How to start a speech beautifully, examples of phrases. Welcome speech at the opening of the event

How to start a speech beautifully, examples of phrases.  Welcome speech at the opening of the event
How to start a speech beautifully, examples of phrases. Welcome speech at the opening of the event

The speaker is an architect who creates slender, tall, low, long, short structures from the ideas in the minds of his listeners. In any construction, it all starts with the foundation. This is the basis of any building. The situation is similar in oratory. The beginning of a speech can be compared to the foundation. After all, every speech begins with it. And a confident and error-free start is half the success. When you go on stage, you capture the audience's attention for a few seconds. But how can you hold it in the next five minutes? And here the question arises of how to make the beginning of your speech “ strong foundation" To do this, you need to have knowledge in this aspect. This is exactly what this article will be devoted to.

Give a specific example

Many novice speakers believe that they first need to present general provisions. At a time when examples are easier to understand and more understandable to the audience. So why not start with them? Start your speech with an example, capture the attention and interest of the audience, and then start telling general remarks according to your example. And this will be a good start.

Use some thing or object to attract the audience's attention

It can be held in both hands, in one hand, in the palm of your hand, above your head, at waist level. All this is not very significant. However, it is important that your subject is related to the topic of your speech. Look at . He almost always holds some kind of gadget in his hands at his presentations.

Start with shocking facts

For example, “Russia has the highest crime rate in the world.” Is not a fact. But it is clear that such a beginning will have an effect.

Start with a Powerful Quote

Statements famous person always have an attractive force. Therefore, the right saying is one of the most successful ways to start a public speaking speech. How do you rate the following opening of a speech on personal success: “No failure is fatal, no success is final, all that matters is the courage to continue!” ()

This beginning has two positive points. First, the quote is interesting. Second, the quote brings you and your audience right to the heart of the matter.

Ask questions

This is not only an opportunity to establish contact with the audience through interactivity. The question will help you find the key to the minds of the listeners, because it makes them think with the speaker and cooperate with him.

Arouse curiosity

This is important for capturing the attention of the audience. To do this, you can use from one phrase to several paragraphs. I know the story of one hunter who tied himself with a sheet and began to crawl back and forth, thus arousing the curiosity of the animals and attracting them, his prey.

How not to start a speech

Don't start with funny stories. There is nothing more challenging in public speaking than making your audience laugh. Humor is a very subtle thing. Keep in mind that stories are not always funny in and of themselves. In many ways, the speaker’s charisma plays a role here. The vast majority of storytellers will fail with the jokes of famous speakers such as Mark Twain. The author himself once got into trouble at a public speaking championship while telling funny story. However, the reader may turn out to be a person with a great sense of humor. In this case, the flag is in your hands.

Don't start with an apology: “I'm a bad speaker... I'm poorly prepared... I have nothing to say.” Even if you are poorly prepared, some of the audience will understand this without your help. And the other one won't understand.

Despite all the advice in this article, much will inevitably depend on yourself, on the audience, the subject of the speech, and the prepared material. However, the author hopes that the tips provided in this article will be useful.

Rules for making a public speech
accessible to listeners

How to start a performance?

Beginning of the performance presents the greatest difficulty. At the same time, it is extremely important, because at this moment the minds of the listeners are fresh and relatively easy to impress. Relying on chance can lead to too serious consequences. The beginning of the speech should be carefully prepared in advance.

Introduction should be brief and no more than one or two sentences. Often you can do without it altogether.

Get straight to it to the point of your speech, having spent on this minimal amount words Nobody will object to this.

Don't start your speech with a humorous story.. This is not always successful, especially for beginners. Only very few people can successfully tell a funny joke. More often than not, this attempt confuses the audience rather than pleases them. The story should be on point, the humor should be the icing on the cake, but not the cake itself.

Never apologize, as this usually irritates listeners. Say exactly what you are going to say, say it clearly, say it quickly, and sit in your seat.

