Even if you are nervous, exude confidence when you make a speech.
Public speaking differs from other forms of communication in one distinctive way: audience members can't rewind or reread the words to a speech. They form impressions within the first few seconds of listening to a speaker. Although it should be brief and to the point, an effective speech introduction engages the audience, establishes the speaker as a credible source and gives listeners a taste of what is to come. Combining these components leads to a well-received presentation.
Grab Audience Attention
Audience members decide quickly whether or not they will pay attention to a speech. As a speaker, you must intrigue and motivate them. Set the mood and tone of the speech from the onset. Show feeling and emotion to establish a connection with the audience. Open with an attention-getting technique, such as an anecdote, a startling statistic, humor or a quotation. Make sure it is relevant to the subject of the speech. When using humor, it's best to stick to a personal story rather than trying to be a comedian. Put the audience at ease and they will be more receptive to what you have to say.
Establish Credibility
As a speaker, you need to wear appropriate attire, appear confident and make eye contact so that listeners will immediately form favorable opinions. Convince them that they will benefit if they listen to what you have to say. Perhaps you have done extensive research, have personal experience or have had a vested interest in the topic for a long time -- relay that to listeners. Avoid giving a long list of your credentials, however, which often results in boredom. Refer to respectable outside sources in the introduction and sparingly throughout the speech.
Preview Main Points
The audience needs to know what your speech is about and what you hope to accomplish. Prepare them for the flow of the speech, providing an oral outline of what will come first, second and so on. Mention main topics that you will discuss. Include a thesis statement in the introduction that is memorable and clearly communicates the purpose of your talk. When you have completed the introduction, each person present should feel he has been given a road map of what is to come.
Transition to Body
Once you have addressed the three main components of the introduction, round it out quickly and move forward. Subtly signal to the audience that you are about to transition into the body of the speech. Prepare them to start processing the information that you will share. Keep the interest high as you shift into your first point. When possible, physically move across the stage -- such as from the right side to the center -- as a parallel to the transition.
