Steps for Drafting a Good Introductory Speech

Introducing yourself in a speech can be daunting. After all, you want to make a good impression and ensure that your audience is engaged.

A practical introduction is the key to any successful speech. There are specific steps you can follow to ensure yours leaves a lasting impact. Here’s how to write a good introductory speech for any occasion!

What Is an Introductory Speech?

An introductory speech is a type of public speaking that introduces a topic, person, or event. It usually lasts for just a few minutes and often takes place before the main speaker presents their material.

Introductory speeches are designed to set the tone for the rest of the presentation, so they must be exciting and engaging. 

A Good Introductory Speech Outline

When preparing on how to write a good introductory speech, it’s essential to have a clear structure. A good outline should include the following: 

• An opening statement that grabs the audience’s attention
• An introduction of the topic or speaker 
• A brief overview of what you will discuss
• A transition into the main body of the presentation 
• Concluding remarks which tie everything together 

Remember to keep it concise and focus on one or two points in each part. This will ensure that your introductory speech is impactful and exciting while leaving plenty of time for the main speaker. 

How to Begin an Introductory Speech

Beginning an introductory speech can be the most challenging part. Here are a few tips for getting started: 

• Begin with a story or anecdote – This can help to engage your audience and provide context for the presentation. 
• Ask a question – Posing a rhetorical question effectively draws in your audience and makes them think about what you’re saying. 
• Share personal experiences – Speaking from experience will create a connection between you and your audience, making them more likely to listen. 
• Use humor – A joke or two can help break up a speech’s monotony and give it some personality! 

Steps on How to Write a Good Introductory Speech

Here are six steps to get you started: 

1. Research your topic – Ensure you understand the material and know what points need to be covered in your introduction. 

2. Plan an outline – Create a basic structure with crucial points that will help guide you when writing. 

3. Write an opening statement – Start your speech with something exciting or unexpected to grab the audience’s attention. 

4. Introduce the speaker/topic – Provide brief information about who or what you are presenting, including any relevant background info. 

5. Give a short overview – Summarize the presentation’s main points and get your audience excited to hear more. 

6. End with a call-to-action – Conclude your speech with a clear direction for the rest of the presentation or an inspiring message. 

Different Ways to End an Introductory Speech

 To wrap up your introduction, you could use a few different options. Here are some examples: 

• Ask for questions. Invite the audience to participate before or after the main presentation. 
• Provide contact information. Give details, including email addresses or social media handles, so that people can reach out with any follow-up questions. 
• Summarize the presentation. Offer a short recap of what will be discussed and how it will benefit the audience. 
• Invite discussion. Encourage people to share their experiences or insights on the topic. 
• Quote a famous person. End your speech with an inspiring quote or saying to leave your audience feeling motivated. 

Tips for Writing Introductory Speech

• Keep it short and sweet – You don’t want your speech to take up too much of the main presentation’s time. Aim for three minutes at most! 
• Be confident – Speak clearly and confidently to make a good impression on your audience. 
• Use visuals – Incorporating visuals into your speech, such as slides, videos, or images, can help keep people engaged. 
• Rehearse beforehand – Practicing your introduction will help you feel prepared and more comfortable when presenting. 
• Include a call-to-action – Encourage your audience to participate and stay engaged with a clear direction for the rest of the presentation. 

Introductory Speech Ideas to Try

• Tell an inspiring story – This can be a great way to set the tone for your presentation. 
• Ask rhetorical questions – Pose questions that will help get the audience thinking about what you’re saying. 
• Use humor – A good joke or two will lighten the mood in any room! 
• Share personal experiences – Speak from experience to create a connection with your listeners. 
• Quote a famous person – Choose an inspiring quote or saying to leave your audience feeling motivated and energized. 

Examples of Introductory Speech

Here are a few examples of introductory speeches to get you started: 

• “Good morning everyone! My name is (name) and I am honored to be here today. I want to start off by thanking you all for taking the time out of your day to join us here. We’re about to embark on an exciting journey together, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!” 
• “Welcome everybody. As many of you know, we are here today to discuss (topic). This is an important conversation that we must have in order to move forward in our goals. Before we dive into it, I’d like to take a moment just to recognize how far we’ve come. And also thank each of you for your contributions to the success of this project. Now, let’s get started!” 
• “Hello everyone! It is a pleasure to be here with all of you today. I hope you’re all as excited as I am about (topic). We have a lot of material to cover so without further ado, let’s jump right in!” 

Conclusion

Writing an effective introductory speech can be intimidating, but following the steps above will ensure yours leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

Remember to keep it concise and focus on just one or two points in each section. Also, use humor, personal experiences, and stories when possible – they can help to make your introduction more engaging and memorable. Good luck!