Don't start your speech too formally. Don't show that you prepared it carefully. It should look free, unintentional, natural. This can be achieved by talking about what just happened or what was just said.

To gain the attention of the audience at the beginning of your speech, you can use the following techniques:

– arouse the curiosity of listeners;

- tell interesting story;

– start with a specific illustration;

- Ask a Question;

– start with some “amazing” quote or facts;

– show that the topic of the speech is related to the vital interests of the audience.

How to make the meaning of your speech clear?

1. Make the unfamiliar understandable by connecting it with familiar objects and phenomena.

2. Avoid technical terms in your speech. Express your thoughts in simple and understandable language.

3. Be sure that the subject you are about to talk about is as clear to you as sunlight at noon.

4. Use your listeners' visual perception. Whenever possible, use exhibits, pictures, illustrations. Be specific (don't say the word "dog" if you mean "white fox terrier with a black spot over the right eye").

5. Repeat your main points, but do not repeat or use the same phrases twice or thrice.

6. Make your abstract statements clear by providing general categories. concrete examples and cases.

7. Don't try to cover too many issues. It is impossible to deal properly with more than one or two sections of a large topic in a short talk.

8. Conclude your speech short summary the positions you have expressed.

9. If possible, use balanced sentences and contrasting ideas.

10. Interest is contagious. The audience will certainly be captivated by it if the speaker himself is imbued with it.

How to end a speech?

The ending of the speech is truly its most strategic important element. What is said at the end is something that listeners are likely to remember longer.

Don't conclude your speech with the words: “That's about all I wanted to say about this. So I guess I'll leave it at that." Finish, but don't say you're finishing.

Prepare the ending of your speech carefully and rehearse it in advance. Know almost word for word how you are going to end the speech. End your speech smoothly. Don't leave it unfinished and broken like a jagged cobblestone. Remember: good improvisation is well-prepared improvisation.

– summarize – repeat and briefly outline the main points that you touched upon in your speech;

– call to action;

– give the audience a suitable compliment;

- cause laughter;

– quote suitable poetic lines;

– use a vivid quote;

– create an emotional uplift.

When preparing the beginning and end of a speech, always link them together. Stop speaking before the audience wants you to. Remember: after the peak of popularity, satiety sets in very quickly.

Examples public speaking.

In each of the given passages, those features of the text that are noted as having a positive impact on the audience are highlighted. All presentations are devoted to the problem of stimulating teachers to conduct methodological self-educational work.

1. “Dear colleagues! ( appeal). This is not the first time we have gathered this year on the issue of intensifying the work of methodological associations ( emphasizing the commonality of the matter). I express my gratitude (names are given to whom it is addressed) who supported this line of work of the school ( pointing to positive examples). Yes, indeed, “another modernization” (nods towards the most dissatisfied listener) happened on our professional path (recognition of the audience's right to their own opinion). Methodological work is an integral part of all education, it is through it that modernization is possible ( emphasizing significance).

I have spoken more than once about the results of the analysis of lessons attended ( reference to past interaction experience). Their strict examination gives every reason to believe that we all have them, without exception ( division of responsibility) are constructed in the same way. Only for open lesson We are trying to delve into the methodological literature ( open admission of an ugly fact). Yes, indeed, we have a small salary, we are overloaded with part-time jobs and part-time jobs, our families at home want to see us not only sitting with books and notebooks ( warning of objections).

I expressed my proposals for the development of methodological work at school at the last methodological Council. I wrote the main directions of its activation on the board ( visual representation). There are five of them. I ask you to comment on them or contribute yours ( willingness to dialogue with listeners)».

2. “Today we will talk about methodological work. But first I would like to tell a parable about a horse ( laughter) (intriguing beginning). A man at the market praises his horse to a buyer, emphasizing that it runs fast. And he tells him: “Then you need to sell it cheaper.” "Why so?" - asks the man. “What if she runs fast, but in the wrong direction?” ( laughter).

