informative speech hook examples

7 Super and Strategic Hooks In Speaking
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Recent speech at an education conference to 500 educators but many more showed up!

If you don’t have hooks strategically sprinkled throughout your speech, chances are your audience will bail mentally if not physically.

You have to find ways to keep hooking your audience so THEY don’t want to let go.

Below you’ll find 7 super hooks (in no particular order) that get your audience to say, “Tell me more” or “What happened next?”

Hook #1: Curiosity Hook

“After 15 years of trial and error, research, and blood, sweat, and tears, I’ve finally found out what makes the difference between a good presenter and a great one. It’s…”

That’s an example of a curiosity hook. You find ways to make your long road lead to their shortcut. However, you don’t tell them what they want to know…at least not immediately. Make them curious, tease them a little more, and then give them the tool (or solution, answer, or formula, etc.).

Hook #2 – Avoidance Hook

Here’s an example of an Avoidance Hook.

I tell a story about a speech I gave in Michigan when I failed miserably to the point where the meeting planner couldn’t even look me in the eyes. Then I say to my audience of speakers, “This is something you should not have to go through and you won’t if you listen closely.”

The Avoidance Hook focuses on something your audience wants to avoid. It’s important to use this type of hook because sometimes people are motivated by what they want to avoid more than they are by what they want to attain.

Hook #3 – Attainment Hook

I’ve said to an audience of speakers, “How would you like a tool to make a deeper connection than you’ve ever made before? If so, say yes.” They always yell, “YES!”

The Attainment Hook is just how it sounds. You simply let the audience know what they can attain if they pay attention to what’s coming next. Think results-based. I mention that they’ll be able to make a deeper connection than they ever have before. That’s certainly something they want, but I make sure to tease them before I tell them. Don’t give it up too soon. Make them wait for it and want it.

Hook #4 The “Most People” Hook

When speaking, always keep this in mind:

Most people don’t want to be most people”

When I used to watch the master presenters, I realized many of them made statements like, “Most people do this” or “Most people do that.” Whenever I heard those statements, I’d say to myself “I’m not going to be like most people. I don’t want to be average. I want to do something different.”

That’s the effect the words “most people” have on people. For example, I’ve said, “Most people live their lives on get-set. When it comes to pursuing their goals and dreams, they take their marks, they get-set, and they never go. They live and they die on get-set.”

Because “most people” are two of the most persuasive words in the English language, my audience members get very motivated to “go” rather than live on “get-set.”

Hook #5 – Conflict Hook

Good stories have a conflict that is established early. Great stories not only establish the conflict, they also escalate it. Think about the Titanic. One of the conflicts was when the Titanic hit the iceberg. However, the escalation of the conflict was when the water rose on the Titanic. If the water never rose on the Titanic, then that would have been a terrible movie. Always think, “How can I raise the water on the Titanic in my story?”

The conflict is the hook because your audience wants to see how you will overcome it and what tools you will use. Why? Because maybe they can use similar tools for similar situations. In that way, your speech has become very useful to them.

Hook #6 Silence Hook

I tell a story about how excited I was to meet my speaking hero. The only problem was, when I approached him, he said nothing back to me. That silence in the story becomes a hook because my audience is anxious to hear what he is going to say and then, when he doesn’t say anything, they get ever hungrier to see what I’m going to do about it. The silent moment becomes the hook.

The problem with some speakers is they rush through the silence and make the potential hook much less effective. Take your time, dance in the silence, and watch your audience move to the edge of their seats.

Hook #7 Statement Hook

One of the first stories I ever told as a speaker started out like this:

“Nobody has ever died from a snakebite.”

My audience wonders, “What’s he talking about? People get bitten all the time and I’m sure some of them have died.”

I then go on to tell them it’s not the bite, it’s the venom that kills them.

The key is that the first statement hooked them in to want to know more. The rest of the story cleared it up and answered their question.

When all of your hooks are done, your speech is over.

Final Words on Hooks

As you can see, it’s important not only to have hooks at the beginning and end of your speeches, but to sprinkle them throughout. Remember, when you are in speaking, you are in sales. These hooks will sell your audience on listening to the next part of your presentation.

Oh, wait a minute! I almost forgot. There is an 8 th hook and it’s more powerful than the other 7 combined. It’s…

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Writing a good paper starts with brainstorming a brilliant hook, which keeps your audience engaged with the text. There are many ways to formulate hooks, which will help your writing sound more original and compelling. Looking at some essay hook examples and tips on writing them is the first step to creating one of your own!

In this article:

What is a Hook?

Tips for creating a great hook, question hook examples, strong statement examples, fact/statistic hook examples, metaphor/simile hook examples, anecdotal hook examples.

A “hook” is a sentence that grabs the reader’s attention and keeps them interested in the outcome of your academic text or research paper. The hook is found in the first sentence or two in the opening paragraph in an academic text and serves both as an introduction and an attention grabber.

In literature, such sentences are often found in novels. A great personal favorite of mine is Christmas Carol’s first sentence: “Marley was dead: to begin with. ” This invites tons of interesting questions and piques your curiosity, making you want to read along.

We come across hook examples in our day-to-day lives, scrolling through YouTube video titles and website links. Clickbait can be considered the hook of the modern world, and there are tons of techniques to learn from it.

However, this article will focus on essay hooks for academic papers specifically. In the section below, we’ll be discussing tips on writing hook sentences and engaging your reader’s interest through a single opening sentence.

There are different types of hook sentences in an essay introduction. We’ll take a look at each type, and a few tips, so later on, you can start formulating your own essay hooks based on these few examples.

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Question Hook: If you’re writing an art essay, philosophy paper, or business coursework, choosing a compelling and interesting question will leave the readers pondering throughout your text. The reader will automatically try to look for the answer within your research paper.
Strong Statement: The opening lines can be controversial, a bold claim – the best hooks for argumentative essays are. This method can shock your audience, and they’ll be curious to learn how you defend your argument.
Fact/Statistic Hook: These hook examples are used for scientific and academic assignments, allowing you to use a lesser-known fact or statistic which will grab the reader’s attention.
Metaphor/Simile Hook: You can set up a scene by telling a short story for your readers to imagine before getting to your essay’s core. This metaphor hook can be highly compelling and relatable to your audience.
Anecdotal Hook: The trickiest essay hook used to diffuse the tension surrounding a heavy topic. This tricky opening line should be carefully thought out and guaranteed to make the reader laugh and only used in the right circumstances.

If you’re using the fact/statistic hook, always make sure you quote a credible source. The same goes for the interesting facts hook type. Include those sources in the body of your essay.

It also helps to think of a hook you came across recently that made an impression on you. Was it a controversial blog post? A captivating personal story? A thesis statement that made you ponder?

Once you finish reading our article, it’s helpful to test your hook and introductory paragraph out to an audience. Have another student, tutor, or parent read it. See if it’s doing its purpose – is the reader engaged? What did they understand from your hook? Is the essay topic clear?

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Writing is a long process and requires a lot of rewriting. Take a small break and give it another go.

How to Write a Great Hook + Examples

There are two crucial points to follow when you write a hook:

Keep your sentences short – don’t overstuff your sentences or let them run longer than two rows.
Use simple, comprehensive language – the ultimate essay can be read and understood by anyone, even people outside your academic course.

It’s time to get to the examples!

What if I told you the world has an unlimited energy resource?
How much screen time is too much for elementary school children?
Is online education the best way to learn in the middle of a pandemic?
Did you know women are twice as likely to experience clinical depression than men?
Are your evening habits keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep?
Do jobs that require degrees have a higher earning potential?
How important is it for YouTubers to use search engine optimization strategies?
Will the consumption of meat products become a luxury in the year 2050?
Has reading become more challenging due to our short attention span?
Have you ever wondered why traffic builds up on no-stop roads?
Why we should feel sorry for high achievers?
Why you don’t need to be exceptional?
How much sugar do you think you consume?
The effects of global warming are irreversible, so what can we do to optimize our living now?
Should fireworks be banned due to noise pollution and its effect on animals?
Has television died in place for streaming services?
Is our hatred of certain foods and flavors a direct result of our genetic heritage?
Android app development will die out in the next twenty years.
You’ll always marry the wrong person.
Why is ordinary life not good enough anymore?
Why are romantics ruining love?
“The wicked tend to win” Machiavelli
The hardest person in the world to break up with.
Some imaginary friends can cultivate independence in a child.
Did you know that space smells like seared steak?
The human body houses 10 times more bacteria than it does cells.
The longest war in the world is between the Netherlands and Sicily and here’s what happened.
“A country that demands moral perfection in its foreign policy will achieve neither perfection nor security” H. Kissinger
Cat purring can be beneficial to your health.
There is a scientific explanation behind boredom.
The average drunk driver drives under the influence more than 80 times before they get arrested for the first time.
1/3 of adults still sleep with a comfort toy in bed.
The average American generates nearly 4.5 pounds of trash each day.
The global rate for keeping good hygiene after using the toilet is 20%.
Americans read for pleasure for less than 10 minutes every day.
The average American eats around 13 pounds of ice cream each year.
More than 1/2 million people experience homelessness each night.
Approximately 90% of people who experience a cardiac arrest outside of hospitals die.
Farmers and ranchers make up less than 2% of Americans.
Approximately half of Americans will experience a mental illness during their lifetime.
My cousin Joanna went to a party with red lipstick all over her teeth. I couldn’t help myself to tell her.
I dressed up as a werewolf last Halloween. That’s when everything started.
As a child my grandfather gave my grandma her favorite flower- a rose on every holiday. Does this kind of love still exist?
Last year my parents dragged me to Paris six times. I had the most dreadful time – I just couldn’t understand how such a historic city can be so dirty, or why.
The cause and effect example – when talking about the importance of safety, tell a story with an important moral.
Imagine sitting by the fire with the love of your life…
I have a four-year old baby – my publishing business I started in 2018.
The picture of… brought back memories of…
It’s difficult to talk about… because…
If you were a famous person, would you…
When I was 6, I was given a pet hamster for Christmas. Needless to say, little Zach is gone now, but I wonder how long he could have lived if I had been given it at 12?
One reason I decided to switch to a healthy diet is… well it’s cheaper than buying a whole new set of clothes!
I like talking to myself. Sometimes I have these seemingly clever and long conversations. I hardly have a clue what I’m talking about.

Mastering the hook sentence is something you might end up using in your day-to-day life, especially if you go into academia, publishing, or journalism as a career choice. But that’s not it – we use hooks to communicate on social media. The title of our blog post or recent youtube video are examples of well-formulated hooks. The quicker you start practicing them the easier they’ll become to use.

If you’re having any other academic trouble, like coming up with essay topics , or you want to learn the outlines of the different essay types, we can help you with that! You’ll become an essay writing pro in no time! We’ve got some good and interesting research paper topics we’re proud of, as well as demonstration speech topics ! Hook sentence examples are just the start!

We hope this article has helped you master the art of essay writing, and you now find the reader agrees with your point of view! Let us know of any good hook examples you came up with!

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12 Pretty Good Hooks for Your Next Presentation

“the next three minutes will determine whether you succeed or fail on your next presentation.”.

Every presentation has three main parts – the beginning, the middle, and the end. And among these, the beginning is easily the most important.

You have about 30 seconds to get the audience interested in what you have to say. If that doesn’t happen, anything else you do afterwards will soon be forgotten.

To do that it helps to have a “hook” to grab their attention. Here are 12 tried and true ways to hook your audience and get your presentation off on the right foot.

12 Pretty Good Hooks for Your Next Presentation

Why You Need to be Captain Hook

At the beginning of every presentation, there are two main things going on.

You are trying to introduce your topic and convince people why they need to hear it.
Your audience is trying to decide whether this will be worth their time.

A good hook is one that quickly gets everyone oriented and engaged, introduces your topic, and makes them willing to listen to more of what you have to say.

A good hook orients, engages, and makes the audience interested in hearing more. Click To Tweet

There are lots of effective ways to do this. The main thing is to do something interesting.

Trying to hook an audience? The main thing is: Be Interesting! Click To Tweet

It’s hard to think of a quicker way to shut down the audience than to begin by mumbling,

“Hello, my name is Bob Smith, and for the next 45 minutes I’m going to be talking about the importance of socks.”

I don’t know why Bob’s talking about socks, and I don’t know why I should listen. I’m already lacing up my track shoes and getting ready to sprint for the door.

So if it falls to you to give the next presentation on the importance of socks (or any other topic), here are 12 ways you can use to engage the audience from the very beginning. I’ll continue with the sock example to help out poor Bob.

Note: If you would like a one-page condensed version of these 12 hooks, plus presentation tips to help them work for you, hit this button:

12 Pretty Good Hooks About Socks

1. Make an Outrageous or Provocative Claim . It’s the same way I started this post. Hopefully it caught your attention and made you want to read more. The same goes for presentations. Be bold, original, challenge common beliefs, then back up your claim.

“Socks are more important than food.” That’s what a man named Kiwi said recently. Kiwi was a homeless man living on the streets of Toronto, Canada. He said that he knew of many pantries and shelters where he could get food, but there was no way he could walk the streets of his city without socks. Socks meant everything to this man and many like him. And if you think about it, socks are very important to all of us…

(Got this quote from The Joy of Sox , a charitable organization that donates socks to the homeless.)

2. Tell a Joke. This is a classic technique that can work well as a way to relax and make the audience receptive. It’s a good idea to try the joke out on some friends first, to make sure they think it’s funny too. Keep it clean, and be ready to move on if you don’t get the laughter you thought you would.

On the first day of summer camp, the director informed all the little campers that he expected them to put on a fresh pair of socks every day. Two weeks later, Johnny failed to appear at the morning flag raising. The director found him still in his cot.

“Why aren’t you lined up with the other boys?” He asked.

“I can’t get my shoes on over fourteen pairs of socks!”

Clearly the boy knew that it was important to have his socks, but didn’t understand why or how the socks were important…

This site at ajokeaday is clean and has a long list of joke categories and a pretty good search function to help you find just the right joke to get started.

3. Tell a Story. Stories remind your audience that you are human, make you relatable, and take down protective barriers people will erect when they think people will be talking at them. Start immediately with the story. You can back up and introduce yourself later.

“ Change your socks ” the instructor ordered. We had just forded a river in the middle of the night and our feet were soaking wet. We were carrying three pairs of socks on this mission. The first was already dirty, and now the second was soaked. But we didn’t want to change our socks. Because in two miles we were supposed to cross another river and we would get wet again. But the instructor didn’t want to hear that. He wanted to make sure we knew he was in charge. Presenting him with the facts only appeared like a challenge to his authority, so he simply said slowly and more deliberately, “ Change. Your. Socks .”

So we changed into our last dry socks by moonlight, he checked every one of us, then we marched on. And we crossed that next river and got wet. Our feet were soaked and sore for the next two days. For a while, it was all I could think about – the foolish order to change our socks. It was the maddest I had ever been. Because when it comes right down to it, the simplest things are the most important in life. The trust of a loved one; food; and dry socks. Most of us take socks for granted…

The best stories are personal ones from your own experience, but you can also find good ones on the internet. This page at businessballs.com indexes their stories by title and topic.

4. Show a Video . Let someone else break the ice for you with a video. It’s an unexpected way to begin, so people will be instantly interested, plus people just like to watch video. Keep it brief and related to the topic in some way. It can be a great way to show the audience what you are talking about, not just trying to describe it. Absolutely double check and rehearse to make sure the video works wherever you will be presenting, and be prepared to react if it fails anyway.

