7.1: The Introduction

The Why of an Introduction

Imagine sitting in a classroom, a graduation ceremony, or watching a video online. What grabs your attention first? Most likely, it’s the speaker’s opening words. A strong introduction is vital because it sets the tone, captures attention, and gives the audience a reason to keep listening. For example, in his TED Talk on motivation, Simon Sinek starts with a simple question: “Why do you get out of bed in the morning?” immediately pulling his audience in with curiosity and relevance (TED, 2009). In today’s fast-paced world, where attention spans are short, speakers have only about 30 seconds to make a strong first impression (Gallo, 2014). This is especially true on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where engaging intros often determine whether viewers keep watching. A well-crafted introduction also previews the message and purpose of the speech, helping the audience understand why it matters. Whether you’re presenting a project in class or pitching an idea at work, knowing how to start a speech effectively is a powerful tool. Learning how to create clear, engaging introductions prepares students not only for academic success but also for real-world communication. Public speaking isn't just for politicians and actors, it's a skill used in everyday life, job interviews, social activism, and leadership roles.

An introduction to a speech is vital because it grabs the audience’s attention and sets the stage for what’s to come. It helps the speaker establish credibility and connect with the audience right from the beginning. A clear introduction also previews the main points, so listeners know what to expect. Without a strong opening, the audience may quickly lose interest or become confused about the purpose of the speech. The introduction creates a first impression that can influence how the entire message is received. In short, it’s the foundation that supports the rest of the speech.

Step One:  The Attention Getter

Grabbing the audience’s attention at the start of a speech is crucial because it sets the tone and determines whether people will stay engaged. An effective opening creates curiosity, sparks interest, and makes the audience want to hear more. It also helps establish a connection between the speaker and the listeners, making the message feel relevant and worth their time. Without a strong opening, even a well-prepared speech can lose impact before it really begins.

Creative Ways to open the speech

• Short Story – Begin with a brief, relatable narrative that draws listeners in and connects emotionally to your topic (e.g., “When I was 12, I watched my neighborhood lose its only library, and that moment changed how I see education.”).
• Illustration – Use a vivid verbal description or analogy to paint a mental picture that highlights your main idea (e.g., “Imagine your mind as a garden, what you plant is what grows.”).
• Picture – Display an image that visually represents your topic to immediately grab attention and spark curiosity (e.g., a photo of a melting glacier to introduce a speech on climate change).
• Video – Play a short, relevant clip that sets the tone, introduces the issue, or provokes thought around your speech theme (e.g., a 30-second clip of a teen speaking about mental health for a talk on youth wellness).
• Asking a rhetorical question – This immediately gets the audience thinking and personally involved (e.g., “How would you feel if you couldn’t access clean water every day?”).
• Using a surprising fact or statistic – A shocking or unexpected piece of information can instantly capture interest (e.g., “Did you know that the average person checks their phone 96 times a day?”).
• Quoting someone relevant or famous – A strong, relevant quote can add credibility and set the theme (e.g., “Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’”).
• Telling a joke or using humor – When appropriate, humor can break the ice and make the audience feel more relaxed (e.g., “I used to be indecisive. Now I’m not sure.”).
• Making a bold statement – Starting with a confident or provocative claim can spark attention and curiosity (e.g., “Social media is the most powerful and dangerous tool of our generation.”).
• Engaging the audience with a poll or quick activity – Interactivity can energize the room and create a sense of participation (e.g., “Raise your hand if you’ve ever forgotten someone’s name two seconds after hearing it.”).
• Using a prop or object – A physical item can provide a visual anchor and make your message more memorable (e.g., holding up a plastic bottle to start a speech about ocean pollution).

Step Two: The "What" and the "Why"

As a speaker, one of the first things you must clearly communicate in your introduction is the topic of your speech and why it matters. This sets the foundation for your audience to understand what they are about to hear and why they should care. When you state your topic early, you give your audience a clear focus and help them mentally prepare to engage with your message. Explaining why the topic is important builds relevance—it shows the audience how the subject connects to their lives, concerns, or interests. Without this context, listeners may lose interest or fail to see the value in your message. Giving this information up front also establishes your purpose and direction, which enhances the speech's clarity and impact. In an academic or professional setting, this part of your introduction signals that you are organized, thoughtful, and respectful of your audience's time. Ultimately, naming and justifying your topic helps you earn your audience's attention and trust from the very beginning.

Step Three:  The Main Points

Stating the main points in the introduction gives your audience a roadmap of where your speech is headed, which helps them follow along more easily. It sets clear expectations and allows listeners to mentally organize the information as you present it. This structure also strengthens your credibility by showing that you are well-prepared and purposeful. Without previewing your main points, your audience may become confused or miss key parts of your message.

Format of the introduction to an outline

• Attention Getter (write it out in a few sentences) 
• The What and Why (write out what you are speaking on and why it is important) 
• Preview of Main Points (write it out as a complete sentence with signposting: i.e.: “today I’ll be going over I, II and III”. You are simply telling us what your main points will be)

Example \(\PageIndex{1}\)

• Attention Getter: Imagine graduating from college not just with a degree, but also with a growing investment portfolio that’s already earning money for you. What if instead of waiting until you’re older, you could start building wealth today while you’re still a student?
• The What and Why: Today I’m talking about beginning investing for college students, what it is, how to start, and why now is the best time to begin. It’s important because the earlier you invest, the more time your money has to grow, and developing smart financial habits now can shape your future success.
• Preview of Main Points: Today I’ll be going over three key points: I) why starting early gives you a major advantage, II) simple and accessible ways to begin investing as a student, and III) common mistakes to avoid and how to stay consistent.

Key Takeaways

• A strong introduction sets the tone and gives your audience a clear reason to listen.
• Attention-getting strategies like stories, questions, or surprising facts can immediately engage your audience.
• A clear and engaging introduction should preview your main points and establish your speech’s purpose

Exercises 

• On the topic of "beginning investing for a college student", fill in the appropriate information for an introduction: Attention Getter, The What and the Why, Preview the main points.
• Introduction Swap Activity:  Students write a short introduction for a given speech topic and then swap with a partner. Each partner evaluates whether the introduction grabs attention, clearly states the topic, and previews the main points, offering constructive feedback for improvement.
• Hook Writing Practice:  Students are given a list of topics and must write three different attention-getters for each, such as a question, a statistic, and a short story. This helps them practice using various strategies to engage an audience right from the start.