Why am I saying this? The day before yesterday I was at a seminar at one school. There a teacher speaks with the message “the use of NLP in mathematics lessons in primary school" He performs with enthusiasm, and everyone likes the directors. And I innocently ask: “What linguistic is it in mathematics? What kind of programming is it if you have always developed your thinking in mathematics? What is the scientific basis for this innovation? How will this affect children – now and in the future? Do you understand where this lively teacher can run without methodical insight? ( rhetorical questions).

Another example. My son began to prepare for a history session at the institute, going through his old notebooks. It also became interesting for me to remember how they used to give material. I open: the teacher wrote a biography of Chernomyrdin on the entire page in the notebook ( laughter). Of course, there are no good history books and all that. Are there any good teachers?.. Just as a horse runs along an ideological road, it cannot be stopped ( problematization through metaphor, relying on examples from one’s own life and work).

Dear my colleagues! Dear like-minded people! ( pretentious appeal). You and I have gone through more than one obstacle course, we will go through this one too ( emphasizing commonality with listeners, expressing confidence in their capacity). Tell me the words with which I can explain to each of you that today no one will allow us to work like this. Methodological work is our face, this is the level of our professionalism. Methodological work for a teacher is an appeal to new knowledge. Without this, our work becomes meaningless. I am for meaningful work. And you?.. ( journalism, appeal to listeners)».

3. “I agree with previous speakers that methodological work has great importance in the work of a teacher ( link to previous speakers). Even when it is not paid for, and even when it is carried out at your own expense - I mean courses and methodological literature (open, possibly oppositional, attitude to the problem). Imagine a pediatrician with a small salary who treats using the knowledge of his student youth, which ended thirty years ago. Would you argue that we are equally responsible for a growing person ( comparison)?

In my speech, I focus on what makes methodological work vital for a teacher ( abstract of the speech content).

The first thing to remember ( numbering of the arguments put forward). The child we teach changes before our eyes. This year's fifth-grader cannot be taught the same way we taught current graduates in the fifth grade. We need to look for other methods, even explain in other words educational material (making obvious arguments).

Second. Teacher involved methodical work, is a teacher respected by us, parents and students. In a situation where the prestige of our profession is falling, we are obliged (I emphasize – we are obliged) to ensure respectful treatment of our work ( appeal to values).

And third. We are what we leave behind. What will remain after us when we ourselves are gone? A stack of ironed duvet covers?.. If it’s a memory, then let us be remembered as brilliant professionals in our field. And even better - as authors of “manuals”, textbooks and articles in our professional journals, as delegates of congresses and conferences, as best representatives our country ( appeal to higher meanings).

Thank you for the opportunity to say about all this ( thanks to the listeners)».

Efficiency business meeting carried out in the form public speaking, increases if the following characteristics are present:

Ø accuracy of the information provided, verifiability of factual material;

Ø showing trust in listeners, including their professional and life situation in the context of the speaker's speech;

Ø examples from your own experience and from the experience of listeners;

Ø emphasizing the significance and prestige of what is said in the speech;

Ø emphasizing common interests and goals with the listeners;

Ø thoughtful structure of the text, its emotional and figurative expressiveness;

Ø sensitive response to the mood of the audience;

Ø friendliness, ease of communication;

Ø providing listeners with the opportunity to choose their attitude towards the perceived material, the absence of coercion and categoricalness;

Ø well-established Feedback from audiences (this will be discussed in detail below).

The situation of public speaking makes it possible to determine what type of speaking, monological (dominant, authoritarian) or dialogic, the speaker adheres to to a greater extent. These two types are compared according to several indicators given in the table.

Sooner or later, every person has to speak in front of an audience. And since the latter is very selfish, this activity can cause a lot of trouble. But as Mark Twain said: “The public expects nothing from you in the first place,” so don’t be nervous, but it’s a good idea to take advantage of a few useful tips and review examples of public speaking.

Where to begin?