So, who knew you could make a smart phone holder out of an old sock? Well in fact there are lots of good uses for socks, and some actually involve putting your feet into them. Socks are one of the most underrated items of clothing…

5. Ask a Couple Questions. Some people will want to answer, but even if they don’t do it out loud, they will be considering the answer in their minds, so they will be engaged. Asking several questions in a row will stretch the audience’s mind further while also serving as an introduction to your topic. Be sure to pause after each question for best effect.

What do you think is the most important piece of clothing you own? What makes it important? Is it the protection it provides? How often you wear it? The warmth it offers? The way it makes you look? How it makes you feel? For me, there is nothing more important that having on a nice clean pair of dry socks…

6. Show a Picture . This can be a variation of the story method. Share a picture of a person and talk about him, or of a place and why it is important, or of something else related to your subject. People will look at the picture instead of you, so it takes a little pressure off. And the picture itself serves to introduce your topic. Half the job is done before you even open your mouth.

7. Ask a Rhetorical Question . It’s a question that can’t necessarily be answered, but it gets people thinking, and helps you point them in the direction you want to go.

Are socks what truly define us as human beings? Are socks what differentiate us from all the other forms of life on the planet? After all, nobody else on earth is wearing them except us. Can they be that important? These are clearly questions for the ages, and well worth our consideration…

8. Set an Expectation . Not only is it a good idea to let people know what you will be talking about, you will engage their attention much better if you give them something interesting to look forward to.

By the end of this presentation, not only will you know how important socks are in our lives, you will have ten fun facts about socks that you probably didn’t know, and four new sock jokes that you can use to amaze and amuse your friends.

9. Show Them an Object. Bring something with you that you can hold up and talk about. This is a good way to quickly capture the attention of the audience and introduce your topic at the same time.

Show them an object, one of 12 killer hooks

10. Reference an Historical Event . If the day, week, month, or year is unique in any way that you can relate to your topic, that can be another way to make the topic seem more real or relevant.

Did you know that it was only 135 years ago, on a day very like today, that John Nelson, a Swedish immigrant to the United States, patented the sock-knitting machine? And that one invention was enough to not only change the history of footwear, but lead to the development of a child’s toy as well. Socks have had a huge impact on us…

At this New York Times link , you can see what happened today in history, or pick any other date and see what was going on.

11. Use a Quote . Find a quote from someone recognizable, then think about how you can tie it into your presentation, or turn it on its head.

Over at Brainyquote.com you can find lots to choose from and can even search by topic. Another good source is Wisdomquotes for lots of good quotes by topic or author.

A variation on this idea would be to make the quote your first slide – nothing but the quote in giant words; possibly with a picture of the person who said it.

12. Ask, “What if…?” or “Imagine…” Ask them about something that changes their perspective, like what if you could fly, read minds, be debt-free, go backward or forward in time. You can adapt this to nearly any presentation and it will immediately cause your audience to engage their minds. Ask the question, pause, ask it again for best effect.

Imagine a world without socks. (pause) Imagine… a world without socks. What would it be like? What would change? How would your life be different? (pause) When you think about it, socks are critically important….

These are just 12 possible ways to hook your audience, and there are infinite variations on these ideas. You can even combine them – tell a funny story while showing a picture or turning a quote on its head. The keys are to keep it interesting, original, and fairly brief. Remember, you only have about 30 seconds before they decide whether or not they want to keep listening. Use that time well, and you will be on your way to making a memorable presentation.

If I was able to help Bob get you even the least bit interested in something as mundane as socks, think of what you can do with a far more interesting topic!

With that, since we’re on a sock “thing” today, I’ll leave you with an ode to socks I came across by Chilean poet and diplomat Pablo Neruda . Maybe if I had quoted this to my instructor so long ago, he’d have let me save my last pair of dry socks for after the final river crossing…

Ode to my Socks

Mara Mori brought me a pair of socks which she knitted herself with her sheepherder’s hands, two socks as soft as rabbits. I slipped my feet into them as if they were two cases knitted with threads of twilight and goatskin, Violent socks, my feet were two fish made of wool, two long sharks sea blue, shot through by one golden thread, two immense blackbirds, two cannons, my feet were honored in this way by these heavenly socks. They were so handsome for the first time my feet seemed to me unacceptable like two decrepit firemen, firemen unworthy of that woven fire, of those glowing socks.

Nevertheless, I resisted the sharp temptation to save them somewhere as schoolboys keep fireflies, as learned men collect sacred texts, I resisted the mad impulse to put them in a golden cage and each day give them birdseed and pieces of pink melon. Like explorers in the jungle who hand over the very rare green deer to the spit and eat it with remorse, I stretched out my feet and pulled on the magnificent socks and then my shoes.

The moral of my ode is this: beauty is twice beauty and what is good is doubly good when it is a matter of two socks made of wool in winter.

Wool socks in winter – amen to that!

Egyptian Socks photo; no changes made – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Early_socks.jpg

Sock joke – source: http://www.jokebuddha.com/Socks/recent/4#ixzz3fJpmAwQ7

The Joy of Sox charitable organization donates socks to the homeless http://www.pointsoflight.org/blog/2014/06/04/when-socks-are-more-important-food%E2%80%99

Sock Monkey photo; no changes made – https://www.flickr.com/photos/poplinre/2153204704/ –

Ken served for 26 years in the Infantry, retiring as a Colonel. From leading patrols in the Korean DMZ, to parachuting into the jungles of Panama, to commanding a remote outpost on the Iran-Iraq border, he has learned a lot about leadership, and has a passion for sharing that knowledge with others. Look for his weekly posts, check out his online courses , subscribe below, or simply connect , he loves to talk about this stuff.

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8 Clever Hooks for Presentations That Will Captivate Your Audience

Have you ever noticed how the right beginning can make or break a talk? It’s the moment where you set the tone, grab attention, and invite your listeners to join you on a journey. Though often overlooked, the introductory moments of a talk can determine its ultimate success. Whether it’s a company meeting, a city council presentation, or even a podcast episode, knowing how to start strong is crucial.

Imagine this: you’re on a plane, rehearsing the draft of your slide deck. The session starts in just over an hour. You’re well-prepared, having done all the necessary tasks and coming up with effective methods to convey your ideas. But something feels off. You’ve got all the data, statistics, and anecdotes, yet there’s a lingering question in your mind: will they truly be getting engaged from the start?

In every presentation, it’s essential to figure an approach that will engage and intrigue. A creative and compelling opening can be the difference between being remembered or ignored. Yet it’s not enough to have interesting content; the way you begin has to be just as mesmerizing. We’re not just talking about an amusing anecdote or a curious fact, but something that resonates with your audience and paves the way for the remainder of your talk.

Let’s consider those speeches people still talk about years down the line. More often than not, these memorable moments have something in common: a strong introduction. The speakers didn’t just rely on the substance of their message but focused intensely on how they delivered that initial pitch. They practiced, got creative, and kept their audience’s attention from drifting. That level of preparation made a higher impact.

It’s not just about what you’re saying but how you start saying it. Whether through the use of a provocative question, an unexpected statistic, or even a brief story that builds intrigue, prioritizing a powerful introduction takes practice. The good news is, there are tried-and-true methods that you can incorporate into your own talks to ensure you start on the right foot.

Fancy listening to some podcasts might give you a few ideas as well. Many podcasters have developed a knack for grabbing listeners’ attention within the first few seconds. It’s a skill that’s undeniably transferable to live presentations. After all, in our fast-paced world, where everyone’s attention spans are getting shorter, a strong start is a necessity, not just a nice-to-have.

8 Creative Ways to Make Your Presentation Stand Out

Imagine this: your presentation is about to start, and you want to grab everyone’s attention immediately. The opening can make or break your talk. It sets the stage, engages people, and makes them eager to hear more. But how do you achieve that? These strategies will help you create an opening that people won’t forget, leaving a lasting impact on their minds.

1. Start with a Powerful Statement

Begin with something that jolts the audience. A provocative remark or surprising statistic can work wonders. For instance, “Did you know that over 5 million people…?” This instantly makes people think and gets them interested. The key is to choose a statement that is relevant and meaningful to your main topic.

2. Use a Historical Anecdote

History has a way of capturing imagination. Share a story from the past that relates to your subject. For example, “Back in 1969, when the first moon landing was announced…”. It creates a narrative that people can follow and recall easily. Plus, it pairs well with modern-day contexts, enhancing the depth of your speech.

The purpose here is not just to inform but also to inspire.

Look at it as painting a picture with words. People can’t help but be drawn in when there’s a rich story that pulls them into your world.

3. Pose a Rhetorical Question

Rhetorical questions are great attention getters. They make people think about the answer without you having to spell it out. For instance, “What would you do if…?” This type of question engages the mind and often makes people feel that they are part of the discussion. They’ll be more likely to stay tuned, thinking about the question even as you move on to other points.

Remember, the question should be directly tied to your content. This approach isn’t just about arousing curiosity; it’s about anchoring your talk in something that feels absolutely relevant and immediate.

4. Share a Real-Life Example

People relate to real stories. Share a case study or example from your company’s history or a well-known success story in your industry. Your audience is more likely to remember real-life instances than abstract concepts. For example, “When our company’s product first launched, we discovered…”. It grounds your speech in reality, making the benefits and outcomes you’re discussing seem tangible and achievable.

So, next time you’re preparing a presentation , don’t just focus on the factual content. Think about your opening. A strong start will make your audience sit up and pay attention. And once you have them hooked, you can guide them, step-by-step, through the rest of your talk, leaving them with comments that show they’re genuinely interested and engaged.

Expert Tips to Captivate Your Audience

Engaging your audience effectively is both an art and a science. Every field has its own dynamics, but the principles of holding attention often remain universal. It’s about creating a balance between substance and style, ensuring that your message not only informs but also resonates deeply. Simple methods can be incredibly powerful when executed with skill.

Prioritize a Strong Start

Your introduction sets the tone for the entire event. Start with a couple of questions that highlight the real significance of the topic at hand. “How would it feel to recharge your entire workflow?” or “What if you could visualize success straight from the get-go?” Such questions compel the audience to think and engage immediately. This simple technique of querying grabs attention, awakening a state of curiosity and anticipation.

Use the Power of Storytelling

Stories are a fundamental way humans impart knowledge, and they work wonders in presentations too. Elizabeth Perry, a storytelling coach, suggests that even statistics can be turned into gripping tales that hold the audience’s belief and interest. Consider recounting an anecdote about a small startup that defied odds, or narrate a moment of suspense from a major event in the business world. It’s about bringing data to life, in a way that feels relatable and real.

Whether you’re addressing clients, stakeholders, or team members, the right story doesn’t just inform – it inspires. A visualization of a real-world scenario, where solutions made a tangible impact, provides clarity and sticks in memory far better than abstract concepts.

Finally, don’t shy away from humor. Light jokes can recharge a slow moment, make serious points more palatable, and create a connection on a personal level. A simple joke or a light-hearted story can act as a breather, making the audience more receptive and productive during your talk.

Remember, captivating and maintaining interest doesn’t mean bombarding with information. Prioritize what matters most, slow down to ensure comprehension, and build your narrative thoughtfully. The result? An audience that not only listens but remembers and acts upon what they’ve learned.

The Art of Storytelling in Presentations

Presenting with story-driven narratives engages like no other technique. This approach bonds with listeners on a deeper level. Imagine starting with a captivating story. It pulls the audience right in. They love the personal touch; it makes them react. A strong opening can have a surprising effect. A long-winded introduction, however, will lose attention fast.

When pitching a new project, storytelling benefits are huge. It brings concepts to life. People remember stories better than facts. Select a story that aligns with your message. Miles ahead of a mere data dump, they create lasting impressions. This method has been honed over years and has proven effective.

To perfect this art, you must practice carefully. Choose concise and relatable anecdotes. Stories that people can connect with are almost always worth it. Long gone are the days of boring presentations. Ask yourself, what personal experience can I share here? Sometimes, a soft, emotional touch is all it takes.

Claiming the full focus of your audience is the goal. A story is a great attention grabber. Introductions often get forgotten, but stories stick. Use them during the initial phase of your talk. They will help in making a strong name for yourself. Remember that the best presenters are also the best storytellers.

Years of analysis show that audiences love narratives. Reacting positively to personal and relatable content is common. It’s a technique that yields growth and positive results. Launch your career to new heights! Storytelling isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a skill that can dramatically improve your presentations.

Including stories isn’t just about entertainment. It’s about ensuring the audience interacts with your message. You could reference a successful project or a surprising outcome. For instance, a couple of concise sentences could set the stage. The story needs to project you as sincere and relatable. In the end, it’s about making a lasting impression.

Engaging Your Audience with Questions

Engaging an audience is both an art and a science. One effective way to maintain their attention is by using questions. They can be rhetorical or direct. The key is strategic use. Questions can provoke thought and encourage participation, making the presentation a two-way conversation.

Imagine you’re addressing a group of professionals in New Zealand, and you start with a surprising question: “Did you know the average salary of a kiwi worker?” It’s an immediate grabber. People love surprising facts and real-world data. They’ll be more willing to listen and mentally respond, even if they don’t verbalize their answers.

Quoting experts and citing interesting sources like well-known books or articles adds depth. For instance, you might say, “As John Smith states, ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it.’ How do you imagine doing that in your role?” This not only emphasizes the significance of the topic but also enhances personal engagement.

Utilize anecdotal methods to drive points home. You could share a small story: “When I started my career, I always wondered why they’re so focused on infrastructure. Then something happened; I realized its importance in strategic terms over time.” Personal stories make ideas more relatable and human.

Open-ended questions encourage deeper thought. “What would you do if you were in charge of hiring?” Or try a reflective angle: “Think back to a time you faced a strategic challenge. How did you overcome it?” Such queries delve into past experiences and provoke introspection.

On the other hand, closed questions work well for gauging immediate reactions. “Do you agree?” or “Have you faced similar challenges?” These require simple yes or no answers and can be quick engagement tools. Remember, even a simple show of hands or a poll via apps like Slido or Mentimeter can break the monotony and encourage active participation.

Sometimes, adding a bit of humor can lower defenses and make the audience more receptive. Use a humorous question like, “Which tools wouldn’t you use even if they were hiring?” or “How many of you honestly thought about taking a break just now?” A joke a day keeps the boredom at bay, after all.

Wrap up with more pressing and pertinent questions about the future. “What’s the next big thing in your field?” or “How do you imagine shaping the future with these new tools and knowledge?” This leaves the audience pondering long after the talk ends, effectively increasing engagement.

Using Humor to Break the Ice

Humor has a unique way of connecting people and making them feel comfortable. When executed correctly, it can set a positive tone for your presentation. Many people appreciate a good laugh, especially at the beginning of what they might initially think will be a dull meeting. This section discusses how humor can be a substantial starting point.

Understanding Your Audience

Knowing your audience is the first step. What age group are they? Are they usually serious or more relaxed? Are there cultural or company-specific topics you need to be sensitive to? Understanding these nuances is essential. For example, imagine telling a joke about technology to a room full of tech-savvy individuals–they’re more likely to appreciate it. On the other hand, a joke about the intricacies of the kiwi market might only resonate with a niche group.

Here’s a scenario for you: you’re about to give a presentation to the board of directors of a conservative company. You need to break the ice but can’t come off as too flippant or unprofessional. In such cases, a light-hearted comment related to the company’s field or a humorous story from your own experience can work wonders, as long as it remains respectful.

