Things You'll Need:
- Index card
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Step 1
Prepare your speech ahead of time. Write out what you want to say and think about it thoroughly. Make the first sentence you say in your speech powerful and intriguing. Really focus on drawing your audience in. For example, present a fact that they may not have known or ask a question that will get the audience thinking.
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Step 2
Pen some key words from your introduction on a index card. Don't write too many words on your card; you want your introduction to be spoken powerfully and intimately from your heart rather than read from a card. Use this card to help you remember your thoughts and to avoid losing your place or going off on a tangent.
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Step 3
Memorize most of your introduction, especially your opening sentence and very key phrases throughout. This will help you speak with more authority and credibility to the audience.
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Step 4
Practice your speech introduction a few times before your speech. Focus on power, clarity, gestures and body language and accurate pronunciations. Speak in front of a mirror to see the power of your gestures and body language. Use a tape recorder to listen to how you sound. Make sure you use the right vocal inflections at the right time. Raise your voice on important parts and lower your voice to create intrigue and draw the listeners in. Also, have a trusted and honest friend listen to your introduction and ask him to give critiques on what you could have done better and what should be kept.
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Step 5
Walk to the podium with speed and power when you are called on to speak. The way you walk to the lectern says a lot to the audience about whether what you have to say is worth listening to.
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Step 6
Speak to the audience and channel your nervous energy into energetic speaking fervor. Let the audience feel the enthusiasm you have about the subject.
