called a hook or a grabber.
I don’t want to close my eyes; it makes me feel awkward and exposed to be in a group of people with my eyes closed. Because of that, I keep my eyes open. The problem is when I keep my eyes open, I feel like some sort of horrible nonconformist rebel. I feel awkward with my eyes closed and I feel guilty if they are open. Either way, I just feel bad. Besides, half of the time when speakers tell audience members to close their eyes, they forget to tell us when we can open them. If you are wanting me to imagine a story, just tell me to imagine it, don’t make me close my eyes (rant over).
You should plan your opening to be intentional and with power. “Can everybody hear me” is a weak and uncertain statement and this is not the first impression you want to leave. Do a microphone check before the audience members arrive and have someone stand in different corners of the room to make sure you can be heard. Don’t waste your valuable speech time with questions that you should already know the answer to.
You should know that before you begin. Even if the presentations for the day are running over and you are the last speaker, you should ask the MC before you begin. Always plan your first words with power.
You should make your slides big, really big. Test out your slides in advance of your speech, walk all around the room and make sure you can read them. Have a friend check them out as well. You should know they are big enough because you planned for it and tested it.
People really hate having things taken away, not to mention that your audience may want to take notes on their devices. Chances are you are speaking to adults, let them determine if it is appropriate to have out their technology.
Stop apologizing! Stop making excuses! While these lines may be true, they just come of as excuses and can make the audience either feel like you don’t want to be there, or they just feel sorry for you.
Talking about your nervousness will make you more nervous and will make them look for signs of your nervousness. Just start your speech.
Do not start with hesitation. Plan the first words, memorize the first words, practice the first words. Do not start with “Ok, so um, now I’d like…” Plan strong and start strong.
Do Not Discuss Your Business with People Watching…Really! I Mean It! Many of us are giving and listening to presentations in an online format. I have attended numerous presentations this year through Zoom where I have to sit and watch while the organizers engage in personal small talk or deal with the details of the presentation. This is how the speech I recently attended began. “Donna, you are going to share your screen, right?” “Yes. I have my PowerPoint ready to go. Will you push “record” when I give the signal?” “Sure. Where did you say that button is again? Do you think we should wait five more minutes, I think we had more who were coming? Dave, what was the total we were expecting?” “Yeah, we had 116 sign up, but the reminders went out late so this may be all we have. We can give them a few more minutes to log on.” “Donna, How is your dog? Is she still struggling with her cone since her spay surgery? My dog never would wear the cone –she tore her stitches out and broke her wound open. It was terrible. Well, it looks like it is about time to begin, thank you everyone for coming.” If you are organizing an event online, hosting a speech online, giving a presentation online–please keep it professional. Most platforms will allow you to keep the audience in a waiting room until it is time to start. If you have a business to deal with, keep the audience out until you have everything ready to go. Once the audience is in the meeting, you should engage the audience in group-type small talk or you should just start the presentation. In professional settings, you should start the meeting on time. Why punish those who showed up on time to wait for those who aren’t there yet?
I asked my long-time friend, Bill Rogers, to write an excerpt to add to the book. I met Bill when he was the Chief Development Officer for a hospital in Northwest Arkansas and I met him again when he was reinventing himself as a college student getting a Master’s Degree in the theater. He would love to share a symbolic cup of coffee with you and give you advice about public speaking.
Perfect morning for a walk, isn’t it? Join me for a cup of coffee? Wonderful. Find us a table and I’ll get our coffee.
There you go; just like you like it. There’s nothing like a great cup of coffee on the patio of your neighborhood coffee shop, is there?
Now that you’re settled in your favorite chair, take a sip, and let that glorious caffeine kick in and do its stuff. Okay, let’s talk.
So, you were asking me about public speaking.
Well, let’s see. Where do we begin?
One of the first pieces of advice I ever received was to imagine that every member of your audience is sitting there in their underwear! Yeah, right. That never worked for me. I tried it once with a local civic group of community leaders both male and female. If the intent of that tidbit is to make you relax, it certainly didn’t work for me. It just made me more self-conscious…and more nervous. I not only got distracted, but I also lost my train of thought, I started sweating, and, of course, imagined myself standing there without clothes. Needless to say, that speech was a disaster and I’ve never used it again. I suggest you don’t either.
In the early days, I also relied very heavily on my typed-up speech. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that unless you find yourself reading it word for word as I did. Nothing is more boring nor puts an audience to sleep quicker than a speaker with their nose down reading a speech. There’s no connection and connection with your audience is key.
As you know, I love theatre and I’ve done a bit of acting over the years. Early on, I learned that the quicker I learned my lines, the more I could play, experiment, and shape my character. It relaxed me and gave me enormous freedom. It led me to find a mantra for myself: “With discipline comes freedom.” This freedom will allow you to improvise as your audience or situation dictates while still conveying the core message of your presentation. That discipline and its resulting freedom apply to public speaking of any kind and, I think, will serve you well.
Another old adage we’ve all heard is Aristotle’s advice. You know the one. No? Well, roughly, it’s to tell your audience what you’re going to say, say it, and then tell them what you just said. That’s the basic formula for public speaking. And it works as a good place to start.
However, effective speaking is much more and, to me, it starts with a story or even a simple sentence.
You know the feeling you get when you read the first sentence of a good book and it just reaches out and grabs you? That should be your goal with every presentation. One sentence to capture your audience’s attention. Something that causes them to lean forward. Something that sparks their imagination.
It doesn’t have to be all that profound either. It can be something very simple. A personal story that relates to your topic. A relevant fact or statistic that defines or illustrates the issue or subject matter at hand.
A couple of classics come to mind. The first is Alice Walker’s, “The Color of Purple.”
“You better not tell nobody but God.”
And the second one is from my favorite novel, “To Kill A Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee.
“When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm broken at the elbow.”
Both sentences hook you immediately. A few simple words speak volumes. After reading or hearing those words, you naturally lean in. You want to learn more. You want to find out what happens next. Every effective speech or presentation does the same thing.
Of course, make sure that the first and last thing you say to your audience is both relevant and appropriate. I share this out of an abundance of caution. I once worked for an internationally recognized and well-respected children’s research hospital and I was given the privilege to speak at a national educational convention. The room was filled wall to wall with teachers. I thought I’d be cute and add a little levity. I opened my presentation with this line, “You know, I’ve had nightmares like this…” Instead of the roars of laughter, I was expecting, a wave of silence ensued. Not only was the line not funny, but it was also wholly inappropriate and I immediately lost my audience. Not my best day. Learn from my mistakes.
Finally, let’s touch on the importance of approaching a speech as a conversation. You and I are sitting here enjoying our coffee and having a friendly, relaxed conversation. Strive for that every chance you get. You may not always have that luxury. Some speeches and presentations simply demand formality. But even in those cases, you can usually make it somewhat conversational. I always try to write my speeches in a conversational style. Like I’m talking to a friend…or trying to make a new one.
So, to recap: tell a story, learn your lines, hook your audience with a simple sentence, close with a question or call to action, use repetition, keep it conversational, treat your audience as a friend, and give yourself permission to relax.
Above all, be yourself. Allow yourself to be as relaxed as you are with those closest to you. If you’re relaxed, if you try to think of your audience as a friend, then, in most cases, they too will relax and they will root for you. Even if they disagree with what you are telling them, they will respect you and they will listen.
How about another cup?
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Advanced Public Speaking Copyright © 2021 by Lynn Meade is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.
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It’s that horrible moment! You’ve just been called to stage, your audience is silent, waiting for you to open your mouth and now it’s your turn. But what do you say? How do you start a speech with power and confidence, rather than the usual “Erm… thanks very much for inviting me here…”
The simple truth is… your audience will judge you from the very first line of your speech . It may sound harsh but it’s very true. So it’s a good idea to start your speech with certainty and confidence, to quickly build a connection with the audience so they are eager to hear what you have to say next. There are many different ways to start your speech but it’s not just about the words you use. Creating a strong first impression is about more than your opening lines.
Before you start to write your speech, think about your natural style and how you want people to feel. Give yourself time to consider:
This will help you choose an authentic way to start your speech and will guide the rest of your talk in a direction that stays true to your individual personality and purpose. But that doesn’t mean playing it safe and being predictable. You can step out of your comfort zone – in fact, we positively encourage our speakers to be fearless – but that’s about stretching your true self rather than trying to be someone you’re not.
And now onto what you’re going to say. First off, avoid starting a speech with lines like:
This is your moment to shine, so shine from the get-go. To start a speech with power, find something unique, engaging and memorable to say. And make sure it’s a line that you’re 100% comfortable with, so your talk flies rather than sags from the beginning.
You might start your speech with a provocative question –
An amazing or shocking fact –
A joke –
By evoking an image –
All of these speech beginnings get the audience connected and ready to listen . And a great opening line allows you to settle into your speech so that you can shine.
It feels a little scary cutting to the chase rather than dwelling on niceties. But you will have far more impact if you draw people into your talk immediately. And the audience will have heard the same bland introductions over and over again, so you’re actually doing them a favour by getting straight to the point!
Start a speech with a compelling introduction to a story is a powerful way to begin. Even the driest of subjects can be brought to life through storytelling . Think about what drives you to do what you do. Has there been a pivotal moment in your life or career that led you to this moment? Did someone tell you that you’d never be able to do what you are doing now? Or can you paint a picture of a person you’ve helped, or want to help – what does that look like? Stories can immediately connect you with your audience and set the tone for the whole talk. And people are far more likely to listen to, remember and share your speech if it’s rooted in a strong story, rather than stuffed with facts and theory.
Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few different ways to begin your speech, it’s time to try them out. It’s a bit like choosing a new item of clothing – it might look good on the hanger but it’s not until you try it on that you know whether it’s the right fit for you. By saying the opening lines out loud, you’ll get a feel for which ones are right for you.
Having said that, it’s important to challenge yourself to do something different, which may feel a little uncomfortable at first. One of the best ways to find out how your speech is likely to go down with the audience is to get independent, expert advice. The opportunity to explore and experiment with different styles in a safe environment is a huge benefit to our clients at Ginger. Our experienced coaches provide affirming feedback to help people understand and develop their strengths while challenging them to be even more ambitious with their speaking. If you feel like you are playing it a bit safe, then have a look at our training options so we can help you speak with more impact.
