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 listen.

 

Open With a Story or Personal Anecdote

People connect with stories. Even simple, everyday stories make you relatable and interesting.

Example: 

“Last week, I tried to fix my leaky tap. One flooded kitchen and three soggy towels later, I realised I’m much better at talking about resilience than plumbing.”

Not only does this make people smile, it ties into your topic (resilience), and shows you’re human. If your talk is about teamwork, tell a funny story about a failed group project. If it’s about leadership, share how you accidentally led your friends confidently into the wrong cinema.

 

Ask a Surprising or Thought-Provoking Question

Wake your audience up with a question that’s hard to ignore.

Example: 

“Who here has ever forgotten their own birthday?” 

(Pause for effect and raised hands. Someone probably has, and the laughter breaks the ice.)

Or tie it to your topic: 

“Would you give up your mobile for a day if it meant solving three problems you’re facing right now?”

A question hooks attention and gets people thinking right away.

 

Use a Joke (Clean and Light!)

Humour lowers defences and builds rapport, but keep it family friendly.

Example: 

“I promised myself I wouldn’t use any bad puns in this talk… but it’s a speech, so I can’t keep my word!”

Or, 

“If I forget a point, just pretend I intended to leave you more time for snacks afterwards.”

Jokes don’t have to be elaborate. A little giggle is enough to get your audience on your side.

 

Offer a Surprising Fact or Statistic

Start with something people wouldn’t expect.

Example: 

“Did you know the average person spends six years of their life dreaming? By the end of this speech, I hope I haven’t added even a single minute to that total!”

If your topic is technology, throw in a quirky stat—like how many emails are sent per second. The aim is to make them think, “Wow, I didn’t know that.”

 

Tease Your Ending—Give Them a Reason to Stay!

Don’t forget to dangle a little carrot for sticking around.

Example: 

“And if you’re still with me at the end, I’ll share a trick that can help you remember any person’s name—even if you’re as forgetful as me.”

This tells your audience, “Trust me, you want to be here until the end.”

 

Putting It All Together

Let’s combine everything for a sample opening:

“Last Saturday, I tried baking bread for the first time. Turns out, my kitchen timer was on holiday and so was my sense of smell. I ended up with a lump so solid, my dog refused to gnaw it. But the lesson? Failure isn’t fatal—it’s often just funny. Today, I’ll talk about handling setbacks, and if you stay till the end, I’ll share the recipe that finally worked… with less drama!”

See how it’s human, humorous, and leaves them curious for what’s next?

 

 Final Thought

Starting strong isn’t about grand gestures or dramatic declarations (unless you fancy a cape). It’s about connecting quickly, warmly, and with a smile. Remember, your closing is just as vital as your opening—so stick around for my next post, where I’ll teach you how to end your speech with a bang, leaving your audience buzzing all the way home!