How to Start a Speech

Conor Neill
11 Mar 201208:47
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe transcript emphasizes the importance of engaging the audience from the start in a speech. It advises against using common, dull openings and instead suggests starting with a relevant question, a shocking fact, or a personal story to captivate the audience. The speaker shares insights on connecting with the audience through storytelling, highlighting the human element behind topics and sharing personal experiences to build trust and interest.

Takeaways
  • 🎤 Start speeches with a strong opening - either a question that matters to the audience, a shocking factoid, or a personal story that engages and connects on an emotional level.
  • 📝 Avoid using repetitive and mundane introductions like stating your name and topic, as it signals to the audience that it's time to get distracted.
  • 🌟 Capture attention right from the start by treating the audience like individuals in a networking event or a group of people at a bar, making them feel part of the conversation.
  • 🤔 Frame problems that the audience faces in the form of questions to make them think and engage with the topic actively.
  • 💡 Use surprising factoids that challenge common perceptions and make the audience reconsider their understanding of the subject matter.
  • 📖讲故事是最好的开始方式，因为它能够立即吸引听众的注意力，让他们准备好聆听和参与进来。
  • 🔍 Research and find common connections with your audience to make networking more effective and build rapport.
  • 🌈 Use personal anecdotes and experiences to illustrate the importance of the topic and to show authenticity.
  • 👥 Focus on people and their experiences rather than just the objects or things when telling stories in business.
  • 💓 Connect with the audience on a personal level to build trust, making them more receptive to your message and more likely to take action.
  • ⏰ Utilize pauses effectively to create anticipation and keep the audience hooked on what you're about to say next.
Q & A

  • What is a common yet ineffective way to start a speech?

    -One common but ineffective way to start a speech is by stating one's name, where they are from, and the topic of the talk, as it can signal to the audience that it's time to get distracted instead of engaging with the speaker.

  • Why does mentioning technical details, like checking the microphone, not make for a good speech introduction?

    -Mentioning technical details can create a disconnect between the speaker and the audience, as it may come off as the speaker being more focused on the setup than on engaging with the audience.

  • What is the significance of starting a speech with a question that matters to the audience?

    -Starting with a question that matters to the audience grabs their attention by directly involving them in the topic and showing that the speaker is aware of their concerns and interests.

  • How can a factoid shock the audience into paying attention?

    -A shocking factoid can make the audience rethink their assumptions and engage more deeply with the topic, as it presents unexpected information that challenges their preconceived notions.

  • What is the most effective way to start a speech according to the speaker?

    -The most effective way to start a speech is by telling a story that resonates with the audience, as it engages them emotionally and makes them more receptive to the speaker's message.

  • Why are stories about people more impactful in speeches than those about objects or things?

    -Stories about people are more impactful because they connect on an emotional level, highlighting human experiences and values that the audience can relate to, rather than focusing on impersonal objects or abstract concepts.

  • How can a speaker demonstrate their personal connection to a topic?

    -A speaker can demonstrate their personal connection to a topic by sharing their own experiences, the reasons behind their interest in the subject, and how it has affected their life or the lives of others.

  • What should a speaker focus on when telling a story about Tango?

    -Instead of focusing on the software itself, a speaker should talk about the people who built the software, their motivations, their daily activities, and the sacrifices they've made, as these human elements make the story more relatable and engaging.

  • How does the concept of quality of life play a role in storytelling for business?

    -Quality of life can be used as a storytelling element by discussing how a product or service improves people's lives, and sharing personal sacrifices made for the sake of achieving something more meaningful or impactful.

  • What does the speaker suggest is key for the audience to trust and care about the speaker?

    -The speaker suggests that the audience needs to engage with the speaker as a person, connect with their stories, and see the speaker's genuine interest and passion for the topic in order to trust and care about them.

  • How can a speaker use a personal anecdote effectively in their speech?

    -A speaker can use a personal anecdote effectively by making it relevant to the topic, showing how it connects them to the subject matter, and using it to illustrate broader points or lessons that the audience can learn from.

Outlines
00:00
🎤 Effective Speech Introductions

This paragraph discusses the importance of starting a speech effectively. It highlights common but ineffective ways speakers often begin their talks, such as stating their name and topic, which can signal to the audience to disengage. The speaker suggests that there are three better ways to start a speech: with a question that matters to the audience, with a shocking factoid, or by telling a personal story that connects to the topic. The paragraph emphasizes the power of a personal narrative to engage the audience and build trust.