As it gets closer to the big day when you are going to deliver your talk, you can spend all the time in the world worrying about speaking. Am I wearing the right clothing? Do I have all my stuff here? What will the audience think of me? What if I forget what I’m going to say? It’s really common to find yourself in a whirl of endless questions which only serve to build your nerves. Many people describe public speaking as an ‘out-of-body’ experience, where they become so disconnected with themselves and the audience that they are unaware of what they are doing and can’t remember a thing about it afterwards. But the best speakers are fully present in the moment. According to Ginger coach Liz Balmford : “We can’t say for sure that they’re ‘relishing’ it, but perhaps one of the things that makes them compelling is their surrender to the moment, being fully present in their story and their message. I believe it’s this presence that makes them believable, that captivates us and makes us want to follow them.” To start a speech with power and confidence, it is vital that you reconnect with yourself before you get up to speak. That means spending a few moments getting back to yourself by finding a method to quieten the nerves and break the distance between yourself and your speaking. You might like to head outside for a few moments or even go to the loo; or find a place that is a little bit quiet and do a short breathing exercise. Focus in on your breath as well as your intentions for your speaking. Doing this allows you to be grounded and will help you to start your speech as yourself, rather than starting from a place of panic or self-doubt. Many people find it helpful to start this reconnection much earlier than the few minutes before their talk – for example, starting the day with meditation or mindfulness, taking a walk in nature, or going for a run. Whatever helps you to minimise distractions and worries.
So, starting a speech is not as much about what you say as you might think. In fact, the key thing about starting a speech is to get yourself in the right state. If you show your confidence, your audience will have confidence in you too. But you don’t have to start ‘all-guns-blazing’.
The biggest cause of nerves in public speaking is that most of us try to be someone we’re not; so to get started with confidence, begin by being yourself . If the kapow, kapow approach just isn’t your style, then don’t start your speech like that. Find a different way to start that’s powerful for you. Permission to be authentic.
The key to starting a speech with power and confidence involves knowing what you’re good at and doing more of that; pushing yourself to try different ways to start your speech; telling your story; getting feedback on what works from the audience’s perspective; and staying connected with yourself as you step forward to do your talk. If you bring these elements together, you’ll captivate your audience as soon as you start speaking.
As the wise Maya Angelou said:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
If you’d like to find out more about how you can get your talk off to a strong start, you can download our free guide: The 10 best ways to start your talk . And if you’d like to maximise your public speaking impact, take a look at our classes page for a range of training options. Learn to speak with Power and Confidence. Here’s a selection of courses that will help you develop your sills as a confident public speaker:
Pubilc Speaking Essentials
Leadership Communications
TED Style Presentation Training
This showcase of inspiring female speakers is part of Ginger’s work with game changing leaders.
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"Be a voice not an echo." - Albert Einstein
Want to move audiences? Develop a powerful opening! Here is how to start a speech, including 12 foolproof ways to grab audiences in public speaking.
Let's talk about how to start a speech. When it comes to persuading, inspiring, or influencing an audience, your opening is by far the most important moment in your performance.
So how do you begin a presentation in ways that will get an audience on your side and start you on the road to speaking memorably?
Learn this skill and 101 tips and tricks for more successful speaking in my Public Speaking Handbook, How to Give a Speech . Also available as an Amazon bestseller!
Let's imagine that you're finally pitching to that audience of decision makers. It's the high-stakes opportunity you've been waiting for, and you've put together a killer presentation. There's just one problem: how do you start the thing off with a bang? Remember, anyone can give an ordinary presentation. It's your job to stand out from the crowd for career success.
Your Opening Sets the Tone of Your Presentation
You probably already know you need to begin with power and purpose. You're just not sure how . . . or for that matter, exactly why.
The answer is that, when it comes to influencing listeners in speeches and presentations, two concepts explain why your beginning and ending need to be particularly strong. I'll discuss both concepts here, then provide some powerful tools for your opening gambit: your speech Introduction .
Ready to set your audience on fire?
This article is available as a free PDF . Click here to download "How to Start a Speech - 12 Foolproof Ways to Grab Your Audience!" Learn and practice starting out powerfully!
Your Introduction and Conclusion Need to Be Strong
The two concepts concerning why you need to start and end strongly, are primacy and recency . Primacy states that people remember most vividly what they hear at the beginning of a speech. Recency says those same people will strongly recall what you say at the end. In terms of public speaking, this translates into your introduction and conclusion. And you really do need to start early. Here's how to create an opening your audience will remember .
In more practical terms, there are three specific reasons why your introduction needs to be engaging and interesting immediately :
(1) Audiences make judgments about you and your message in the first minute. After that point, you'll be able to change those opinions about as easily as you can change a hamster into a ham sandwich. So here's how to be strong in the first 60 seconds of your speech .
(2) Your opening sets the entire tone of your presentation (including whether you'll be interesting or not).
(3) This is when you introduce your message and tell the audience why they should listen.
Sound like a tall order? It isn't, if you use the seven key components of successful presentations . Your audience needs to be both fully engaged and predisposed favorably toward you and your message. Neither will happen unless you can grab their attention, so they're onboard when you spin your verbal magic. Keep reading to learn how that's done.
Ready to boost your influence with stakeholders? Grab your copy of my book, Speak for Leadership . Learn an executive speech coach's secrets! Get it today here or on Amazon .
Achieving the objective of a 'grabbing' opening takes thought, a bit of imagination, and yes, a little creativity. The good news is that since you know your topic well and you're psyched up for the big game (it's an audience of decision-makers, remember?), you should be well positioned to succeed.
Primacy won't have much of a chance to operate, though, if you use what I call the 'Today, I'm going to talk about . . .' opening. This is boring! Be on the lookout instead for something that will pique the interest of your listeners, and perhaps surprise them. And here's something else you absolutely need to know: 20 ways to connect with an audience for lasting influence .
A few minutes of focused thinking should be all you need to know how to come up with an effective opening. And remember to avoid that I call introducing your introduction. That sounds like this: 'Let me start out with a story . . .', or, 'I heard a very funny joke the other day . . . ' Or even the inexplicable 'Before I begin . . . ' since you've already begun!
Just tell us the story, the joke, or the in-the-know reference that will delight your listeners. But if you signal your effect beforehand, you water down its potency and its power to surprise.
So how can you be completely focused and on your game?
As a springboard to launching your presentation with verve and originality, here are a dozen rhetorical devices you can use. Each of them is an effective 'speech hook that you can use to start any speech or presentation:
You could literally think of dozens more from your own experience or that of your audience. Remember, the best grabbers engage an audience immediately, both intellectually and emotionally. Interestingly, these same devices can be used to conclude in a way that keeps your audience thinking about what you said. It's all part of my six rules for effective public speaking .
Coming up with an exciting grabber and clincher involves some work on your part. But the rewards if you're successful more than justify the effort.
How about a few examples? Here are four great openings that illustrate some of the grabbers listed above:
Jesus , Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." — Startling statement.
Bill Clinton , 1993 speech in Memphis to ministers (after having heard himself introduced as "Bishop Clinton"): "You know, in the last ten months, I've been called a lot of things, but nobody's called me a bishop yet. When I was about nine years old, my beloved and now departed grandmother, who was a very wise woman, looked at me and she said, 'You know, I believe you could be a preacher if you were just a little better boy.'" — Humor
Jane Fonda in her TED Talk "Life's Third Act": "There have been many revolutions over the last century, but perhaps none as significant as the longevity revolution. We are living on average today 34 years longer than our great-grandparents did. Think about that: that's an entire second adult lifetime that's been added to our lifespan." — Statistic.
Steve Jobs , 2005 Commencement Address at Stanford University: "Truth be told, I never graduated from college, and this is the closest I've ever gotten to a college graduation. Today, I want to tell you three stories from my life. That's it, no big deal—just three stories. The first story is about connecting the dots. I dropped out of Reed College after the first six months, but then stayed around as a drop-in for another eighteen months or so before I really quit. So why'd I drop out? It started before I was born." — Story, with a seamless transition into his speech.
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A haunted young artist. A trail of bodies. What is terrorizing London? Scotland Yard surgeon and psychic Dr. William Scarlet pursues a serial killer in Red Season ! Also on Amazon .
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Gary Genard is an actor, author, and expert in public speaking and overcoming speaking fear. His company, The Genard Method offers live 1:1 Zoom executive coaching and corporate group training worldwide. He was named for nine consecutive years as One of the World’s Top 30 Communication Professionals , and also named as One of America's Top 5 Speech Coaches . He is the author of the Amazon Best-Sellers How to Give a Speech and Speak for Leadership: An Executive Speech Coach's Secrets for Developing Leadership Presence . His book, Fearless Speaking , was named in 2019 as "One of the 100 Best Confidence Books of All Time." He is also the author of the Dr. William Scarlet Mysteries . Contact Gary here.
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Imagine standing in front of an eager audience, every pair of eyes on you. You only have a moment to capture their attention with your speech, or you’ll lose them. If you begin it well, your words have the potential to get the crowd buzzing and inspire your audience to action. Yet, to do this, the beginning of a speech needs to be captivating, which is not always easy to pull off, even for experienced speakers. For this reason, it’s crucial leaders know how to start a speech, as it’s an asset used throughout their entire careers.
1. don’t wing it, 2. create an imaginary scenario, 3. use a quote, check out these quotes to get some ideas:, 4. use humor.
You can always start your speech out with a joke. Admittedly, this can be tricky to pull off since humor is subjective, but a joke can immediately put the audience at ease. Pick a joke that’s tasteful and relevant to the topic at hand. For obvious reasons, you should avoid starting with a joke if the subject of your speech is serious or sad.
If you’re struggling with a way to begin your speech, why not try asking a question? The question you choose can be a literal question, such as, “How many people here run their own business?” Or you can go the rhetorical route by asking a “what if” question. A “what if” question is a great way to get people thinking about possible scenarios. For example, think about a speech that started by saying, “What kind of world would it be if every leader fulfilled their full potential?” The audience would immediately begin coming up with ideas and imagining what such a world would look like.
7. shock the audience.
In another popular TED Talk, Pamela Meyer begins by making a shocking announcement : “Okay, now I don’t want to alarm anybody in this room, but it’s just come to my attention that the person to your right is a liar.” Think of what a compelling way that is to get people to put down their phones and look at the speaker. It also ties nicely into the subject of her speech, “How to Spot a Liar.” With a shocking statement, you too can capture people’s attention in just a few seconds.
9. share a story, bonus tips for starting a speech, the one thing you should not do.
If there’s a surefire way to lose your audience right at the start, it’s by simply introducing yourself. First off, in most speech settings, someone will likely have introduced you anyway, so it would be a waste of time. Secondly, most people in the audience will already know who you are and why you are there. Introducing yourself treats your audience like children and may even lead to some people zoning out immediately. Don’t dawdle or play schoolteacher with the people in front of you. Launch right into your speech with the skills discussed earlier. The results will speak for themselves.
Giving a speech is an art form that often relies on what happens at the start. Try out the above tips the next time you need to give a speech. Using assertive communication is another way to establish a connection with your audience. With the right beginning, you’ll have people following you every step of the way until you’ve finished.
Want more great quotes for starting a speech? Check out the following:
50+ Success Quotes to Inspire Leaders
Hrideep barot.
Schools and their love for speeches is an affair we are all quite aware of. Now if you are looking to move beyond the mundane way of delivering speeches in school and are in search of some amazing speech openings for students, you are at the right place!
