How to Start a Speech Strong

I’ve seen speakers lose the room in first 30 seconds. Not because they lacked expertise... But they chose the wrong start. The fastest way to make a talk forgettable? Open it like everyone else. Here’s what most speakers don’t realize: The first 60 seconds decide everything. And most people waste them. You know this because you’ve sat through it: - Long bio nobody asked for - Mediocre joke that dies mid-air - Apologizing before you even begin - “I’m a little nervous…” and now everyone is - Reading the agenda slide like it’s a bedtime story - Cliche quote from someone more famous than you - “Any questions before I begin?” followed by… crickets - A dictionary definition of a word everyone already knows - “I’m so excited to be speaking...” with zero visible excitement Speakers keep starting the way they secretly hate experiencing. Strong openings look different: - A promise to solve a pain point than a mediocre joke - A hook that creates tension, not a polite formality - Bold statement instead of self-deprecation - A relevant story, not dictionary definition - Your perspective, not Mark Twain’s - Energy you show, not announce - Direction, not an agenda recital - Relevance before credentials - Confidence over apology Forgettable speakers protect themselves. Memorable speakers protect audience’s attention. So try this: Before your next presentation, look at your planned opening. If it’s safe, familiar, or “what people usually do”… delete it. Replace it with something that creates curiosity in the first sentence. You’ve got this 👏

What makes a keynote truly resonate with an audience? I was recently helping a colleague prepare for his first keynote presentation. He knows that I spend a lot of time on keynote stages and that I enjoy coaching others who do as well. Stepping onto a keynote stage can feel daunting, but managing that adrenaline and delivering a compelling message comes down to preparation. When preparing a keynote, many people focus on gathering information. I encourage them to think instead about building a bridge of comprehension so the audience can clearly follow and connect with the message. One framework I often share is what I call the 5 P’s of keynote preparation. 1️⃣ Purpose. Define your goal. What exactly do you want your audience to Know, Feel, and Do? A clear purpose acts as a filter for what makes it into your keynote and ensures the content is relevant and meaningful. 2️⃣ Prime. Your keynote actually begins before you step on stage. Think carefully about your talk’s title and how it is announced. When you prime your audience well, they arrive ready and eager to hear your message. 3️⃣ Plan. Our brains crave structure. Instead of a wandering list of ideas, package your keynote logically. One framework I often use is “What? So What? Now What?” It keeps ideas concise, establishes relevance, and makes them easier to remember. 4️⃣ Premise. Avoid starting with “I’m glad to be here.” Capture attention immediately with a thoughtful question, a compelling story, or a surprising insight. Make it clear where you are taking the audience. 5️⃣ Presence. How you deliver matters just as much as what you say. Keep your posture strong and balanced, gesture with intention, use the space around you, and vary your vocal tone and pacing. These 5 P’s can help strengthen your keynote and improve any high-stakes communication. Always happy to help in crafting your keynote or delivering one to your firm. A quick glimpse at my keynote address at TiEcon last year, where I used the 5 P’s to prepare my own presentation. 👇

I never set out to be a public speaker but somewhere along the way it became a big part of my work. In that time, I've found a four-part framework that is effective for teaching in a memorable way. I call it the four S's. Most public talks start with some version of “It’s great to be here.” That’s exactly when people start checking out. If you want to speak in a way that actually sticks, try this instead. 1. Surprise Start strong. Say something unexpected, provocative, or even a little weird. The brain is wired to notice novelty—don’t waste the first 30 seconds on pleasantries. 2. Story Once you’ve got their attention, don’t give them a thesis—give them a tale. People think in narrative. Stories are how we’ve made sense of the world for thousands of years. 3. Stats Now that they’re leaning in, show them the receipts. Back your claims with data, studies, or vivid real-world examples. Credibility matters—but only after curiosity. 4. “So what?” Inspiration is nice, but application is better. End with a clear, compelling takeaway that answers the question: What should I do with this information today? Hope this framework helps a bit the next time you're asked to get in front of a crowd!

