I. PURPOSE OF OPENINGS

A. To create interest and arouse attention. People remember the first and the last thing you say. There are two places in a speech where a speaker has the most impact. One is at the beginning and one is at the end. If you are going to hold the attention of the audience, you must begin well. Remember the audience comes to you not knowing what your message is. They are carrying their own issues, problems and thoughts. Therefore, you must get them out of their zone and place them into yours. Imagine calling someone on the telephone, before they answer, you start talking. That is the same effect you will have on your audience if you fail to get their attention. If your opening is weak, you stand the chance of losing your audience in the first few minutes. You have about two minutes to impress the audience that this is something they would like to listen to. My suggestion is the memorize your opening sentence and practice saying it out loud until you get it right. Below are some suggestions for developing great openings.

B. Tell them what you are going to talk about. Openings should lead into your subject by letting the audience know what you are about to talk about. If your subject requires explanation or clarification, this is the place to do it. You can define certain terms, give references and make sure that everyone is on the same page.

C. Gain respect. An introduction can be used to gain the respect of the audience. You can let them know your background, your experience, and why you are qualified to speak to them about this subject. The better you relate to the audience, the better a reception you will gain.

D. Establish rapport. You can use the introduction to gain a relationship with the audience and overcome any prejudices they may have toward you.

II. TYPES OF OPENINGS

A. Quotations – A quotation that captures the essence of your message is a great way to start. Be careful not to use a quotation that is unrelated or the connection to the subject matter is not easily understood. Also, be careful not to quote someone who the audience may find offensive.

B. Illustrations - Create real situations and paint vivid mental pictures. Any real-life situation tends to create interest. Henry Ward Beecher states, “He who would move men must either tell stories or paint pictures.” You can paint a picture with words so that the audience can carry away concrete and vivid impressions rather than vague concepts or generalities. Use stories often. While this is a whole subject in itself, it is enough to say that a great speaker uses stories often and well. An opening is a great place to put a great story. Just be sure the story is one that the listeners can relate to emotionally.

C. Ask a question. How many of you remember the first time you spoke in public? As you read that question, your mind was drawn into the zone of public speaking and how you felt. You can do the same thing with your audience. As you ask questions appropriately you guide the minds of your audience to the subject at hand. Make sure the questions are short and understandable and relevant to the subject matter and the lives of the audience. You wouldn’t ask the above question to a group of people who had never given a speech.

D. Unusual or Startling Statement. These can be very effective if used correctly and carefully.

F. Current Affairs. The news offers much material for openings. As you read the newspapers or listen to the news on television or radio, capture those stories that make good illustrations you can use in your speeches. A good use of this method is in a town other than your own so that you can let the townspeople feel that you have an interest in their area.

G. Personal Reference. The personal reference or introduction can be used effectively to gain rapport or to set the scene for your subject matter. Don’t fall into the temptation of apologizing for being there or not being prepared or anything. And, on the other hand, don’t fall into the temptation of boasting either. You would use this method simply as a way to lead the audience into your subject.

A good opening should have three elements; 1) attention grabber; 2) benefits of listening; and 3) an introduction to the subject matter. Make sure you keep your introduction short. As a rule of thumb, it should be no longer than 10 to 15% of the entire speech. For instance, if your speech is 10 minutes long, your opening should be no longer than 1 to 1 ½ minutes long.