Crafting the Perfect Joke

Writing a joke may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Think of a shared experience or common problem in your industry. Begin by sketching out a few ideas. Is there a recent event that everyone in your field is talking about? Is there a minister in a particular policy area whose decisions have caused a stir? Jokes that relate closely to your audience’s everyday life will land more effectively.

Take the opportunity to test your joke with colleagues before the big day. Feedback is crucial. In some cases, a joke might need minor adjustments to make it more effective. And don’t forget to consider timing. Launch your joke when it feels natural–the beginning of your presentation is usually the best time.

Below is a simple guide to help you create and deliver your humor effectively:

Step	Action	Comments
1	Know Your Audience	Understand their backgrounds and sensitivities.
2	Brainstorm Jokes	Think of shared experiences or industry-related humor.
3	Test Your Material	Get feedback from trusted colleagues or friends.
4	Perfect Your Timing	Deliver your joke at a natural and engaging moment.

When done right, humor can be the catalyst needed to create a memorable and impactful presentation. So, don’t shy away from it. Take that leap; your audience will thank you! The takeaway is to be genuine and willing to show your human side. After all, everybody enjoys a good laugh.

Leveraging Visuals for Impact

Grabbing attention and making an impact is crucial in any presentation. Visuals play an indispensable role in keeping the audience engaged and improving retention. A well-chosen image can convey a complex message immediately. But how do you leverage visuals effectively? Let’s delve into the strategies.

One of the best ways to arouse interest is to add relevant and striking visuals. These visuals should not just be decorative but serve to enhance your message. Here are some tips to make your visuals count:

Tell a Story: Images should help narrate your story. The right visual can tell a thousand words and add depth to your message.
Be Creative: Use infographics, charts, and creative visuals to explain facts and data. This approach helps in breaking down complex information into digestible parts.
Provide Contrast: Use contrasting images to highlight differences. This technique helps in making your key points stand out prominently.
Grab Anticipation: Begin with a captivating image that hints at what’s coming. This keeps the audience held in anticipation, eager to know more.
Quotes and Surprises: Incorporate famous quotes or surprising images related to your field. This method not only provides credibility but also arouses curiosity and keeps the audience engaged.

Besides these, ensure that your images are high-quality. Blurry or pixelated images can cost you credibility. High-quality visuals send the message that you value your presentation and, by extension, your audience. People spend a significant amount of time on sites with visually appealing elements–because we are visual beings.

Thanks to numerous tools available, you don’t have to be a design expert to have impactful visuals. Use tools like Canva, Piktochart, and others to improve your visual content. These tools provide ready-to-use templates and guides, making your job easier.

But, don’t overcrowd your slides with images. One well-placed image can be more effective than a clutter of visuals. Balance between text and imagery is key. Remember, visuals help recall. When your audience thinks back on your presentation, they’ll likely recall the powerful visuals you used, along with the messages they themselves told.

To sum up, visuals are a powerful tool to enhance the impact of your presentation. Used thoughtfully, they can bring your ideas to life and captivate your audience’s attention. You’ll find that this approach helps you to communicate more effectively and leave a lasting impression.

Effective Use of Quotations

Using quotations can transform a dull presentation into a memorable experience. They add depth and credibility. Moreover, they can illustrate points with clarity. Sometimes a single quote conveys more than a full slide of text. But does the effectiveness lie in the quote itself, or in how it’s presented? Let’s explore the strategies.

Why Quotations Work

Firstly, quotations tap into the collective memory. Everybody has likely heard some famous sayings before. This familiarity makes the message more relatable. Secondly, quotations from respected figures can lend authority to your arguments. When Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge,” he left us with a metaphor that transcends age and discipline. In a global context, these words still resonate.

Picking the Right Quote

The right quotation is like a fine wine–it complements but doesn’t overpower. Consider your audience’s demographics. Are they academically inclined, business professionals, or perhaps a mix? In academic settings, quotes from renowned researchers are usually impactful. In business, anecdotes from industry giants can elevate your point. If you are looking to motivate, inspirational quotes work wonders.

For example, consider this: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do” by Steve Jobs. Here, the object of importance is the passion driving one’s tasks. Such a sentence can make even the most mundane of topics seem filled with potential.

Timing is crucial too. Introducing a quote at the beginning can set the tone. In the middle, it can revitalize waning attention. Near the end, it can leave a lasting impression. Wondered where it fits best in your speech? Analyze your draft carefully. Sometimes, embedding a complementing quote miles deep into your analysis works best.

Leverage the emotional power of quotations. While humor (think #ajokeaday) can enliven the atmosphere, a seriously framed quote like, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” by Lao Tzu, can inspire action. It’s all about balance. Make your choice wisely.

Moreover, don’t just recite the quote. Share it visually to maximize impact. Imagine a presentation slide where Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” is not just written, but designed dynamically. It’s like watching a plane take off; the message will fly high and far.

Finally, always attribute right. Quoting someone without acknowledgment doesn’t earn you marks. Accuracy in citation shows respect and credibility. So, next time you’re drafting your talk, remember: a well-placed quote isn’t just filler–it’s a catalyst for growth.

Creating Anticipation with Insights

Grabbing and maintaining the attention of your audience can be challenging. It’s not just about delivering facts. It’s about engaging them right from the start. One excellent method is to create a sense of anticipation. People love the feeling of looking forward to something. This anticipation can elevate the overall impact of your presentation.

Start with a Provocative Question

Starting with a strategic and thought-provoking question can be a killer move. Ask something your audience can’t ignore. Make them think, “How would I answer that?” For instance, you might say, “What if I told you 4 simple changes could solve huge problems?” This immediately makes them recall their own problems and start thinking about solutions. A good question can set the stage for further engagement.

Share Historical Insights

Another technique is to delve into history. Talk about an intriguing historical event related to your topic. Present an attention-grabbing fact and link it to the present. For example, you could say, “Did you know this method we use today has its roots in ancient Rome?” This makes the information relatable and interesting.

Telling a quick, insightful story related to your presentation topic can also be highly effective. People have a natural affinity for stories. Share an interesting anecdote that provides an aha moment. This not only grabs attention but also makes the information memorable.

Don’t forget the power of humor. A little laugh goes a long way in easing the audience in. Crack a joke that’s relevant and in good taste. This can be especially rewarding if you know the sense of humor of your audience. Just like that, you’ve opened a channel of engagement.

Exploring commercial insights can also be powerful. Reference upcoming industry trends or data that feel like insider information. This approach creates a sense of exclusive knowledge. It makes your audience feel “in the know.” Naming real-world examples helps in grounding theory into practice.

Finally, do not downplay your own creative skills. Sharing personal insights or experiences adds a touch of authenticity. People appreciate knowing the person behind the presentation. Open up a little about yourself to make it more relatable. As a result, you build rapport and establish a deeper connection with your audience.

Arouse Curiosity

Engaging the audience’s interest can transform a regular presentation into a memorable experience. One powerful method is by arousing curiosity. People are naturally curious beings. They love discovering new, interesting things. By tapping into this innate quality, you can make your presentation unforgettable.

Imagine starting with a provocative statement or a fascinating fact. For instance, did you know that someone once paid $1.2 million for a single kiwi bird? Such a statement immediately grabs attention. It sparks questions in the minds of your listeners. How, why, what’s the story behind this? Curiosity is a great motivator; it drives listeners to stay tuned.

Using Rhetorical Questions

Rhetorical questions are effective in piquing interest. Questions like, “What would you do with an extra hour each day?” engage the imagination. They prompt audiences to think deeply. Moreover, rhetorical questions create an internal dialogue. Unlike other techniques, they demand personal reflection.

Sharing Intriguing Facts and Stories

Another technique involves sharing surprising facts or stories. Here are a few examples:

Fact	Topic	Impact
There’s more digital data created every day than in all of human history up to the year 2000.	Growth	Highlights the exponential rise of the digital era.
In some cultures, claiming to know everything makes you appear like a ‘wise monkey’.	Culture	Emphasizes the importance of humility.
The average person will spend 18 years of their life online.	Internet Usage	Shows the extensive impact of the internet on our lives.

These facts do more than inform. They stimulate thought and arouse curiosity. They invite the audience to connect the dots themselves. Whether through a provocative statement, a rhetorical question, or an intriguing fact, these techniques work by capturing attention and sparking interest. After all, the real essence of a great presentation lies not just in what is shared, but in how it engages the audience’s minds.

Remember the old proverb: “Give a man a fish, and he eats for a day; teach a man to fish, and he eats for a lifetime.” Bringing curiosity into your presentation does more than deliver information. It gives audiences a reason to remember and apply what they’ve learned, ensuring a lasting impact.

What are some examples of clever hooks to start a presentation?

Examples of clever hooks to start a presentation can include a surprising statistic, a compelling question, a short anecdote or story, a vivid description, a quote from a well-known person, a demonstration of a problem, an intriguing statement, or a “what if” scenario. These methods are designed to grab your audience’s attention and set the stage for the rest of your presentation.

Why is having a strong hook important for a presentation?

Having a strong hook is important because it captures your audience’s attention right from the beginning. It sets the tone for your presentation and encourages your audience to be engaged and interested in what you have to say. A compelling hook can make your message more memorable and help you establish a connection with your audience.

How can I incorporate a surprising statistic as a hook in my presentation?

To incorporate a surprising statistic, first identify a fact or figure that is directly related to your presentation topic and has the potential to surprise or intrigue your audience. Begin your presentation by stating the statistic clearly, and then explain why it is significant. This sets a factual foundation while immediately grabbing attention.

Can you explain how to use a personal story as a hook effectively?

Using a personal story as a hook can be very effective when it is relevant to your topic and emotionally engaging. Start with a brief narration of your experience that relates to the central message of your presentation. Highlight the challenges, emotions, and outcomes to make the story relatable. This humanizes you and makes your audience more invested in what you have to share.

What should I avoid when creating a hook for my presentation?

Avoid hooks that are irrelevant to your topic, overly complex, or generic. Starting with a cliché or a statement that doesn’t intrigue the audience could lose their interest quickly. Additionally, avoid overly long hooks that delay getting to the main content of your presentation. Aim for something concise, impactful, and directly related to your message.

How to Start your Presentation: 4 Step Formula for a Killer Intro

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What is a speech hook and how does it work?

A hook is a presentation-opening tactic that immediately captures your audience’s imagination. As the word implies, it’s like a worm on a fishing hook that attracts a fish. A hook instantly engages your audience so that they want to listen to what you have to say.

Your hook must come at the start of your talk. First impressions count. Like a fine thoroughbred, you need to start strong out of the gate. Instead, many presenters are more like old, tired workhorses—they start weak by wasting those first precious seconds with platitudes and pleasantries. Brain research shows that we don't pay attention to boring things. Surprise your listeners with some creative speech attention grabbers.

How do you make a good hook?

Coming up with hook ideas is not difficult if you follow some basic guidelines on how to make a good hook.

A good hook is brief, catchy, well-rehearsed and pertinent to your topic. In brainstorming examples of hooks, avoid the dry and conventional.

For example, let's say you are delivering a presentation on investments. Instead of an obvious and trite question such as "How many of you would be unhappy to hear that your house is worth less than you paid for it?" consider using a catchy or thought-provoking question such as "How many of you thought that your home would be your safest investment?"

12 Killer Hooks to Grab Your Audience's Attention

If you're stuck for ideas on how to start with a hook, check out these 12 examples of hooks that will help you grab your audience's attention—and keep it.

1. Use a contrarian approach.

One of the best attention grabber examples is to make a statement of a universally accepted concept, then go against conventional wisdom by contradicting the statement. For example, a market trader starts by contradicting the commonly held advice of buying low and selling high. He says: "It's wrong. Why? Because buying low typically entails a stock that's going in the opposite direction—down—from the most desired direction—up." This tactic is a provocative attention grabber for speeches and it can help engage the audience right away.

2. Ask a series of rhetorical questions.

One of the most common hook ideas is to start with a rhetorical question. Better still, start with a series of rhetorical questions. An excellent example of this tactic is Simon Sinek's TED presentation on how great leaders can inspire action. He begins with: "How do you explain when things don't go as we assumed? Or better, how do you explain when others are able to achieve things that seem to defy all of the assumptions? For example, why is Apple so innovative? . . . Why is it that they seem to have something different? Why is it that Martin Luther King led the civil rights movement?" A series of rhetorical questions stimulate the audience's mind as they ponder the answers.

3. Deliver a compelling sound bite.

Top hook ideas include using a catchy phrase or sound bite that perks up the audience. To create your sound bite, consider your message and package it in a brief and compelling statement. Then explain how it fits into your overall topic or message.

Take inspiration from speakers such as innovation expert Jeremy Gutsche who once used this sound bite in a keynote: "Culture eats strategy for breakfast. This is a sign that is on Ford's strategy War Room. And the lesson from it is not how good your PowerPoint slide deck is; what it really boils down to at the end of the day is how ready and willing your organization is to embrace change, try new things and focus on when you find an opportunity."

4. Make a startling assertion.

When you're stumped for ideas on how to make a hook, use a surprising or amazing fact. That's an easy and sure-fire way to gain people's attention. Take the time to research startling statistics that illustrate the seriousness of what you're going to talk about. For example, a presentation about conservancy can start with: "Every second, a slice of rainforest the size of a football field is mowed down. That's over 31 million football fields of rainforest each year."

5. Provide a reference to a historical event.

Good attention getters for speeches include mentioning a historical event. There are times when the day you present may have some significance in history that can be tied to the subject of your presentation as an opening gambit. You can quickly look up what happened on any day in Today In Sport or a more general site such as This Day In History . You never know what pertinence the day might have that will add some pizzazz to your presentation. It's worth a look.

6. Use the word imagine.

Another effective attention grabber for speeches is the word “imagine.” It invites the audience to create a mental image of something. Ever since John Lennon's famous song, it has become a powerful word with emotional appeal. A good example is Jane Chen's TED talk . She speaks about a low-cost incubator that can save many lives in underdeveloped countries. Chen opens by saying: “Please close your eyes and open your hands. Now imagine what you could place in your hands, an apple, maybe your wallet. Now open your eyes. What about a life?” She displays a slide with Anne Geddes' image of a tiny baby held in an adult's hands as she says this. Combining a hook with a visual is one of the most engaging speech attention grabbers.

There is power in asking the audience to conjure up their imagination, to play along. You can easily adapt this tactic to any topic where you want the audience to imagine a positive outcome or a vision of a better tomorrow. You can also use this opening gambit to ask the audience to imagine being in someone else's shoes.

7. Add a little show business.

If you’re looking for ideas on how to make a hook that's entertaining, consider the world of movies. Movies occupy a central place in most people's lives and a well-placed, pertinent movie quote at the start of a presentation can perk up your audience. Perhaps you have your own inspirational quote from a favorite film. You can also find some classics here: The Best Business Wisdom Hidden In Classic Movie Quotes .

8. Arouse curiosity.

Powerful attention grabbers spark people's curiosity. To do this, you can start with a statement designed to arouse interest and make the audience look up and listen to you attentively. Bestselling author Dan Pink does this masterfully in one of his talks. He says: "I need to make a confession, at the outset. A little over 20 years ago, I did something that I regret. Something that I am not particularly proud of, something that in many ways I wished no one would ever know, but that here I feel kind of obliged to reveal. In the late 1980s, in a moment of youthful indiscretion, I went to law school." The hook here leads to some self-deprecating humor, which makes it even more effective.

