Good & Bad Speech Openings

You've likely heard speech openings that start with, "Hello everyone... But, what's the effect of this speech opening? I would argue it has two effects, and both negative. First, by trying to address everyone, the speaker addresses no one. And, if members of the audience don't feel they're being addressed personally, they likely feel less of a connection with the speaker than they would otherwise.

When you address a group this way, it implies you see a featureless group, rather than a gathering of individuals. "Hello everyone..." and "Thanks everyone..." and their variations depersonalize the audience. For those of us in the audience, it seems to suggest you're speaking past us, to some unknown at the back of the venue.

The same audience response is true, to some extent, of the phrase "Ladies and gentlemen" although its long history implies formalism rather than depersonalization.

You might well object, though, that many speakers and entertainers use the speech opening phrase, "Ladies and gentlemen...". And, you'd be right. They do. For example, comedian and talk-show host David Letterman often uses the phrase as he launches into a joke or anecdote. In that case, the phrase is likely not a bad habit; it's probably done intentionally. By using "Ladies and gentlemen..." he adopts a formalism that contrasts very effectively with his off-the-wall style of humor. The contrast between the two makes the jokes more enjoyable.

Similarly, some very good public speakers also use this speech opening intentionally. Once more, the idea is to sound formal, but now it's used to provide emphasis, rather than contrast. Prefacing a key point with the "Ladies and gentlemen..." adds weight to the words to come and makes them stand out from other sections of the speech.

Finally, some speakers and entertainers use the phrase unintentionally, through habit or misguided advice. They haven't enjoyed good, detailed critiques that would expose the usage.

While I can find reasons to use "Ladies and gentlemen..." I can't find one for "Hello everyone..." or "Thanks everyone..." Both speech openings depersonalize the audience, which lessens the effectiveness of a speech or presentation.

And what, you might ask, should we do instead? Well, if you speak to a group, whether formally or informally, start by thinking of the group as a collection of individuals, each of whom wants to be addressed personally in the speech opening. Keep in mind that old marketing acronym, WIIFM, "What's in it for me?" It's a way of reminding ourselves that every individual in an audience has his or her own wants and needs, starting with recognition of their existence.

And, that can be done quite simply. If you say simply "Hello..." rather than "Hello everyone..." makes it possible for each individual to assume that the greeting is being directed to them, and just them. The same applies to "Thank you..." and other usages.

I also find it works well if you pause after saying a simple "Hello" and then make eye contact with a number of people in the audience. You don't have to make contact with everyone, but at least a few.

Wrapping up our exploration of speech openings and audience responses, never speak to the group as if were an undifferentiated group; always address it as a collection of individuals. Bottom line: avoid both "Ladies and gentlemen..." and "Hello everyone..." (and similar speech opening variations) unless you have good and specific reasons

How to introduce a speaker

Why do so many MCs make a mess of introducing the guest speaker. Not only does it have a negative impact on the audience, it can be pretty deflating for the speaker too.

How seldom do we hear an introduction which is really not much more than a partial biography, uninteresting, without structure, stumbled through, essentially, merely going through the motions?

Who cares whether the speaker was born 1961 in Plompton, that he went to grammar school, high school and university, that he married a class mate, has four children, a VW Polo, a bulldog, and moved to Dublin in 1991? So they are going to speak on "The future of our forests in Africa".

Exaggeration? – Perhaps. But not too far from the truth. It recalls all the boring ritual of the average introduction.

What is our duty when introducing the speaker?

Obviously, to increase the interest, attention and anticipation of the audience. It is only a courtesy to the speaker to condition the audience to a pleased, happy anticipation and ensure attention.

What is a good introduction?

It consists of several things:

With a few rare exceptions, a good introduction should not go over two or three minutes. Don't hog the limited time of the speaker.

There should always be an "introduction of the introduction." Perhaps this is only a single sentence of an attention-compelling nature. An introduction is a short speech and should follow the rules for good speech making. Some apropos side remarks or comments might further increase the mood and anticipation if it is lightly humorous and in good taste.

The body of the introduction should raise the importance of the timeliness of the subject to be discussed. This is to increase the interest of the "so what" members of the audience. A short statement about the speaker should follow, restricted as far as possible to their accomplishments.

Up to this point, the title of the talk, the business or professional connection, or the title of the speaker and their name, have not been given. The conclusion of the introduction consists of these three:

title of speech
title of speaker
the speaker's name

in that order. Always give the name of the speaker last and then lead the applause so that the audience know what to do.

All of this in three minutes? Yes. It takes some doing, but it is your duty. Try it and you will be surprised at the good reception it will get.

Like all aspects of speaking, preparation is the key to success. Experienced speakers when thrown in to the deep end, should make a good fist of introducing the speaker. An introduction needs preparation, thought and ingenuity. The introducer needs to know the title of the speech, the slant the speaker will take, some pertinent facts about them, and the type of audience they will be addressing.

When you are the introducer, pay close attention to everything that happens prior to your part in the programme. Keep your eye on the events of the evening. Sometimes you can be lucky and you grasp an unknown insight in to the guest speaker.

When introducing two or more speakers, it's important for the MC's technique not to look too formulaic?

If that is your task, pay close attention to what the first speaker says. Use your ingenuity, and as they finish, comment upon their speech. Pick out some statement or thought you can refer to, and in a logical or humorous way, connect their speech with the one which is to follow. Use such remarks as the "introduction to the introduction" for the next speaker.

Be entertaining, keep it short and factual, and make sure you memorise the speaker's name so that you're not reading your notes when you announce his name. It is your duty to increase your audience attention and anticipation. Try it next time. Warm the audience up, build up their interest.
By:vincent