Any example of public speaking begins with proper preparation speech. No matter how wonderful the speaker’s text may seem, you need to understand that behind it lies remarkable work and long hours of practice.

Every successful example of public speaking begins with preparing the speech. It was not for nothing that Mark Twain once said that it takes about three weeks to prepare an impromptu. Any performance, regardless of its type and intended purpose, must be prepared in advance. First you need to make the so-called “skeleton” of the performance. To do this, you need to decide on the following positions:

  • Understand the motivation of the people who came to listen to the speech.
  • Determine the main idea of ​​the speech.
  • Divide this idea into several components(subheadings).
  • Identify keywords. They will need to be repeated several times in the speech so that the listeners better remember what is actually being discussed.
  • Every speech should have a clear plan and structure. The speech should consist of an introduction, main part and conclusions.

Muscles

Once the speaker has decided on the basic structure of his speech, it is necessary to build muscle on this “skeleton”. What could they consist of?

  • You can use striking examples from life or literature, the main thing is that they correspond to the main theme.
  • To help the listener visually consolidate the information received, it is worth preparing graphs, slides, pictures, videos, etc.
  • You can ask the audience a question during the speech, this will help keep the audience's attention on the main topic.

Introductory part

Particular attention should be paid to the beginning and end of the speech. They play the main role in communication between the speaker and the listener. The introduction helps to form a first impression of the speaker, and the summary allows the audience to consolidate the information received.

While preparing your speech, many questions may arise. For example, how to start a public speech? The main thing here is to interest the audience from the very beginning. The first impression of the speaker will accompany him throughout the entire speech, and if you make a mistake, it will be difficult to correct it later.

For example, the introduction to a public speech could be a witty joke or some kind of interesting fact. You can puzzle the audience with a question or intrigue with a pause. The main thing is to attract attention. Just don’t start apologizing for the fact that your voice is hoarse, this is your first speech, etc. The speaker should always be confident in himself, and turn every trouble to his aid. For example, if the speaker is really sick, you should not apologize, but say that due to such and such circumstances, I ask everyone to sit closer so that I can be heard.

End of speech

As for the ending, it is important to summarize the entire speech, highlight the main ideas and recall the issues raised. The last phrases must have a certain emotional message and be expressive, only in this way the listener can not only reward the speaker with applause, but also become an adherent of his ideas. Although, no matter how much you talk about the correct construction of a speech, it will be easier to consider examples of public speaking.

Types of public speaking

Examples of public speaking are divided into several types:

  • Information. For the most part, these are reports, lectures, and oral responses.
  • Protocol and etiquette. Such speeches are used when welcoming important guests, making toasts, a funeral speech, or opening a new establishment.
  • Entertaining. They are usually used for a good time, they have an entertaining context, but at the same time convey information. As an example, we can cite the performances of Russian pop comedians E. Petrosyan, E. Stepanenko, M. Zadornov and others.
  • Persuasive speech. Such a report must have indisputable facts and evidence that will win the audience over to your side. Examples include speeches by famous politicians. For example, Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address in 1863, where he assured citizens that not a single soldier died in vain, and this is a necessary sacrifice on the path to freedom.

Get there in three minutes

In general, the audience's attention lasts only 15-20 minutes, this is due to psychophysiological reasons. Depending on the variety, oral presentations can last from a few minutes to 1-2 hours. However, there are also speeches that need to be delivered in 3 minutes. In most cases, these speeches are wedding toasts or press conferences. In total, the length of the speech should be between 200 and 405 words. Here is an example of a public speech for 3 minutes:

“Today the Dalai Lama gave a unique interview to a Russian blogger for the first time. For his YouTube channel, business blogger Dmitry Portnyagin was the first in the CIS to interview the Dalai Lama. Communication with the famous Buddhist took place in a Delhi hotel, where the monk often stays with his followers. Before communion began, the premises were checked twice: first by the Indian security, led by a Sikh, and then by His Holiness’s personal security.