Speeches are the most common form of public speaking that is encouraged in schools . Be it for a competition, assignment, presentation, or even as a punishment (oops), speeches are everywhere in a student’s life.
To get a quick idea on speech opening lines for students , don’t forget to check out our video on 3 speech opening lines for students!
But before we dive into understanding how to go about your speeches, it is important to first understand why educational institutes focus so much on speeches or public speaking in general that they begin introducing us to speeches as early as primary sections.
It is a common practice to give the students a little idea about giving speeches as early as primary school. Part of the reason is that these are the foundational years and form as a stepping stone for the students to get a little more used to public speaking as they move to higher classes .
A couple of ways students in primary schools may be asked to give speeches would be to introduce themselves or at competitions like fancy dress competitions.
In high school, as students gain more understanding about the world at large and develop their opinions, giving speeches is encouraged in school to help them navigate their thoughts to their peers. Further, speeches as a form of public speaking also help build the student’s soft skills .
1. critical thinking.
Speeches aren’t about blurting out your ideas or opinions, rather it requires you to research and find evidence to back your point of view, or to think critically to deliver a speech that effectively reaches the other students.
Speeches could be framed around a popular or controversial issue that the student wishes to provide their insight into. This would encourage them to come up with solutions. Apart from that, even coming up with a speech can be a task sometimes, and overcoming those challenges too can be counted in as a way of problem-solving
With a huge number of students in high school, speeches are almost always time-bound. This also means that the students have to structure their speeches in a way that fits the time given, further inculcating time management skills in them.
Speeches are not only about delivering or conveying your ideas or findings but also about listening carefully to what others have to say in terms of questions that may ask.
Speeches in college have an entirely different goal than the one that schools have.
In college, it isn’t always mandatory to give speeches or to participate in public speaking. However, a few reasons why giving speeches or public speaking is encouraged in colleges is because:
As we just discussed that the purpose of giving speeches changes as we progress in our school. However, there are a couple of situations where mostly all students are expected to present their speech. And they are:
Classroom or section speeches are the ones you give in front of your classmates or people from your age group. Generally, the presentation of assignments and competitions comes under this category.
Students may also be expected to present a graduation speech . However, the big difference here is that not everyone gets the opportunity to present a graduation speech or commencement address as it is known.
Graduation speeches or commencement speeches are parting speeches wherein the focus is on reflecting on the good times in the institute and motivating others for their bright future ahead. Depending on the purpose as selected by the speaker, these speeches could be persuasive, informative, or entertaining in nature .
Giving speeches as a student, even if you have been doing it for the past few years can still end up being a little challenging. But rather than giving you tons of tips on things you can focus on while coming up with your speech or speech openings for students, we have got one ultimate tip . If you follow that, you should ideally be able to reach your audience more effectively.
Write how you speak, not how you write.
When I came across this tip, I was surprised too. Because is indeed true that we write very differently when we have to show the speech to someone in written form but if asked honestly, do we speak in such a highly polished, extra professional vocabulary?
The idea is not to write the speech or speech opening riddled with slang but rather in a way that you’d feel comfortable listening to and understanding easily had you been the listener.
So in short, prepare the speech with the listener in mind, not the reader .
Most opening lines for speech in school begin with a good morning. We usually follow it with greetings or addressing the audience and the guests.
Here is a list of ways you can begin with a simple good morning:
Now it is a good practice to begin your speech with your usual greetings. However, in this blog, we are trying to look beyond the usual.
It doesn’t mean that you will not be saying good morning or your basic greetings; the only difference is that you’ll not be opening your speech with it but addressing these basic formalities later in the speech.
There are a couple of ways you can start a speech without saying good morning. Here are some of the ways we will take a look at in this blog:
Quotes are phrases or things spoken by someone influential . Quotes as speech openings for students can not only help them go beyond the widely popular way of beginning any speech but will also help them establish credibility right in the very beginning!
Now if you have ever wondered,
Here are a couple of examples of using quotes as speech openings for students:
Lon Watters had said that “A school is a building with four walls, with tomorrow inside.” And it would be wrong if I said that I didn’t agree with every bit of what he said. As we come to an end of our journey with this school that has provided us with tons of opportunities to learn, grow, interact and make memories we sure will cherish forever…
“If you don’t have a plan for your life, somebody else does.” This is a quote given by Michael Hyatt and isn’t it something we have all been experiencing all these years of growing up as our parents or guardians make plans for us right from the way we dress to the school we go to and sometimes even the careers we choose. Good morning everyone, I am Myra, a student of XYZ school standing here to voice my opinion on “Factors that influence your career decisions.”
This happens to be a personal favorite of mine when it comes to speech openings for students. A very simple yet beautiful way to engage your audience right at the beginning of your speech while at the same time allowing them to relate to what you’ll be saying next is what the image” scenarios are all about.
Before we begin, I’d like you to take a moment and imagine walking through a trail. You see the lush greens and pretty sky above you, the most dynamic clouds following everyone you go. Try sniffing the smell of wet soil and a hint of flowery fragrance as you walk towards the edge of the hill expecting to take a glimpse of the utter beauty that these hours of walking would lead you to, but you find something else. You see something that sends chills down your spine. There are some strange men performing rituals right in the very heart of these dense greens. You wonder what it is all about until it hits you; you have just uncovered a cult.
For the next example, I’d like you to take a look at the video below and check for yourself how wonderfully the speaker (although not a student) has made use of the “imagine” scenario to share his tragic experience with his audience.
Imagine a big explosion as you climb through 3,000 ft. Imagine a plane full of smoke. Imagine an engine going clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack. It sounds scary. Well I had a unique seat that day. I was sitting in 1D.
What if I told you that the best speech openings for students are actually the ones wherein they come up with an opening that best represents their style and comfort at delivering speeches, be it with a joke or a story?
Do you see what I did there?
That is an example of a “what if” scenario. It is similar to the imagination scenario we discussed above but the only difference here is that “what if” speech openings for students focus on providing an alternative idea to the audience while the imagined scenarios provide the audience an opportunity to relate to the speaker.
Rhetorical questions are questions the speaker includes in his/her/their speech that doesn’t necessarily require the audience to come up with an answer but are posed to get the audience thinking on the same.
Using rhetorical questions as speech openings for students can work wonders especially when you are looking for either a very quick speech opening or have very little time to deliver the speech.
An example of using rhetorical questions for speech opening is given below:
Talking about the new policy that makes it illegal to check the gender of the child before birth, do you think that it will curb the issue of female foeticide? Or will it simply take the activity underground?
The art of silence is phenomenal. Opening your speech in silence can help enhance your speech in two ways.
First, it will give the audience some time to settle in , post which you can expect to grab their dedicated attention. And secondly, silence would give you some time to understand the room and calm your pre-stage anxiousness .
Want to begin your speech on a hard-hitting and eye-opening note?
Show the numbers, the figures, and any statistics that serve your purpose for giving the speech.
It is very common to overlook the seriousness of any situation when you aren’t aware of the real extent of its seriousness. But when we have numbers in front of us, there is no more room for being in denial.
Examples of using Statistics or figures as speech openings for students
Powerful statements are statements that try to break any common ideologies held by the public. Another example of a powerful statement is stating a fact or idea that isn’t openly spoken .
The video below is one such example of how the speaker tries to break a perception generally held by the people.
How often have we been told to include stories in our speech?
Almost every time isn’t it? So here we are to bombard you yet again by saying that stories are extremely fun and engaging forms of speech openings for students.
You can either share your experience or someone else’s story.
You can also refer to a Recent Conversation by starting your speech with something like “Just the other day as I was walking out of my Philosophy lecture, I asked Mr.Dee about his philosophy on life, and what he said was so eye-opening that I could not wait to share with all of you.”
An adorable example of how to begin a speech with a story is given below to help you get a clearer idea.
Speech opening lines for public speaking competitions.
When it comes to public speaking competitions like elocutions, speech competitions, or even presentations, it is almost always recommended to begin with self-introduction . The reason is quite simple; there is a high chance that your audience might not know you .
But if you don’t want to begin with a self-introduction, you can start by using any of the alternatives we discussed earlier. Click here to go back and take another peek at it.
Speech openings for self-introductions need to be simple, to the point yet descriptive.
Wait a minute? Wasn’t I contradicting myself in that line?
Yes, but that is how opening lines for self-introductions would ideally work. As people expect you to talk about yourself in depth in the rest of your speech, your opening lines would just be a teaser about yourself.
Other things that you can talk about in these opening lines include:
Good morning, I am Reini. I recently graduated from BMU college and have since been working as a Design intern at Desgynopedia.
Hello and good evening everyone. I am Nicole and this is my team, Alina, Tim, Harold, and Noman. We are in our senior year majoring in Organizational psychology. Today we would like to talk about the 5 main Psychological factors that impact any organization’s overall performance.
Hey, I am Nizan. I am a nerd for Political Science and Greek Philosophy and am currently majoring in the same. My love for the subjects is also the reason why I am here to present a topic I found very intriguing “The injustice behind socrates’ death.”
If you are giving a speech for a competition, one of the most fun ways of opening your speech could be to say “Good morning to the faculty, my friends, and (look at the opponents) others.”
Other funny opening line examples:
1. chase dahl.
In one of the funniest speech opening lines by students, Chase Dahl opens up by saying “You know I have never understood how imagining the audience naked was supposed to make you less nervous. Honestly, I’m just uncomfortable right now.”
Yet another Valedictorian speech that has caught our eye is the one given by Kyle Martin. The reason we would suggest you take a look into the opening lines of his speech is so that you can take notes on how beautifully he has described the efforts taken by every department of the institute as he tries to thank them for their efforts.
Presentation speeches are a little different compared to your usual speeches and the major reason for that is because now you have access to visuals or your PPT.
Besides some of the ways already discussed above, you can begin the presentation by pointing out a particular slide. You can show your audience a graph, table, pictures, or any other creative and eye-catching ideas that can also turn out to be an amazing presentation opening.
A few common ways you can open your speech are:
For more examples of opening lines check out 50 Speech Opening Lines .
How to start a speech for the student council.
Speeches for student council are usually persuasive. They are your pitch to convince your fellow students to vote for you and help you get the position you are looking for.
So ideally, you should start by addressing everyone in the room . Then make a point to introduce yourself. Once you have introduced yourself, remind the audience why you are speaking which means let them know the position you are campaigning for. Bring up at least 1-2 issues that the students are most concerned about and tell them how if elected you’ll provide solutions to their issues.
Try to end it on a high note and don’t forget to add your campaign slogan .
You can also begin by stating your campaign slogan .
Yet another way to begin your speech for the student council is by challenging your opponent’s point of view or campaign . However, this would work only f you have a better strategy or solutions to the issues raised by your opponents.
