How to Start a Speech: The Best (and Worst) Speech Openers

Need ideas on how to start your upcoming speech? Public speaking is listed as Americans' number one fear, before death at number 5, and loneliness at number 7. So most of us are less afraid of dying alone than possibly embarrassing ourselves in front of others. The good news is, I've put together a few tricks to start your speech off right and take that pressure off.
In this video, I will teach you how to begin a speech and grab your audience's attention, how to get to your point, and how you can leave a good lasting impression. I go through a free speech openers that others have done to show how effective these openers can be, and I talk about what not to do for your speech.
In this video:
0:00 Intro
1:08 Don't #1
1:27 Don't #2
2:07 Don't #3
3:07 Speech opener #1
3:57 Speech opener #2
4:43 Speech opener #3
6:05 How to end your speech
Captivate your audience and succeed with people with my book Captivate! Get yours here: www.scienceofpeople.com/capti...
Read your audience's cues and master the secret language of charismatic communication with my new book Cues! Get it here: www.scienceofpeople.com/cues/
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1. How to keep people engaged and captivated
2. How to powerfully open and close a presentation, speech, or toast
3. Crafting a charismatic stage presence
4. How to speak so people listen
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[@zndralln]

Who’s here because they got a speech for school 😅

[@samhithrao6621]

ye i feel u

[@thegreatestbacon2159]

no, not for school but because in Minecraft me and my friends did everything in the game so I settled up a government with myself at its center and created a capital city where I do all my meetings in and I have to do a speech about colonization and the future of the nation I created.

[@serenewander9790]

😬

[@nela774]

who isn't :)

[@KnightIA]

Me

[@jaewok5G]

the best opener I ever stole was "wow, that last guy sure was boring and not fascinating like my statistic dense, tiny printed info cards." - I was first.

[@mjayrain8675]

Hahahahaah that was good

[@yohanmroy9016]

Lol

[@classifiedinformation7859]

that's hilarious

[@lilliem1820]

I'd do this- but the person before me is my friend 💀 it's rlly good tho

[@jaewok5G]

@@lilliem1820 yeah, it's only funny when you dump on yourself

[@user-hk5uy3tl3k]

I think one of the best parts about this video is that she's confident and has a good voice, like a person who's experienced in doing speeches/presentations, unlike other videos where I've heard people stutter or speak quietly. I think this is important because it shows that what we're learning is reliable, because if they use the information they're teaching how they give their speech/presentation about it should also show if it works.

[@ScienceOfPeople]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! 😊

[@azlankhan5254]

@@ScienceOfPeople ❤

[@emileambe6850]

@@ScienceOfPeople lyl

[@reshmisarath26523]

​@@ScienceOfPeople😮

[@raniaantolin862]

3:06 the good speech part

[@reginaphalange2327]

thank u thank u thank u thank u

[@Teja-zj5cw]

Life saver

[@lizatiwary]

You literally saved me man❤

[@hailey4786]

love u

[@aurabyizzie]

Ugh thank you!

[@alecpridgeon9597]

This to me is clearly the most concise, compelling, and cogent video on the topic on KZbin. Fantastic presentation, Vanessa!

[@JasonB95]

I always enjoy the story telling openers. When the speaker makes me visualize the essence of what they're about to talk about before they even begin the speech it makes it that much more interesting. Plus if the story has humour, big thumbs up!!!

[@ifneverquitwasaperson]

1:18 I like how she calls us “Friends” she really care about us Vanessa Van you the best! 💪😇🙏

[@m.kcreation7104]

Thx🙂 now, I will prepare my speech freely without worry 👍

[@lislac]

It's hard to make a speech as an MC for a graduation when I'm literally still in high school without any experience...

[@alisoneccleston8673]

Practice, practice, practice. Then give your speech with your phone recording it. Watch for body language keep your hands away from your face. Smile, listen to yourself, do you trip up on one word? Change it make it easy on yourself. Then practice some more. Good luck!

[@Wine-or5jx]

Posture is important as well and you nailed it along with all of your key points.