The interview lasted only an hour. During this time, the conversation participants were able to discuss political problems, including questions of the competence of Gorbachev, Yeltsin and Putin. Predict the future of Russia, talk about material and spiritual values, mutual understanding between people and the secrets of success. Each question received a detailed answer. The Dalai Lama spoke openly and with humor. At the end, he gave some advice for entrepreneurs and talked about personal safety.

Dmitry Portnyagin did not remain indifferent during the conversation. He showed the Dalai Lama a photograph of his grandfather and said that a photograph of the Supreme Head of Tibet always hung in his office, so he also became interested in this topic. Saying goodbye to His Holiness, Dmitry gave the Dalai Lama a hat with earflaps as a souvenir. The monk immediately put on his new clothes and appeared in this form in front of the camera lenses. The full version of the interview can be viewed on the Transformer channel.

Suitable or not?

This sample public speaking text follows all the rules. Such a short speech fully reveals the topic of the video presentation on YouTube channel. It tells about the participants, the location of the interview, the questions that were raised and the general mood that was present during the conversation.

At the end of the press release, the speaker invites listeners to watch full version video. Although the ending can be supplemented with one more sentence or two, saying that the interview turned out to be successful and informative for everyone.

Alexander I

To be effective, speech must be precise and expressive. And these may not always be large amounts of text. You can get your point across with a few strong sentences and vivid comparisons. For example, Alexander I’s public speech to the French ambassadors even before the start of the war sounded as follows:

“Here is little Europe, and this Greater Russia(he shows all this on the map). In case of failure, you can retreat only to Paris, and I can run to the edge of Kamchatka! But at the same time, every meter of this land will be hostile to you, even the women will not stop fighting. Russia may lose some battles, but it will never be defeated.”

To say that the ambassadors left under the impression is an understatement. An example of the text of a public speech by Tsar Alexander I amazes readers today. There is not a drop of arrogance here, just facts served with the right “sauce.”

Steve Jobs

A striking example of modern oratory are the speeches of Steve Jobs. Public speaking was definitely not his strong point - it was just a hobby, but he began every presentation of a new product with his own speech. Examples in its execution look like this:

These are just small fragments of one of his speeches. But how does a person motivate?

Correct solution

You can give a speech on any topic. Examples of public speaking are easy to find in print and other media. mass media. Typically, speakers address important social, political and economic issues. Recently, it has become fashionable to give training on ways to make money on the Internet, present various training programs, or draw attention to advertising campaigns. Sometimes speakers conduct psychological trainings, discuss religion or philosophy. But no matter what the speaker talks about, his main goal is to captivate the audience.

A speaker is not a person who professionally manipulates pathetic speeches, but one who is able to conduct a simultaneous dialogue with thousands of listeners. He must speak the language of the people who listen to him, understand their problems, find common ground and skillfully lead them to making the right decision.

Business communication

It may seem that it is varied and has no clear boundaries, this public speech. The examples of speeches presented above give the false impression that the speakers' texts have nothing in common. In fact, they all have the same goal: the listener must agree with the speaker's point of view. And this can be done completely different methods, even to the point of provocation. Although this method is used mainly in court proceedings.

The founder of the Russian legal profession, A.F. Koni, once defended a disabled hunchback. For for long years a neighbor mocked him, and then one day, unable to bear it, the hunchback grabbed a stone and threw it at him, thereby causing serious bodily injury. In his public speech, A.F. Koni was original like no one else. He, as expected, addressed the jury: “Gentlemen of the jury!” Then he paused and repeated this phrase four more times, making minute stops after each address. After the fourth appeal, one of the jurors could not stand it and furiously blurted out: “Are you kidding me?!” A.F. Koni was not taken aback, this is exactly the reaction he expected: “I addressed you politely and only 4 times, and you were already starting to get nervous. My client long years listened to insults directed at him. How was he supposed to feel?

This speech achieved its goal - the defendant was acquitted.

Who, comrades judges, feeds you?