Lastly, do something that no one expects from you . Let me share a story here to help you understand this point better. During one of the student council speeches, one candidate asked the audience to stand up, move a step in the front then go back to their seats and settle down. Following this, she said, “My parents told me if I could move the audience, I’d win.” And so she did win!
A speech class in high school or college is usually a short course or 1-semester course wherein the student is expected to improve on their public speaking skills along with critical thinking and active listening skills.
It essentially enhances their oral communication skills.
This also reminds me to introduce you to our courses that help enhance your public speaking and communication skills. If you are interested, head to Frantically Speaking .
But if your appetite for learning more about opening speeches isn’t satiated yet, we suggest you go check out our Video on the Powerful speech opening lines.
There are tons of ways to get creative with speech openings for students. From saying a simple good morning to adding stories, quotes, statistics, rhetorical questions, and even silence!
Get creative with your speech openings. As we always say, there are no right or wrong ways of public speaking as such, only a way that suits perfectly for you is the one that is right for you.
Schedule a call with our expert communication coach to know if this program would be the right fit for you
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by Allison Shapira | May 12, 2016 | Writing Tips | 0 comments
The first and last sentences are the most important sentences in your speech. The first sentence grabs your audience’s attention and sets the tone for the entire event. In fact, the audience forms its first impressions of you as soon as you walk on stage – or, in a meeting, when you walk into the room. The first sentence can make the audience sit up and take notice or, as commonly happens, finish up those last few emails on their digital device.
Before you write your opening sentence, you have a few things to do:
Identify the context of your speech. What time of day will it start? What will be the audience’s state of mind? Who will speak before you? The answers give you valuable data as you decide on your speech opener.
Identify the emotion of your speech . How do you want people to feel after your speech: Inspired? Outraged? Excited? Your opening should build towards that feeling.
Leave the Thank You’s to the end. Many people start with acknowledgements, which may be a generally accepted practice in your organization, but it’s not a good way to capture people’s attention. I like to include my acknowledgements toward the end so that I can start with content rather than formalities. Of course, you can always thank the person introducing you.
Write your speech first . I write the opening and closing sentences only after I’ve written (or drafted bullet points for) the speech itself. That way, I make sure that the opening/closing sentences reflect the content of the speech.
With that in mind, here are some powerful speech openers. You’ll notice they are similar to the speech closers I recommended last month.
A few other tips:
Connect with your “Why you?” before you begin. When you are passionate and authentic, you are fulfilling your potential as a powerful speaker. Before you begin, ask yourself “Why you? Why is this subject important to you?” That sense of purpose will naturally infuse your energy, presence, and intensity throughout the speech.
You are “on” before you walk on stage. Don’t wait to get on stage to look at the audience and smile. Put yourself in the speaker’s frame of mind before you get up out of your chair or before you walk into the room. Before you enter the room, do some breathing and stretching techniques to center yourself and give your voice strength and resonance.
Smile, pause, and breathe before you begin. You can take a moment to look at your audience and smile before starting to speak. Silence at the beginning of a speech is better than trying to “fill” the silence with filler words. Avoid phrases like, “So…yeah” or, “Um, OK;” these words detract from your message and credibility.
By using the above techniques, you will create a powerful first impression from the moment you step on stage, into the boardroom, or even right before you speak up on a conference call. You will capture people’s attention and they will listen.
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Speech Writing
How To Start A Speech
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First impressions are crucial in public speaking, and starting a speech well is often the hardest part. It's the moment to capture your audience's attention or risk losing it.
Many find this difficult, as a poor start can lead to disinterested listeners and missed opportunities. In this blog, we'll explore simple and creative ways to begin your speech, ensuring you engage your audience right from the start.
Keep reading to find effective techniques to start your speech!
When it comes to inspiring, persuading, and influencing audiences, your speech’s most essential element is the opening.
So how do you start your speech in a way that will get the audience on your side?
Here are ten effective ways to start your speech successfully every time.
Quotes are gems of wisdom that resonate with people. They inspire and motivate while being easy to remember.
Well-thought-out words of history’s best orators can sometimes be the ticket for your successful speech.
One good example is: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams.
Statistics are the proof that can add weight to your words.
By opening with compelling and personalized statistics, you can add a quantifiable and persuasive aspect to your message. It provides you the basis for building your argument, supporting your claim, and proving it right.
An example could be: “72% of adult internet users use Facebook”.
Rhetorical questions are engaging and thought-provoking. They invite your audience to think and participate in your presentation. These questions can captivate your listeners and lead them down the path of your message.
A very famous rhetorical question of all times by William Shakespeare is:
“If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not get revenge?” - The Merchant of Venice.
Creating a "what if" scenario sparks curiosity and imagination. You can use this technique to encourage your audience to envision a different perspective or a unique situation related to your topic.
For example: “What if you were blind for your life and today you just got to see the world? How have you imagined the world so far? And how do these colors attract you? By the way, is there anyone who is color blind?”
You can start your speech with a powerful and catchy statement without asking the audience to pay attention to you. Interesting statements are very useful in engaging the audience and persuading them to listen and agree with you.
A famous statement from Amy Cuddy’s Ted talk “ Your Body May Shape Who You Are ” is:
"So I want to start by offering you a free, no-tech life hack, and all it requires of you is this: that you change your posture for two minutes."
Sharing personal experiences creates a genuine connection with your audience. It allows them to relate to you on a human level and sets the stage for a compelling narrative.
For example: “I was in high school when I first fell in love…..”
People love stories of any kind from infancy and childhood. As soon as people learn that you are going to tell a story, they immediately settle down, become quiet and lean forward like kids around a campfire.
Pauses are the unsung heroes of a speech. Well-timed silence can emphasize your message and create an impact that words alone cannot.
Take a little pause every time you need to emphasize something. Knowing where to take a pause helps you make your message effective.
For example:
“Lyla is dead.”
“But they don’t know it yet.”
By using the word "imagine," you can transport your listeners into your narrative. According to Frank Luntz, “One word automatically triggers the process of visualization by its mere mention: imagine.”
“Imagine” scenarios put the audience directly into the presentation by allowing them to visualize the extraordinary scenes. For example:
“Imagine you are hiking on Mount Everest, and you are just about to reach the peak, but suddenly you slip and roll down to the ground. How would you feel at that moment?”
You can capture your audience’s attention by referring to a historical event related to your speech. Well-known historical events are good reference points to get the audience to use their imagination.
For example: “During the 1960s and ’70s, the United States intervened in the civil strife between North and South Vietnam. The result was a long running war of attrition in which many American lives were lost, and the country of Vietnam suffered tremendous damage and destruction.”
Humor, when used thoughtfully, can instantly connect with your audience. It lightens the mood and draws people in, but it's essential to tread carefully to avoid offense.
An example of a humorous beginning is: “Speak when you are angry – and you’ll make the best speech you’ll ever regret.” - Dr. Laurence J Peter.
Usage of humor is a genius trick to get your audience involved in your speech.
Starting your speech with suspense can immediately capture your audience's curiosity and keep them engaged as they eagerly anticipate what comes next. This technique is effective for drawing your audience into a story, a mystery, or a problem that needs solving.
Example: "As the clock struck midnight, and the footsteps echoed in the darkness, she knew that her life was about to change forever. But, what was waiting for her beyond that door?"
Defining key terms or concepts at the beginning of your speech can set the stage for a clear and focused discussion. This is especially useful when your topic involves technical or specialized terms that your audience may not be familiar with.
Example: "Today, let's begin with a clear understanding of 'sustainable development.' It refers to the practice of using resources in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
Opening with a contradiction can intrigue your audience by presenting two seemingly conflicting ideas or statements. This encourages them to explore the topic further and seek resolution.
Example: "In a world where we often believe that 'time is money,' today, we'll explore a paradox – how sometimes, time spent without rushing can be the most valuable time of all."
These opening techniques can help you capture your audience's attention and set the tone for a successful speech. The choice of which one to use will depend on your topic, audience, and the overall tone you want to convey.
Speech openings are not one-size-fits-all; they should be tailored to the specific type of speech you're delivering.
Here, we'll explore how to start various types of speeches , providing examples to illustrate each approach.
Starting a graduation speech is a unique opportunity to inspire and reflect on the journey of the graduates. A great way to begin is by acknowledging the significance of the moment. For instance:
Example: "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty, proud parents, and, of course, the brilliant Class of 2023 - today, as we stand on the precipice of our future, we are not just marking the end of an educational journey but celebrating the beginning of countless new adventures."
In a persuasive speech , your aim is to influence your audience's thoughts, beliefs, or actions. Begin with a statement that grabs attention and introduces your persuasive intent:
Example: "Picture this: a world where every individual makes small, conscious choices every day to reduce their carbon footprint. Today, I'm here to persuade you that we can create that world, one step at a time."
Starting a presentation speech requires a balance between engaging your audience and previewing the content. Open a speech or presentation with an engaging fact or question related to your topic:
Example: "Did you know that in just the last five years, the world has generated more data than in all of human history before that? Today, we're going to delve into the fascinating world of data analytics and its impact on our lives."
In each of these examples, the opening lines are designed to fit the specific type of speech.
Remember that a well-crafted opening not only captivates your audience but also makes the rest of your speech more impactful.
Starting a speech can be daunting, and it's easy to make mistakes that can undermine your credibility or fail to engage your audience. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
1. Avoid Starting with Apologies Opening your speech with an apology, such as "I'm sorry if this is boring" or "I'm not a great speaker," sets a negative tone and diminishes your authority. Instead, begin with confidence and enthusiasm to captivate your audience from the start.
2. Don’t Use Overused Clichés Starting with clichés like "Webster's dictionary defines..." or "Since the dawn of time..." can make your speech sound unoriginal and uninspiring. Aim for a fresh and unique opening that grabs attention.
3. Avoid Overloading with Facts and Statistics While facts and statistics can be powerful, bombarding your audience with too many at the start can overwhelm and disengage them. Instead of starting straight with data-heavy facts, create a seamless speech format that weaves in fact and information smoothly.
4. Steer Clear of Irrelevant Jokes Humor can be an excellent icebreaker, but starting with an irrelevant or inappropriate joke can backfire. Ensure that any humor used is relevant to your topic and suitable for your audience.
5. Don’t Read Directly from Your Notes Reading verbatim from your notes or slides can make your opening seem rehearsed and impersonal. Practice enough to deliver your opening naturally, making eye contact with your audience to establish a connection.
6. Avoid Long-Winded Openings A lengthy opening can lose your audience's attention quickly. Keep your introduction concise and to the point, leading smoothly into the main content of your speech.
7. Don’t Start with Negative Statements Beginning with negative statements or criticisms can alienate your audience. Focus on positive and engaging statements that draw listeners in and set a constructive tone for your speech.
8. Avoid Technical Jargon Starting with complex technical terms or industry jargon can confuse and alienate your audience. Use simple, clear language that everyone can understand, especially in the opening.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a strong and engaging opening that sets the stage for a successful speech.
