How to Start A Presentation – Video

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Introduction: How to Grab Audience Attention at the Start of Your Speech

This video explores practical techniques you can use in the first few seconds of a speech to build connection and spark interest. You’ll hear how politicians use location cues, how personal stories create warmth and how a striking fact can hook an audience instantly.

What you’ll learn: Attention-Grabbing Speech Openings

• How to build instant rapport with a tailored opening line
• Why referencing the audience’s location or interests works so well
• How personal stories create a natural, human connection
• How a strong fact or statistic can grab attention fast
• Simple ways to sound spontaneous and authentic

Summary: Using Strong Openings to Connect with Your Audience

A powerful opening sets the tone for the whole speech. Referencing where you are or something the audience cares about creates an immediate sense of connection. Politicians use this technique effectively. You can also hook people with a surprising fact or a short personal story — something that feels natural and timely. These techniques help you sound present rather than rehearsed, making the audience lean in from the start.

Mini FAQ: Crafting an Attention-Grabbing Opening

How can I build connection quickly?
Reference something local or relevant to the audience. It shows you’re speaking to them, not delivering a generic talk.

Do personal stories work?
Yes. A short, relatable story helps you sound natural and draws people in.

Should I use facts or statistics?
A big, surprising fact can be a strong hook, especially if it leads directly into your main point.

How do I avoid sounding scripted?
Use conversational language and choose openings that feel like they belong in the moment.

Transcript (edited)

There are lots of techniques you can use at the beginning of a speech to grab attention. Politicians are good at this. Their first line might be something like, “I’m so pleased to be back in Salford; the last time I was here was for a football match.” Straight away, you build a connection with the audience.

Another approach is to hook into their interests. A big, shocking fact can work well, or a personal story — “As I was on the tube coming here this morning…” or “I read in the newspaper…” Something that feels natural and as if it has just come to you.

Suggested Links

• Open your speech with impact
• Build instant rapport with your audience
• Use stories effectively in presentations
• Hook attention with strong facts and insights

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