Introductory Speech Topics

Giving an introductory speech can mean presenting on a wide variety of possible topics.

An introductory speech can be given to introduce yourself or a topic. This type of speech is typically given in an informative style, to best transfer information about a person or subject. A student selecting a topic to make an introductory speech should consider choosing a topic he is already comfortable talking about and has a basic knowledge of.

Autobiographical

An autobiographical speech can be given to introduce yourself. When talking about yourself, you may choose to give information about where you are from, things you have done growing up and how you got to be where you are today. It is also possible to give a less temporal speech and discuss elements of yourself including your interests, hobbies, work or areas of study, and family or friends.

Biographical

An introductory speech may be given about another person to introduce her to the audience or class. The person could be living and present in the room, living and famous, or deceased. A biographical speech should provide key points about why a certain person is important or significant, elements of her past, as well as other pertinent information necessary to introducing her character and accomplishments.

A Skill

An introductory speech can be demonstrative if it helps teach people a skill or action. A well-delivered speech that introduces a skill should not go into depth that is difficult to follow or understand, since the skill is being newly introduced to the audience. Skills that are simple and easy to demonstrate through a speech include basic tasks such as baking, learning to organize or manage things, how to make a craft, create a collection, maintain an orchid or anything similar.

A Specific Topic or Subject

An introductory speech may be given on a specific topic or subject, typically something you are already comfortable speaking about and familiar with. Examples of subjects to introduce to an audience may include a sport, a profession, an art technique, a period of history, a school of thought, a country, a type of animal, a book, a food or anything the speaker finds interesting and can make equally interesting for the audience.

References

• Ian's Messy Desk: 4 Basic Types of Speeches
• Chris Brogan: Make Better Presentations
• Speech Topics Help: Top 5 Introduction Speech Topics

Resources

• Speech Topic Help