The Importance of a Strong Introduction

The opening of a speech is critical. It sets the tone, engages the audience, and provides a roadmap for what’s to come. A well-crafted introduction not only grabs attention but also builds credibility and rapport with the audience.

In his session: No Script? No Problem. Master the Art of Spontaneous Storytelling, Mohamad El Attar explains that many overlook this step, jumping straight into their content without easing their listeners into the subject. This can result in a disengaged audience wondering, What are we even talking about?

To ensure your speech starts effectively, you must carefully craft your introduction using proven techniques and avoid common mistakes.

Techniques and Strategies for an Effective Introduction

1. Keep It Concise

A common mistake in public speaking is allowing introductions to drag on. The ideal introduction should be 5-10% of the total speech length. For a 10-minute presentation, this means keeping the introduction between 30 seconds to a minute. This brief but impactful segment should introduce the topic and its significance to the audience.

2. Use a Strong Hook

A great way to engage your audience is by starting with an attention-grabbing hook. Some effective hooks include:

A Shocking Statement – Start with a surprising fact or statistic. Example: “Smoking kills more Americans every year than were lost in World War I, World War II, and Vietnam combined.”

Building Suspense or Curiosity – Lead with a list of alarming concerns, then reveal your focus. Example: “Wildfires. Shark attacks. War. Yet the most common fear in the world? Public speaking.”

A Thought-Provoking Quote – Using a quote from a credible source can establish authority. Example: “Mark Twain once said, ‘The secret of getting ahead is getting started.’”

Telling a Story or Anecdote – Stories resonate deeply with audiences. Example: “One morning, my brother and I were in the woods when we spotted a reindeer. My brother dared me to touch it. That’s how I was introduced to concussions. Today, let’s talk about brain trauma.”

Asking a Question – Rhetorical or direct questions immediately engage the audience. Example: “Do you know what to do if your baby starts choking?”

Using Facts, Studies, or Statistics – Citing a reliable study can capture attention and establish credibility. Example: “Recent studies suggest that 90% of people trust a statement more when statistics are involved.”

Adding Humour – A well-placed joke can make the audience more receptive. However, only use humour if you’re comfortable delivering it.

Audience Participation – Involving the audience early keeps them engaged. Example: “Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt nervous before a speech.”

Using a Prop or Demonstration – Visual aids can make an introduction more memorable, such as an object, image, or slide.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Acknowledging a Lack of Preparation

Never start a speech by apologizing for inadequate preparation. Saying, “I didn’t have much time to prepare, so bear with me,” signals to the audience that their time is not valued. Instead, focus on delivering your message confidently—your audience won’t know you weren’t fully prepared unless you tell them.

2. Delaying the Topic Introduction

While a good hook is essential, some speakers take too long to introduce the actual topic. Engage the audience with a strong opening, but ensure you clearly state your subject within the first few sentences.

3. Announcing Nervousness

Many speakers start by admitting they are nervous. This immediately diminishes confidence in the presentation. The audience is often unaware of your nerves—don’t highlight them. Instead, focus on delivering your speech as smoothly as possible.

A well-structured introduction is essential to capturing the audience’s attention and setting the stage for a compelling speech. By keeping it concise, using engaging hooks, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can start your speech with confidence and ensure that your audience is invested from the very beginning. Mastering the art of introductions will not only make you a more effective speaker but will also enhance the overall impact of your message.

Effective speaking skills are highly beneficial for accountants, even though your work is often perceived as numbers-driven. Here’s how the advice in the article can help:

1. Engaging Stakeholders with Clear Communication

Accountants frequently present financial reports, audits, and budget analyses to executives, clients, and colleagues. A strong introduction helps capture attention, ensuring that complex financial data is understood and valued.

2. Making Financial Presentations More Impactful

Using storytelling, statistics, and audience engagement techniques can make financial discussions more compelling. For example, starting a budget meeting with “Did you know that 30% of businesses fail due to poor financial planning?” immediately establishes the importance of the topic.

3. Building Credibility and Trust

A confident introduction establishes authority, which is crucial when advising clients or presenting to senior leadership. Techniques such as citing reliable financial data or using a relevant quote can enhance credibility.

4. Handling Impromptu Speaking with Confidence

Accountants often face unexpected questions during meetings. Practicing spontaneous speaking techniques (such as structured responses or quick thinking strategies) can help them respond with clarity and professionalism.

5. Strengthening Client Relationships

Engaging introductions and clear communication build rapport with clients, making complex financial matters more accessible. Instead of diving straight into numbers, an accountant can use an anecdote or analogy to simplify financial concepts.

By applying these speaking strategies, accountants can improve their ability to communicate financial insights persuasively, engage their audience, and establish themselves as trusted experts.

For the full session, please click here. In this course Mohamad El Attar covers the following topics;

• Improvised Speaking Scenarios
• Techniques & Strategies for Improvised Speaking
• How to Introduce a topic effectively (strategies & techniques)
• How to Conclude a topic effectively (strategies & techniques)

The contents of this article are meant as a guide only and are not a substitute for professional advice. The author/s accept no responsibility for any action taken, or refrained from, as a result of the material contained in this document. Specific advice should be obtained before acting or refraining from acting, in connection with the matters dealt with in this article. The information at the time of publishing was accurate and could be subject to final changes.