Here is an example of how to start a speech on stage:
Here are some more samples of how to start a speech for students:
How to Start a Speech Introduction Example
How to Start a Speech About Yourself?
How to Start a Speech In School?
How To Start A Speech In English
How To Start A Speech In English For Students
How To Start A Speech For Kids
How To Start A Speech In School Assembly
Need more examples? Have a look at these speech examples and get inspired!
Now that you've learned various ways to start your speech and make a strong impression, you're well-prepared for your speaking journey.
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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.
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Maybe you know this: you may or must give a speech, but how do you start? Whether you’re giving a speech as an employer or to your colleagues, or you’re an external keynote speaker, the principles are always the same. Likewise, your preparation is not much different: whether it’s a keynote at a kick-off event , the festive speech at the company Christmas party , a motivational speech at a team event or even a laudatory speech at an awards ceremony – the search for the right begining should not be left to chance.
How do you get your audience’s attention so that they want to listen and can follow you easily? How do you sound interesting? In this article you will get the necessary tips for your ideal start for your next speech to inspire your audience. I have collected these speech introductions and examples in my work in the field of public speaking as a presenter and keynote speaker in front of over 5 million people.
Why is the beginning, i.e. the first few minutes of a presentation, so important? This is where the first impression is being made. Your audience intuitively decides within a few seconds whether they like the speaker and want to follow. After that, you still have up to three minutes to pick up your audience with the content of your speech.
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There’s a saying that goes, “ There’s no second chance for a first impression. ” It takes between 100 milliseconds and 7 seconds for your audience to get the same impression of you. If you as a speaker fail to make that first impression, no matter how impressive your speech, it will be very difficult to pick up your audience.
US comedian Jerry Seinfeld , one of the most famous American comedians of the 90s, said that his fame only gives him a starting bonus for the first three minutes – at the latest then he has to deliver. If you don’t enjoy the celebrity bonus in your speeches, that means you have to deliver right from the get go to win over your audience.
Before you can wow people as a speaker and give any thought to content, you need to set the stage. If you want to give a good speech and move your audience from A to B, two things are essential: you need to know where you want to go and where your audience is coming from .
If you don’t know in which direction you want to move your audience, then no amount of tips will get you there. So before you tinker with the ideal introduction, you need to be clear about what your outcome is .
What feeling do you want the audience to have when you leave the stage? What impression do you want to convey as a speaker? Even more public speaking tips you can find here.
If you want to catch a fish, you have to use a bait that tastes good to the fish, not to the fisherman . The same applies to presentations: who decides what is a top speech? That is, of course, in the eye of your audience. Therefore, it is all the more important to know who the people are, listening to your speech.
An American proverb says that your audience doesn’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Your audience won’t pay attention to you until they see that your speech is relevant to them. As a speaker, do you bring examples and tips and answer questions in your main points that matter to the audience? Do your main ideas strike a cord?
Tip: Try to find out as much as possible to know in advance what moves your audience and why people are here today. If you have the opportunity, use the time for successful networking and listen to their needs.
Only after you know your outcome and your audience you can focus on how to start your presentation, because now you know as a speaker in which direction your ship should sail. If you want to give a speech, you need to get your audience interested in you and your main points. For this to happen, you need the attention of your audience.
Speaker Tip: First create attention , then develop interest in your message and your main points to make it worth listening for your audience.
Now let’s look at tips and examples of how you as a speaker can inspire your audience. These tips should give you a guideline from where you can successfully transition from your chosen introduction to the main part and final part of your speech.
An elegant way to begin a speech is with a question . The goal is to engage your listener directly in your opening and generate interest. In order for the question to be effective, it must be tailored to your target audience. The question may be provocative, surprising or even make you smile, but it must be relevant.
For example, if you’re speaking to a group of retirees, a question like “Which one of you went to a disco last weekend?” would be just as out of place as asking a group of Wall street brokers “Which one of you has been involved in stocks?”. Your audience needs to feel like you know who you’re dealing with.
“Who remembers what they did last Saturday night?” was an opening I chose many years ago when giving a speech. Of course, after that, there was a story about my Saturday night that fit right in with the theme of my speech. People were immediately involved and everyone was thinking. Because just about everybody did something last Saturday and so it was relevant… even if many didn’t even remember it.
With questions that fit the topics, you are sure to get the attention of the participants. However, always pay attention to what you trigger in your audience with a question and, if requested, also provide the appropriate answer.
Another speaking tip: When you ask a question, give your audience time to respond . Whether out loud, with a show of hands, or silently, people need time for what you say to have an impact. Of course, questions can also be used during your speech.
Using the words of another person in your speech is a proven way. The art of building a good speech is to pick up your audience where they are. A pointed quote that gets to the heart of your ideas or the occasion is the basic premise for choosing someone else’s statement as your lead-in. If people are familiar with the name of the person you are quoting, it gives you added credibility as a speaker.
Very similar to a quote is using a proverb to start your speech. Again, there is often a deeper wisdom behind it. Link this to the idea of your speech and you have a great introduction.
Again, I’ll give you an example from my own experience when I was asked to give a presentation on the topic of corporate mission statements many years ago. I decided to start with a quote, but the number of quotes on this topic are manageable. However, the corporate mission statement compares very well with the soul for people, and so on this occasion I found a quote on the subject of the soul and then drew the analogy with the corporate mission statement. “Outside the box” solutions are also the speaker’s friend.
A particularly powerful way to start is to share a story or personal real life experience with your audience at the beginning of your presentation. With a personal story, you create compelling moments and build an emotional connection with your audience. However, this is also where the biggest danger lies: your story must absolutely correspond to the facts and at the same time should have a connection to the topic of the event. The audience has a good nose for it, if you serve them a “suitably made” story.
Of course, storytelling is not limited to stories you have experienced yourself. You can also draw on a current or even historical event. Important, as mentioned above, is the connection to the goal of your presentation. Also, make sure that you start right in the relevant event and do not begin with Adam and Eve. Especially extroverted people like to get into narration and then it can happen that you lose the drive to your actual presentation and your audience is no longer on the point.
One of my stage coaching clients, for example, took his audience into a situation right at the beginning of his speech when he was at the start of his first triathlon. He immediately built up a tension, because he put his audience directly into it instead of talking about preparation and planning for the triathlon. Because he also found the right tone, the speech went down great. Bonus tip for your speech: Stories absolutely need to be rehearsed and tailored to your audience and the occasion. This does not mean, as already mentioned, that you add things, but that you leave out unnecessary things. Don’t just tell from memory, but really practice.
Starting with an open loop is something like the supreme discipline. Here, you start with a story, but don’t finish telling it until the end of your speech . This type of introduction is certainly a bit unusual and, in my opinion, more suitable for experienced speakers, especially to keep the tension high.
You start with the open loop in the same way as with storytelling and take your audience along until the point where the tension is at its highest. Instead of the resolution, you lead into the topic of your speech and then come to the main part, where the content is presented with further examples. Only at the end do you pick up the ball of your introductory story again and close the open loop.
As an example, I start one of my keynote speeches with such an open loop: I take the audience on my experience at the New York City Marathon. Since my preparation for it was far from ideal due to injuries, I wasn’t sure until the start how far I would run that day. My speech started with the thoughts going through my head at the start, with my uncertainty but also anticipation. The start of the marathon was then the Open Loop, which I only resolved at the end of the speech.
A parable is a very short to short story which might not even have a plot of its own. While a parable can be told with action, as if something has actually taken place, it can also be about something hypothetical: “Imagine…” or “Suppose…”. In both cases, the point is that we want to make a connection to the content.
The purpose of parables is to pick up the audience as they enter your presentation and provide an emotional experience that immediately introduces them to the topic through your words.
The FFS introduction is particularly useful if you have facts, figures or statistics that are not familiar to your audience and are also unusual. In addition, it must of course fit your topic and possibly support your thesis. A personalized statistic works best to meet your audience’s needs.
When we were designing the outline for one of my Executive Legacy Coaching clients’ investor pitch, we made a conscious decision to start with a number that would probably come as a surprise to many listeners. To back up the pain point that his product solves, he asked the panel how much they thought that an unhappy employee costs a company per year. Starting with that number was so effective because the audience’s estimates were all substantially lower than the true number, creating an a-ha effect.
Another way to start your speech is with a look back . This variant is particularly suitable if you are to give a speech on the occasion of an anniversary or birthday. In your preparation, you should pay special attention to who is sitting in your audience: what connection do they have to the person or the company or the occasion and, above all, have they experienced the period themselves.
Some time ago, I had the privilege of being on stage at a company’s 20th anniversary. In order to give the audience as emotional an experience as possible, I first had to find out who was in the audience. Have people lived through these last 20 years, and are they likely to remember the moment from 20 years ago? Since my audience was mostly over 35 years old I assumed that was the case. Thus I dove into the world of 20 years ago: how did the world look and what moved people at the time? Immediately the people were in the emotions of the memories and from that I could then draw a bow to the company anniversary: “much has changed, but one thing has remained the same…”.
Jokes are for comedians.
There are talented joke tellers and there are those who always flub the punch line. If you feel uncomfortable in the role of the joker, don’t do it. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t spice up the introduction with a little humor. Humor arouses positive emotions and loosens the atmosphere. A humorous introduction, which also works without a joke, signals to the participants that the event will not be dry as dust and that it is worth staying for.
Bonus tip: Humor is different in different regions and works best when you approach your audience with respect and humility.
A provocative introduction is like riding on a razor blade: very dangerous. You have to have an incredible ace up your sleeve to win your audience back. As a rule, I would strongly advise you not to use provocative introductions. If your audience perceives you as an unsympathetic person, no matter how ingenious the content of your speech, it will not bring the desired success.
Some insecure speaker starts his speech with an apology for his insecurity or God knows what else. Please don’t do that. For one thing, the audience usually doesn’t notice it anyway, and for another, it immediately takes something away from your first impression. You might get sympathy for it, but in the rarest cases you will get the attention for your speech.
One of the most important tips I once received was that your audience wants you to win . That’s right, you read that correctly. Your audience wants you to be good. No one sits in the audience hoping for a boring speaker to come on now. Your audience wants you to do your job well. If you feel anxiety on the way to the stage, keep reading.
The key to a perfect introduction lies not only in the preparation for your speech, but also in the emotional preparation in the moments before public speaking. Especially if you are nervous or even feel speech anxiety , it is even more important that you, to present convincingly, are in an ideal state.
Take a deep breath just before your performance, send positive emotions to your audience and off you go. Many speakers also like to take index cards with their notes to be prepared in case of an emergency. The phrase for the introduction as well as for the conclusion I would always write in full. For the main points, keywords are enough here.
When you finally arrive on stage, at first be aware of your audience . Before you begin, start with eye contact and confident body language to radiate stage presence . Only then, when you feel the attention of your audience, you start to talk. This confidence will automatically boost your credibility.