9. Use quotations differently.

Often-used hook ideas involve the use of quotes. While many speakers start with an apt quotation, you can differentiate by stating the quote and adding a twist. For example, "We've all heard that a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. But we need to remember that a journey to nowhere also starts with a single step." You can also use a quotation from your own life. For example, in a presentation on price versus quality, I have often used a quote from my grandfather, who used to say: "I am not rich enough to buy cheap."

There are numerous sources for quotations, such as The Library of Congress , but you might also consider The Yale Book of Quotations , which brings together over 13,000 quotes. You can also find such resources in app form, including Famous Quotes and Brilliant Quotes .

10. Quote a foreign proverb.

A novel attention grabber for speeches is quoting a proverb from a culture your audience might not be familiar with. There is a wealth of fresh material to be culled from around the world. Chances are your listeners have never heard them, so they have novelty appeal. Here are some examples: "Our last garment is made without pockets" (Italy); "You'll never plow a field by turning it over in your mind" (Ireland); "The nail that sticks up will be hammered down" (Japan), and "Paper can't wrap up a fire" (China). Whatever phrase you select, take the time to read and understand any important context around it, so as to make sure it's appropriate for your talk.

11. Take them through a "what if" scenario.

A compelling way to start your presentation is with a "what if" scenario. For example, asking "What if you were debt-free?" at the start of a money management presentation might grab your listeners' attention as it asks them to look forward to a positive future and it can intensify their desire for your product or service. Exploring hook ideas that use a "what if" scenario may be fruitful as the "what if" concept is easily adaptable to almost any presentation.

12. Tell them a story.

The most engaging and widespread examples of hooks, without a doubt, are stories. Nothing will compel listeners to lean in more than a well-told story. Science tells us that our brains are hardwired for storytelling. But the story needs to be brief, with just the right amount of detail to bring it to life. It must be authentic and have a "message," or lesson, to support your viewpoint. Above all, it must be kind.

A version of this article was originally published on April 11, 2013.

Photo: Getty Images

8 Effective Hooks to Start Your Speech

Table of Contents

Speeches can be challenging to communicate complicated or nuanced information, which is why the opening sentence matters so much. Hooks for speeches have the power to pull the listener in and keep them involved.

They will grab your audience’s attention, get them engaged and interested in what you say, and gradually help set the tone for your speech.

In this article, you’ll find eight effective ways to hook your audience and start a strong presentation.

What Is a Hook in Speech?

A hook is a tool to show your audience where you are going in your speech. They are used in two different ways. Firstly, they are used as a transition between ideas. Secondly, Hooks are used to keep the audience involved and engaged .

Using a hook can help keep your audience focused and give them something to hold on to while you get your point across. A good hook grabs the audience’s attention and gets them interested in what you’re saying.

A person giving a speech in front of a huge audience

8 Effective Hooks for Speeches

One way to start your speech is to hook your audience with a powerful way of describing the topic you are speaking on. Hooks can be as simple as descriptions, metaphors, or quotations. Here are eight hooks for speeches to make a lasting impression on the audience.

1. Take a Contrarian Stance

One way to start your speech with a powerful hook is to use a contrarian approach. This means that you take another stance on the issue and discuss it orally, thereby raising doubts in your audience.

One way to create a contrarian approach is to argue against an opinion or belief. A contrarian attitude can create easily recognizable hooks for a speech and succeed in catching the audience’s attention.

2. Ask Several Rhetorical Questions

Rhetorical questions are powerful because they pull at people’s heartstrings. They make statements and ask the listener to agree. Used wisely, they can lead the audience into an argument.

The goal of the question is to ask the listener to think and make a judgment on his own.

3. Use a Powerful Sound Bite

A sound bite is a brief statement that captures the attention of your audience and promises a thought-provoking result. It makes it easier to remember the specifics of what you are talking about.

For example, “Did you know that in 2016 each enterprise had a choice? The choice to go from silos and silences to voice and insight”?

4. Provide a Reference to a Historical Event

Mentioning a historical event is a good attention-getter for speeches. Sometimes you can use the day you present as an opening gambit to tie the topic of your presentation to some historical significance.

Whenever you reference historical events, the audience instantly associates them with their own experience. This leads to a higher level of interest.

5. Employ a Startling Assertion

Making a startling assertion is a quick and effective strategy to get attention. If you’re having trouble coming up with a hook, employ a striking fact. Spend some time researching shocking data that show how serious the topic you’re going to discuss is.

For example, “You might not know, but your brain has less than three seconds to react when you see a bear in the wild.” This is startling as people believe they have enough time to think about what will happen before a bear attack.

6. Take Them Through Imagine or What If Scenario

This is a great hook to start a persuasive speech or one that discusses possible scenarios. It’s an ideal hook for a premise based on hypothetical situations and the effects of potential changes.

Ask the audience something that might change their viewpoint, like what if you could go invisible for a day or go back in time? You can also use the word ‘Imagine’ to draw a mental image and engage the mind.

7. Use Quotations With Your Twist

The usage of quotations is a common strategy for hooks. Although many speakers begin with an appropriate quotation, you might stand out by reciting the quote and putting a twist. You might also use a quote from your personal experience.

8. Tell the Audience a Story

Starting a speech with a story is a great way to engage your audience. For example, “Remember the first time you had a conversation with a child, someone who hadn’t even been born yet? ”

Each of your listeners would probably remember this conversation vividly because they were a part of it. When starting a speech with a story, use an analogy or an experience to heighten the experience.

Make it relatable and better engage your audience.

Hooks are the rhetorical devices that help you to pull your audience in . There are many different hooks for speeches, and each one is effective in its way.

They help to create a dynamic and colorful tone that keeps the audience engaged. Remember that the audience will only give you about 30 seconds before deciding whether or not to continue listening.

Employ one of the eight effective hooks mentioned in this post to make your speech memorable for the audience.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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15 Informative Speech Examples to Inspire Your Next Talk

The Speaker Lab
May 13, 2024

A good informative speech is one of the most effective tools in a speaker’s arsenal. But with so many potential topics out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled 15 informative speech examples to help you find your perfect subject. Whether you’re unearthing secrets from history for your listeners or delving into future technologies, informative speeches can prove to be the recipe for the perfect talk.

But crafting an effective informative speech is about more than just picking a topic. You have to research topics, put your thoughts in order, and speak up clearly and confidently. In this post, we’ll explore strategies for each step of the process, so you can create a speech that informs, engages, and makes a lasting impact on your listeners. Let’s get started.

15 Informative Speech Examples

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next informative speech, look no further. Below are 15 examples of informative speech topics that are sure to engage and educate your audience.

The history and evolution of social media platforms
The benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources
The impact of sleep deprivation on mental and physical health
The role of emotional intelligence in personal and professional success
The science behind climate change and its potential consequences
The importance of financial literacy for young adults
The influence of artificial intelligence on various industries
The benefits of regular exercise and a balanced diet
The history and cultural significance of a specific art form or genre
The impact of technology on interpersonal communication
The psychology behind procrastination and effective strategies to overcome it
The role of diversity and inclusion in fostering innovation and creativity
The importance of mental health awareness and resources for students
The future of space exploration and its potential benefits for humanity
The impact of globalization on local economies and cultures

These topics cover a wide range of subjects, from technology and science to psychology and culture. By choosing one of these informative speech examples, you’ll have plenty of material to work with to create an engaging and educational presentation.

Remember, the key to a successful informative speech is to choose a topic that you’re passionate about and that will resonate with your audience. Do your research, organize your thoughts, and practice your delivery to ensure that your message comes across loud and clear.

What Is an Informative Speech?

If you’ve ever been to a conference or seminar, chances are you’ve heard an informative speech. But what exactly is an informative speech? Simply put, it’s a type of speech designed to educate the audience on a particular topic. The goal is to provide interesting and useful information, ensuring the audience walks away with new knowledge or insights. Unlike persuasive speeches that aim to convince the audience of a viewpoint, informative speeches focus on explaining a subject clearly and objectively.

Types of Informative Speeches

Informative speeches come in various forms, each with its own purpose. The most common types are definition, explanation, description, and demonstration speeches. Depending on the objective, an informative speech can take on different structures and styles.

For example, a definition speech aims to explain a concept or term, while a demonstration speech shows the audience how to perform a task or process. An explanatory speech, on the other hand, provides a detailed account of a complex subject, breaking it down into digestible parts.

Purpose of Informative Speeches

At its core, the purpose of an informative speech is to share knowledge with the audience. These speeches are characterized by their fact-based, non-persuasive nature. The focus is on delivering information in an engaging and accessible way.

A well-crafted informative speech not only educates but also sparks curiosity and encourages further learning. By dedicating yourself to providing valuable information and appealing to your audience’s interests, you can succeed as an informative speaker.

Strategies for Selecting an Informative Speech Topic

Choosing the right topic is crucial for an effective informative speech. You want a subject that is not only interesting to you but also relevant and engaging for your audience. Consider their knowledge level, background, and expectations when selecting your topic.

One strategy is to focus on a subject you’re passionate about or have expertise in. This allows you to speak with authority and enthusiasm, making your speech more compelling. Another approach is to address current events or trending topics that are on people’s minds.

When brainstorming potential topics, consider your speech’s purpose and the type of informative speech you want to deliver. Is your goal to define a concept, explain a process, describe an event, or demonstrate a skill? Answering these questions will help guide your topic selection.

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How to Write an Informative Speech

Now that you’ve selected your topic, it’s time to start writing your informative speech. The key to a successful speech is thorough preparation and a clear, organized structure. Let’s break down the steps involved in crafting an engaging and informative presentation.

Researching Your Topic

Before you start writing, it’s essential to conduct thorough research on your topic. Gather facts, statistics, examples, and other supporting information for your informative speech. These things will help you explain and clarify the subject matter to your audience.

As you research, use reliable sources such as academic journals, reputable websites, and expert opinions to ensure the accuracy and credibility of your information. Take notes and organize your findings in a way that makes sense for your speech’s structure.

Structuring Your Speech

A typical informative speech structure includes three main parts, namely, an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should grab the audience’s attention, establish your credibility , and preview the main points you’ll cover.

The body of your speech is where you’ll present your main points and supporting evidence. Use clear transitions between each point to maintain a logical flow. The conclusion should summarize your key takeaways and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Outlining Your Speech

Creating an outline is a crucial step in organizing your thoughts and ensuring a coherent flow of information. Start by listing your main points and then add subpoints and supporting details for each section.

A well-structured outline will serve as a roadmap for your speech, keeping you on track and helping you stay focused on your key messages. It also makes the writing process more efficient and less overwhelming.

Writing Your Draft

With your outline in hand, it’s time to start writing your draft. Focus on presenting information clearly and concisely, using simple language and avoiding jargon. Provide examples and analogies throughout your informative speech in order to illustrate complex ideas and make them more relatable to your audience.

As you write, keep your audience in mind and tailor your language and examples to their level of understanding. Use transitions to link your ideas and maintain a smooth flow throughout the speech.

Editing and Revising

Once you’ve completed your draft, take the time to edit and revise your speech. First, check for clarity, accuracy, and logical organization. Then, eliminate unnecessary details, repetition, and filler words.

Read your speech aloud to identify any awkward phrasing or unclear passages. Lastly, seek feedback from others and be open to making changes based on their suggestions. Remember, the goal is to create a polished and effective informative speech.

Delivering an Informative Speech

You’ve written a fantastic informative speech, but now comes the real challenge: delivering it effectively. The way you present your speech can make all the difference in engaging your audience and ensuring they retain the information you’re sharing.

Practicing Your Speech

Practice makes perfect, and this couldn’t be more true when it comes to public speaking. Rehearse your speech multiple times to build confidence and familiarity with the content. Practice in front of a mirror, family members, or friends to get comfortable with your delivery.

As you practice, focus on your pacing, intonation, and body language . Aim for a conversational tone and maintain eye contact with your audience. The more you practice, the more natural and engaging your delivery will become.

Using Visual Aids

Visual aids such as slides, charts, or props can enhance your informative speech by making complex information more accessible and engaging. When utilized in your informative speech, they can help illustrate key points, provide visual examples, and break up the monotony of a purely verbal presentation.

Of course, it’s important to ensure your visuals are clear, relevant, and easy to understand. Otherwise, they may end up obscuring your points instead of clarifying them. In light of this, avoid cluttering your slides with too much text or overwhelming your audience with too many visuals. Use them strategically to support your message, not distract from it.

Engaging Your Audience

Engaging your audience is crucial for a successful informative speech. Use rhetorical questions, anecdotes, or interactive elements to keep them involved and attentive. Encourage participation, if appropriate, and maintain a conversational tone to create a connection with your listeners.

Pay attention to your audience’s reactions and adapt your delivery accordingly. If you sense confusion or disinterest, try rephrasing your points or providing additional examples to clarify your message. Remember, your goal is to educate and inspire your audience, so keep them at the forefront of your mind throughout your speech.

Handling Nerves

It’s normal to feel nervous before and during a speech, but there are strategies to help you manage those nerves . Take deep breaths, visualize success, and focus on your message rather than your anxiety. Remember, your audience wants you to succeed, and a little nervousness can actually enhance your performance by showing enthusiasm and authenticity.

If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, take a moment to pause, collect your thoughts, and regain your composure. Smile, make eye contact, and remind yourself that you’ve prepared thoroughly and have valuable information to share.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To deliver an effective informative speech, it’s important to be aware of common pitfalls and mistakes. One of the biggest errors is overloading your audience with too much information. Remember, less is often more when it comes to public speaking.

Another mistake is failing to organize your content logically or using complex jargon without explanation. Make sure your speech has a clear structure and that you’re explaining any technical terms or concepts in a way that your audience can understand.

Finally, don’t neglect the importance of practice and preparation. Winging it or relying too heavily on notes can lead to a disjointed and unengaging speech. Take the time to rehearse, refine your delivery, and internalize your key points.

By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on the strategies we’ve discussed, you’ll be well on your way to delivering an informative speech that educates, engages, and inspires your audience.

Tips for Delivering a Compelling Informative Speech

Once you’ve chosen your topic and done your research, it’s time to focus on delivering a compelling speech. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Start with a strong attention-grabbing opening that draws your audience in and sets the tone for your speech.
Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon or technical terms that your audience may not understand.
Incorporate storytelling, examples, and anecdotes to make your points more relatable and memorable.
Use visual aids , such as slides or props, to enhance your message and keep your audience engaged.
Practice your delivery and timing to ensure that you stay within your allotted time and maintain a natural, conversational tone.

By following these tips and choosing a topic that you’re passionate about, you’ll be well on your way to delivering an informative speech that educates and inspires your audience.

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20 Bonus Topics for Informative Speeches

In case the informative speech examples above didn’t pique your interest, we have several more for you to consider. Ranging from topics like science and technology to history and education, these 20 topics are perfect for your next presentation.

The history and development of virtual reality technology
The benefits and challenges of remote work
The science behind the formation of hurricanes and tornadoes
The impact of social media on political campaigns and elections
The importance of sustainable fashion and its environmental benefits
The role of emotional support animals in mental health treatment
The history and cultural significance of a specific cuisine or dish
The impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems
The benefits and risks of gene editing technology
The psychology behind conspiracy theories and their spread online
The importance of digital privacy and data security in the modern age
The role of music therapy in healthcare and wellness
The impact of deforestation on biodiversity and climate change
The history and evolution of a specific sport or athletic event
The benefits and challenges of alternative education models
The science behind the human immune system and how vaccines work
The impact of mass incarceration on communities and families
The role of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage and traditions
The importance of financial planning for retirement and old age
The impact of urban agriculture on food security and community development

Choosing a Topic That Resonates With Your Audience

When selecting a topic for your informative speech, it’s important to consider your audience and what will resonate with them. Think about their interests, backgrounds, and knowledge levels, and choose a topic that will be both informative and engaging.