History knows many cases of such original performances. Even in the literature you can find good examples oratory speeches, according to which this art can be taught. Thus, in A. M. Gorky’s novel “Mother,” the convicted Pavel Vlasov spoke at the court hearing. He was convicted under a political article and refused to carry out the escape prepared by his comrades only in order to give a speech to numerous people, who gathered at the trial.

His speech was full of refrains, where he spoke on behalf of the people, but the main “highlight” of the speech was the climax: “How can you destroy the workers, those who feed you, comrade judges?” It costs a lot to create such a speech.

Prosperity of the country

To conclude this article, I would like to give one more option for public speaking. Example text on the topic “Theft in Japan.”

“The prosperity of a country is influenced by many human and economic factors. Among them there is one, almost insignificant fact, which will seem to us a fantastic absurdity.

They don't steal in Japan. They don't steal at all. They don't steal at all. They never steal. People don't lock their apartments and cars. Stores safely place trays of goods on the streets and happily forget about them. They know: no one will take someone else's.

In this country, you can forget anything, anywhere, and then come back for it a few days later. It will remain untouched. Every Japanese knows: if something is lost, it probably lies where it was lost, which means it will be found. Whether it’s a mobile phone or a wallet, you can still find any item.

Tipping is not accepted in Japan. The seller or waiter will run after you for several blocks to give you your change. Most residents of the capital travel on bicycles, and no one ties them up. Steal a bike?! This is funny!

Here they know: taking someone else’s is a shame. After it, the person will no longer be trusted; he will never get rid of it.

And by the way, about the economy. Officials religiously follow this rule: taking someone else’s property is taboo. Not long ago, a Japanese minister, who was suspected of free handling of finances, hanged himself. Not even theft. Because of this story, the previous prime minister also resigned.

So, what does the prosperity of a country depend on? That’s right, from theft, or more precisely, from the absence of it.”

The speaker is a kind of shooter. He either hits the mark and makes everyone bow their heads before him, or he misses, and then the dejected crowd begins to go about their business, ignoring the words of the speaker. Therefore, before speaking in public, you need to aim at a specific target. Examples of public speaking by leaders will help.

"Well said! Well Said! Presentations and conversations that get results.

At the beginning of your speech, you have only 60 seconds to capture the audience's attention, gain people's trust, orient them to the topic and get them ready to listen further. If you waste precious opening minutes on jokes, agendas, apologies, useless details, thank yous, or incoherent stuttering, your audience's attention will be lost forever. You must be creative with the introduction - the most important part of the work. This is a difficult task for any speaker, and you will have to rehearse well and master the challenging opening.

Darlene Price

1. Tell a compelling story

Storytelling is one of the most powerful and successful techniques. From birth, people love to listen and learn from . Fairy-tale heroes, villains from campfire tales or theater characters captivate us with their dialogues, conflicts and destinies. With their help, we gain everyday experience and draw parallels with own life, which easily holds the attention of any person.

At best, it should be a personal, first-hand story that tells the audience why you are interested in the topic of the talk. Although a story about another person whom the audience might recognize would also work. Alternatively, reveal a fable, fairy tale, wisdom or historical event. The idea is that your 60-90 second introduction will captivate the audience and provide the key message for the rest of your presentation.

What problems did you (or someone else) encounter regarding the topic of the speech? How did you (or someone else) overcome them? Who or what helped or hindered you? What conclusions were drawn? What should your audience get and feel after reading the story?

2. Ask a rhetorical question

And what Russian doesn’t like driving fast?

Who are the judges?

Dreams, dreams, where is your sweetness?

Rhetorical questions help persuade. If they are thoughtful and presented in the right form, the audience will follow the path that the speaker intended. With their help, it is easy to persuade listeners to your point of view.


Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com

However, the question does not always have to give a clear answer “yes” or “no”. You can arouse people's curiosity and get them to think about the answer by asking something more "heavy."