Bonus tip: if you’re unsure about your voice, a little voice training will help.
Of course, the principles for your ideal start also apply at virtual events. So if you hold a webinar or a virtual presentation or are on stage at a hybrid event , nothing will change in the structure of your preparation. The main point in the virtual space is that you have to speak in front of the camera and this should be practiced. The specific elements of structuring your presentation stay the same.
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In this article you have learned how to start your speech in an ideal way. Do you already have an idea which structure you like best? Remember that you always start with your outcome and your audience before you create a thread for your presentation.
The tone makes the music. Former American writer Maya Angelou summed it up this way: “Your audience won’t remember exactly what you said, but they’ll always remember how it made them feel.” Whatever the occasion, take your audience on an emotional journey.
If you feel that you still need help for your next speech or keynote , feel free to contact me or just write me an e-mail ! Together many things are easier.
Which introduction appeals to you the most? Which start to a speech have you learned about here and would like to try out for your next performance? Please leave a comment below and share this article with someone who you think will profit from it. All the best for your next speeches.
There is no second chance for a first impression . The first impression is created in the first few seconds of perception and is crucial to whether your audience perceives you as likeable or unlikeable. If you mess up the first impression, the next few minutes will be a steep uphill climb to get the audience back on your side.
First, take three deep breaths and consciously put a smile on your face. Stand up straight, shoulders back, head up and visualize your audience and your goal. The important thing here is to move as quickly as possible from an internal focus (thinking about you) to an external focus (thinking about your audience). Imagine how your audience will benefit from your speech. For even more tips, I recommend you read my blog post Persuasive presentations: 3 Steps to Your Ideal State in Front of an Audience.
Ideally, you were introduced by a presenter who has also given some interesting background information about you to the audience. However, it always makes sense to leave nothing to chance here and, on the one hand, to discuss your introduction with the presenter upfront and, on the other hand, to include the most important points in your speech. I would always start with an introduction into the topic to get the audience interested and then introduce myself. The best way to find the right introduction is to read this article.
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Last Updated: January 12, 2024 Fact Checked
This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 396,734 times.
The best way to start a speech depends on the type and topic of the speech, your audience, and the overall tone of the event. The best way to ensure a successful speech is to grab your audience’s attention in the beginning of the speech; if you do so, they will likely stick with you to the very end. While there is no one way to capture an audience’s attention, there are several methods that may work. Choose the one that is the best fit for the event and your own personality.
How you start a speech will depend a lot on what it’s about, but you should always aim to grab your audience’s attention. You should start by introducing yourself and explaining your connection to the topic. For example, if you’re giving a wedding toast, talk about how you know the married couple. Speak in a clear, loud voice, which will encourage your audience to pay attention. Telling a joke can be a good way to break the ice and focus your audience on what you’re saying, but make sure humor is appropriate for the occasion first. Alternatively, make a startling statement about your topic. For instance, you could begin a speech about self-defense by saying, “If you’re out alone and get assaulted, the way you respond in the first few seconds can make the difference between life and death.” As you speak, look out at the audience and maintain eye contact, which will make your speech more engaging. For tips on how to prepare to deliver your speech, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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Everything you need to know about your child's speech and language milestones, from their first words to verbal development and beyond.
2-year-old language development, 3-year-old language development, 4-year-old language development, the bottom line.
From first words to full sentences, your child's language skills will advance significantly in the first few years of life. But it can be hard to know if they're hitting expected milestones , and you might find yourself wondering: When exactly will my toddler start talking?
"Every child develops on their own timeline, but the best way to help develop your baby's language skills is to simply talk to them," says Rahil Briggs, Psy.D., a child psychologist at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore in New York City. "The number-one way children learn to speak and boost their vocabulary is by listening to their parents at home."
We turned to speech and language experts to learn more about child verbal development, along with what to expect at every age. Ahead, find all the answers to your child's speech milestones, from 1 to 4 years old.
Your little one is just beginning to communicate beyond crying. At this age, your kid should be able to do the following.
Your toddler still has a limited vocabulary at this point, but you can help it grow by reading out loud and talking to them every day , Dr. Briggs recommends. "At this age, the main concern is that baby's speech is 'mama' and 'dada' specific, meaning that when [they say] those two words, [they are] actually referring to Mom [or] Dad—not the cup or dog."
Even though your child isn't saying many words, they're babbling a lot and attempting to imitate the sounds of others. Parents "should be hearing vowel and consonant babbling by 8 or 9 months, and it continues as your baby starts to form words around 12 months," Dr. Briggs says.
Pediatricians are mostly concerned with your child's receptive language right now. Do they recognize your voice? Do they turn their head toward different sounds? Do they laugh when others laugh?
"Even at this age, your baby can communicate with intent and get what they want by pointing or looking toward an object. They should also be able to follow your eyes and look where you're looking," says Kenn Apel, Ph.D., president of the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders in Minneapolis and co-author of Beyond Baby Talk . These responsive actions are more important than how many words your child can say at this age.
In addition to responding, see if your child follows simple one-step directions and commands, such as raising their arms when you say "up," taking a sip of water when you tell them to, handing over a toy upon request, and stopping what they're doing when you say "no" (although they will probably try to do it again!).
During the first year, kids will use their hands and body movement to help them communicate with their limited vocabulary. And while gesturing is a natural part of communication for people of all ages, little kids in particular will use gesturing to help their cognitive and language skills build. According to research , kids who use gesturing when talking can be a positive sign of language growth.
This age is the magic number for gauging if a child is on track with speech. Around this period, your growing toddler should be able to do the following.
By 24 months, your child should be using about 50 words regularly, such as more , juice , and Grandma . "The year between 12 and 24 months is the most exciting year in terms of language development," Dr. Briggs says. "Your [child] is having a vocabulary boost and should be repeating words they hear from you."
You should also notice your toddler putting together two-word sentences, such as "My ball" or "Car go." But don't worry about pronunciation at this point—only about 50% of what they say will be completely understandable.
By now, your tot will start understanding the concept of "me" and "you"—although they might not always use the words properly. For example, they might refer to themselves as "you." This is common and nothing to worry about; they'll get the hang of it in time.
Your child should be able to point to their nose, eyes, mouth, and so forth and start saying each body part, although many children will point well before they can verbalize it. Your little one can also point to pictures of the correct objects when prompted with "Where is the ball?" or "Show me the dog."
Your little one is developing into quite the chatterbox . By now, your toddler should be able to do the following.
After your child turns 3 years old , you should easily understand what they say—or at least 75% of it. "You can hold a conversation with a child this age where [they] ask you questions and tell you things that happened in [their] day," Dr. Briggs says.
You'll be amazed at how your little one talks in sentences between three and six words. "They are complete sentences, but simple ones, such as 'Mommy is eating,'" Dr. Apel says. To help your child get plenty of practice stringing words together, try helping them along in a few fun ways:
The days of pointing are nearly over. Your kid should know a word for almost everything they want to identify, and they should be able to ask for or indicate objects verbally.
Understanding and carrying out more complicated requests is another development. Your tot should act accordingly when directed with commands, such as "Please take off your boots and put them on the shelf."
According to Dr. Apel, "These should still be simple directions used in an everyday context so that it's something [they've] experienced before. If it's a brand-new experience, it might be more difficult for your child to carry it out."
You're officially in "big kid" territory now. Your child is growing in leaps and bounds, and their language is getting quite impressive. At this age, your child should be able to do the following.
Your growing preschooler now has the ability to tell you an entire story—such as the cool stuff they're doing at preschool—and you can understand nearly every word of it. "By [the time your child is age] 4, even strangers should be able to understand what [they] are saying," Dr. Apel says.
Experts say 4-year-olds should name at least some colors, shapes, and letters. Take every chance to explore different letters and words with them, Dr. Apel suggests. "You can take any moment, such as eating breakfast, as a chance to teach something new. For instance, explain how Cheerios is a long word, but milk is a short one. It might take only a few minutes, but a child can learn a lot in that short amount of time."
Your child might not be able to tell time yet, but they should understand the general concept of ordering moments throughout the day—breakfast in the morning, lunch in the afternoon, dinner at night, for example.
"It's important for kids to have some redundancy in life," Dr. Apel explains. "Doing the same things each day is good because it allows them to concentrate on picking up the language around them, not the task."
At 4, your child should be able to follow three- or four-step commands, such as "Put your book away, brush your teeth, and then get in bed." Your child should also be able to verbalize their own wants and needs, making requests such as "I want pizza for dinner, and I want to watch Toy Story before bed."
Pediatricians and speech pathologists are always on the lookout for issues with receptive language, so if your child can't follow instructions or doesn't seem to understand what you're saying, it's advised to consult a health care professional.
It's important to remember that all children are different, and every child develops at a unique rate. Milestones are an estimate, and not an exact guidance. That being said, if you find that you have questions or concerns about your child's language development, be sure to reach out to a pediatrician or health care provider for further assistance.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Language Development: 1 Year Olds .
Stanford Children's Health. Age-Appropriate Speech and Language Milestones .
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Three to Four Years .
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important Milestones: Your Baby By Four Years .
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By Olivia Goldhill Aug. 7, 2024
I n a speech earlier this year, former President Trump was mocking President Biden’s ability to walk through sand when he suddenly switched to talking about the old Hollywood icon Cary Grant.
“Somebody said he [Biden] looks great in a bathing suit, right? When he was in the sand and he was having a hard time lifting his feet through the sand, because you know, sand is heavy. They figure three solid ounces per foot. But sand is a little heavy. And he’s sitting in a bathing suit. Look, at 81, do you remember Cary Grant? How good was Cary Grant, right? I don’t think Cary Grant — he was good. I don’t know what happened to movie stars today,” he said at a March rally in Georgia. Trump went on to talk about contemporary actors, Michael Jackson, and border policies before returning to the theme of how Biden looks on the beach.
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This shifting from topic to topic, with few connections — a pattern of speech called tangentiality — is one of several disjointed and occasionally incoherent verbal habits that seem to have increased in Trump’s speech in recent years, according to interviews with experts in memory, psychology, and linguistics.
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15 presentation tips for captivating your audience and commanding the room.
Person speaking in front of audience
Public speaking can be a daunting task, especially when addressing a large audience. Whether you're giving a presentation in the boardroom or delivering a keynote speech at a conference, holding your audience's attention and maintaining command of the room is paramount. The ability to captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression not only enhances your message's impact but also builds your reputation as a confident and effective speaker.
Here, Forbes Coaches Council members share invaluable tips and strategies to help you conquer your fear of public speaking and ensure that your next presentation or speech is a resounding success.