For example, if you’re speaking to a group of high school students, you may want to choose a topic that relates to their experiences or concerns, such as the impact of social media on mental health or the importance of financial literacy for young adults. If you’re speaking to a group of business professionals, you may want to focus on topics related to industry trends, leadership strategies, or emerging technologies.

By choosing a topic that resonates with your audience, you’ll be more likely to capture their attention and keep them engaged throughout your speech. And remember, even if you’re not an expert on the topic, you can still deliver an informative and engaging speech by doing your research and presenting the information in a clear and accessible way.

FAQs on Informative Speech Examples

What is an example of informative speech.

An example includes breaking down the impacts of climate change, detailing causes, effects, and potential solutions.

What are the 3 types of informative speeches?

The three main types are explanatory (breaks down complex topics), descriptive (paints a picture with words), and demonstrative (shows how to do something).

What are the 5 useful topics of an informative speech?

Top picks include technology advances, mental health awareness, environmental conservation efforts, cultural diversity appreciation, and breakthroughs in medical research.

What is an effective informative speech?

An effective one delivers clear info on a specific topic that educates listeners without overwhelming them. It’s well-researched and engaging.

Informative speech examples are everywhere, if you know where to look. From TED Talks to classroom lectures, there’s no shortage of inspiration for your next presentation. All you have to do is find a topic that lights your fire while engaging your audience.

Remember, a great informative speech is all about clarity, organization, and engagement. By following the tips and examples we’ve covered, you’ll be well on your way to delivering an informative speech that educates, enlightens, and leaves a lasting impression. So go ahead, pick your topic, and start crafting your own informative speech today!

Last Updated: May 9, 2024

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How to Hook Your Audience with a Great Opener

Want to grab listeners' attention and engagement immediately? Here's how to hook your audience with a great opener!

"I speak to you for the first time as Prime Minister in a solemn hour for the life of our country, of our empire, of our allies, and, above all, of the cause of Freedom."

That's Winston Churchill, in his first broadcast speech as Prime Minister on May 19, 1940. Most of us don't have a topic as momentous as the "tremendous battle raging in France and Flanders" [i] to speak about—or a talent as great as Churchill's. But we have just as much need to hook our audiences at the start of our speeches and presentations.

Do you know the best practices for high-impact speaking? Discover how to motivate, inspire, and activate people! Get my Free Guide , "Six Rules of Effective Public Speaking."

So how are you doing in this department? It's not going too far to say that the success of your talk depends upon your getting listeners to get engaged and stay that way . That's what a speech "hook" or "grabber" is designed to do.

What Is a Speech Hook and How Does It Work?

A hook or grabber is the part of your presentation that compels an audience to sit up and pay attention. It should come at the beginning of your talk, where it can do the most good. Audiences have a lot on their minds as they prepare to listen to your remarks. They might in fact be attending a number of presentations that week. So you need to let them know right away that you're the speaker who is going to be interesting .

Once engaged, listeners will stay with you. That is, as long as the body of your speech doesn't fail to live up to expectations. But it's that hook that gets everything started.

Doesn't that sound like a formula for speaking success? To get there, see my 12 foolproof ways to grab an audience . It's all about knowing how to start a speech.

An Effective vs. Ineffective Opening

To grasp the difference between an opening that hooks and one that lets your listeners slip away, consider the following two speech openings. They're both from TED talks, and both are delivered by scientists. Which one grabs your attention?

(A) "We're going to go on a dive to the deep sea." [ii]

(B) "I study ants . . . in the desert, in the tropical forest, in my kitchen, and in the hills around Silicon Valley, where I live." [iii]

I'll bet it's the first one. Who wouldn't want to go on a virtual dive with oceanographer David Gallo to explore the ocean depths (choice A)? It's nice that biologist Deborah Gordon studies ants (choice B). But it doesn't sound compelling.

In fact her topic—the link between ants, the human brain, and cancer—is fascinating. But her opening keeps her speech firmly tied to the earth. Like every speech, however, it needs to get airborne right off the launch pad.

Knowing how to start a speech means finding speech introduction examples.

You Can Be Creative, Can't You?

So how can you make that happen in your own speeches and presentations? Here are what I believe are the four key elements of a successful speech hook, along with speech introduction examples. Keep in mind, they should occur as early in your speech as possible, so you tap into the critical first 60 seconds of a speech . What then does a good speech hook do?

(1) It resonates with the audience.

If your topic happens to be of general interest to everyone, this requirement should be easy. Sir Ken Robinson , for instance, pulls it off in just nine seconds in his TED talk, "Do Schools Kill Creativity?" Here's his opening, referring to the previous speakers at the event: "It's been great, hasn't it? I've been blown away by the whole thing. In fact . . . I'm leaving." [iv] Humor done well is always a winner. Equally successful is an opening that has special relevance to listeners (rather than being a topic that anyone can relate to). If you know your industry and your audience, you should be able to come up with a hook that absolutely resonates in this way.

(2) It surprises them.

Have you ever sighed resignedly because a speaker began, "My topic today is . . . " How differently we react when he or she approaches us from an unexpected direction! That speaker may elicit delight rather than heavy eyelids. Here is someone who does that: Gavin Pretor-Pinney in his TED Talk. He starts out: "Clouds ... have you ever noticed how much people moan about them?" [v] If I mention the talk is titled "Cloudy with a Chance of Joy," you'll understand his surprising yet logical choice of an opening.

(3) It's concise.

You want impact. You may tell a great story , but its effect will evaporate if it goes on too long. Always consider the total time you have and craft an opening that helps balance the talk as a whole. Mark Twain once began a speech following a toast to the New England weather by saying, "I reverently believe that the Maker who made us all makes everything in New England but the weather." [vi] (I bet that opening surprised his listeners, too.)

(4) It taps into something larger than your topic.

Remember, your topic is only your doorway to a place where you help change the world of your listeners. No speaker understood this better than President John F. Kennedy in 1961, when he said in the opening of his inaugural speech: "We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom." [vii]

And here's the unmatched simplicity and understatement (and mischief) of Sojourner Truth's opening in her 1851 speech on women's rights, "Ain't I a Woman," which reflects on that issue as well as the other great one of the day: slavery.

"Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter." [viii]

Resonant, surprising, concise, and connected with a much larger issue. Take away that lesson to help change your own world—one speech, and one speech hook, at a time.

This article was originally published in 2016. It is updated here.

You should follow me on Twitter here .

Dr. Gary Genard's powerful e-book, How to Start a Speech.

[i] http://www.winstonchurchill.org/learn/speeches/speeches-of-winston-churchill/91-be-ye-men-of-valour

[ii] http://www.ted.com/talks/david_gallo_shows_underwater_astonishments

[iii] http://www.ted.com/talks/deborah_gordon_what_ants_teach_us_about_the_brain_cancer_and_the_internet#t-11094

[iv] http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity#t-12634

[v] http://www.ted.com/talks/gavin_pretor_pinney_cloudy_with_a_chance_of_joy

[vi] http://www.gutenberg.org/files/3188/3188-h/3188-h.htm#link2H_4_0012

[vii] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEC1C4p0k3E

[viii] http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/sojtruth-woman.asp

Tags: speeches , how to open a presentation , how to begin a presentation , how to start a speech , speech format , how to open a speech , how to organize a presentation , speech hook , how to organize a speech , how to start a presentation , speech hooks , speech grabbers , how to begin a speech , speech introduction examples

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How to Write an Informative Speech Outline: A Step-by-Step Guide

It’s the moment of truth — the anxiety-inducing moment when you realize writing the outline for your informative speech is due soon. Whether you’re looking to deliver a report on the migratory patterns of the great white stork or give a lecture on the proper techniques of candle making, knowing how to write an effective outline is essential.

That’s why we’ve put together this complete, step-by-step guide on how to write an informative speech outline. From selecting a topic to transitioning during your speech, this guide will have you well on your way to writing a compelling informative speech outline . So grab your pen and paper, put on your thinking cap, and let’s get started!

What is an Informative Speech Outline?

An informative speech outline is a document used to plan the structure and core content of a public speech. It’s used by speakers to ensure their talk covers all the important points, stays on-topic and flows logically from one point to another. By breaking down complex topics into smaller, concise sections, an effective outline can help keep a speaker organized, set objectives for their talk, support key points with evidence and promote audience engagement. A well-structured outline can also make a presentation easier to remember and act as an invaluable reminder if nerves ever get the better of the speaker. On one hand, an informative speech outline enables speakers to cover multiple ideas in an efficient manner while avoiding digressions. On the other hand, it’s important that speakers remain flexible to adjust and adapt content to meet audience needs. While there are some tried-and-tested strategies for creating outlines that work, many successful speakers prefer to tweak and modify existing outlines according to their personal preferences. In conclusion, preparing an informative speech outline can boost confidence and create an effective structure for presentations. With this in mind, let’s now look at how to structure an informative speech outline

How to Structure an Informative Speech Outline

The structure of your informative speech outline should be based on the points you need to cover during your presentation. It should list out all of the main points in an organized and logical manner, along with supporting details for each point. The main structure for an informative speech should consist of three parts: the introduction, body and conclusion.

Introduction

When starting to craft your structure, begin by introducing the topic and giving a brief synopsis of what the audience can expect to learn from your speech. By setting up what they will gain from your presentation, it will help keep them engaged throughout the rest of your talk. Additionally, include any objectives that you want to achieve by the end of your speech.

The body of an informative speech outline typically consists of three parts: main points, sub-points, and supporting details. Main points are the core topics that the speaker wishes to cover throughout the speech. These can be further broken down into sub-points, that explore the main ideas in greater detail. Supporting details provide evidence or facts about each point and can include statistics, research studies, quotes from experts, anecdotes and personal stories . When presenting an informative speech, it is important to consider each side of the topic for an even-handed discussion. If there is an argumentative element to the speech, consider incorporating both sides of the debate . It is also important to be objective when presenting facts and leave value judgments out. Once you have determined your main points and all of their supporting details, you can start ordering them in a logical fashion. The presentation should have a clear flow and move between points smoothly. Each point should be covered thoroughly without getting overly verbose; you want to make sure you are giving enough information to your audience while still being concise with your delivery.

Writing an informative speech outline can be a daunting yet rewarding process. Through the steps outlined above, speakers will have created a strong foundation for their speech and can now confidently start to research their topics . The outline serves as a guiding map for speakers to follow during their research and when writing their eventual speech drafts . Having the process of developing an informative speech broken down into easy and manageable steps helps to reduce stress and anxiety associated with preparing speeches .

The introduction should be around 10-20% of the total speech duration and is designed to capture the audience’s attention and introduce the topic.
The main points should make up 40-60% of the speech and provide further detail into the topic. The body should begin with a transition, include evidence or examples and have supporting details. Concluding with a recap or takeaway should take around 10-20% of the speech duration.

While crafting an informative speech outline is a necessary step in order for your presentation to run smoothly, there are many different styles and approaches you can use when creating one. Ultimately though, the goal is always to ensure that the information presented is factual and relevant to both you and your audience. By carefully designing and structuring an effective outline, both you and your audience will be sure to benefit greatly from it when it comes time for delivering a successful presentation .

Now that speakers know how to create an effective outline, it’s time to begin researching the content they plan to include in their speeches. In the next section we’ll discuss how to conduct research for an informative speech so speakers are armed with all the facts necessary to deliver an interesting and engaging presentation .

How to Research for an Informative Speech

When researching an informative speech, it’s important to find valid and reliable sources of information. There are many ways that one can seek out research for an informative speech, and no single method will guarantee a thorough reliable research. Depending on the complexity of the topic and the depth of knowledge required, a variety of methods should be utilized. The first step when researching for an informative speech should be to evaluate your present knowledge of the subject. This will help to determine what specific areas require additional research, and give clues as to where you might start looking for evidence. It is important to know the basic perspectives and arguments surrounding your chosen topic in order to select good sources and avoid biased materials. Textbooks, academic journals, newspaper articles, broadcasts, or credible websites are good starting points for informational speeches. As you search for information and evidence, be sure to use trustworthy authors who cite their sources. These sources refer to experts in the field whose opinions add credibility and can bolster your argument with facts and data. Evaluating these sources is particularly important as they form the foundation of your speech content and structure. Analyze each source critically by looking into who wrote it and evaluating how recent or relevant it is to the current conversation on your chosen topic. As with any research paper, one must strive for accuracy when gathering evidence while also surveying alternative positions on a topic. Considering both sides of a debate allows your speech to provide accurate information while remaining objective. This will also encourage audience members to draw their conclusions instead of taking your word for it. Furthermore, verifying sources from multiple angles (multiple avenues) ensures that information is fact-checked versus opinionated or biased pieces which might distort accuracy or mislead an audience member seeking truth about a controversial issue. At this stage in preparing for an informative speech, research should have been carried out thoroughly enough to allow confidently delivering evidence-based statements about a chosen topic. With all of this necessary groundwork completed, it’s time to move onto the next stage: sourcing different types of evidence which will allow you to illustrate your point in an even more helpful way. It is now time to transition into discussing “Sources & Evidence”.

Sources and Evidence

When crafting an informative speech outline, it is important to include accurate sources and valid evidence. Your audience needs to be sure that the content you are presenting not only reflects a clear understanding of the topic but is also backed up with reliable sources. For example, if you are speaking about climate change, include research studies, statistics, surveys and other forms of data that provide concrete evidence that supports your argument or position. Additionally, be sure to cite any sources used in the speech so that your audience can double-check the accuracy. In some cases, particularly when discussing sensitive topics, each side of the issue should be addressed. Not only does this make for a more balanced discussion, it also allows you to show respect for different points of view without compromising your own opinion or position. Presenting both sides briefly will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and show your ability to present a well-rounded argument. Knowing how to source accurately and objectively is key to creating an informative speech outline which will be compelling and engaging for an audience. With the right sources and evidence utilized correctly, you can ensure that your argument is both authoritative and convincing. With these fundamentals in place, you can move on to developing tips for crafting an informative speech for maximum impact and engagement with the listeners.

Tips for Crafting an Informative Speech

When crafting an informative speech, there are certain tips and tricks that you can use to make sure your outline is the best it can be. Firstly, if you are speaking about a controversial issue, make sure you present both sides of the argument in an unbiased manner. Rely on researching credible sources, and discuss different points of views objectively. Additionally, organize and prioritize your points so that they are easy to follow and follow a logical progression. Begin with introducing a succinct thesis statement that briefly summarizes the main points of your speech. This will give the audience a clear idea of what topics you will be discussing and help retain their attention throughout your speech. Furthermore, be mindful to weave in personal anecdotes or relevant stories so that the audience can better relate to your ideas. Make sure the anecdotes have a purpose and demonstrate the key themes effectively. Acquiring creative ways to present data or statistics is also important; avoid inundating the audience with too many facts and figures all at once. Finally, ensure that all visual aids such as props, charts or slides remain relevant to the subject matter being discussed. Visual aids not only keep listeners engaged but also make difficult concepts easier to understand. With these handy tips in mind, you should be well on your way to constructing an effective informative speech outline! Now let’s move onto exploring some examples of effective informative speech outlines so that we can get a better idea of how it’s done.

