Professional speaker Patricia Fripp suggests these as possible opening techniques:
- Powerful quotation - use a quote the audience is unlikely to have heard - or give a quote only you know which you heard from your relatives, coaches, minister, bosses, etc.
- Rhetorical question - ask a question that you don't want the audience to answer but to think about - be ready to respond in case anyone answers your rhetorical question
- Relate to the situation, introduction, or introducer - refer back to something someone else mentioned or acknowledge an issue on the audience's mind (e.g., "Since we are a little delayed and it's almost, you may be wondering if you will eat your lunch on time. Don't worry, I'll end the presentation a little earlier than scheduled to make sure everyone gets to have their lunch as scheduled.")
Attention getting,
Tim Wilson
Professional Speech Coach
Free speaking tips at: http://speakingquicktips.blogspot.com