3. Share a shocking statistic or headline.

A bold statement or catchy headline is ideal for persuading your audience to listen to your recommendations and follow them further. The main thing is that they accurately reflect the purpose of your speech.

For example, the vice president of sales for a leading American healthcare company successfully sells software for hospitals in a very colorful manner. He begins with dry, but painfully poignant figures: “Medical errors leading to the death of a patient have become the third main reason death after heart disease and cancer diseases. We are talking about 400 thousand cases a year. This is much more than previously thought. We are creating a world without medical errors, and we need your help."

4. Use a strong quote.

Bring words of wisdom famous person, whose name will add attractiveness and social weight to your speech. But it’s important to understand that the quote must be relevant: meaningful and relevant to your audience.

Imagine that you are a conflict manager and persuade a group to reach agreement. When opening negotiations, you could quote the words of Mark Twain, who once said: “If two people agree on everything, one of them is not needed.” The next sentence should add a note of unity: “Even though not all of us see the solution to the problem the same way, the efforts of each of us are essential in reaching an agreement.”

5. Show a powerful photo

A picture is worth a thousand words. And maybe more.

Use pictures instead of text whenever possible. High quality photo adds aesthetic appeal, enhances understanding, engages the audience's imagination, and makes the presentation more memorable.


Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock.com

For example, the president of an electrical equipment sales company skillfully inspired his managers to cut costs. Instead of showing them the usual charts, graphs and tables, he opened the meeting with a rather strange question: “Why did the Titanic sink?” In unison, there was a mention of a collision with an iceberg. Then the head of the company displayed an image of an iceberg on the general screen: its tip was visible above the water, but a much larger part was hidden under the surface. “The same thing awaits our company. Hidden costs are the very underwater danger that will pull us to the bottom.” This visual metaphor inspired managers, and their proposals ultimately saved millions of dollars.

6. Add creativity

Thematic props are the right way hold the attention of listeners. Visual support will emphasize your point.

Thus, being an avid tennis fan, the head of a large insurance company began his speech with a spectacular hit with his racket. In this way, he expressed his determination, “won a point against his competitors,” rallied the team and ultimately “won the Grand Slam.”

Think about how you could use Wall Clock, a colorful bag, a bunch of carrots, juggling balls, or manipulating cards to captivate your audience, add humor, and get your message across.

7. Play a short video

Imagine: you start a presentation to the production department with a video in which satisfied customers give positive characterization your product. Or you open a fundraising event for endangered species with a mini-film about the Amur leopard and its offspring.

The video evokes an emotional response. Unlike words and slides, a short film adds drama and conveys the essence of what is happening faster.

As Walt Disney said:

I would rather entertain people and hope they learn something than educate people and hope they are entertained.

Introducing yourself is more than just saying your name. This is a whole way to make a new acquaintance with a person, start a conversation and make physical contact. Introducing yourself to strangers is not always as easy as it seems, because everything completely depends on how others understand you. You can introduce yourself different ways(depending on the audience you are addressing). For example, this could be a performance before giving a speech, before strangers at some event, in front of a girl or guy at a party. It is important to introduce yourself in a way that is appropriate to the situation in order to please and be remembered by people.

Steps

How to introduce yourself at a social event

    Make eye contact. Eye contact means that your attention is directed to the other person. Looking into the eyes is one of the ways to interact with a person. This is how you show him your interest. By making eye contact, you become more open to your interlocutor.

    • If you feel very awkward looking into someone's eyes, try looking between the other person's eyebrows - they may not notice the difference.
    • If you are at a meeting or meeting, periodically look into the eyes of everyone present.
  1. Be mindful of body language. Your body language should show your interlocutor that you are confident and at ease. Stand straight, raise your head and straighten your back, try not to slouch. Try to repeat the movements of your interlocutor from time to time. Also, try to speak in the same tone and style as the other person to establish non-verbal rapport.