1. Be Confident
Be grounded and confident to be yourself and then tell great stories. Use your voice and the stage to bring the stories alive. Your audience will connect to the emotion of the story but make sure that it is relevant for your audience and related to the topic. - Cath Daley , Cath Daley Ltd
2. Find A Way To Actively Engage The Audience
Be prepared with ways to get your audience engaged and keep their focus. Whether that's relating to your audience, telling a joke or asking questions, actively driving engagement will make for a more effective presentation or speech. - Luke Feldmeier , Online Leadership Training - Career and Leadership Accelerator for Engineers
3. Create An Emotional Connection
Creating an emotional connection with the audience and involving them in your session fosters active participation, and ensures your audience stays engaged throughout. This also serves to enhance your presence and to create memories that stay with them long after your presentation ends. - Kristin Andree , Andree Group
4. Put Your Unique Take Front And Center
Do you have something unexpected to say about your topic? Something that goes against the mainstream opinion in your industry or is maybe even slightly provocative? If so, putting your unique take front and center in the title and the beginning of your talk and explaining or resolving it later keeps your audience engaged and interested. - Micha Goebig , Go Big Coaching & Communications, LLC
5. Remember That The Audience Doesn't Know Your Planned Speech
No one wants to see you fail as a speaker. Remember that the focus shouldn't be on whether or not you can recall verbatim every word of your planned speech. The focus should be on how to connect to your audience with a few key points using a combination of storytelling and facts. - Sheri Nasim , Center for Executive Excellence
6. Adapt Your Language To The Audience
Talk about something they are interested in or include elements that will keep them interested. Start by asking why your topic matters to each and every one of them. Use language adapted to the audience. Keep the key messages to two or three maximum. Show them what you think and why you care about the topic. - Isabelle Claus Teixeira , Business and Human Development Consulting Pte Ltd
7. Try To Incorporate An Element Of Surprise
Engagement is the key to keeping the audience's attention. Invite participation, tell stories, walk around, have visuals, include humor, raise your voice and ask questions. Think of a comedian who points at someone in the audience: "Hey, you with the red shirt?" Everyone pays attention. What element of surprise can you present? - Susan Jordan, MBA, MSODL, PCC , Sphereshift Coaching and Consulting
8. Know Your Audience
Doing research ahead of time to ensure you're providing the subject matter in a personalized manner will keep their attention. The topic will dictate the necessary vibe. Based on that, providing opportunities for the group to engage, such as shouting out a word, raising a hand, etc., will also help maintain their interest. - Lindsay Miller , Reverie Organizational Development Specialists
9. Use The Problem-Agitation-Solution Approach
Don't just give a presentation — share a story. It must be a story-audience fit though. Use the P.A.S. — problem-agitation-solution — approach. Start with introducing a problem, follow by agitating the problem via telling a relevant anecdote and conclude by offering a solution by giving an audience a clear, direct way to avoid the pain and learn the lesson. - Alla Adam , Alla Adam Coaching
10. Tell The Audience What They Need To Hear
Instead of trying to figure out what to say, figure out what the audience wants and needs to hear. This shift in perspective allows you to tailor your speech in a way that keeps audiences actively engaged because it's good content that they want to hear. - Robin Pou , The Confident Leader
11. Go All In
To command your audience's attention you have to get into the spirit of what you're teaching and go all in without second-guessing yourself. People want to be led, but they'll be unwilling to follow someone who isn't confident in what they are communicating. - Arash Vossoughi , Voss Coaching Co.
12. Use A Compelling Opening
Start your speech/presentation with a compelling opening that grabs the audience's attention. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant story or a thought-provoking question. This initial engagement can help you establish a strong connection with the audience and set the stage for a captivating presentation. - Moza-Bella Tram , Moza-Bella LLC
Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?
13. Be Authentic
Connect deeply with your essence and purpose. Radiate authenticity. When you're centered in genuine passion and truth others feel it, creating an unspoken bond. It's not about performing; it's about being present and real and offering value from the heart. That's magnetic. - Anna Yusim, MD , Yusim Psychiatry, Consulting & Executive Coaching
14. Let Your Audience Talk
There is nothing worse than stealing everyone's craving for autonomy and speaking the whole time. The person who does the talking does the learning. So, give some autonomy to the audience. Let them talk. Even if it's thinking time and talking to themselves, or to their neighbor or table group. This gains trust and they will lean into what you have to say even more. - Alex Draper , DX Learning Solutions
15. Leverage Non-Verbal Cues
My top tip is to engage your audience through storytelling. A compelling narrative captures attention, evokes emotion and makes complex ideas more relatable. Additionally, use body language and eye contact effectively. These non-verbal cues can significantly enhance your connection with the audience. - Peter Boolkah , The Transition Guy
Jordan Parlour was sentenced to 20 months in jail for urging people to target a hotel housing asylum seekers and refugees. Shortly after, Tyler Kay was also jailed for his own posts calling for hotels housing asylum seekers to be set alight.
Friday 9 August 2024 21:42, UK
The first jail terms for using social media to encourage disorder in the recent unrest have been handed down.
Jordan Parlour is believed to be the first person to be sent to prison over social media posts made in relation to the nationwide riots.
Unrest erupted after online posts falsely identified the suspected killer of three young girls in a knife attack in Southport.
Parlour was sentenced to 20 months in prison at Leeds Crown Court after pleading guilty to publishing written material intended to stir racial hatred.
UK riots latest: More than 700 disorder-related arrests so far
His mother submitted a note to court saying: "We can only speculate that he has been caught up and swept away by emotions circulating around the country."
The 28-year-old wrote that "every man and his dog should smash [the] f*** out of Britannia hotel (in Leeds)" in a Facebook post in early August.
Police hunt for suspect after man shot in Leeds
Man charged after bus set on fire during Leeds riots as five more arrested
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Taking aim at asylum seekers in another post, he wrote: "They are over here given a life of Riley off the tax of us hard-working people earn when it could be put to better use... come here with no work visa, no trade to their name and sit and doss."
The judge heard how the Britannia Hotel in Seacroft, Leeds, where 210 asylum seekers and refugees were living, was targeted by people throwing missiles and breaking windows, forcing it into "lockdown".
Further damage was done to the hotel after the post, the court heard, and more than a dozen police had to be diverted to the area over the weekend.
Parlour had suffered a broken heel and was at home when he wrote the posts, which were reported to the police.
Read more: All the people jailed so far Police release CCTV images of 12 people Police must remain on high alert, Starmer warns
Passing sentence, Judge Guy Kearl KC said: "You took to social media in order to encourage others towards participation in the attacks upon the hotel.
"The initial post received six likes. However, it was sent to your 1,500 Facebook friends and, because of your lack of privacy settings, will have been forwarded to friends of your friends.
"The messages were therefore spread widely, which was plainly your intention."
Parlour was not the only person sent to prison for social media posts.
Tyler Kay was jailed for 38 months after using social media to encourage people to torch hotels housing asylum seekers.
The 26-year-old, from Northampton, called for mass deportations and his posts on X revealed a "fundamentally racist mindset", Judge Adrienne Lucking KC told Northampton Crown Court.
The court heard Kay's posts called for mass deportation and advised protesters to "mask up". He also retweeted a screenshot of a message inciting action against a named immigration solicitors in the town.
Judge Lucking said Kay posted as he did because he thought there would be "no consequences".
"The overall tone of the posts clearly reveals your fundamentally racist mindset," she said.
She added: "I am sure that when you intentionally created the posts you intended that racial hatred would be stirred up by your utterly repulsive, racist and shocking posts that have no place in a civilised society."
The dad-of-three was convicted of stirring up racial hatred.
Richard Williams
Williams, who encouraged people to start a riot on a local Facebook group dedicated to protests, became the first person from Wales to be convicted on Friday.
He posted about taking part in a riot and shared a derogatory meme about migrants, Mold Magistrates' Court heard.
Williams, of Flintshire, was sentenced to three months after he pleaded guilty to one count of sending menacing messages via a public communication network on 7 August.
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'Not a law free zone'
More than 741 people have now been arrested in connection with the unrest, of which 302 have been charged, the National Police Chiefs' Council said on Friday.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he is "absolutely convinced" having extra police officers on the streets "in the right places" over the past few days - as well as putting rioters - through the courts quickly has "had a real impact" after 100 planned protests failed to materialise on Wednesday evening.
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The former lawyer also reiterated those who incite violence online will be prosecuted, saying the government does need to look "more broadly" at social media following the unrest.
"This is not a law free zone," he said.
"And I think that's clear from the prosecutions and sentencing today for online behaviour.
"That's a reminder to everyone that whether you're directly involved or whether you're remotely involved, you're culpable and you will be put before the courts if you've broken the law."
Meanwhile, Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds told Sky News on Friday the government would revisit the framework of legislation that regulates the responsibilities of social media companies regarding content inciting violence or hate. "We stand ready to make changes if necessary," he said of the Online Safety Act, passed in October, but not due to come into effect until next year.
'Soviet Russia', says Joe Rogan
However, high-profile figures in the US, including billionaire X owner Elon Musk and right-wing podcaster Joe Rogan, have criticised British police for going after rioters on social media.
Rogan said the "crackdown" reminds him of "Soviet Russia" while Musk shared a Sky News post of the director of public prosecutions warning that sharing online material of riots could be an offence.
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Musk's repost said: "This is actually happening."
Independence day speech (swatantrata diwas bhashan) 2024: as independence day is just around the corner, we bring short and long speeches that students can use on the occasion. students can use these engaging and informative speeches for their school assemblies or speech competitions. .
Independence Day Speech For School Students: India will celebrate its 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2024. Independence Day is the occasion on which people come together to honour the sacrifices of the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to attain independence from the British rule. Independence Day is a time to showcase pride and patriotism. It is also a reminder that despite differences in language or tradition, we are all part of one nation. On Independence Day, we join hands to honour the courage of the brave people who fought for our rights.
Independence Day is an occasion to reflect on how we have come as a nation and reaffirm our commitment to uphold the values of justice, liberty and equality. Various activities like speech contests are held in schools to celebrate the nation's freedom.
Also Check: Independence Day Hindi Songs 2024: Check Best Hindi Songs for School Competitions and Celebrations
Respected principal, teachers and my dear friends, today, we gather here to celebrate the 78th Independence Day of our nation. As we observe the anniversary of the liberation of our nation from British colonial rule, our hearts are filled with pride and gratitude for the sacrifices of our freedom fighters who fought bravely for our liberty and our rights.
Respected principal, teachers and my dear friends, Independence Day is celebrated on August 15. This day marks the nation’s liberation from the British colonial rule after a long struggle. On this day, we pay tribute to the brave souls who laid down their lives and fought valiantly for the freedom we cherish today. Independence Day is a solemn occasion of national pride and unity.
Independence Day is a glorious occasion when people come together to cherish the journey of our nation and pledge to uphold the values of justice, liberty and equality. As a nation, our unity and diversity are our greatest strengths. The freedom that we enjoy today came as a result of the sacrifices of our valiant freedom fighters.
Also Check: Independence Day 2024 School Assembly Ideas for Students and Teachers
This freedom was achieved after countless movements such as the Civil Disobedience movement. The nation would not have attained independence, had it not been for notable freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Lala Lajpat Rai, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal and many others.