Examples of Effective Informative Speech Outlines

Informative speeches must be compelling and provide relevant details, making them effective and impactful. In order to create an effective outline, speakers must first conduct extensive research on the chosen topic. An effective informative speech outline will clearly provide the audience with enough information to keep them engaged while also adhering to a specific timeframe. The following are examples of how to effectively organize an informative speech: I. Introduction: A. Stimulate their interest – pose a question, present intriguing facts or establish a humorous story B. Clearly state the main focus of the speech C. Establish your credibility– explain your experience/research conducted for the speech II. Supporting Points: A. Each point should contain facts and statistics related to your main idea B. Each point should have its own solid evidence that supports it III. Conclusion: A. Summarize supporting points B. Revisit your introduction point and explain how it’s been updated/changed through the course of the discussion C. Offer a final statement or call to action IV. Bibliography: A. Cite all sources used in creating the speech (provide an alphabetical list) Debate both sides of argument if applicable: N/A

Commonly Asked Questions

What techniques can i use to ensure my informative speech outline is organized and cohesive.

When crafting an informative speech outline, there are several techniques you can use to ensure your speech is organized and cohesive. First of all, make sure your speech follows a logical flow by using signposting , outlining the main ideas at the beginning of the speech and then bulleting out your supporting points. Additionally, you can use transitions throughout the speech to create a smooth order for your thoughts, such as ‘next’ and ‘finally’. Furthermore, it is important that each point in your outline has a specific purpose or goal, to avoid rambling and confusion. Finally, use visual aids such as charts and diagrams to emphasise key ideas and add clarity and structure to your speech. By following these techniques , you can ensure your informative speech outline is well organized and easy to follow.

How should I structure the order of the information in an informative speech outline?

The structure of an informative speech outline should be simple and organized, following a linear step-by-step process. First, you should introduce the topic to your audience and provide an overview of the main points. Next, give an explanation of each point, offer evidence or examples to support it, and explain how it relates to the overall subject matter. Finally, you should conclude with a summary of the main points and a call for action. When structuring the order of information in an informative speech outline, it is important to keep topics distinct from one another and stick to the logical progression that you have established in your introduction. Additionally, pay attention to chronology if appropriate; when discussing historical events, for example, make sure that they are presented in the correct order. Moreover, use transition phrases throughout your outline to help move ideas along smoothly. Finally, utilize both verbal and visual aids such as diagrams or graphics to illustrate complex knowledge effectively and engage your audience throughout your presentation.

What are the essential components of an informative speech outline?

The essential components of an informative speech outline are the introduction, body, and conclusion. Introduction: The introduction should establish the topic of your speech, provide background information, and lead into the main purpose of your speech. It’s also important to include a strong attention-grabbing hook in order to grab the audience’s attention. Body: The body is where you expand on the main points that were outlined in the introduction. It should provide evidence and arguments to support these points, as well as explain any counterarguments that might be relevant. Additionally, it should answer any questions or objections your audience may have about the topic. Conclusion: The conclusion should restate the purpose of your speech and summarize the main points from the body of your speech. It should also leave your audience feeling inspired and motivated to take some kind of action after hearing your speech. In short, an effective informative speech outline should strongly focus on bringing all of these elements together in a cohesive structure to ensure that you deliver an engaging presentation that educates and informs your audience.

Informative Speeches — Types, Topics, and Examples

What is an informative speech.

An informative speech uses descriptions, demonstrations, and strong detail to explain a person, place, or subject. An informative speech makes a complex topic easier to understand and focuses on delivering information, rather than providing a persuasive argument.

Types of informative speeches

The most common types of informative speeches are definition, explanation, description, and demonstration.

A definition speech explains a concept, theory, or philosophy about which the audience knows little. The purpose of the speech is to inform the audience so they understand the main aspects of the subject matter.

An explanatory speech presents information on the state of a given topic. The purpose is to provide a specific viewpoint on the chosen subject. Speakers typically incorporate a visual of data and/or statistics.

The speaker of a descriptive speech provides audiences with a detailed and vivid description of an activity, person, place, or object using elaborate imagery to make the subject matter memorable.

A demonstrative speech explains how to perform a particular task or carry out a process. These speeches often demonstrate the following:

How to do something

How to make something

How to fix something

How something works

How to write an informative speech

Regardless of the type, every informative speech should include an introduction, a hook, background information, a thesis, the main points, and a conclusion.

Introduction

An attention grabber or hook draws in the audience and sets the tone for the speech. The technique the speaker uses should reflect the subject matter in some way (i.e., if the topic is serious in nature, do not open with a joke). Therefore, when choosing an attention grabber, consider the following:

What’s the topic of the speech?

What’s the occasion?

Who’s the audience?

What’s the purpose of the speech?

Common Attention Grabbers (Hooks)

Ask a question that allows the audience to respond in a non-verbal way (e.g., a poll question where they can simply raise their hands) or ask a rhetorical question that makes the audience think of the topic in a certain way yet requires no response.

Incorporate a well-known quote that introduces the topic. Using the words of a celebrated individual gives credibility and authority to the information in the speech.

Offer a startling statement or information about the topic, which is typically done using data or statistics. The statement should surprise the audience in some way.

Provide a brief anecdote that relates to the topic in some way.

Present a “what if” scenario that connects to the subject matter of the speech.

Identify the importance of the speech’s topic.

Starting a speech with a humorous statement often makes the audience more comfortable with the speaker.

Include any background information pertinent to the topic that the audience needs to know to understand the speech in its entirety.

The thesis statement shares the central purpose of the speech.

Demonstrate

Include background information and a thesis statement

Preview the main ideas that will help accomplish the central purpose. Typically, informational speeches will have an average of three main ideas.

Body paragraphs

Apply the following to each main idea (body) :

Identify the main idea ( NOTE: The main points of a demonstration speech would be the individual steps.)

Provide evidence to support the main idea

Explain how the evidence supports the main idea/central purpose

Transition to the next main idea

Review or restate the thesis and the main points presented throughout the speech.

Much like the attention grabber, the closing statement should interest the audience. Some of the more common techniques include a challenge, a rhetorical question, or restating relevant information:

Provide the audience with a challenge or call to action to apply the presented information to real life.

Detail the benefit of the information.

Close with an anecdote or brief story that illustrates the main points.

Leave the audience with a rhetorical question to ponder after the speech has concluded.

Detail the relevance of the presented information.

Before speech writing, brainstorm a list of informative speech topic ideas. The right topic depends on the type of speech, but good topics can range from video games to disabilities and electric cars to healthcare and mental health.

Informative speech topics

Some common informative essay topics for each type of informational speech include the following:

Informative speech topics

What is the electoral college?	Holidays in different cultures/different countries	Best concert	Bake a cake
What is a natural disaster?	Cybersecurity concerns	Childhood experience	Build a model (airplane, car, etc.)
What is the “glass ceiling?”	Effect of the arts	Day to remember	Build a website
What is globalization?	How the stock market works	Dream job	Apply for a credit card
What is happiness?	Impact of global warming/climate change	Embarrassing moment	Change a tire
What is humor?	Important lessons from sports	Favorite place	Learn an instrument
What is imagination?	Influence of social media and cyberbullying	First day of school	Play a sport
What is love?	Social networks/media and self-image	Future plans	Register to vote
What is philosophy?	Evolution of artificial intelligence	Happiest memory	Train a pet
What was the Great Depression?	Impact of fast food on obesity	Perfect vacation	Write a resume

Informative speech examples

The following list identifies famous informational speeches:

“Duties of American Citizenship” by Theodore Roosevelt

“Duty, Honor, Country” by General Douglas MacArthur

“Strength and Dignity” by Theodore Roosevelt

Explanation

“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” by Patrick Henry

“The Decision to Go to the Moon” by John F. Kennedy

“We Shall Fight on the Beaches” by Winston Churchill

Description

“I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Pearl Harbor Address” by Franklin Delano Roosevelt

“Luckiest Man” by Lou Gehrig

Demonstration

The Way to Cook with Julia Child

This Old House with Bob Vila

Bill Nye the Science Guy with Bill Nye

Presentation Hooks: the 13 most successful presentation hook examples

Wouldn’t it be great if every single person who attends your presentation gets excited at your speech and stays tuned until the end, focusing on you the entire time? Have you seen any presentation hook examples that really got you involved in the presentation?

As presenters, the problem is that we always lack presentation hook ideas to start the presentation .

If you want to catch the attention of your audience , however, you must really hook your audience from the very beginning.

Did you know that you normally lose 90% of your audience within the first 5 minutes of your presentation ?

If you get 60 minutes to present, you do not get 60 minutes worth of attention. In fact, the typical attention span in an hour-long meeting goes something like this (Source: Sequoia Capital ):

Your hook is often the difference between a successful effective presentation and a very boring one. Think about it.

If you don’t grab your audience right away , you’ll lose them forever.

You went through all that work of preparing a killer presentation , right? You worked hard at it. You did a ton of research and you spent a lot of time carefully taking care of every single slide .

However, the truth is that if your introduction sucks, your efforts will be for nothing. Well done, my friend, you lost before you even got started!

If you want to spread your presentation hook ideas so that they resonate with your audience , you need to conquer them from the very first moment you talk to them. How to hook the audience ?

Let me show you how.

Attention Getters for Speeches and Presentations

If you Google the topic “ Presentation hook ideas “, you’ll find plenty of public speakers and pitch experts who will give you their top 5, top 10, top (x) advice points on how to create the perfect hook persuading the audience .

I have identified commonalities and summarized the most impactful, shared and successful presentation hook ideas coming from the top experts below and I’ve enriched them with real life dedicated examples.

Below you’ll find a long list of presentation hook examples with a whole bunch of ready to use ideas to use.

How to Start a Presentation: Attention Getters

Pre-hook: interact with the speakers first.

When you speak at a conference, it’s very rare that you are alone. There might be other speakers like you, and you might not be the first one to talk. I like not being the first speaker, as this allows me to listen to the others carefully and improve on my own presentation .

If somebody speaks before you, it’s always a good strategy to connect your intervention to their speech .

Every time I’m invited to give a speech at a conference, I always request to join from the beginning, even though I’m not the first speaker. By doing so, I can listen to the other speakers, take notes and prepare my hook .

By connecting your intervention to the others, you show respect to the other speakers and you demonstrate that you have been an active listener while you were in the audience ; you’ll give a good example on how you expect your audience to behave during a speech.

Moreover, you create a connection that contextualizes your intervention into the flow of the conference and you turn the separated speeches into a dialogue that you trigger by commenting on the other speeches. By creating a dialogue atmosphere, the audience will wake up from the previous speech and connect with you .

Now you are ready for your hook!

How to Make a Good Hook: Presentation Hook Examples

Let’s take a look at the top 13 presentation hook ideas you can use to start your presentation and focus your audience ‘s attention on your message:

1. Storytelling

Starting with a story is one of the oldest and most powerful methods of introducing your presentation .

Storytelling is a good hook for a speech because it shows you are human and shows you have feelings, emotions and reason. It is even more powerful if you start with a personal story.

The audience will feel close to you and will trust you. If you earn their trust, you’ll get their attention.

Normally when you start talking, people are tired from the other speeches, and their attention level is not ready for your core message or your call to action. You will need to start slowly and take them in gradually. A story is common to everybody, and it’s easy to follow .

In most cases, it’s very effective to start with a story. You don’t really need to introduce yourself at the beginning. Your introduction can be postponed to when the audience will be really listening to you .

If you start telling them why you’re good, you’ll immediately build distance from the audience , you won’t be perceived as one of them, so it will be harder for the audience to connect with you.

Psychologist Shawn Achor explains that the happy secret to better work starts straight away with a funny personal story about his childhood and keeps going until 2 minutes fifty, until the audience sympathizes with him, and so gives the audience his message.

Shawn shoots the message when he is sure that he has 100% of the audience ‘s attention , not before. He only gives information about his prestigious background (“When I applied to Harvard […]”) at 6:32, after he has passed the core message.

Still, he feels normal and empathetic to the audience when he shares the feeling of being an average guy surrounded by smarter guys, in such a great university. Therefore, he makes sure that his background does not bring him away from the audience.

Making the slides for this kind of hook will be very easy because all they need to do is help the audience visualize the story .

Therefore, all you need is just a sequence of beautiful full-screen pictures. If you are telling them a personal story, show personal pictures. This will make them feel how real your story is, and it will catch their attention .

Learn more about how storytelling applies to presentations : Forget slides, tell stories.

I want to show you a trick for perfect presentation hook examples. If you do not want to tell a personal story or you do not have one, I’d suggest you invent one!

After all, we have plenty of pictures on our social media channels we can leverage to invent an ad hoc story. The most important thing is that your story appears real, because if the audience thinks you are tricking them, they won’t trust you and you’ll lose any chance to connect with them.

How do you tell compelling stories?

How do you tell stories that your audience wants to hear?

How do you make them feel really engaged with your story?

What about the story of your brand?

There are many storytelling formulas you can leverage recommended by my friends from Buffer.com – 11 Storytelling Formulas to Supercharge Your Social Media Marketing

The reality is that storytelling is more than just telling stories.

What do I mean?

Recently I’ve found myself in the challenge of turning a boring presentation into a powerful story.

Taking in consideration the audience of my client that day, the story was the only possible solution for a manager who needed to share her experience in front of millennials at the university.

The way storytelling infused power to my presentation left me astonished, I think you should have a look at what happened that day: Storytelling techniques for presentations [Real case study].

If you have no creativity, you could even take inspiration from websites that offer stories by keywords like BusinessBalls . In BusinessBalls, for example, stories are characterized by keywords:

2. Questions and audience interaction

One of the most common errors that presenters commit nowadays is thinking they are one step above the audience, just because they came to present.

We are in the era of “listening” today, more than ever before, with the advent of social media. If we want to be listened, first you need to listen .

Presentations aren’t an exception.

If you want to give a successful presentation, first you need to build a one-on-one relationship with your audience and start a dialogue .

What’s better for engagement than asking questions to your audience from the beginning of your presentation?

Questions turn on people’s curiosity. Their brains will begin figuring out the answer. If they know the answer, they want to know if their answer is correct. If they do not know the answer, they might get involved and focus on the speaker in order to get the answer.

In any case, answering a question works like a reward, because people feel satisfied by the fact that they canceled one more doubt. People’s curiosity will make them focus on you to find the answer.

When you ask question, you pair up with your audience as they feel like they’re in your position, and they want to help you answer the question. If you are perceived as one of them, you’ve won their trust and therefore their attention.

There are several kind of questions you might want to ask as good hook for a speech:

Yes/No questions

These questions help you interact with the audience. Having just simple answers, all you need to do is to ask people in a sequence to vote for “ Yes ” by raising their hands and then you can ask people to vote for “ No ” to do the same.

You can adopt this technique every time you have a multiple choice question, so the audience can vote for a single option by raising their hands.

You could ask how they’re affected by the problem you’re going to solve during your presentation.

“How many of you get so frustrated with PowerPoint when it crushes? “
“Raise your hand if you’ve fallen asleep during a presentation”.
“Who struggles every time you need to choose colors for your next presentation? “

This is a good technique to use for checking the audience responsiveness. When you ask a Y/N question, people naturally answer loudly, so you’ll immediately know if most of them are still awake.

