Speech Introduction
Speech introduction generator.
The power of a compelling speech introduction is undeniable. It sets the tone, captures the audience’s attention, and paves the way for a memorable presentation. Crafting a captivating speech introduction can be challenging, but with the right techniques, anyone can deliver an engaging opening that leaves a lasting impression. In this article, we will explore what a speech introduction is, provide step-by-step guidance on how to write one, address frequently asked questions, and offer valuable examples to help you master this crucial skill.
1. Short Introduction Speech
Size: 110 KB
2. Introduction Speech for Employee
Size: 47 KB
3. Introduction Speech for Chairman
Size: 281 KB
4. Introduction Speech for Students
waalc.org.au
Size: 13 KB
5. Formal Introduction Sample
Size: 223 KB
6. 30 Second Self Introduction Speech for School Students
7. Self Introduction Speech for School Students
Size: 342 KB
8. New Self Introduction Speech for School Students
Size: 144 KB
9. Self Introduction Speech for School Students Template
Size: 83 KB
10. 5 Minute Self Introduction Speech Template
Size: 448 KB
11. Sample 5 Minute Self Introduction Speech
12. Basic 5 Minute Leader Speech
Size: 141 KB
13. Public Communication Speech
Size: 103 KB
14. 2 Minute Self Introduction Speech Template
Size: 143 KB
15. 2 Minute Self Introduction Speech for Students
16. 2 minute self introduction speech for school students, 17. 2 minute self-introduction speech evaluation form.
Size: 201 KB
18. 30 Second Introduction Speech about Yourself
19. Introduction Speech about Yourself Example
Size: 115 KB
20. Self Introduction Speech about Yourself
21. self-introduction speech based on a personal object, 22. printable introduction speech about yourself, 23. sample new manager introduction speech.
Size: 357 KB
24. Basic New Manager Introduction Speech
Size: 31 KB
25. New Manager Introduction Speech Example
26. New Manager Introduction Speech in PDF
Size: 663 KB
What is a Speech Introduction?
A speech introduction is the opening segment of a speech or presentation that aims to draw the audience’s attention and create an immediate connection with the topic. It serves as the gateway to your main ideas, allowing you to present your message effectively. A well-crafted speech introduction can establish the context, highlight the importance of the subject matter, and engage the audience’s curiosity.
How to Write a Speech Introduction
Welcome to the step-by-step guide on crafting a captivating speech introduction! Whether you’re preparing for a formal presentation, a persuasive talk, or simply want to engage your audience effectively, this guide will walk you through the essential elements and techniques to create an attention-grabbing opening. Let’s dive in and learn how to captivate your listeners from the very beginning!
Step 1: Understand Your Audience
Before diving into crafting your speech introduction, take the time to observe your audience. Consider their interests, knowledge level, and preferences. Tailor your introduction to resonate with them, making it relatable and engaging. Understanding your audience will allow you to choose the right tone, language, and examples that best suit their needs.
Step 2: Develop a Clear Purpose
Define the purpose of your speech introduction. Are you trying to inspire, inform, or persuade? Knowing your objective will help you create a focused and impactful opening. Your purpose will also guide the structure and content of your introduction, ensuring that every word contributes to your overall message.
Step 3: Craft an Attention-Grabbing Opening
Begin your speech with a hook that captures the audience’s attention immediately. You can use a surprising statistic, an intriguing question, a relevant quote, or a compelling story. The key is to pique their curiosity and make them eager to hear more. The opening should be concise and powerful, setting the stage for the rest of your presentation.
Step 4: Provide a Roadmap
After the attention-grabbing opening, present a clear and concise outline of your speech. This roadmap gives the audience an overview of what to expect, guiding them through the main points you’ll be addressing. Outline formats can vary, but make sure it’s easy for the audience to follow and understand the structure of your speech.
1. Why is a strong speech introduction essential?
A compelling speech introduction captivates the audience, making them more likely to pay attention throughout the presentation. It sets the context, establishes your credibility, and sparks interest in your message.
2. Should I use literary devices in my speech introduction?
Using literary devices like metaphors, similes, or anecdotes can add flair and memorability to your introduction. However, use them judiciously, considering the context and your audience’s preferences.
3. Can I use both simple and compound sentences in my introduction?
Yes, varying your sentence structure adds rhythm and flow to your speech. Combine simple sentences for clarity with compound sentences for complexity and impact.
In conclusion, crafting an effective speech introduction requires careful consideration of your audience, purpose, and content. By following the step-by-step guide and incorporating attention-grabbing elements, you can deliver a compelling opening that leaves a lasting impression. Remember to use appropriate verbs and common nouns to keep your introduction clear and concise. By mastering this art, you set the stage for a powerful presentation that will undoubtedly resonate with your listeners.
