphere and relaxed audiences are better listeners. Once your humor is established, the audience will grab to your every word expecting another amusing remark.
Rhetorical question
Rhetorical questions are thought provoking and they are great openers for any topics. They make your audience want to hear the answers to these questions.
Bring a prop
Imagine bringing a peculiar object. Slam it on a table and ask the audience what it is. Make sure it is relevant to your speech topic.
