How to Start Your Speech?...

FIVE SPEECH STARTING DOs
1. Use physical activity to get the audience's attention. A theme related physical activity can also help the audience generate a visual image of your topic. Often you can draw on that later in the speech. A speech on the importance of exercise could open with jumping jacks. A speech on child abuse could open with the speaker striking an object with great force.

2. Make a startling statement or present a startling statistic. "Government officials in the United States have murdered 23 American citizens!" might open a speech opposing the death penalty. This type of opening can create a feeling of suspense and anticipation of the statement's justification.

3. Tell a theme related joke. Humor isn't for everyone and it's a little risky if you aren't familiar with the audience, but nothing wins audiences over as much as a good laugh.

4. Provide an apt quotation. In addition to framing the theme of the speech, you can generate credibility by demonstrating that you are familiar enough with the topic literature to have found such an appropriate quotation.

5. Relate a relevant story. Most people give only a few formal public speeches in their lives, yet we all tell stories every day. Telling a story can be a comfortable and natural way to generate momentum for the rest of the speech.