You’ve been asked to speak at a conference. One side of your brain says, "You rock! This is awesome. Wow for me!" The other side of your brain says, "I think I'm gonna hurl. What the heck am I going to say for 45 minutes? Does anyone care what I have to say?" Here's some quick relief... You don't need a TED Talk. You don't need 100+ slides. You need a structure that works to make this process easier on you and most importantly, high impact for the audience. Here’s how to outline your first 45-minute speech (easily adjusted for shorter or longer events): → Start with a story. Think about some analogy or story that relates to your core point and big idea Let's say your core concept is about "simplification". Here's some starter ideas for a story... “I walked into the cafe and was presented with a menu with dozens of options...” “Last week my daughter came to me…” “I was driving on a foggy highway in a new city, and suddenly driving under 4 highway signs. I needed to quickly assess and decide...” Hook them with a story, then hit them with the point. → Define the problem. What is the real and undeniable challenge your audience is facing? Call it out in a way that helps them immediately know that you "get them." It could be stating the problem specifically, along with how it makes you or others feel. Add a stat or research nugget to prove it's legit. → Show them why you are the one to guide them through it. Share your perspective. Your credibility. Share the scars and experience that give you authority. → Break it down into 3-5 core ideas. These are the building blocks of your message. Each core idea should include: ✔️ A data point ✔️ A real-world story (about you, a client, or someone they know) ✔️ A tangible takeaway → Bring it all home. Remind them of the core idea. Reconnect to your opening story. Leave them with one thing to remember, and one thing to do. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection. Your story, your lessons, your voice - they’re powerful when you put structure behind them. Okay, now go get to work!

Executive Utterances — On Presenting The fastest way to lose a room is to start talking before you’ve said anything worth hearing. Whether you’re presenting to an audience of 1,000 or speaking to your own work group, the first words you choose determine whether your audience leans in or checks out. Over the years, I learned that fully scripted speeches kept me from connecting, reacting, and speaking with authenticity. What follows is the methodology I developed — a balance of structure, informality, and clarity that helped me become a more effective presenter. If there’s interest, I’m happy to expand on any of these in detail. For now, here are the principles that shaped my approach: * Grab from the Beginning Start with a powerful sentence or a question that sets an emotional stage the audience can’t turn away from. A recent example came from a presentation to law enforcement officers on child abduction: “At one of the most difficult moments in any parent’s life, they call you. You become their hope.” * Speak from the Inside Charles Dickens once wrote, “Make me see.” Facts and data are necessary, but they don’t move people on their own. Speak from inside the information — bring it to life, make it human, make it matter. Use slides or handouts for the heavier details but speak to the story behind those details. Americans love a story; give them one worth remembering. * Just Start When building your presentation, don’t obsess over the perfect beginning. Just start typing.Your first draft may look nothing like your final version — that’s a sign you’re refining your message, not a problem. * Read It Out Loud Read your notes out loud. Better yet, read them to someone you trust or have them read your notes back to you. You’ll hear clarity issues and pacing problems you won’t catch on a screen. * Block It Hand-draw two columns of blocks on a piece of paper: Column One: Break your presentation into sections, and label each with a few key words that will become your notes Column Two: Decide which supporting bullets, facts, or simple visuals that will become your slides or handouts and just note what will be in the slides. This creates flow and structure without forcing you into a script. Then start filling the blocks * Do Not Make the Slides Your Notes Slides support your presentation — they are not your presentation. Speak from your notes (large print, double-spaced), and let the slides reinforce what you’re saying. Never read from them; you can’t tell a meaningful story while narrating bullet points. A visual image such as a photograph, can be a great addition if it reinforces your opening theme or emotional hook. * Close Strong and Quick Tie your closing sentence directly back to your opening. Keep it short, powerful, and intentional — because once people sense you’re closing, their attention starts to drift. Start with something worth hearing, and you’ll keep the room until the very end.