05:06
📖 Captivating Storytelling in Adulthood

The second paragraph focuses on the art of storytelling, particularly how adults can engage their audience through narratives. It begins by drawing a parallel to how children are captivated by the phrase 'once upon a time' and contrasts this with the dry, unengaging way adults often deliver information. The speaker then explains that the 'grown-up' version of 'once upon a time' involves sharing personal experiences and anecdotes that resonate with the audience. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of telling stories about people, not just facts or products, and how these stories can illustrate the impact on quality of life. By sharing personal sacrifices and connecting on a human level, speakers can earn the trust and engagement of their audience.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Speech
A speech is a formal address or discourse delivered to an audience, with the purpose of conveying information, expressing ideas, or influencing listeners' thoughts and actions. In the context of the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of engaging the audience from the start and maintaining their interest throughout the presentation.
💡Engagement
Engagement refers to the level of interest, attention, and participation from the audience during a speech. It is crucial for a speaker to establish a connection with the audience to ensure that the message is effectively communicated and understood. The video highlights strategies for achieving engagement, such as starting with a compelling question or a relatable story.
💡Networking
Networking is the process of building and maintaining professional relationships, often with the goal of advancing one's career or business. In the video, the speaker uses the analogy of networking in a social setting to explain how to capture and hold the audience's attention during a speech.
💡Storytelling
Storytelling is the art of using narratives to convey experiences, ideas, or information in a way that is engaging and memorable. In the video, the speaker advocates for starting speeches with stories because they are a powerful tool for capturing attention and fostering a connection with the audience.
💡Factoid
A factoid is an isolated fact, often presented as surprising or shocking, that is intended to capture attention and provoke thought. In the video, the speaker suggests using factoids as a method to start a speech, as they can stimulate the audience's curiosity and make them more receptive to the speaker's message.
💡Personal Connection
A personal connection refers to the relationship or bond established between a speaker and their audience based on shared experiences, values, or emotions. The video underscores the value of creating a personal connection through storytelling, as it helps the audience to trust and care about the speaker, thus making them more likely to engage with the speech's content.
💡Quality of Life
Quality of life refers to the overall well-being, satisfaction, and happiness of an individual or group. It encompasses various aspects such as health, relationships, personal achievements, and the environment. In the video, the speaker encourages the audience to consider how their work or product can impact the quality of life for their customers, thereby making the speech more meaningful and relevant.
💡Audience
An audience refers to a group of people who have gathered to listen to or watch a performance, presentation, or speech. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding the audience's needs, interests, and expectations in order to deliver a speech that is engaging and impactful.
💡Public Speaking
Public speaking is the act of speaking to a group of people in a formal setting, with the intention of informing, persuading, or entertaining. The video discusses various techniques and approaches to enhance public speaking skills, such as starting with a captivating story or factoid.
💡Impact
Impact refers to the effect or influence that a speech, action, or event has on its audience or the wider community. The video stresses the importance of making a positive impact on the audience by delivering a speech that resonates with them on a personal level, prompting them to think, feel, or act differently.
Highlights

One of the first words in a speech should grab attention, avoiding clichéd introductions like stating your name and topic.

Many speakers fail to engage the audience by starting with repetitive information that the audience already knows.

Starting a speech with a question relevant to the audience can be an effective method to engage their interest.

Shocking factoids can be used to jolt the audience into paying attention and rethinking their perspectives.

The best way to start a speech is by telling a story, which is a technique that resonates with people from childhood.

Stories should be about people, focusing on their experiences and emotions rather than objects or things.

To effectively engage an audience, speakers should share personal stories that highlight why the topic is important to them.

Speakers should emphasize how their work or product affects the quality of life for individuals.

When telling a story, it's crucial to convey the sacrifices and efforts of the people involved behind the scenes.

The audience needs to trust and care about the speaker as a person to truly engage with the content.

The way adults tell stories is often different from how children hear them, but the essence of storytelling remains the same.

Networking is improved by finding common ground with others, such as shared acquaintances.

The use of technology, like Google, allows for quick fact-checking and enhances the credibility of a speaker's claims.

Jack Welch and Steve Jobs are examples of successful speakers who effectively use storytelling in their presentations.

A good speech should not only inform but also impact the audience's thoughts and potentially change their actions.

The importance of storytelling in business communication lies in its ability to connect people through shared experiences.

The key to a memorable speech is the ability to captivate the audience with a narrative that resonates with their own lives.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

The public speaking lesson you never had | DK . | TEDxNelson

The Best Way to Answer the Tell Me About Yourself Question

RootsTech 2023 | The Anatomy of a Story

How to captivate an audience in less than 30 seconds

What Makes People Engage With Math | Grant Sanderson | TEDxBerkeley

How to Do a Competitor Analysis on Social Media

Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating:

Related Tags
SpeechCraftNetworkingTipsEngagementStrategiesStorytellingPublicSpeakingIndustryLeadersProfessionalGrowthCommunicationSkillsEventPreparation