{"id":6621,"date":"2024-11-04T13:25:52","date_gmt":"2024-11-04T13:25:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.iese.edu\/standout\/?p=6621"},"modified":"2024-11-05T14:25:41","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T14:25:41","slug":"how-to-start-speech","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.iese.edu\/standout\/how-to-start-speech\/","title":{"rendered":"How to start a speech impactfully: techniques to capture your audience\u2019s attention"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1559140963143{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1559216895048{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”” css_animation=”bottom-to-top”]Starting a speech in an impactful way is not just an art; it\u2019s a critical skill for any leader. Conor Neill<\/a>, a communication professor at IESE, explains that \u201cthe first few seconds are when tension and attention are at their highest.\u201d<\/strong> In this article, we\u2019ll explore tried-and-tested techniques to capture that initial attention, offering clear examples and practical strategies to make each of your openings resonate strongly with your audience.<\/p>\n

The science of first impressions: the power of the first seconds<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The opening of a speech is when you gain or lose your audience\u2019s attention. As Neill mentions in his video How to Start a Speech<\/a><\/em>, the first few seconds are crucial: \u201cit\u2019s when you have their maximum attention.\u201d<\/strong> During this moment, attendees subconsciously evaluate whether what they are about to hear is relevant, interesting, and valuable to them. If you want to capture their interest and ensure they stay with you, you\u2019ll need a well-planned, intentional opening.<\/p>\n

5 effective strategies<\/span> to open a speech with impact<\/strong><\/h2>\n

1.<\/span> Share a relevant personal story<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Charismatic leaders often begin their speeches with a personal anecdote that contains a lesson or an emotional connection. A well-chosen story has the power to humanize you in front of your audience and build empathy. Neill says, \u201cPeople remember stories because they evoke emotions.\u201d <\/strong>By sharing an authentic experience, you help the audience see you as approachable and trustworthy, establishing a connection that goes beyond formality.<\/p>\n

Example<\/em>: If you are speaking on resilience in times of crisis, you might share a moment when you had to lead under pressure, highlighting the tough decisions and the lessons you learned. These types of stories, especially if they address situations everyone can relate to, immediately connect with the audience.<\/strong><\/p>\n

2.<\/span> Ask a provocative question<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A question is a powerful tool to actively engage the audience from the start. Neill suggests that asking a question \u201cforces the audience to think and gives them a reason to listen.\u201d<\/strong> A good question not only grabs attention but also stimulates interest and reflection within your audience. The key is to pose a question that ties into the central theme of your speech and is intriguing enough not to have an obvious answer.<\/p>\n

Example<\/em>: In a speech on innovation, you could start by asking, \u201cWhat would you do if your main business disappeared tomorrow?\u201d This unsettling question puts the audience on alert, creating the need to listen to find possible answers.<\/p>\n

3.<\/span> Use an impactful statistic<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Neill also recommends using data as an effective opening method, especially if it\u2019s surprising or revealing. Sharing a powerful figure allows the audience to visualize the magnitude of a problem or challenge, <\/strong>making it more tangible and relevant. This is particularly effective if you then connect that data point to a question or a call to action.<\/p>\n

Example<\/em>: In a speech on sustainability, you could begin by saying, \u201cEvery year, 18 million hectares of forest are lost\u2014equivalent to 27 football fields every minute.\u201d By providing a specific data point along with a relatable comparison, you trigger an immediate reaction and set a solid foundation to dive deeper into the topic.[\/vc_column_text]

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