Grabbing your audiences attention is critical in the first ten seconds of any public speech or you could lost them to their mobile phones.
In this article we will look at some of the worlds best public speakers to learn how they engage their audiences fast on a public platform, . They each use different techniques but each of them are attention grabbing and captivating. So let’s learn from Barack Obama, Tony Robbins and Brene Brown- who don’t just captivate but are captivating themselves.
Barack Obama, the master of storytelling, knows how to captivate an audience from the very start. Take a page from his book and start your speech with a compelling personal story. For example, you could begin by sharing a moment of vulnerability or a transformative experience that relates to your topic. This instantly creates an emotional connection and draws your audience in, just like Obama did in his famous 2004 Democratic National Convention speech.
The High-Energy Opener: If you’ve ever seen Tony Robbins in action, you know he brings an incredible amount of energy to the stage. To open your speech powerfully, you can learn from this master of the stage and start your speech or presentation. with a burst of enthusiasm. To do this, use dynamic body language, a strong voice or an an uplifting message to energize your audience. For instance, you could say, “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! Are you ready to unleash your inner greatness and conquer the world?” This high-energy approach sets the tone for an engaging and motivational speech.
The Thought-Provoking Question: Brené Brown, renowned for her TED Talks on vulnerability and courage, knows how to make her audience think deeply. Begin your speech with a thought-provoking question that challenges conventional wisdom or sparks curiosity. For example, you could ask, “What if vulnerability was the key to unlocking our true strength?” This immediately grabs attention and encourages your audience to reflect on your topic, just like Brown does in her talks.
The Startling Statistic: Another powerful way to open a speech is by using a surprising or shocking statistic. Barack Obama often employed this technique to highlight important issues. Find a statistic that relates to your topic and presents a compelling argument. For instance, you could say, “Did you know that over 70% of people feel imposter syndrome at some point in their lives?” This grabs attention and sets the stage for a speech that addresses a common struggle or concern.
The Quotable Wisdom. Both Obama and Brown are known for their wise and inspiring words. Begin your speech with a powerful quote that encapsulates the essence of your message. For example, you could borrow Obama’s words, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” This immediately establishes credibility and resonates with your audience, setting the stage for an impactful speech.
Remember, opening a speech powerfully is all about grabbing attention, creating an emotional connection, and setting the tone for what’s to come. Whether you choose to tell a story, bring high energy, ask thought-provoking questions, share startling statistics, or use quotable wisdom, make sure it aligns with your style and the message you want to convey. So, go out there and rock that opening, just like the masters of public speaking!
