Want to make your speech unforgettable? Start with a bang! A great attention getter grabs your audience from the first words.
Good attention getters get people excited to hear what you’ll say next. They can be funny stories, surprising facts, or thought-provoking questions. The key is to pick something that fits your topic and speaks to your listeners.
Think about why you’re giving your speech. Are you trying to teach, convince, or entertain? Your opening should match that goal. With the right start, you’ll have everyone hooked and ready to hear more.
Types of Attention Getters
Attention getters are key tools for speakers to grab their audience’s interest right from the start. They come in many forms, each with its own strengths and uses.
Using Questions to Engage
Questions make people think and get involved. They spark curiosity and make listeners want to hear more. Good questions relate to your topic and your audience’s interests.
Examples
- “Have you ever wondered…?”
- “What would you do if…?”
- “Can you imagine a world where…?”
- “How many of you have…?”
- “What’s the first thing that comes to mind when…?”
- “Did you know…?”
- “Who here has experienced…?”
- “When was the last time you…?”
- “How would your life change if…?”
- “Why do you think…?”
These questions get people thinking and ready to listen to your speech.
Humor as an Ice-Breaker
Laughter helps people relax and opens them up to your message. A funny story or joke can create a bond with your audience. Just make sure it’s appropriate and ties into your topic.
Here are some ways to add humor:
- “I was so nervous about this speech, I…”
- “You know you’re in trouble when…”
- “My dog taught me an important lesson about…”
- “I never thought I’d say this, but…”
- “The last time I tried this, I ended up…”
- “If my past self could see me now…”
- “They say practice makes perfect, but…”
- “I have a confession to make…”
- “You might be wondering why I’m dressed like this…”
- “Let me tell you about my first attempt at…”
Revealing Statistics
Numbers can be powerful. They can shock, surprise, or highlight the importance of your topic. You can use stats to paint a clear picture for your listeners.
Examples
- “Did you know that…”
- “Imagine this: …”
- “Here’s a number that might surprise you…”
- “Picture a world where…”
- “What if I told you…”
- “Brace yourself for this fact…”
- “Let’s put this into perspective…”
- “Think about it: …”
- “This next number might shock you…”
- “Consider the impact of…”
Make sure your stats are accurate and from reliable sources. Explain what they mean in simple terms.
Sharing Personal Stories
People connect with stories. A personal tale can make your speech more relatable and memorable. It shows your human side and can create an emotional link with your audience.
Examples
- “I’ll never forget the day…”
- “Let me take you back to a time when…”
- “My journey began when…”
- “I learned a valuable lesson when…”
- “Picture this scene: …”
- “It all changed for me when…”
- “I used to think… until…”
- “My biggest challenge came when…”
- “I had a wake-up call when…”
- “Looking back, I realize…”
(Keep your story short and relevant to your main message.)
Making Bold Statements
A strong, confident claim can grab attention fast. Just be sure you can back up your statement in your speech.
Examples
- “This changes everything.”
- “You’re about to see the world differently.”
- “What I’m about to tell you will transform your life.”
- “Forget everything you thought you knew about…”
- “This is the most important thing you’ll hear today.”
- “I’m here to challenge what you believe about…”
- “Get ready to have your mind blown.”
- “This idea will revolutionize how we…”
- “You won’t believe what I discovered.”
- “I’m going to show you something that will amaze you.”
(Your speech should deliver on the bold claim you make.)
Using Analogies and Metaphors
Comparing your topic to something familiar helps people understand new or complex ideas. It creates a mental picture that sticks with your audience.
Examples
- “Think of it like…”
- “Imagine your brain is a…”
- “This process is similar to…”
- “It’s as if…”
- “Picture your goal as a…”
- “This concept works like…”
- “Just as a tree needs roots, this idea needs…”
- “Consider this challenge a mountain to climb…”
- “Life is like a book, and this chapter is about…”
- “Think of this problem as a puzzle…”
Creating Vivid Visualizations
Painting a picture with words can transport your audience. It helps them see and feel what you’re talking about. This makes your speech more engaging and memorable.
Examples
- “Close your eyes and imagine…”
- “Picture yourself in…”
- “Let’s take a journey to…”
- “Visualize a world where…”
- “Step into a scene where…”
- “Transport yourself to…”
- “In your mind’s eye, see…”
- “Envision a future where…”
- “Let’s paint a picture of…”
- “Imagine you’re standing in…”
Connecting with the Audience
Establishing Common Ground
Find shared experiences or values with your audience. This helps create a bond right from the start. You might say, “Like many of you, I grew up in a small town.” Or, “As parents, we all want the best for our kids.”
Think about what you have in common with your listeners. Are you from the same area? Do you share similar jobs or hobbies? Use these points to relate to them.
You can also ask questions to get the audience nodding along. For example, “Who here has ever felt nervous before a big presentation?” This gets people involved and shows you understand them.
Referencing Current Events
Or, you can bring up recent news or trends that relate to your topic. You could mention a viral video, a sports event, or a local news story. For example, “Did anyone see the new space photos released last week?”
Stick to topics that most people would agree on or find interesting. (Avoid sensitive topics.)
You can use current events to make your point stronger. For example, if you’re talking about teamwork, you might reference a recent rescue mission that made headlines.
This shows you’re in touch and makes your speech feel timely.