How do I start a speech?

Question

What would be a good intro for my speech about the importance of reading books? The "good morning bla bla bla. I am here to talk abou bla bla bla " is somewhat a cliche already so something new would be nice.

Could You also give the exact sentence/paragraph?

Answer 1

Try to start with a story, anecdote, or interesting fact. Something like "Did you know that people who read books for pleasure are 80% more likely to get good grades in school?" (Something true though.. I just made that up LOL.) If you have a funny story about why it's important to read books, that would be even better. But make sure it's relevant to your main points. Then say "I would like to talk to you about the importance of reading books." And move on to your three-points introduction, or whichever format you are using :-) Good luck!

Answer 2

Say something that grabs the auidences attention. The normal, good morning blah blah sends every one to sleep in the first 2 seconds, so say something out there, or something that your audience will be interested in. Your could state a number of movies that people might have enjoied in the age group you are talking to and say they started off as books. Or possibly raise a question, that will get your audience thinkin. Such as how many of you like reading, i have to admit sometimes the taks may seem colossal, nevertheless.......(and go from there) Just remember to be your self, natural, and to get your audience interested from the first second you walk on stage.

Answer 3

There are five components to your introduction
1) A personal greeting
2) Build common ground
3) Build your credibility
4) Capture attention - (Related to your topic) Startling Statment; Dramatic Story, Quotation, Humor or Rhetorical Question
5) Preview your main points

*1-4 can be in any order

Answer 4

I think a joke or talking about a really amzing story from a book or something would be a nice start. Something that will catch the audiences attention more then the usually boring intro.

Answer 5

Better buy a book on how to make speech. You will see around 20 pattern to start a speech, depending on the occasion and audience you will encounter. Good luck!

Answer 6

Start out with a bang! Something that will make them want to hear the rest. Could be a funny anecdote, a statistic, etc.

Answer 7

I think I'd find a famous "first sentence" of a well known book, and literally start your speech quoting that sentence. Find one that is interesting, even shocking and "grab" your audience's attention.. move on from there.....

Here's one link to start with:
http://www.constantreader.org/sentence.html

Answer 8

yea don't do the good morning and my name and im here to talk..you can like start with a statistic of how many peolpe can read or cant read.. and have problems and why it's important to read.. with your 3 points!

Answer 9

Well this may seem like im a jerk but if your public speaking skills are good , then say something like "If im good at talking its because it runs in the family heritage. and if you are bad at speaking in public say the oppisite its bound 2 make people laugh

Answer 10

"The world is a very large place"