Write Introduction to Speech
The introduction is your first chance to win the audience. In its opening moments it should grab attention, make the topic clear, and give listeners a reason to care.
Questions you may have include:
- What should an introduction do?
- How do you open strongly?
- What mistakes should you avoid?
What it should do
A good introduction captures attention, introduces the topic and purpose, builds a little rapport or credibility, and previews where the speech is going.
Opening strongly
Effective openings include a thought-provoking question, a striking fact, a short and relevant story, or a vivid image. Any of these pulls the audience in far better than a slow, general start.
What to avoid
Avoid long, rambling preambles, apologies (“I’m not much of a speaker”), and jokes that do not fit the topic or audience. These waste the moment when attention is highest.
Summary
A speech’s introduction should grab attention, state the topic and purpose, build rapport, and preview the content. Open with a question, fact, brief story, or vivid image, and avoid rambling, apologies, and off-topic jokes that squander the audience’s initial attention.