Open-ended questions

Using open-ended questions, you expect the audience to develop an answer. This is the typical situation of a Q&A session, and can be useful in those situations as a presentation hook example.

However, this technique enables you to open a real discussion with members of the audience. However, people may answer what they feel without a filter, so they can impede you if you are uncomfortable with their answer.

This is an incredibly powerful technique for creating presentation hook ideas , but at the same time, you risk getting controversial opinions by freeing people to develop their discourse.

Also, be sure that everybody can be heard when talking from the audience, because they’re not standing in front of everybody with a microphone.

Sometimes you have a hostesses who may bring the microphone to people for them to answer, but this depends on the size of the event. You’ll be in charge of picking somebody from the audience to answer.

A good practice is to repeat the answer to the audience in order to make sure everybody heard it. By doing so, you’ll give them the feeling of being part of the dialogue and you will show that you are careful to keep everybody in the loop .

Rhetorical questions

Rhetorical refers to those questions asked by a speaker who does not expect to receive an answer. Even though you know you don’t want an answer, the audience does not know if it’s a rhetorical question.

Their brains will be automatically triggered to elaborate an answer. Just by doing so, you’ll turn on their brains and you’ll catch their attention .

In order to maximize the effect of rhetorical questions, I recommend you to pause just after you ask.

People will be forced to think of an answer. If you talk too quickly and you skip immediately to the answer, they won’t have the time to think about the answer.

If you show you are thinking of the answer in real time, this will help you to make the audience feel close to you. They’ll feel involved and they’ll try helping with their answers. This already means that they are interacting with you, so you’ll have their attention.

Finally, if you choose this technique to open your presentation, I’d recommend you select the right number of questions based on their form . You do not want to open a full debate during your hook.

If you decide to go for open-ended questions, you won’t make more than one or two. On the other hand, if you ask a sequence of questions where the audience needs to raise their hands, you can ask more.

Question with surprise effect

A cool trick you could use for your presentation hook ideas is to send the audience in one mental direction , and then tell them they’re wrong. I know it sounds weird, but let me give you an example of a hook.

You ask a question and you give 3 possible options: A, B and C.

You ask the audience to vote for one of the 3 options . Once they vote, you tell them that none of the answers were correct. At this point, they’ll feel surprised and you can hook them, then show them the correct one.

You could build your speech step by step, commenting on why the 3 options are wrong . In this way, you’ll bring the audience to the message more naturally.

When I want to introduce the color theory for Lean Presentation Design , I commonly ask my students how many colors we need to use in a presentation, and I give them 3 options.

However, none of them is right, as I want to show them the technique on how to choose the best color palette to make colors work in the most effective way.

After the vote, they feel they have it wrong, so they want to know what the correct answer is. That’s a great hook for presentation.

Direct questions

Direct questions can be scary, and that’s why this is a powerful technique !

In this case, you ask the question and you pick someone random from the audience to answer. However, if the person does not know the answer or if they’re shy, they’ll feel embarrassed.

You need to be able to manage the embarrassment , or you’ll immediately create a tense atmosphere. However, people will know that you might call them all of the sudden to join the dialogue. Therefore, they’ll pay attention to avoid being caught unprepared.

Again, I recommend you to handle these situations carefully, because you do not want to recreate the atmosphere of a classroom exam.

Introduce yourself

I really like this technique and, more than the other presentation hook examples, I often use it during my training as a powerful icebreaker .

Instead of starting with you or your speech, start with your audience and ask them to introduce themselves one by one. I also like to add a question about what they expect to learn during my training , so I already set their expectations and I’m sure I’ll talk about something relevant to the audience.

One of the most common problems during presentations is that the audience isn’t interested in the topics discussed. On the other hand, it’s true that it’s often hard to know what everybody expects from the presentation, so what could be better than just asking them what they are looking for?

Knowing the people in front of you also enables you to acquire knowledge about your target and their language, so it will be easier for you to connect with them.

I suggest you to take note when people talk so that you can use the information during the rest of the presentation to hook them again.

For example, if I know that somebody comes from finance and wants to know how to present an ugly P&L, when I’m about to talk about that topic I can call his name and say something like, “Hey Anders, the coming section is the one you are interested in” . By doing this, I’ll wake him up and I’ll get his attention.

Another great technique to craft outstanding hook examples, is to discover the names of your attendants, so every time you talk to them, you can use their names . This will make them perceive you very close to them.

3. State a shocking fact

This is one of the classic presentation hook examples that leaves the audience with their mouths open, staring at you. To create this effect, you normally use a surprising statistic .

You can capture their attention by reminding them of their fears. If you properly leverage uncertainty, you can create anxiety due to the unknown, and people will need your answers to overcome their fears.

Jorge Soto uses this technique in his TED speech when he claims, “1 out of 3 people sitting in this audience will be diagnosed with some type of cancer”.

People are scared of cancer, so they want to listen to him to find out if he can provide them with a solution.

There are 2 ways to astonish your audience:

Did you know that…

When you start with the formula “Did you know that…? ” and add the fact, you are creating expectations. The trick is to choose the most effective stats to make the audience interested in your message. Therefore, you need a statistic that matches your presentation.

To get the right fact, it’s often a good practice to do some research in your field. But you can also find websites full of facts that you can use as hook sentence examples:

Did you know August has the highest percentage of births ?
Every 40 seconds someone in the world commits suicide.
Did you know that unless food is mixed with saliva, you can’t taste it?
Did you know the average person falls asleep in 7 minutes ?
The Earth is being shaken by Earthquakes over 1 million times per year .
Did you know 8% of people have an extra rib ?
Did you know all your blinking in one day equates to having your eyes closed for 30 minutes ?

When deciding to choose this technique, your slides will play a crucial role. Check the difference between the two slides below:

The one to the left is made with a powerful graphic, but the second one shows the consequences of an earthquake. It shows destroyed buildings and the army helping people. The second one shows a dramatic situation, so it makes the problem immediately relevant, as it brings the consequences to life.

Imagine how much stronger the message could be if the city represented is the same city where your audience lives. If you can relate scary facts to the audience, you will resonate with them and you’ll be able to get their attention .

Facts first

In this case, you shoot the fact straight to your audience and then you introduce the consequences.

Giulia Miur (check the analysis) gives an example:

Before the rule, more than 50 people here were dying in trenches every year. When you get killed in a cave-in, it’s not an easy way to go. You’re literally crushed to death under the weight of the soil. Soil weighs approximately 3,000 pounds per cubic yard. Nobody deserves to go to work and die that way .

Finally, when you use a provocative fact as a way to hook your audience, I’d recommend you to make sure you integrate the fact with emotions. Always keep in mind that you need to use a fact with relevant consequences to your audience.

4. Use quotations to grab them

Opening with a famous quotation is a great way to borrow credibility from somebody who is well recognized and accepted by everybody. There are tons of presentation hook examples that use quotations.

The beauty of a great quote is its power to distill. To punctuate. To make things click. Sometimes the moral is presented on a plate, obvious as can be; sometimes the delivery is more subtle and sly. No matter how they’re served up, the best quotes resonate – for days, weeks, even years. Forbes

Quotes play a curious effect of attributing to the speaker the values and the meanings behind them.

However, even though they have a powerful communication effect , they need to be used carefully.

In fact, you absolutely need to be sure that the quote you choose matches your message.

It needs to be relevant to what you want to say. Take your time to scan the sources and find the best quote for the specific message you have to communicate.

There are different kind of quotes you can use to obtain this effect:

Hook famous quote

They just have a powerful and commonly accepted effect on people. If you can associate the quote to a resonating image, you’ll hit your strike on the very first slide.

Say I want to present a new technology for snowboards. I could use the following slide to introduce my speech:

Snowboarder background with Einstein quote

You can source tons of famous quotes on the web. Let me share with you some of my favorite sources:

Presentation Hook Examples: movie quotes

Movies play a central role in most people’s lives. Movie quotes are a common knowledge and often part of jokes or slang.

Starting with a famous quote allows you to quickly connect to the audience, wake them up and creating presentation hook examples .

I’m presenting a new sailing boat brand. Instead of start saying why our boats are faster, with better sails and so on, I could start with the meaning behind the brand by quoting Captain Jack Sparrow:

If I want to sell plastic surgery to women, I could open my presentation with the following quote:

Person in shadows with 'Nobody is Perfect' text

I’m clearly copying Joe E. Brown in “Some Like It Hot” and I’m combining it with an image that allows me to introduce my message. With a simple quote and a related picture, I can mean whatever I want by borrowing the powerful communication effect from Joe.

You could source famous quotes from many different places and use them as unlimited source of presentation hook ideas, let them inspire you!

AFI’s 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes

Hook foreign quotes

You could also broaden the border of your quotes or proverbs and go catch some famous ones abroad. If your audience has never heard the quote, they could discover a new powerful proverb thanks to your speech.

Let’s make the presentation hook example of a company that produces yellow umbrellas. You could start with the famous Italian proverb shown in the slide below:

presentation hook examples | Maurizio La Cava

You can source many foreign proverbs from: site for foreign proverbs .

One more fantastic source of inspiration for quotes is Pinterest . You just type in “quotes” and it gives you many tags to combine to customize your research.

It also gives you some inspiration as all the posts associate an image to the quote.

Do not let Pinterest take your place . Remember that for this technique to work properly, you need to associate a meaningful image to the quote so that it delivers your message. Therefore, use it for inspiration but don’t let it do your job.

Another good way to leverage quotes is to adopt a controversial approach. You could also go against quotations and revert them: A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. But we need to remember that a journey to nowhere also starts with a single step. Bruna Martinuzzi

This will make the audience curious, as you are challenging a common belief. So they’ll want to hear how this can be possible and will focus their attention on you.

Another great technique to introduce quotations for your presentation hook ideas is to use a picture of the author :

If you are talking about a famous author, you’ll automatically inherit the values that they bring with them.

Finally, remember that quotes are a powerful way of making your presentations memorable to the audience . Leverage the opportunity to hook them since the beginning with an opening stunning quote.

5. Break common belief and provoke the audience

Provocation can be a great tool to hook your audience and to raise their curiosity . By provoking the audience, I mean you have to claim something that is totally against their belief.

You’ll then spend the whole presentation supporting the claim and demonstrating how it can be true. If you are able to uncover the truth step-by-step, you’ll have them hooked to the end.

Let me give you an example from the outstanding TED speech of Jane McGonigal :

I’m Jane McGonigal. I’m a game designer. I’ve been making games online now for 10 years, and my goal for the next decade is to try to make it as easy to save the world in real life as it is to save the world in online games. Now, I have a plan for this, and it entails convincing more people, including all of you, to spend more time playing bigger and better games. Right now we spend three billion hours a week playing online games. Some of you might be thinking: “That’s a lot of time to spend playing games.” Maybe too much time, considering how many urgent problems we have to solve in the real world. I’ve calculated the total we need at 21 billion hours of game play every week. […] In fact, I believe that if we want to survive the next century on this planet, we need to increase that total dramatically.

This is the point where the audience thinks:

“ Wow! Hold on a second. Are you really claiming that to save the world I should be spending more time playing video games?”

The common belief is that video games are a way to escape reality and to waste productive time. We all think that the new generations are burning their lives in playing video games.

But suddenly at TED, an influential speaker is claiming exactly the opposite and this makes the audience curious to know how it can be true that the reality is so different to what they thought.

Jane is also great at uncovering the message step by step through the presentation . The audience can’t really figure out why this is true until the very end. So Jane proceeds to hook the audience with a persuasive claim and keep them hooked until she shoots her message.

Finally, go against something the audience is convinced of and claim the opposite. Then walk them through your logic step by step to show how this is possible, and you’ll get their attention from beginning to end. This is a good presentation hook example .

6. Bring it to life

“A picture is worth a thousand words” is an English idiom meaning that a complex idea can be conveyed with just a single image, or that an image conveys its meaning more effectively than a description.

What makes a good hook in this case?

Opening with a picture, a video or a prop allows you to bring the subject to life immediately .

If you are a good presenter, you’ll be able to leverage the imagination of your audience, but if you place the subject in front of their eyes, it’s not even a matter of imagination, it’s just true.

Let’s suppose you are in charge of presenting the new Apple SIRI, the virtual assistant. You could start talking about the features and all the functions it has, you could tell your audience how to activate it on their iPhones, or you could just show them the following video:

Watch out, because surely this takes attention off you, so it decreases the pressure level.

But you need to be able to catch the attention back immediately .

If you use a picture or a prop, this goes very fast because the processing time of a picture is very fast, and a prop is normally shown by a presenter, who interacts with it.

If you show a video instead, you’ll lose the attention of the audience for entire the length of the video and you’ll need to re-catch it once the video is finished .

A video, more than a picture, can help you convey a whole emotional environment to the audience. You can show a product demo, but you can also show a powerful trailer with music and enticing footage. This is a perfect tip for outstanding presentation hook examples and ideas.

7. Make them laugh

Not an easy task, I know. To make the audience laugh, sometimes a joke might not be enough and on certain occasions, the audience might miss the joke, causing a no reaction at all.

Looking at what the other influencers suggest online, as a result of my analysis, I’ve found a common opinion about how to make the audience laugh. Tell them a joke.

You can easily source jokes online if you do not have one.

What happens if they do not laugh? Well, your hook is dead but this does not mean that you ruined the whole presentation, so ignore the reaction and keep going.

Now, based on my experience, often telling a joke is not enough because to make people laugh, you need to feel the moment, you need to feel the connection with them and you need to behave in a such surprising way that you automatically trigger the fun.

In the following presentation, I was giving an introduction lesson about Lean Presentation Design and I made them laugh just by playing with the rhythm of my voice and showing them what could happen to the audience if you show them ugly slides.

So I showed them an ugly slide and then I showed them the sleeping audience. That was enough to make them laugh. I can tell you that afterwards, they were receptive, paying attention up to the end of the presentation.

8. Leverage historical events

Let’s say you work for a company that produces solar panels and wind turbines. The company closed a bad financial year and you, as a CEO, need to go out today, 26 th of April, to motivate your board and get their commitment for the coming year.

Instead of reminding them that they won’t receive a bonus this year and that if they perform better, they will for the next year, you could motivate them by giving meaning to their work.

You could take advantage of that date (26 th of April), show the following slide and saying, “About 10 years ago in Ukraine, a catastrophic nuclear accident occurred. Today, we exist to give the world an alternative”.

Your start will empower your board members. They’ll feel their work is important and has a real impact on the world, it saves lives. From now on, you can make your presentation because you will have them hooked.

9. Trigger the audience imagination

Imagine a big explosion as you climb past 3,000 ft. Imagine a plane full of smoke. Imagine an engine going clack, clack, clack. It sounds scary.

Plane crash survivor Ric Elias begins his speech by bringing the audience back to the event, straight into the story, triggering their imagination and making them visualize the scene of the plane crush. By using the word “ imagine “, he turns on the people’s minds and force them to start seeing the images and feeling to be there.

A very effective way of using this technique is beginning with “ Close your eyes and imagine “. Because in closing their eyes, people will focus on image visualization, not being distracted by the environment or the speaker. Moreover, you could prepare a surprise for when they re-open their eyes.

You could also begin with a “ what if … ” form.

You could depict an ideal scenario that could actually be true if they listen what you have to say. Of course, it has to be a desirable scenario for the audience. Let’s say you invented a cure for cancer, you could start saying, “ What if cancer deaths stop today?” Build on it.

