How to Start a Speech

TL;DR

Learn the formula for a successful opening to any presentation, including an opening gambit, unique selling proposition, and proof of concept.

Transcript

[MUSIC] Hi, everybody. My name's Ilana Walder-Biesanz, and I'm a student in Stanford GSB's MBA program. And I'm actually in this class called Strategic Communications, and we're doing final projects. And this is actually my final presentation. We're going to talk about how to start a speech. And it's a group presentation, so I want to introduce eve... Read More

Key Insights

• 😯 The opening of a speech is crucial in captivating the audience, and a well-crafted opening gambit can make a significant impact.
• 😯 A unique selling proposition (USP) provides a concise summary of your speech's value, while a proof of concept (PoC) establishes your credibility and authority.
• 😯 Starting a speech with self-introductions, jokes, or generic quotes may negatively impact audience engagement.
• 🥺 Capturing the audience's attention and establishing relevance to their interests early on leads to a more successful presentation.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is the opening gambit important for starting a speech?

The opening gambit, such as a compelling story, grabs the audience's attention and makes them interested in your presentation. It helps to engage them from the start and sets the stage for the rest of your speech.

Q: How can a unique selling proposition (USP) benefit your speech?

A USP provides a concise summary of what you'll be discussing and why it matters to the audience. It helps them understand why they should listen to you and what benefits you promise to deliver to them, increasing their interest in your presentation.

Q: How does a proof of concept (PoC) enhance your credibility in a speech?

A PoC demonstrates your credibility and authority on the topic. It can be achieved through showcasing historical success, referencing reputable sources, or presenting progress updates. This helps to establish trust with the audience and makes them more receptive to your message.

Q: What are some mistakes to avoid when starting a speech?

It's important to avoid starting with self-introductions or company descriptions, as they can be boring and disengage the audience. Additionally, using jokes can be risky as it can distract from your main message. Overused quotations should be avoided unless they directly relate to your presentation.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The opening gambit, such as a compelling story, is essential for capturing your audience's attention and making them interested in your presentation.

• A unique selling proposition (USP) provides a brief overview of what you'll be discussing and why it will be valuable to the audience.

• A proof of concept (PoC) establishes your credibility and authority on the topic through historical success, reputable sources, or progress updates.