Author Jeremy Donovan's in depth study of World Champion speakers suggests the most effective way to begin a speech is:
- Grab attention quickly
- Reveal your theme - make it clear what you are going to talk about without giving away all the details
- Preview your structure - show the structure of the speech still without giving away the details (e.g., "Today you will learn the 4 Secrets to Better Health" but do not immediately say what those 4 secrets are...reveal them gradually, one at a time as you give your speech)
Tim Wilson
Professional Speech Coach
Free speaking tips at: http://speakingquicktips.blogspot.com