Public Speaking Openings Grab Your Audience From The Start
Authors and film writers know they have a limited time to grab the reader’s or audience’s attention in these ‘want it now’ times. If they don’t ‘open with a bang’ the browser will replace the book on the shelf, and the cinema goer will either chat or let their mind wander through the opening sequence and they’ll never catch up with the plot - even if they want to.
You need to grab the attention of your audience right from the start because it will be virtually impossible to attract their attention at any other stage. Also the sight of people fidgeting, or even chatting idly to others will distract the attention of those audience members who do want to listen to you.
Here are some tried and tested ways to capture the attention of your audience from the start. Be aware of the importance of matching your opening to the subject, and tone of your speech and the nature of your audience.
ACTIONS, DO SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.
Soft, understated actions can have really powerful effects simply because they are so unexpected. Contrast that with banging or using loud noises to attract attention, because that can be very counter productive. People don’t like being cajoled into taking actions or the feeling they get from being ordered into paying attention.
In short: he who has to make a lot of noise to attract attention has probably lost from the start.
If the noise is in context such as bells, whistles, or sirens for emergency services or natural disaster, etc then by all means do use them.
QUOTABLE QUOTES.
There is an air of authority to well known quotes, and phrases that we accept the truth and wisdom of what is being said. You can borrow the power, authority, and dignity from great people for a moment with a well chosen quote.
Don’t attempt to hijack the rest of their speech, or works, but move smoothly into your own speech and you will take the audience along with you while you continue to offer justified auguments and reasoning.
ONE LINERS AND JOKES.
A simple piece of advice here. If you can carry it off - great. If you can’t remember jokes either don’t tell them or develop a Tommy Cooper type act!
Some people use reverse psychology and deliver unfunny jokes just to get people on their side. Very powerful - IF you can carry it off.
STORIES.
People of all ages love stories and they can really make events and people come alive. Your characters can be imaginary, but make them believable and your audience will engage with and care about them. Get people to engage with human characters rather than just abstract events, or facts and figures and you could well hold them captivated throughout your speech.
Take a little time to prepare the correct type of opening to suit both your own character, and the theme of your talk and you will feel more confident delivering your opening. This confidence will feed itself to the audience and nothing can hold you back once you have made a great start.
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