First 7 seconds will define your speech
The first 7 seconds of your speech or presentation is one of the most crucial seconds to grab your audience’s attention. If it is not interesting enough, then there is a high chance of losing your audience’s attention. So we need to make your opening of speech or presentation as interesting as possible to grip your audience into your spell. Your audience should be thirsty to listen more and more.
So here are 14 techniques or tricks to capture your audience’s attention into your mystical spell.
14 Speech opening techniques or Tricks to open your speech
1) Imagine.
“IMAGINE” is a powerful word to capture your audience
It has 3 specific impacts
- It’s an subconscious prompt to listen to the next statement
- You are including the audience as the part of your speech
- You are taking your audience’s mind for a trip
Example:
Topic: Life
Speech Message: Collect memories in your piggy bank of life not money.
Title: MY. . .piggy bank
Imagine. . .Going back in time and reliving one precious moment of your life. What would that be? Your first cycle? Your first gift? Do you remember the colour of it?. . .
2) Oxymoron
What is oxymoron?
Oxymorons are contradicting statements. Oxymoron is an amazing technique to capture your audience.
It gives the audience something unexpected. The moment they listen to it, they will pause and wonder, “Did I hear it right?” or “Laugh”
Example:
- I distinctly remember forgetting that. . .
- Thank God, I’m an atheist.
3) Paradox
What is Paradox?
Paradox is a statement which may sound absurd or contradictory but after researching may prove to be well founded or true.
Example:
- Save money by spending it.
- “I know one thing,” Socrates famously said. “That I know nothing.”
4) Quote
Starting with a thought provoking quote can also be a good idea. But you need to make sure that quote is relevant to the topic.
Example: Leadership Seminar
“A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.” – Max Lucado,
5) “What if?” Scenario
You can begin with an “What if . . Questions.
Example:
- What if you could stop time whenever you wanted to?
What if we find life on mars and lose life on earth?
6) “Raise your hands “ question
“Raise your hands if you have fallen in love?”
Tip: You can implement body language here
“How many of you have fallen in love?” ( You raise your hand while asking this. The audience will respond by raising their hand if the question is relevant to them. You can see this magic of body language happening in front of you.)
7) Silence
Yes, you heard it right. “SILENCE”.
When you are invited on stage. Go to the center of the stage and just be silent for 10 seconds. You will be shocked to notice the entire audience will be waiting for your first sentence. However, use this technique when the audience is not distracted or impatient.
8) Thought-provoking statements or phrases
Example:
Books can be dangerous. The best ones should be labelled ‘This could change your life”
- Thought provoking or Compelling question
Example:
Where does a thought go when it’s forgotten?
- “Can you or Do You” question
Can you remember a moment when you were frightened?
9) Unusual sound or an act
You can try something different other than the traditional ways to start a speech. But make sure you have the right target audience, so that it works effectively.
Example:
10) Prop
You can also use a prop to make a point or hook your audience
11) Start with a story
Storytelling is a powerful way to start your speech. It hooks the audience at any point.
12) Once upon a time
This is an extension of starting with a story. “ONCE UPON A TIME” this sentence still has its magic to attract the audience.
13) Cliff hanger
14) Mystery open
These are the best techniques to open your speech to grab your audience or hook your audience.
You can also combine 2 or 3 techniques together.
