As you are already aware, a strong opening will draw the audience in, while a weak opening may alienate them from the speaker. An attention-getter is a technique a speaker employs at the start of a speech to pique the audience’s curiosity and interest in the subject matter. When selecting a particular attention-getting tool, four factors are typically important to take into account:
First, you want to make sure that the option you choose is actually appropriate and relevant for your particular audience before choosing an attention-getting tool. You should use your audience analysis to determine whether specific information you intend to use would be appropriate for a specific audience because different audiences will have different backgrounds and levels of knowledge. For instance, it might not be the best idea to introduce your speech with a mention of the television show Gossip Girl if you’re addressing a group of seniors in a speech on family units because that audience may not find the show to be relevant.
Second, think about the fundamental goal of your speech. There are three primary goals you can have for giving a speech, as was covered earlier in this text: to inform, persuade, and entertain. Make sure to choose an attention-getter that is consistent with your primary goal when choosing one. Starting a speech with a quotation about how many people die in Africa every day from malnutrition may not be the best strategy if your goal is to entertain an audience. Keep in mind that one of the fundamental purposes of an introduction is to get your audience ready for your speech. If the tone of your speech’s body is significantly different from that of your attention-getter (e g. The disjointedness may cause your audience to become confused or completely tune you out (e.g., dying in Africa when you want them to laugh).
Your speech topic is the third fundamental factor to take into account when choosing an attention-grabbing device. Your attention-grabbing technique should ideally be connected to your speech in some way. Imagine if, at the start of a speech about the economy, a speaker pulled condoms out of his pocket, shouted, “Free sex!” and threw them at the audience. Even though it will undoubtedly catch their attention, this isn’t a great way to get them ready for a speech about bull and bear markets. Not every attention-getter is appropriate for a given topic. Instead, the speaker could begin this speech by stating that “according to a 2004 episode of 60 Minutes, adults in the United States spend approximately $10 billion annually on adult entertainment, which is roughly equivalent to the amounts they spend on professional sporting events, music purchases, or going to the movies” (Leung, 2004). Take note of how well the startling statistic conveys the adult entertainment industry’s financial importance.
The speech occasion is the final consideration when choosing an attention-getting tool. Different tones, specific speaking styles, or mannerisms will be required for different situations. An argumentative speech about death and dying, for instance, shouldn’t be lighthearted and funny. An educational speech on the advantages of laughing shouldn’t be gloomy, depressing, and uninspiring. Making sure that the attention-getter sets the tone for the speech is important when choosing one.
After looking at the four main factors you must take into account when choosing an attention-getter, let’s examine a variety of attention-getters you can use. Miller (1946) found that when beginning a speech, speakers typically use one of a list of eleven attention-getting techniques. The remaining portions of this section will focus on these eleven attention-grabbing tools.
Utilizing the words of someone else who has experience with your subject matter is another strategy for grabbing your audience’s attention. Maybe while reading articles or books for your speech research, you came across a really inspiring quotation. If not, you can also use a variety of sources that gather helpful quotes from famous people. Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations is arguably the most well-known collection of quotations ever published (http://www bartleby. com/100), now in its seventeenth edition. Here are some additional websites with helpful databases of quotes on just about any subject:
- Jokes. Speechwriters often use humor to stimulate an audience’s interest. …
- Funny true stories. …
- Quotations. …
- Statistics. …
- Bold statements. …
- Questions. …
- Analogies. …
- Visualizations.
How to create an attention-getter for your speech
There are a few things to keep in mind about your topic when writing an attention-getter for your speech:
Why are attention getters for speeches important?
A statement or question you can use at the beginning of your speech to immediately engage your audience is known as an attention getter. Attention-getters reduce the possibility that a crowd will lose interest during lengthy speeches because they might pique interest enough at the start to keep listeners’ attention throughout the speech’s subsequent statements.
18 attention getters for effective public speaking
Choosing the right attention-getter is crucial because it can help your audience remember a crucial portion of your speech. The following list of attention-getters can be used at the start of a speech to pique the audience’s interest:
1. Jokes
Speechwriters often use humor to stimulate an audiences interest. In order to get audiences to laugh, speakers can use humor. This can signal that the audience will be entertained for the rest of the speech. Due to the possibility that they will like it, this can encourage an audience to pay attention to your speech. It’s important to strike the appropriate tone when you introduce humor into your speech. For instance, if you’re discussing a serious subject, opening with humor can help to reduce tension, but it’s important to think carefully about the jokes you tell.
Making a joke at the beginning of your speech can be a great way to address your audience. For instance, if you’re in a new setting or addressing a particular group of people, you can incorporate a joke that will resonate with them. You can show your audience that you value their attention and are speaking on a topic that concerns them by tailoring your opener. If you’re going to use a joke as your introduction, make sure it meets the following three criteria:
2. Funny true stories
A humorous true story can be an effective tool for winning over your audience. A story can provide real-world context for your subject, make you seem approachable, and relax your audience—as long as it is amusing, pertinent to your speech, and not offensive. Because you might be able to present an instance that members of the audience have also encountered, it can also make your topic seem relatable and interesting.
