How to Have an Attention Getter in Speeches

Capture and keep your audience's attention with interesting statements.

When you begin giving a speech, you must grab your audience's attention in the first few seconds to help ensure they listen to the whole speech. Not only must you grab their interest at the beginning, you should also include attention-getting lines throughout your speech. The one at the beginning, however, should be the most effective one. If your audience is not paying attention at the beginning, they are not likely to begin listening later.

Instructions

1. Begin your speech with an interesting and lesser-known fact related to the topic of your speech. A fact that is contrary to popular belief can be more effective than a simple fact that most people already know. An unusual fact can lead your audience to want to know more about your topic.

2. Tell a story to illustrate the point of your speech. This story can be real or fictional, but should be full of interesting facts and entertainment value, as long as the topic allows for it. A more serious topic can also benefit from a story.

3. Pose a question to the audience that is related to your speech topic. The audience doesn't have to verbally answer your question, but it gives them something to think about while they listen to your speech. Involving the audience draws their attention and makes them want to hear what you have to say about the topic.

4. Tie your speech into the other events surrounding your speech, especially if there were other speakers before you or your speech is part of a larger event or conference. Show your audience how your speech is relevant to the reasons why they are there.

5. Insert a famous quote that directly relates to your topic. A quote can let your audience know that you have done your research on the topic and your speech will contain important information.

6. Compare another object or idea with the topic of your speech, especially if your topic is less familiar to your audience. Comparing it to something that is more familiar helps your audience relate to the topic and take interest in it.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution when using humor as your attention-getter unless you know the audience well. Using humor requires perfect delivery and some audience members may not get it or may be offended.

References

• Colorado State University: Attention Getters
• Whitman College; Become a Public Speaking Genius: Where to Begin -- Attention Getters; David Norelius
• Highline Community College: Attention-Getters