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How do you start a good speech?

Lynn Kirkham
Public Speaking Coach
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.

Lynn Kirkham

Public Speaking Coach

Expert Answer

One easy way to do this is to start with a question. Try to choose a question that you're sure the audience will identify with to get them invested in the speech. For example, you may ask, "How many of you are afraid of public speaking?" This will also help you connect with your audience since it will let them know you have a kind of common ground to start with.

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Question

How can I start a speech about forgiveness?

Community Answer

You could say, "Everyone in this room has done something wrong and has asked to be forgiven..."

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How can I get the attention of the judges in an international competition?

Community Answer

You could start with asking them a direct question or present a shocking fact to emotionally grab them and your audience.

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How should I first start my speech in school tomorrow morning?

Community Answer

With a rhetorical question for your opening.

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How do I flow smoothly from the introduction to the body of my speech?

Community Answer

Sometimes, your appearance can intervene with how smooth your introduction is. Make sure you are standing straight and tall, not shaking, and have a smile. (Don't forget to make eye contact with the audience!) And, also make sure to use professional words in your introduction and address the topic clearly.

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How can I start a speech on school elections?

Juliet Meijer

Community Answer

Start with a question, to get their attention. For example: "How many people are having trouble with this or that? I can help!" would get people listening for the solution.

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During my speech, If I want to drink water, what should I say?

Community Answer

Good Question! If your in the middle of speech and its timed I wouldn't risk it. Though if you are allowed, say "excuse me" take a quick sip and get back to rocking your speech!

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How do you make a speech for people to vote for you?

RedIsSus

Community Answer

I've applied for Head Girl at school (and other roles) many a time, and I've found that a good way to start off this type of speech is by saying: "Good afternoon everyone. My name is (insert your name) and I am speaking to you all today as part of my application for (whatever you want votes for). After that, I often say reasons they should vote for me e.g if you are honest, a good leader, compassionate, etc. Mention the things you will try to accomplish if people vote for you. After that you can add a few more details then wrap your speech up!

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