If you’re addressing customer service representatives about client relations, for instance, you could share a humorous anecdote about an odd customer request. Sharing a humorous anecdote at the beginning of your speech establishes credibility by demonstrating your familiarity with the subject and your comprehension of how it relates to your audience.
3. Quotations
To engage your audience, you could begin your speech with a quotation. People can get a sense of the topic of your speech at the beginning of your speech by hearing a well-known quote or a quote by a well-known person. This will help them decide whether the topic appeals to them. Even if they are unfamiliar with the subject of your speech, audience members may still pay attention to you if you use a quote that evokes an emotional response in them because of the speaker or the quote’s content.
4. Statistics
Statistics build credibility for your topic. Opening your speech with a statistic can signal that you are giving your audience reliable information because audiences may feel they can trust facts more than opinions. A statistic that provides unexpected information can further emphasize the significance of your topic if you use it. By proving what seems unlikely to be true, a statistic that seems improbable or unexpected can help people understand the significance of your topic.
5. Bold statements
At the start of your speech, you can use a startling statement to surprise your audience and grab their attention. A bold statement includes information that defies common misconceptions about a subject or that some people may find hard to believe. Your audience will be immediately engaged in your speech as they try to determine whether you are right or wrong by beginning with a bold statement. This may inspire them to research a subject in which they might not have otherwise shown much interest. To keep your credibility, you must provide proof to back up your bold claim.
An outlandish viewpoint or an intriguing fact can both be used as examples of a bold statement. This approach is appropriate for speeches that offer a distinctive perspective on a topic. For instance, if you’re giving a speech about protecting coral reefs, begin with a fact about a rare coral reef organism that defies conventional wisdom or is both obscure and interesting. It might pique the interest of your audience and motivate them to take greater action to protect coral reefs.
6. Questions
Starting with a query can pique your audience’s interest. If you pose a question, your audience might concentrate on responding to it and become interested in what you have to say about it. They might want to hear your proposed solution, come up with their own solution, or compare your proposed solution to the evidence you are presenting. A question like this piques their interest and maintains their attention as you offer justification and proof. You can use one of the following two types of questions at the start of your speech:
7. Analogies
An analogy is a comparison of two things that is used to explain both of them in more detail. A comparison between a technical or complicated subject and another that is more easily understood is called an analogy. Additionally, you can use an analogy to contextualize your subject. For instance, using an analogy can help you explain your topic in a way that your audience can understand if you’re speaking about a highly technical subject they may not be familiar with. It may also serve as a means of igniting interest in a subject.
8. Visualizations
Visualizations are the process of constructing a scene for your audience to better understand your viewpoint. Describe a situation that the audience is familiar with or that appeals to their imagination in order to present a visualization. For instance, if you’re delivering a speech on space travel, you might need to explain difficult-to-understand numbers and equations. Asking a non-expert audience to visualize a future lunar colony will engage them. This may persuade them to pay attention and help them comprehend the significance of your speech.
9. Captivating story
A speech’s opening narrative should be engrossing in order to build audience anticipation. A captivating story can be emotional or shocking. This can help your audience become interested in what you’re talking about and encourage them to stick around to hear the conclusion. You can either use a story to introduce your subject at the start of your speech or you can build anticipation by saving the story’s resolution for the end.
For instance, if you’re presenting a speech on a list of safety guidelines for state parks, you might start by telling a tale about some hikers who were acting dangerously there. You can save the information about whether the hikers were safe until the end of the speech to keep your audience’s attention through a list of the rules.
10. Mutual understanding
People are more receptive to subjects that directly relate to their lives. Your audience might believe they share your qualities and have the ability to accomplish the things you have if you can develop a mutual understanding with them. If you are giving a speech on how to launch your own business, for instance, you might connect with your audience by sharing with them that you once found yourself in their shoes, having an idea but not knowing where to begin.
To create a common understanding with your audience, you can speak from personal experience. You can establish an emotional connection with your audience and keep them interested in your speech by telling a story that you feel comfortable having other people hear. In order to connect with audience members who may also have a personal connection to the disease, for instance, if you are giving a speech about spreading awareness for a disease, you can begin by describing your own experience with the condition.
11. Audience involvement
When you invite the audience to participate in your speech, you are engaging the audience. You could solicit feedback or have audience members carry out an action. You can engage your audience and persuade them to pay attention to the rest of your speech by creating an experience with them. They may experience a sense of involvement and stake in the outcome. For instance, if you’re giving a speech on improving yourself, you could ask the audience to repeat affirmations of who you are with you.
Examples of Attention Getters
FAQ
What is a good attention getter for a speech?
Attention-getters can be made in the form of audience references, quotations, allusions to recent events, allusions to the past, anecdotes, startling claims, provocative questions, humor, and allusions to the situation.
What are 3 examples of an attention getter?
Some common attention getters are quotations, statistics, questions, and stories. In an academic essay, it’s crucial to use a compelling attention grabber because it provides context and piques the reader’s interest.
How do I start an attention getter?
We covered stories, inquiries, quotes, jokes, and startling statistics. Those are all the 5 types of attention getters. those are what will transform a dry essay or public speech into one that is enjoyable and entertaining.