🎤 Ever feel like your presentations lack impact?  The first few seconds are critical.   A strong opening grabs attention and sets the tone for success.  Here are 9 unforgettable openers top presenters use to hook their audience:  --- 1️⃣ Start with a Surprising Statistic      ➟ Example: "Did you know 90% of startups fail in the first year?"      Why it works: Shocks the audience and sparks curiosity. 2️⃣ Ask a Bold Question      ➟ Example: "What if one decision could boost your productivity by 40%?"      Why it works: Makes them eager to learn the answer. 3️⃣ Open with a Powerful Quote      ➟ Example: "People will forget what you said, but never how you made them feel." — Maya Angelou      Why it works: Adds credibility and sets a thoughtful tone. 4️⃣ Share a Personal Story      ➟ Example: "Three years ago, I was on the brink of bankruptcy…"      Why it works: Builds trust and creates an emotional connection. 5️⃣ Paint a Vivid Picture      ➟ Example: "Imagine Earth from space, a tiny blue dot… Now imagine it without water."      Why it works: Engages the imagination and sticks with the audience. 6️⃣ Use Humor      ➟ Example: "Why did the marketer get off the trampoline? He was worried about his bounce rate!"      Why it works: Lightens the mood and makes the audience comfortable. 7️⃣ Make a Bold Promise      ➟ Example: "By the end of this talk, you’ll know how to triple your conversion rate."      Why it works: Gives the audience something to look forward to. 8️⃣ Challenge Your Audience      ➟ Example: "Stand up if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by data…"      Why it works: Encourages participation and energizes the room. 9️⃣ Create a Personal Connection      ➟ Example: "I once stood exactly where you are, wondering if change was possible…"      Why it works: Relates to the audience’s struggles and builds rapport. --- 💡 The right opener can transform your presentation.   Choose one that matches your message and watch your audience stay engaged.  💬 Which opener will you try next?   Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇  📌 Found this helpful? Save it for your next big presentation.   ♻ Share it to inspire your network.   ➡ Follow for more insights on leadership and communication.  

Your first words can make or break your presentation. Here are 12 ways to introduce your idea powerfully: 1. Start with a myth-busting question: Example:  Take a common myth related to your industry. Ask: "How many of you believe this is true?" Then say: “I’m here to bust this myth!” 2. Quote a thought leader to “borrow” authority: Example: "Steve Jobs once said, 'Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.'" 3. Share a surprising statistic to hook the audience: Example: "Did you know that 90% of the data in the world today was created in the last two years alone?" Bonus: To enhance impact, repeat the number afterwards (e.g. “90%!”) 4. Tell a story to connect emotionally. Example: "Let me tell you about a little girl who changed her community with a simple idea." 5. Show a captivating visual to spark conversation. Example: "This is what the future might look like" Bonus: If you used AI to create the image, credit it. 6. Ask a question the audience relates to. Example: "By a show of hands, how many of you have experienced this issue personally?" 7. Use humor to lighten the mood. Example: Use a relevant joke or funny observation about the topic or industry. Watch-out: Don’t use a clichéd joke and expect the audience to laugh. 8. State a bold claim to challenge assumptions. Example: "I'm here to tell you that the traditional schooling system is failing our students today." 9. Play an audio clip to engage the senses. Example: "Listen to this sound—it's the rate of a heart beating in a high-stress situation." 10. Begin with historical context for background. Example: "Back in 1920, this technology was just a wild idea—today, it's a reality that's changing everything." Watch-out: Don’t use a long, boring historical fact. 11. Present a problem to highlight a need. Example: "What if I told you 70% of our project failures stem from a single overlooked factor?" 12. Use a prop to help visualize concepts. Example: "This ordinary-looking pen has a story that might just change how you view writing forever." A powerful starter makes a great first impression. And creates momentum to spark off your talk. Remember: Fortune favors the prepared. So save this- it'll come in handy before your next presentation. Want to impress the next time you speak? Follow Nausheen I. Chen to never miss a tip. P.S. Which starter will you pick?