[@taras4352]

Great advice and perfect timing, once again! I have a big presentation this Thursday infront of 30 people! Preparing for it today, so thank you! 😇💜👍🏼

[@kipholder8577]

Good luck on your presentation

[@salman__1909]

How was your presentation

[@ammarnadeem4215]

good luck

[@prabhatsharma8946]

The facts,the sound module... I love it...

[@imakecoolmusicsometimes]

Hey, Vanessa, your videos are super helpful - please keep them coming!!!

[@zahemi914]

Wowww what a great councidence, I will be an emcee at an international event tomorrow, I surely dont want to sound plain and boring. Tqvm for the tips and certainly you have 1 more subscriber added.

[@prabhatsharma8946]

It's just been 10 days that I am watching your videos... Actually I am student from India... You know? I have a huge impact on you now...

[@faye_bulous]

Love the awkward part of the speech so true!!!

[@hhyeahww9678]

Thanks for your suggestions! I have really learned a lot~ And I love the way that starting your speech with several Qs

[@Our__Earth]

As a geographer and educator I thank you !

[@prophetesschiepebasima6634]

Wow!thank you for sharing this.

[@daisy_m1892]

We have a project about speech and this video helps me a lot thank you 😊 ❤️

[@johncollinspatrick1985]

Hi can we be friends?

[@gabymartinez4957]

Vanessa is a very insightful person. She portrays herself as an authentic confident, public speaker. I enjoyed watching this video, explanations, and the short clips that she enlightened us with. Although the next quote was part of the "Do NOT do's," "Is this mic on? Is there even a mic?" *crickets chirping* 🤣 ~I immediately subscribed based on her refreshing creativeness, confidence, and content. I too appreciate and welcome a good sense of humor 😃👍 Thanks for sharing such an awesome video with us #KZbinUniversity

[@ScienceOfPeople]

Thank you so much for your kind words & thank you for watching and supporting the channel! I'm glad to know you got value and entertainment from the video =)

[@meteor2012able]

Vanessa is very charismatic and projects a sincere and earthy humanitys.

[@ahmedallam9612]

Thanks, so pratical tips, particularly when mixing with acting scenes

[@alfredoburgos1902]

Wow, thanks for sharing these great tips!!! I have a speech to deliver, and this will be helpful

[@zarrinnahid448]

Thank you so much for these tips. You're awesome :D

[@johncollinspatrick1985]

Hi can we be friends?

[@andradimas644]

this is powerful information for me. Thank u very much Vanessa.... Subscribed !

[@alizaiqbal8800]

You guyss I have to give a presentation in a month for my friends graduation, and she means soo much to me but i'm here stressing because I dont know how to put my thoughts into words :)

[@markangeloresulto2171]

watching here cause im bout to testify me self in my church this coming sunday! i hope ill do great

[@valleabderahman5715]

Vanessa , thank you so much I really need your help in it

[@govindam_adi_purusham7724]

The most underrated KZbin channel I have ever come across

[@kimberly5304]

Awesome tips!!!!! Thank you!

[@unclecharming]

nice video and thanks for sharing the ideas of starting a speech

[@Vrisen]

Thannkyou,that's really informative and so useful...hope to apply all to my presentation now...keep motivating us...

[@sufia5034]

Thank you for the interesting tips and idea for speech. It helps me a lot to make a good speech. Once again, thank you!

[@ScienceOfPeople]

Glad to be of some help 😊

[@shabinashareef2099]

Wow awesome ideas what you gave us i need such kind of that. You are very Grasful and have a quality to connect with your viewers 🤝

[@ScienceOfPeople]

Thank you so much 😊

[@minchau1445]

you're amazing thank you for every tutoring

[@neerupamadas8360]

I literally have my inter zonal extempore competition tomorrow, that too in junior category, without any preparation 😅. Thanks very much Ms, Vannessa

[@aaaaassas2605]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@sudarshanpokharel8001]

wow finally found vanessa van edwards channel after going through ted talks, captivate book i was so eager to learn many more from you vanessa

[@j_raidah02]

Thank you so much!

[@carolinas5132]

MORE OF THESE PLEASE!

[@bigdogo267]

MORE OF THESE PLEASE!