Text prompt
- Instructive
- Professional
Write a Speech Introduction for a keynote speaker at a conference.
Create a Speech Introduction for a guest lecturer in a university class.
- PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
- EDIT Edit this Article
- EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Forums Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
- Browse Articles
- Learn Something New
- Quizzes Hot
- Happiness Hub
- This Or That Game
- Train Your Brain
- Explore More
- Support wikiHow
- About wikiHow
- Log in / Sign up
- Education and Communications
- Communication Skills
- Public Speaking
- Speechwriting
How to Write a Speech Introducing Yourself
Last Updated: November 1, 2024 Fact Checked
This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 3,828,526 times.
First impressions have a big impact on how others perceive you, so how you introduce yourself to others is extremely important. Many people call an introductory speech an elevator speech, because it should be succinct enough that you could introduce yourself and tell someone about your goals or interests in the time it takes to ride an elevator. It may also be called an "icebreaker" speech, as it breaks the ice and lets others get to know you. [1] X Research source Consider your words carefully when you write a speech introducing yourself. Crafting a good self-introduction can either build or harm your credibility.
Sample Speeches
Preparing Your Speech
- State your name in the very first sentence of your speech. This can be very straightforward: "Good afternoon!/Good morning! My name is Deshawn Smith, and I am a computer programming student at the University of Arkansas."
- If the introduction is work-related, mention your interests and your career goals together in the same sentence. This will save on time and convey that your personal interests can serve your professional goals. For example, "I am working on an app that allows people to order pizza from their Twitter account."
- You may want to mention your education or professional training background, if it is relevant and appropriate. "This is the fifth app I've designed. My second app, which helped people locate dog parks near them, won an award at my university."
- If you are explaining your passion or goal and how it helped formed your progression up to this point, that can help you tell a compelling story about yourself. For example, if you're writing a speech for your college speech class, you might want to explain how you got into computers at an early age and why they're important to you now as you pursue your career goals.
- If, however, you are introducing yourself to potential clients at a business lunch, they are probably not interested in your hobbies. They will want to know what you are doing right now and what your skills are.
- Try writing one draft with your experience/hobbies and one without, and run both versions by an objective listener who can give you feedback before your speech.
- Highlight the qualities, skills and experience you have that are most relevant for the audience and occasion. For example, "Because of my background in app writing and my extensive network of professional connections, I have a strong grasp of what today's young professionals are looking for. My apps offer convenience and immediate gratification."
- You are trying to present yourself as a professional while making a strong and lasting impression.
- If you're trying to sell yourself to a group of new colleagues, you probably won't need to tell them about your family life, or anything outside of work that isn't directly relevant.
- You can simultaneously demonstrate your skills and experience, while presenting yourself as a forward-looking person who is always learning and developing. For example, you could say, "I spend a lot of time attending app conventions and conferences so I can learn what audiences are looking for. I pride myself on staying on the cutting edge of app design."
- Try to tie this into your broader outline of your career goals and personal development.
- Reader Poll: We asked 115 wikiHow readers which job interview question is the most important to prepare for, and 58% of them said tell me about yourself. [Take Poll] This speech is a perfect way to answer.
Revising and Practicing Your Speech
- Make sure that if this is an assignment, you stay within the assigned guidelines.
- If your speech is supposed to be 3-5 minutes, a 7-minute speech and a 2-minute speech are equally inappropriate.
- If you are giving a brief introductory speech in an interview , be certain that you don't go over the recommended time.
- Avoid long rambling sentences, and use direct and concise prose as much as possible.
- Think about your sentence structure carefully. Reading your speech out loud will help you determine when you have overly long sentences that need to be restructured.
- Practicing in front of other people will enable you to gauge whether your speech captures the interest of your listeners.
- Think about which parts of the speech were successful and which parts weren't.
- Try to get as much detailed feedback as possible by asking specific as well as general questions after your speech.
- As well as saying "how did you like the speech?", ask specifically what parts were the strongest and weakest.
- Check that you delivered a clear message by asking your practice audience what they took away from the speech.
- If you are staring down at a piece of paper all the time, the audience might struggle to truly engage with what you are saying.
- You can, however, bring an index card with bullet points, just in case you freeze up. You shouldn't write your whole speech on the card, just the main points you hope to cover.
- Think of the card as a point of reference, rather than a backup for your speech.
Planning Your Speech
- Who is the intended audience?
- What is the purpose of my introduction?
- What are the expectations others may have?
