The first impression is the last impression. The golden trick to a good speech is keeping the audience hooked. Grabbing attention of the judges’ in the first 30 seconds of the speech actually results in better evaluation.
Here are some tips on how to start a speech that captures the judges’ attention in the first 30 seconds during student speaker speech competitions:
Begin with a question
Starting a speech with a question or asking the audience about it actually makes them more interested and connected with the topic. The audience will carefully listen to how you gradually answer the question and evaluate their answers parallelly too. This will hook the judges in a way. A powerful question will make the audience stop and think.
For example, use phrases such as, “Have you ever …” or “Do you wonder …”.
Use story or examples
Audience and judges will want to listen about an interesting incident, a similar perspective and an example that they can relate with. A story will make it more memorable and help people connect.
Add Humour
Making people laugh is the best way to get their attention. But don’t add old jokes, rather crack a joke relating to your topic.
Adding irony, sarcasm or light humour while beginning will make the speech interesting and lighten the environment. You can add jokes about the day or the topic or sarcastically add a one liner.
Use a statistic
Using data or facts actually makes your speech look well prepared and sound more professional. Adding numbers and percentage to your speech can capture attention to detail. People like to hear things that surprise them.
Statistics make you sound smart and also let people wonder about what’s next.
Create An Image with words
Ask the audience to imagine a scenario, describe the situation, point out details and cook a story. painting a picture in your story can help people imagine like they are living it. For example: “The bell is ringing, my hand is shaking” Now everyone can imagine that they feel it.
It will help people connect more. Keep the intro short and precise to give a gist of the topic. Be confident and use pauses to convey emotions.
Introductions should include a little picture and insight of the topic, this will help the audience and judges to be prepared about what’s coming next and what to expect. Don’t include all the boring information but include one liners about the meaning, impact and solutions about the topic.
Start with bold statements or opinions
The first sentence being a strong, sharp opinion can hook the judges. Catching attention isn’t all about being loud but also unintentional and bold. For example: “School is the most boring place ever.” “Losing is better than winning.”
Everyone will look and wonder why. This will keep them hooked throughout to know the answer
You don’t want to look desperate but also want to make an impression. These are some of the best ways and tips to capture all the attention towards your speech.