[@anniejwolfley]

i loved your ted talk!!! this speech advice has helped me so much thank you vanessa❤️

[@ScienceOfPeople]

You're so welcome! Thanks for watching

[@marlyntaytayan9181]

It's realy helpful.Thank you

[@pranavsathi6709]

Thank you, this is pure gold!

[@l963nnn2]

Here for graduation receptions and a wedding. 👍 Thank you, great insight.

[@ScienceOfPeople]

Thank you for watching, I'm glad you got value out of the video! Good luck on your upcoming speeches!

[@preciousgladyskamanda7646]

This is super great, i love it it so much. Thank you very much for sharing these wonderful tips ma'am.

[@jamesbanjoko7419]

Thanks for your help ☺️

[@suneerakm2373]

Very helpful Thank you so much

[@Agata.AboutBlank]

Fantastic advice! It captivated me from the start! I especially liked the jokes you so easily implemented. I have recently created a youtube channel and was looking for tips on how to improve my videos and make them more compelling to watch. This was the most insightful video I saw so far!

[@ScienceOfPeople]

Glad it was helpful!

[@_your_aesthetx]

Listening speaking exam 😫is tough for an introverted person like me 🥲and teacher will be giving us our topic on the spot 😢.

[@dazzlegirl3846]

Oh my gosh, I watched your Ted talk so cool

[@healthyfoodlover1124]

Thank you!❤

[@alexgodffhrie1720]

I have to present with my "impromptu speech" in 10 minutes, this is helpful

[@naomigwolfe8112]

How did it go? If you happen to remember?

[@meowreace8496]

This is very helpful thank you :D

[@ScienceOfPeople]

You're welcome!

[@cherrybaylon9737]

Thank You!

[@kofioppong1288]

Great information!!

[@ayoubalharchal1074]

Thank you for all the interesting ideas and practical tips you share. I have one question ( not about this video, though); I am currently reading your books 'Captivate: the science of succeeding with people', and I wish to know whether the ideas in your book as well as other videos on your channel are limited to the western culture, or the ideas hold true across different cultures. THANKS!

[@zipporahonyoni1094]

Much appreciated

[@blueberriesss5597]

yes, could someone help me? I'm a pretty quiet and shy kid. like some tips to be a bit confident.

[@loladeesther4193]

💪

[@cookigacha3635]

Can't wait to use a quirky one liner for my speech on slavery in history class! 😁❤️

[@keensoundguy6637]

"Now you listen to me. If any of you present here today had been born 4 or more centuries ago, there's a good chance you would have been a slave, unless you were living in antarctica."

[@swain-Ix1tv]

💀💀💀

[@yungrenzel9107]

Thank you vanessa!

[@baoanhpham8279]

Thank you! This helped me so much!!!

[@ScienceOfPeople]

Glad it helped!

[@idontknow8734]

Me legit using all the good introductions in one

[@charm4699]

REAL..

[@deepakkrayla8711]

I always love your informative vedios mam ♥️♥️

[@ValxVic]

Thank you very much for these tips!

[@ScienceOfPeople]

Of course! Glad they helped ❤

[@g-englishacademy2777]

Great video. Interested tips.

[@AmrEdTech]

You're so funny , love you 🤟

[@dontyouknowitssandhya]

2:03 that's what happens to me when I'm in front of a mic......all the audience r staring at me 👁️_👁️

[@justahomosapien1876]

💜💜🤣ikr

[@mohammadakram7521]

BRUH sameeee plus Taehyung in your pfp 😂

[@cissypan1625]

I love it!

[@michaelsangma4569]

I ❤️ your appearance, presentations and speeches ma'am.Thank you ma'am ❤️🙏🏾👏👏👏👏👏

[@ScienceOfPeople]

Thank you!!