    How to introduce yourself to a stranger

    1. Tell each other your names. If the greeting needs to be formal, you can say: “Hello, I’m [first name] [last name].” If the introduction is informal, simply say, “Hi, I'm [name]. Immediately after you have said your name, find out the name of your new friend, say: “What is your name?” Speak in a friendly tone. Once you know your new friend's name, repeat it by saying, "It's very nice to meet you, [his name]" or "It's nice to meet you, [her name]."

      • It is important to repeat the name of your friend in order to remember him better, in addition, this will give your acquaintance a certain intimacy.
    2. Be prepared to shake hands or greet someone you know in some other way. In most cultures, it is customary to greet a person by accompanying the greeting with physical contact. In many countries and cultures, this is a common handshake. Make sure that your hand is moderately firm; it should not hang like a rag, and should not break your friend’s bones when shaking hands.

      Ask questions. It is very important to show interest in the life of your interlocutor. Ask where he or she is from, what they do, start a conversation about some joint business or interest. Find out what the person likes, what his hobbies and interests are. Show that you are listening carefully and are interested in the conversation.

      Know how to end the conversation. If you are meeting someone for the first time, you should end the conversation by saying that it was nice to meet you and talk. If the conversation was formal, you should end the conversation with the phrase: “[name] [patronymic], I am very glad to meet you. I hope we will see each other again." If the conversation was informal, you could say, “It was great meeting you, [name]. I hope to see you again"

    How to introduce yourself before a performance

      Greet the audience and state your name. If you are giving a speech, it is important to state your first and last name. When you greet everyone and introduce yourself, be sure to speak clearly and confidently.

      • Say: “Good afternoon, I’m [first name] [last name].” Or: “How are you doing today? My name is [first name] [last name].”
    1. Share something about yourself. After you say your first and last name, tell what speech you are going to give and why, try to present yourself correctly. What you need to say to your audience depends on the nature of your speech and the event you are speaking about. If you are going to give a lecture on the importance proper nutrition, be sure to tell me how you feel about this. For example, say whether you are a scientist, a chef, or an environmentalist. If you are talking about the upbringing and development of a child, say that you are a child psychologist.

      • You can provide your audience with any useful information about yourself that is relevant to your performance. You can briefly list some of your professional achievements. For example, you could say, “My name is [first name] [last name], and I am a professor of environmental science. I did research in tropical forests Amazon and after that I realized how important it is to look for new ways to protect our planet.”
    2. Move. When giving a speech, stand up straight with good posture, but move around from time to time. Straighten your back, pull your shoulders back, don't slouch, keep your hands free, you can even gesture if necessary. If you don't have to stand behind the podium, you can sometimes walk slowly from side to side to show the audience how confident and comfortable you feel.

    How to introduce yourself at a business meeting

      Please state your full name. Say it clearly so that the other person understands and remembers it. You can say, “Hi, my name is [first name] [last name].” Or: “Hi, I’m [first name] [last name].” People are more likely to remember your name if you pronounce it clearly.

    1. Describe what you do in one sentence. If you're at a business meeting, chances are you'll tell a few people about what you do. So what do you do when a new acquaintance asks you, “What do you do?” You'll probably start talking about your career for 5-10 minutes. Do you feel like reading a list of your achievements? Most likely no. If you are not planning a serious conversation, you can simply describe the essence of your professional activity in one sentence, conveying the following information to your interlocutor:

      • What is your occupation? Teacher, manager, health worker?
      • Who do you work with? With kids, international organizations, small business?
      • What are you doing? Do you help children acquire and develop new skills, do you organize various international meetings and negotiations, monitor budgets, help organizations expand their market base in developing countries?
      • Don't look away or get distracted by foreign objects, otherwise the interlocutor will understand that you are bored.
      • Don't talk with your mouth full.
      • Focus on a positive attitude. When you first meet, this is not the time to say something bad about yourself or someone else.
      • To defuse the situation, start with a compliment or a harmless joke.
      • If your hands tend to sweat, dry them with a tissue before introducing yourself to someone.