- Stick to one or two main points you want to convey about yourself. You can always add more if time allows it.
- Depending on the audience and function of your speech, you shouldn't allow the focus to become too narrow. For example, if you're introducing yourself to a crowd of prospective investors, you'd focus on your skills to build their confidence in you. If you're introducing yourself to a general audience -- say, for a speech class in college -- you can be a bit more wide-ranging.
- Remember that you're introducing yourself in general, and you want to present yourself as an interesting and rounded individual. [12] X Research source
- That doesn't mean you should spend time talking about your love of baseball when you are introducing yourself in a professional scenario.
- Are you hoping to win someone over to your point of view with this introduction, or to inspire/motivate someone to work hard under your leadership?
- All of these will affect the things you say in your introduction and the way you say them. [14] X Research source
Delivering Your Speech
- You can also try some visualization techniques to help ease your nervousness and give you confidence for your speech.
- Imagine the way you will feel when you have finished delivering your speech and are met with smiling faces and resounding applause. Then channel that confidence into the actual speech you are about to deliver.
- Avoid crossing your arms or clutching your hands.
- Don't stare down at the ground or cling to the table or lecture in front of you.
- Make eye contact across the room in a measured and controlled way. Avoid lingering on one person, but also avoid darting your eyes back and forth restlessly.
- Try making eye contact with one person on the left side of the room, then one person on the right side of the room. Shift across the room, but in a controlled way that feels natural and relaxed.
- Aim for a comfortable, conversational pace of dialogue.
- Practicing your speech in front of other people, or recording it and listening back are great ways to judge the tempo of your speech.
- Self-deprecating humor can help you come across as humble and likable. For example, if you've accidentally skipped forward in your speech and have to circle back, you could say something like, "And now I'm going to cycle back and tell you something I forgot before. If you wanted to get to know the "real me," you're seeing it now!"
- You can also make a quick, humorous nod to your mistake and move on. For example, if you come out and you mess up the very first line, you could say something like, "Wow, excuse me. Here I am so excited to tell you about myself that I've mixed up all my words. Let me try that again."
- Don't be too self-deprecating, however. You are still trying to ensure people remember you for your strengths and competencies. Move on quickly.
Expert Q&A
Reader Videos
Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!
- Improve eye contact with the audience. Be direct and move confidently during the speech. Thanks Helpful 21 Not Helpful 3
- Do not be afraid to make yourself sound good. After all, this is an introduction, and the first impression you will make. Thanks Helpful 24 Not Helpful 4
- If the introduction is too long, you will lose your audience's attention. A good introduction should be short and to the point. Thanks Helpful 20 Not Helpful 6
You Might Also Like
- ↑ https://courses.p2pu.org/en/groups/public-speaking-2/content/icebreaker-introduce-yourself/
- ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/publicspeakingprinciples/chapter/chapter-8-outlining-your-speech/
- ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-to-give-an-elevator-pitch-examples
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/serenitygibbons/2023/05/31/3-tips-to-set-yourself-apart-with-unique-branding/?sh=5421a3b03baa
- ↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/oralcommunication/guides/shortening-a-speech
- ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/speeches/
- ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-delivery
- ↑ Lynn Kirkham. Public Speaking Coach. Expert Interview. 20 November 2019.
- ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-publicspeaking/chapter/methods-of-speech-delivery/
- ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/oral-comm-lab/audience-analysis
- ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/writingforsuccess/chapter/6-1-purpose-audience-tone-and-content/
- ↑ https://pac.org/content/speechwriting-101-writing-effective-speech
- ↑ https://sps.columbia.edu/news/five-ways-improve-your-body-language-during-speech
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/02/tips-speaking
- ↑ https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/10-tips-for-improving-your-public-speaking-skills/
About This Article
To write a speech introducing yourself, start by organizing the information you want to include. When writing content, consider the purpose of the speech, your intended audience, and your goals for the introduction. You can speak about your education, professional background, career/career goals, and outside interests, but keep things brief and to the point. Only include information that is important and relevant to your listeners. Don't forget to state your name in the first sentence of the speech. To learn more from our English Ph.D. co-author, such as how to practice and memorize your speech, continue reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No
- Send fan mail to authors
Reader Success Stories
Rebecca Steudeman
Feb 27, 2017
Did this article help you?
Rose Martinez
Oct 26, 2018
May 26, 2017
Kutmanai Kutia
Jul 17, 2018
Joseph Johnson
May 16, 2017
Featured Articles
Trending Articles
Watch Articles
- Terms of Use
- Privacy Policy
- Do Not Sell or Share My Info
- Not Selling Info
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve
IMAGES
VIDEO