4 Tips for Writing Your Speech Introduction

Have you ever wanted to create a speech introduction so powerful that your audience hangs on every word of the remainder of your speech? The introduction to your speech is one of the most important parts of it. In fact, people will remember the beginning and the end of your speech more than anything else, so it will behoove you to craft a gripping introduction.

Your speech introduction, if written and delivered in the correct manner, can draw the attention of your audience and get them really interested in what you have to say. This interest can last for over an hour! In other words, the rest of your speech can bomb, and as long as the introduction is strong, you will still come across as having done a good job.

In order to gain attention of your audience quickly and "wow" them, simply follow these four steps:

1. Start your speech in an unusual or unexpected way. This can be as simple as starting from the back of the room or starting from within the audience. Don't underestimate the power of physical proximity to your audience. People get enough 'talking heads' on television. Don't be another one. Instead, invade their space and make them 'feel' your presence.

2. Have you done anything of significance or importance? I know the answer is, "yes." So, casually drop what you've done into your introduction. Here's the key: You must simply slip this information into your speech without bragging about it. Say it as though it were no big deal. Better yet, make it the backdrop to, or a part of your story. Don't be shy; your audience will be excited to hear what you have accomplished, and they need to know why you are speaking to them.

3. Tell a gripping tale. People learn through story. Period. Don't try to wow them with your "19-point system." Nobody can connect on an emotional level to something like that. Instead, tell a story that stirs emotion. This can be funny, sad, suspenseful, scary, or anything else. Think about what stories you've told at parties or what stories people ask you to tell over and over again. This should be in your speech.

4. Effectively transition into the point of the story. A story for the sake of a story is bad. A story used to make a point is powerful. Decide what the point of the story is and figure out in advance how you're going to transition into that point.

If you follow these four steps, your audience will be spell-bound for the duration of your speech... and longer.

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James Malinchak of www.GetSpeakingJobs.com has delivered over 2,200 motivational presentations at conferences and meetings worldwide. Currently, James owns three businesses, has authored eight books, and has read and researched over 1,500 books on personal and professional development, making him the top public speaking business coach in the world.