Here are three of the most powerful openers you can use for your presentation (with real-life examples): 1. Relational Daniel Pink started his TED Talk with a confession: “I need to make a confession at the outset here. A little over 20 years ago, I did something that I regret, something that I'm not particularly proud of.” By leading with vulnerability, he earns trust. It’s not his data or credentials that draw people in; it’s his honesty. Use it when:  You need to build warmth and credibility fast. 2. Disruptive In her TED Talk, Pamela Meyer walked on stage and said: “Okay, now I don’t want to alarm anybody in this room, but it’s just come to my attention that the person to your right is a liar. Also, the person to your left is a liar. Also, the person sitting in your very seats is a liar. We’re all liars.” The audience laughs, but they’re hooked. She has just reframed the topic of deception in a way they didn’t expect. Shock. Humor. Curiosity. All in the first ten seconds. Use it when: Your audience feels complacent or distracted. 3. Authority Martin Luther King Jr. began his “I Have a Dream” speech with: “Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation.” By echoing Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, King immediately positioned the Civil Rights movement as a continuation of America’s founding ideals. He then continued by pointing out how the promise of the Emancipation Proclamation had yet to be completely fulfilled. This stark contrast created a dilemma… American ideals weren’t being upheld, and that was a problem. This intro grabbed his audience’s attention and set him up perfectly to deliver his core message. Use it when: The moment calls for gravity. Every audience asks three questions in the first 30 seconds: - Do I like you?  - Do I trust you?  - Do I need to listen? Any of these three openers can help you address each question. #PresentationSkills #BusinessStorytelling #PublicSpeaking

Want to know how to make your audience lean in from your very first word? Here's my proven framework for opening speeches that grip: 1. Start with a shocking statistic (I once opened with "3 out of 4 people in this room will forget everything I say") 2. Ask a thought-provoking question (Make it personal, make it matter to THEM) 3. Share a powerful 10-second story (Keep it ultra-short, but make it hit hard) 4. State a controversial truth (Challenge what everyone "knows" to be true) 5. Create immediate suspense (Promise a revelation they won't expect) The key? Your first 30 seconds determine the next 30 minutes. 🟢 My process for crafting openings: Step 1 - Write 5 different opening lines. Step 2 - Test them on a colleague. Step 3 - Refine the best one. Step 4 - Practice delivery (tone, pace, pauses). Step 5 - Time the opening (keep it under 60 seconds). Here's what happens when you nail your opening: - Questions flow freely - Phones stay down - Notes get taken - Eyes stay up I've opened 100+ speeches this way. The results? Standing ovations, viral clips, and most importantly: Messages that stick. Because when you grab them at "hello," they stay with you until "thank you." P.S. What's your go-to way to start a presentation? Share below. #speaking #presentation #speeches

HOW I'VE ENGAGED MY AUDIENCE FROM THE MOMENT I STEP ON STAGE! First impressions do count, especially when you first step on stage. You need to capture your audience's attention in that moment; otherwise, they will switch off. It comes down to your positioning and what your first words are! I remember starting my talks with, "Hi, I'm Zoe Cairns"., It was a simple introduction but not one that immediately grabbed attention. Over time, I learned the importance of making those first words count to engage and warm up the audience. Here's how I capture attention right from the start: ONE ↳Personal story: Begin with a personal story that relates to your topic. This immediately captures attention and creates an emotional connection with your audience. TWO ↳Humor: Open with a light-hearted joke or humorous anecdote relevant to your topic or the event. A bit of laughter helps to break the ice and draw people in. THREE ↳Interactive question: Ask the audience a question that encourages them to think and respond, either mentally or with a show of hands. For example, "How many of you have faced a similar challenge in your career?" This engages them right away and makes them feel involved. FOUR ↳Show of hands: Conduct a quick, relevant poll to get the audience involved. For example, "By a show of hands, how many of you have ever...?" This simple action creates immediate participation and connection. FIVE ↳Icebreaker statement: Start with an intriguing fact or a bold statement that prompts curiosity and engagement. For example, "Did you know that 70% of success in this field comes from just one key habit? Today, we're going to dive into what that habit is and how you can master it." (my least favourite, but effective). And guess what? It works. By starting strong, I've been able to capture and maintain my audience's attention from the very beginning. Engaging your audience right away makes them feel involved and valued, setting the tone for a successful presentation. Now, every time I step on stage, I focus on making a powerful first impression that hooks my audience immediately. To anyone looking to improve their speaking engagements: Grab your audience's attention from the start. Use these techniques to make them feel involved, valued, and eager to hear more. Connect, educate, and inspire! How do you warm up your audience? Lots of love, Zoe. ____________ If you like this post, you will love my newsletter 💜 Join my newsletter for a FREE weekly growth strategy for speakers and thought leaders - see the first comment below to join 👇