Respected guests, principal, teachers and my dear friends, we are gathered here today to celebrate the 78th Independence Day of our nation. India achieved independence on August 15, 1947. It was an extremely proud moment when the national flag was unfurled at the Red Fort by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. This momentous occasion marked the end of the British rule in India.
The British came to our nation, which was then known as, ‘Sone ki Chidiya’, for the purpose of trade. But they soon began taking advantage of the discords between people. The East India Company (EIC) took permission to carry out trade. The EIC gradually began expanding its operations and established factories in various parts of India.
The British were successful in driving out French, Dutch and Portuguese traders out of the country. It was the Battle of Plassey (1757) which marked the successful establishment of the British rule in India. The British made Mir Jafar the puppet Nawab of Bengal in exchange for the territory of 24 parganas.
The discriminatory policies of the British led to the Revolt of 1857. This event marked the first occasion of organised resistance against the EIC. The revolt was started by the sepoys of the EIC’s army and later spread to various cities. The revolt failed due to limited participation and lack of leadership.
After the revolt, power was transferred from the EIC to the crown. The path to independence from the British saw various movements such as the Non-cooperation movement, Khilafat movement, Civil Disobedience movement and the Quit India movement. Behind India’s independence lies the rebellions and movements carried out by many freedom fighters. These people fought with unwavering determination to achieve freedom for all.
Some of these brave freedom fighters were Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Bhagat Singh, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Lala Lajpat Rai, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Rani Laxmi Bai, Mangal Pandey and countless others.
On the eve of India’s independence, Pandit Nehru gave the famous ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech. I would like to take this opportunity to quote some historic lines from the speech. Pandit Nehru said, ‘’Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.’’
Also Check: Independence Day 2024: Easy and Creative Rangoli Designs For Students
As we celebrate Independence Day, let us remember our unsung heroes and their sacrifices. Let us continue to find strength in our unity and diversity. Let us all express our gratitude towards those who fought for our freedom and equality.
Here are some additional facts that you can use to add value to your speech.
1 .Our National Anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' was composed by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911 but it was not adopted as the national anthem until January 24, 1950.
2 .National song 'Vande Mataram' was adopted on January 24, 1950. It was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
3 .Mahatma Gandhi went on a hunger strike to stop the violence and bloodshed that was caused by the partition. Thus he did not participate in the Independence Day celebrations.
4 .India was supposed to get independence on June 30, 1948. But the date was preponed in order to avoid the bloodbath.
5 .The first Indian flag was hoisted on August 7, 1906 at Parsee Bagaan Square in then Calcutta.
6 .The date of independence for both India and Pakistan was August 15, 1947 but Lord Mountbatten selected August 14 for the ceremony of transfer of power to Pakistan as he wanted to attend the ceremonies of both nations.
7 .Hindi was adopted as the official language of Union of India on September 14, 1949.
Use these engaging speeches to express pride and patriotism that you feel for your country. Happy Independence Day to all!
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Officials had braced for more unrest on Wednesday, but the night’s anti-immigration protests were smaller, with counterprotesters dominating the streets instead.
By Lynsey Chutel
After days of violent rioting set off by disinformation around a deadly stabbing rampage, the authorities in Britain had been bracing for more unrest on Wednesday. But by nightfall, large-scale anti-immigration demonstrations had not materialized, and only a few arrests had been made nationwide.
Instead, streets in cities across the country were filled with thousands of antiracism protesters, including in Liverpool, where by late evening, the counterdemonstration had taken on an almost celebratory tone.
Over the weekend, the anti-immigration protests, organized by far-right groups, had devolved into violence in more than a dozen towns and cities. And with messages on social media calling for wider protests and counterprotests on Wednesday, the British authorities were on high alert.
With tensions running high, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cabinet held emergency meetings to discuss what has become the first crisis of his recently elected government. Some 6,000 specialist public-order police officers were mobilized nationwide to respond to any disorder, and the authorities in several cities and towns stepped up patrols.
Wednesday was not trouble-free, however.
In Bristol, the police said there was one arrest after a brick was thrown at a police vehicle and a bottle was thrown. In the southern city of Portsmouth, police officers dispersed a small group of anti-immigration protesters who had blocked a roadway. And in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where there have been at least four nights of unrest, disorder continued, and the police service said it would bring in additional officers.
But overall, many expressed relief that the fears of wide-scale violence had not been realized.
Here’s what we know about the turmoil in Britain.
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COMMENTS
Analyze their response and tweak the joke accordingly if necessary. Starting your speech with humour means your setting the tone of your speech. It would make sense to have a few more jokes sprinkled around the rest of the speech as well as the audience might be expecting the same from you. 4. Mohammed Qahtani.
4. Make them laugh. Injecting a little humor into your opening line puts everyone at ease and makes your speech more memorable. Just make sure your joke is relevant and doesn't offend your audience. Example: "They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but if the doctor is cute, forget the fruit!". 5.
Step 1: Think of all the questions that can help you to set the theme of your speech. Step 2: Make a point to not include close-ended questions and questions that are simply TOO GENERIC. Step 3: The last element that your question must include is the element of curiosity.
Opening Line: "All right. I'm going to show you a couple of images from a very diverting paper in The Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine.". #6: Julian Treasure - "How to Speak so that People Want to Listen". Opening Line: "The human voice: It's the instrument we all play.". #7: Jill Bolte Taylor - "My Stroke of Insight".
Here are 26 different techniques for beginning your speech: 1. Use a quote. One method of starting a speech and gaining the audience's attention is to use a famous or relatable quote. This approach can give your audience context for your topic and connect it to something they recognize. For instance, if you plan to give a speech on a political ...
9. It's in the news. Take headlines from what's trending in media you know the audience will be familiar with and see. Using those that relate to your speech topic as the opening of your speech is a good way to grab the attention of the audience. It shows how relevant and up-to-the-minute the topic is. For example:
1) Thank the Organizers and Audience. You can start by thanking the audience for coming and thanking the organization for inviting you to speak. Refer to the person who introduced you or to one or more of the senior people in the organization in the audience. This compliments them, makes them feel proud and happy about your presence, and ...
Speech starting lines are the initial sentences or opening statements in a speech. They serve to capture the audience's attention, set the tone for the speech, and introduce the topic or purpose of the address. Effective speech starting lines are engaging, clear, and relevant to the audience, helping to establish a connection and interest ...
Typical Patterns for Speech Openings. Get the audience's attention-called a hook or a grabber. Establish rapport and tell the audience why you care about the topic of why you are credible to speak on the topic. Introduce the speech thesis/preview/good idea. Tell the audience why they should care about this topic.
Sentence starters for Oral Presentations . 1. Warm greeting • Hello everyone, my name is… • Hi everyone, it's great to be here. My name is… 2. Memorable opening . Relevant statistic or fact: • Did you know that… • Have you heard that… • Did you realise that… Interesting and relevant anecdote: •
2. Starting a speech: First words count. And now onto what you're going to say. First off, avoid starting a speech with lines like: Thank you so much, it's a pleasure to be here. I'm sorry, this isn't going to take very long. I was only asked last week/yesterday/10 minutes ago to do this speech.
After that point, you'll be able to change those opinions about as easily as you can change a hamster into a ham sandwich. So here's how to be strong in the first 60 seconds of your speech. (2) Your opening sets the entire tone of your presentation (including whether you'll be interesting or not). (3) This is when you introduce your message and ...
1. Thank the announcer for introducing you and the audience for attending. Thanking the announcer for introducing you and the audience for being there at the top of your speech can be very effective, as it creates an instant connection with the audience. 2. Mention a well-known personality.
9 Tips on How to Start a Speech. Giving a speech can be equal parts intimidating and nerve-racking. To pacify any fears, explore each of the tips below. They'll help you launch into an engaging, interesting speech. Prepare for the speech. Use imagery. Start with a famous quote. Tell a joke. Ask a thought-provoking question.
Opening your speech in silence can help enhance your speech in two ways. First, it will give the audience some time to settle in, post which you can expect to grab their dedicated attention. And secondly, silence would give you some time to understand the room and calm your pre-stage anxiousness. 6.
7. Solve a problem. Problems and solutions are an excellent way to make your speech circular and coherent all the way through. You can pose a problem at the start of the speech and ask your audience to consider it as you talk. Your speech will offer a solution to the issue, which you will summarise in your conclusion.
1. Quote a leader. One of the most effective ways to start a speech is using a relatable quotation from a famous leader. This can get the audience's attention instantly and give direction to the rest of the speech. Ensure that the quote is somehow relevant to your speech topic or the person you are quoting is directly relevant to what you are ...
1. Quote. It is always a great idea to open your speech using a compelling quote that is relevant to your topic. If I can make a request: please do not use the typical Aristotle's quotes.
Smile, pause, and breathe before you begin. You can take a moment to look at your audience and smile before starting to speak. Silence at the beginning of a speech is better than trying to "fill" the silence with filler words. Avoid phrases like, "So…yeah" or, "Um, OK;" these words detract from your message and credibility.
Practice enough to deliver your opening naturally, making eye contact with your audience to establish a connection. 6. Avoid Long-Winded Openings. A lengthy opening can lose your audience's attention quickly. Keep your introduction concise and to the point, leading smoothly into the main content of your speech. 7.
The opening. Start with an opening that hooks your audience before making the overall topic of your speech clear. Get their attention and prepare them to focus on the words that will follow. For ...
Starting with that number was so effective because the audience's estimates were all substantially lower than the true number, creating an a-ha effect. 7. Looking back. Another way to start your speech is with a look back. This variant is particularly suitable if you are to give a speech on the occasion of an anniversary or birthday.
The best way to start a speech depends on the type and topic of the speech, your audience, and the overall tone of the event. ... Memorize the first sentence of your speech. This will help you overcome anxiety of starting out the speech strongly. Bring a hard copy of your speech with you as well. 2. Test your technology beforehand. ...
Identify colors, shapes, and letters . Experts say 4-year-olds should name at least some colors, shapes, and letters. Take every chance to explore different letters and words with them, Dr. Apel ...
I n a speech earlier this year, former President Trump was mocking President Biden's ability to walk through sand when he suddenly switched to talking about the old Hollywood icon Cary Grant. ...
5. Remember That The Audience Doesn't Know Your Planned Speech. No one wants to see you fail as a speaker. Remember that the focus shouldn't be on whether or not you can recall verbatim every word ...
The first jail terms for using social media to encourage disorder in the recent unrest have been handed down. Jordan Parlour is believed to be the first person to be sent to prison over social ...
Independence Day Speech in English 2024: Students get here engaging and informative 100 words, 200 words and 500 words speeches in English for the occasion of Independence Day 2024.
Officials had braced for more unrest on Wednesday, but the night's anti-immigration protests were smaller, with counterprotesters dominating the streets instead.