[@partizanfk5747]

I have a Y9 speech assessment on Thursday/Friday. I hope this helps

[@partizanfk5747]

To those wondering if it helped, it did. I got best in class

[@gjwkzvaksb368]

Thank you❤

[@goldensquirel]

Thank you :)

[@E-qv9ew]

Thank u so much Vanessa! Helped me win my speech competition in school! 😁😁

[@ScienceOfPeople]

Oh my gosh that's amazing! Congratulations!! Thanks for letting me know. I am so glad this video helped you out with your speech. ❤

[@E-qv9ew]

@@ScienceOfPeople No worries 🙂🙂😃

[@poppymaclean5218]

Who else is here bc their running for class rep

[@poppymaclean5218]

Wrong they’re sorry I meant they’re

[@seemajaiswal7419]

@@poppymaclean5218 you can edit your cooment

[@shreyanshsingh999]

@@seemajaiswal7419 u can edit yours as well

[@wheresaekam]

Me

[@poppymaclean5218]

@@seemajaiswal7419 oh thanks lol I forgot

[@sudhakarrao1000]

Nice information about speech, that's great

[@Hansyimnaga]

Thank you it help me a lot

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Woody Allen gave some memorable speeches . Totally introverted , but aren't we all ? Be yourself who ever that maybe . 🌈☮️

[@michaelbenosa5964]

me us a student I'm so shy to report Infront of teachers & schoolmates 🥺Thankyou for tips🥰

[@grammarguru786]

quirky one liner reflects....should be used in public speech... lot of thanks for acting and advice

[@ScienceOfPeople]

My pleasure! I hope it was helpful. :)

[@ampeirepetronilla2442]

it would be interesting to share opening stories

[@jadevanita6654]

Vanessa you are incredible! Did you know? that I love you!

[@anandparmeswaran6681]

Good, Confident and above everything the Presenter has a Sound Knowledge about how to go ahead. Good learning experience 👌

[@ScienceOfPeople]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! 😊

[@anandparmeswaran6681]

It's been my pleasure 😊

[@ishi923]

Watching everything I can find helpful regarding speech before I do mine now.

[@ScienceOfPeople]

I hope it goes well ❤

[@nuryamohammed2414]

Thank u so much Venessa u gave me clue for my speech again i whant say it tanx u are the best

[@ScienceOfPeople]

You are so welcome! I'm glad it was helpful ❤

[@palomacalderon4315]

Who is here that is a student?

[@edlynpagalan9033]

me

[@shilpibegum368]

Me

[@oaomararif3415]

Not me but me

[@zoeycanerday7634]

I'm here because I signed up to do extemporaneous speaking as an LDE (leadership development event) in FFA. I'm 14 years old and I've never given a speech before.

[@nickqute1308]

Wow good luck

[@nancytoulouse6973]

Great info! I need to understand these things so much!

[@mohanakrishna7706]

Nice to say good speech introduction..

[@unfathomableincantation655]

I did my speech and i looked like i wasn't nervous and did it flawlessly but i was crying inside

[@DannyMcKinney79]

Me too I love public speech nothing to speak about unnecessary conversation like people used profanity it makes everyone feel uncomfortable to the situation. There is an opportunity to open the doors to speak up and make others feel welcome

[@DAILYLIFESHOW.]

I have been trying this thanks

[@mathewelias1589]

Thank you. From Tanzania

[@mirmir3910]

plot twist : she's a detective , her name is laurel and she likes oliver queen

[@muneerayakub7983]

😭😭😭

[@Observ45er]

I'm... Ellery Queen ???

[@ScienceOfPeople]

Want to learn more about speech openers? Check out our online training powerful presentations www.scienceofpeople.com/training/presentation-skills-course/

[@khajidmaadashdondog4599]

0

[@omolonmarygracej.7042]

Me

[@gossipgirls5831]

can we talk more i have a speech to present in two days time on best film can you give me some idea

[@malusimanzi1351]

Me 😅

[@maruthiprasannakurnool2638]

Me

[@woomeikei8807]

She's the best !

[@MrSivakg]

Great 👍. Thank you

[@elishankaa3828]

Getting ready for I grade 9 speeches :')

[@iyannahgailesimbulan564]

same😭

[@rinchenzangmo708]

Thanks for your tips 🤗 actually I always use to get nervous and makes my speech worse. Now I am going to use the idea in front of 1500 people soon that I am going to do..

[@ScienceOfPeople]

Thank you for watching! Good luck =)

[@shvh2536]

thank you beautiful soul

[@roozbehmans]

I have a speech for school i think this will make and impact

[@yumburger7358]

im here coz im going to be a speaker on sunday huhuhu