How to Start a Speech With a Bang (and Keep Everyone Awake!)
Let’s face it—public speaking can be nerve-racking. You step up to the podium, clear your throat, and see an ocean of faces, some eager, some distracted, one possibly asleep. The truth is, those first few sentences can decide whether your audience becomes engaged listeners or enthusiastic phone users. So, let’s talk about how to start a speech with a bang, using easy, plain English, practical examples , and a bit of comic relief (but nothing that’d make your nan blush). Why Do First Impressions Matter? Imagine you’re at a birthday party. Someone comes over and says, “Hello, I’m here to talk about dental insurance. Please take a seat.” Fun? Not so much. Now imagine someone walks in and says, “Who here loves popcorn? By the end of my talk, you’ll wish you brought extra!” Suddenly, you’re curious—even if you’re not a popcorn fan. The opening of your speech is that vital ‘hello’. It’s your chance to promise something interesting, spark curiosity, and make people want to list...