“ What if you could no longer lose someone close, a parent or friend, because of cancer?” and so on. You can keep going and build up expectations, and the farther you go, the more curious the audience will be.

10. Straight to the Problem

Start the presentation by describing the problem straight away . Be sure that the problem is relevant to the audience if you want your hook to resonate with them.

Let me give you a very simple example.

“Good morning, everybody. Competitor A took us over in terms of revenue this year and we have nothing with which to return fire”.

Now, if you work in that company, you might be interested in this fact and therefore you would want to know what comes next, to check whether there is a solution or if the speaker can just walk you closer to a solution.

If you give a clear and relevant problem to the audience, then this is a very quick technique to hook them from the very beginning without spending time searching for specific visuals or the right quote.

Elon Musk in the Debuts of Tesla Powerwall presentation made a memorable speech that started with this technique.

So, what I’m gonna talk about tonight is about a fundamental transformation of how the world works about how energy is delivered across the Earth. This is how it is today

Person giving presentation to an audience

It’s pretty bad, it sucks! Exactly! I just wanna be clear, because sometimes some people are, like, confused about it. This is real. This is actually how most power of the world is generated, with fossil fuels, and if you look at the curve, that’s a famous curve, the Keeling curve…

He hooked the audience bringing their attention straight to a well-known shared problem ; this is a good presentation hook example.

…which shows the growth in CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, and every year it ratchets up, it gets higher and higher, and if we do nothing, that’s where it’s headed to levels that we don’t even see in the fossil record.

Well, I think we collectively should do something about this and not try to win the Darwin Award for us and a lot of other creatures too.

At this point, he starts with his discourse:

The way the grid works today is this: you got coal, you got natural gas, nuclear, hydro and wind and solar […].

11. Set the expectations

First of all, I want to make it clear that setting expectations does not absolutely mean sharing a summary of your presentation like the one shown in the slide below.

That would just bore your audience even before you start the presentation, and won’t add anything to them.

Let’s take an example from Cordell instead, who tells we should leverage the hook to go straight to the point and tell the audience:

What about the topic
What you need to know
What you need to do

In this case, the audience feels more like you take care of them and you are saving them time by giving them only the information they need to know to take the proper action, which you’ll suggest as well.

In his 40.2 million views TED speech, Sir Ken Robinson gives an anticipation of 2 main topics that have been discussed by the others and that he wants to discuss during his presentation.

Check the first 2 minutes of the video below.

Without any special effects, Sir Robinson starts anticipating two main topics he will discuss and connecting his speech to the conference.

This technique isn’t creative at all compared to the others, but it is extremely powerful because tells the audience that they won’t waste their time and you’ll go straight to the point.

Imagine the scene when you come up on the stage and the first thing you say is, “Today, I’ll be telling you two things…”

A presentation hook examples technique comes from the outstanding presentation of Steve Jobs for the launch of the first iPhone. He sets the expectation and goes far beyond just exceeding them!

If you haven’t watched this video yet, you’ll be astonished:

Today we are going to introduce 3 revolutionary products of this class: the first one is an iPod.

The second is a revolutionary mobile phone.

And the third is a breakthrough internet communication device.

So, an iPod, a phone and a revolutionary internet communication device.

At this point, he keeps repeating the same sentence, telling the audience the three devices that he’s going to introduce.

At this point, the audience starts laughing and clapping his hands because they think he is happy about these 3 new devices, but here he comes out with an explosive surprise.

These are not 3 separate devices, this is one device!

Boom! The audience goes crazy, he’s got them hooked from the very first moment of the presentation.

12. Use a surprising metaphor

Start with an image, just to create a suspense effect linked to your message and then uncover your message step-by-step with a metaphor .

The president of an electronics equipment company needed his managers to cut costs. Rather than showing mundane charts, graphs, and spreadsheets, he opened the meeting by asking, “What sank the Titanic?” When everyone in unison replied, “an iceberg,” he displayed a beautiful high-definition image of an iceberg on the screen: the tip of the iceberg was clearly visible above the water; the much larger portion was dimly visible below the surface of the water.

The same thing is about to happen to our company, he continued. Hidden costs — the dangers beneath the surface — are about to sink this company. I need your help. This visual metaphor spawned a creative, productive brainstorming session that inspired every business unit manager to diligently hunt for what they labeled the “icebergs”, says Price. The result was saving millions and ultimately the company.

Trying to imagine his opening slide, I designed the following graphic:

Mentioning the Lean Presentation Design Book here, you get a famous tip from Seth Godin:

The home run is easy to describe: You put up a slide. It triggers an emotional reaction in the audience. They sit up and want to know what you’re going to say that fits in with that image. Then, if you do it right, every time they think of what you said, they’ll see the image (and vice versa). Sure, this is different from the way everyone else does it. But everyone else is busy defending the status quo (which is easy) and you’re busy championing brave new innovations, which is difficult.

13. Combine more hooking techniques together

We went through a long list of presentation hook ideas coming from all the most influential speakers on the net. You’ll have to choose your technique based on the specific situation and on your audience. However, nobody said you can’t combine more of them together to craft your special perfect opening.

In the following video, Alan Watts , master of storytelling, combines two presentation hook techniques we have analyzed.

First, he asks couple of rhetorical questions to the viewer and then introduces a story from his personal experience with his students.

It takes time to get to the message but when he gets there, you feel that what he’s telling you is the natural consequence of the story that brought you there (good hook for a presentation).

As a result, you are hooked from the beginning and the video results in impactful and memorable storytelling .

What did this video make you think? Did you like it? I just love this video and I like listening to this storytelling, as it is incredibly impactful.

The Hooking Strategy Map

For those looking to explore a structured approach to crafting engaging presentation openings, “The Hooking Strategy Map” provides a comprehensive guide. Designed to assist individuals in creating impactful beginnings for their presentations, this resource outlines a variety of strategies tailored to different audiences and contexts.

Each strategy is accompanied by real-world examples, common pitfalls, and the potential impact on audience engagement. By leveraging these techniques, presenters can effectively capture attention and maintain interest throughout their talks, ensuring their message is both memorable and persuasive.

Whether you are aiming to tell a compelling story, pose thought-provoking questions, or surprise your audience with a shocking fact, this map serves as an invaluable tool in your presentation toolkit.

Click to download

Try one of these presentation hook examples

A good hook for a speech launched in the first seconds of the presentation is the difference between success and failure.

Now you have 13 presentation hook ideas , and a long list of videos and examples from which you can take inspiration every time you need to make a new hook.

If you liked this piece of research, I’d invite you to share and comment in order to enrich the guide and make it even more useful, thanks to the contribution of new readers. I’m looking forward to seeing your presentation hook ideas described in the comments below.

Have you ever successfully hooked you audience? How did you do? What are your favorite presentation hook ideas?

Let me know your presentation hook examples.

Key Takeaways

The First Five Minutes are Critical : The majority of your audience’s attention is lost within the first five minutes. Capturing their interest from the start is essential to keeping them engaged throughout the presentation.

Storytelling is Powerful : Opening with a personal story can humanize you as a speaker, making the audience feel more connected to you. It’s an effective way to build trust and maintain attention.

Engage with Questions : Asking questions, whether rhetorical or direct, triggers curiosity and interaction. This technique can quickly turn passive listeners into active participants.

Start with a Shocking Fact : Presenting a surprising statistic or fact can immediately grab attention. It works well if the fact is relevant to the audience and relates directly to the topic of your presentation.

Use Quotations Strategically : A well-chosen quote can lend credibility to your message. It’s important to ensure that the quote is relevant and enhances the point you’re making.

Break Common Beliefs : Challenging the audience’s preconceived notions with a provocative statement can spark curiosity and keep them hooked as you unfold your argument.

Incorporate Visuals : Beginning with a striking image, video, or prop can bring your topic to life and make it more relatable. Visuals are processed quickly and can make your message more memorable.

Humor Can Be Effective : Starting with a joke or a light-hearted comment can relax the audience and make them more receptive to your message. However, timing and relevance are key to making humor work.

Set Expectations Early : Clearly stating what the audience will gain from your presentation can help align their focus and make them more engaged in the content.

Use Metaphors to Simplify Complex Ideas : A surprising metaphor can create a strong mental image that helps the audience understand and remember your message. It’s a subtle yet effective way to convey deeper meanings.

How can I keep my audience engaged throughout a presentation?

To keep your audience engaged, start with a strong hook that captures their attention from the very beginning. Use storytelling, surprising facts, or interactive questions to create an emotional connection with your audience and maintain their focus throughout your presentation.

What is the importance of a presentation hook?

A presentation hook is crucial because it determines whether your audience will stay engaged or lose interest early on. A well-crafted hook can make your presentation more impactful and memorable by grabbing attention and setting the tone for the entire talk.

Can storytelling be an effective hook for a presentation?

Yes, storytelling is one of the most powerful presentation hooks. By sharing a personal or relatable story, you can create an emotional connection with your audience, making them more likely to listen to and trust you. Stories also help to humanize the presenter and make complex ideas more understandable.

How can I involve my audience in the presentation?

You can involve your audience by asking interactive questions, encouraging them to participate in discussions, or using live polls. Interaction keeps the audience engaged and helps to create a dynamic and responsive environment, making your presentation more impactful.

What are some examples of presentation hooks?

Some effective presentation hooks include starting with a surprising fact or statistic, using a relevant quote, telling a compelling story, or posing a provocative question. Each of these hooks can capture the audience’s attention and set the stage for a successful presentation.

The 13 most successful hook ideas ever

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Maurizio La Cava

About Maurizio

Comments on Presentation Hooks: the 13 most successful presentation hook examples

Thanks for the article – this was a fantastic resource for putting together my upcoming seminar presentation.

Great tips and ideas to focus on to get the audiences engagement

Mark Peter Quitorio

Very Nice, it helps me a lot to explore this techniques

I wanted to stop by and give my genuine feedback on your website. I really enjoyed to read your content, I think it’s interesting and very well written. I’ve been on your website for an hour or so and very enjoyed it.

I didn’t find your Instagram page though, do you have one?

Best, Yalla

Like a fine thoroughbred, you need to hit the ground running by starting strong. Instead, many presenters are more like old, tired workhorses—they start weak by wasting those first precious seconds with platitudes and pleasantries. Brain research shows that we don t pay attention to boring things. Surprise your listeners with a hook that immediately grabs their attention.

This was great information especially for my presentation

I love the way you practice what you profess to be true. Usually I flip through websites about public speaking… It’s pretty much all the same. YOURS WAS TOTALLY DIFFERENT. You actually showed us with words, with online examples, and with the presentation of your own message: Presentation hook examples. YOU KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK!!

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Table of Contents

9 Killer Speech Openers to Start a Talk or Presentation.

Danny Riley 8 min read

What you’ll learn:

The importance of a “killer” speech opening.
9 powerful speech openers and how to use them.
Examples from great speakers you can learn from.

Great speech openers hook your audience.

“ Well begun is half done” – Mary Poppins.

A killer speech opener will make the difference between a presentation that makes you soar or your audience snore .

I’ve researched the whole web to find nine killer speech openers to make your audience lean in and listen rather than tune out and daydream.

You’ll see how masters of the craft have used them, and how you can too.

Number seven takes chutzpah to pull off. Ready for the whole list of killer speech openers?

The Shock Opener

One of the best ways to open your speech with a buzz is to startle or shock them.

You can shock an audience in many ways, but they all rest on the major senses of V.A.K.S:

Visual
Kinaesthetic (touch)

We don’t want your audience tasting your talk, but it should leave a good taste in their mouths.

Changing Minds suggests asking if the audience is awake after appearing from a flash bang and a cloud of smoke, and this might work for you if you’re a magician or playing some kind of character for your speech like a genie.

Suppose you aren’t going for the magic angle.

In that case, you can shock them on a psychological level instead, as Conor Neill recommends, and tell your audience a surprising fact or statistic that makes them question their thinking or beliefs.

“Did you know that half the water on earth is older than the sun?”

Questions like these will shake an audience awake and turn on their critical thinking nervous-system.

Don’t take my word for it; you can see an incredible demonstration of the shock opener in Mohammed Qahtani’s speech, The Power of Words .

Qahtani opens by taking out a cigarette and placing it into his mouth before trying to light it. The audience is so shocked that they gasp and tell him to stop.

Remember, if your audience is shocked, they are listening.

Your audience doesn’t always have to be jolted to attention with a shock opener, though you can use a more subtle approach to grab their focus.

Ready to speak with confidence ? We offer virtual & in-person coaching.

The story opener.

You can set the tone of your speech instantly with a story .

In Hollywood, filmmakers and directors use an ‘establishing shot’ to set the tone and theme of the entire film.

When creating your speech, think of a short story that sums up your talk.

Maybe you tell half the story to begin with, and then the other half at the end.

The important thing is your tale must be relatable . If your audience can’t imagine themselves in the story, they won’t be engaged.

We all experience very similar things in life:

We all went to school and had a teacher we loved
We all have parents who loved us or made mistakes in our upbringing
We all had a first crush.

We are all cut from the same cloth, so it’s good to be reminded that others are going through what we face or think as we do.

Bryan Stevenson does a stellar job of recounting his mischievous grandmother in his TED talk, We need to talk about an injustice .

The best thing is, you can combine a story-opener with any other speech opener in this list.

It’s truly versatile.

One of my favourite speech openers is next, though.

The Intrigue Opener

I love this speech opener.

What better way to hook your audience than to intrigue them with mystery or a juicy secret?

Have a look at Daniel Pink’s TED Talk The puzzle of motivation . After he begins, Pink, looking like a guilty man sent to the gallows, tells his audience:

“I need to confess something, at the outset here. A little over 20 years ago, I did something I regret. Something I’m not particularly proud of”.

Wow. How intriguing, right?

You have to admit; you want to know what he’s about to confess.

Choose every sentence, every word, and every mark of punctuation to increase the tantalisation temperature.

Whether it’s a secret or confession, the Intrigue Opener piques just enough curiosity in your audience to keep them from checking WhatsApp.

As humans, we need closure.

We do not like open loops.

That’s why it is both enthralling and aggravating when someone plays on our need to be sure.

Just as we cannot stand an open loop, we are instantly engaged when someone gives us a puzzle to solve.

You’ll notice the best speeches, books, TV shows, and films do not spoon-feed you all the information.

I’ve always liked the way Malcolm Gladwell writes his non-fiction books, because they contain puzzles that you solve as a reader.

This puzzle needs to be related to the speech or presentation you’re delivering, of course. It cannot be a random puzzle and will ideally be impossible or extremely difficult to solve at first.

After the speech begins, and the puzzle is revealed, you should slowly drop hints on how to solve the mystery.

Up next, speech openers that use a physical object to create curiosity in the audience’s mind.

The Prop Opener

One of the most potent ways you will captivate your audience is to use a powerful prop in your opening address.

What better way to capture an audience’s imagination than to show them a mysterious or beautiful object?

If you’ve never seen the Prop Opener done well, then have a look at one of the greatest speeches of all time:

Dananjaya Hettiarachchi’s, See Something .

Danajaya enters with a simple rose in his breast pocket, takes it out, gazes at it nostalgically, smells it and then begins to speak.

This same prop appears again right at the end of his speech to end his talk with a flourish.

There are many different props you can use.

JJ Abrams used a Mystery Box to absorb the audience’s attention, and used the box as a metaphor for his entire career.

If you think the prop opener is just for TED Talks and Toastmasters Final Speeches, remember that most company product launch centre around one or more props.

Steve Jobs revealed his new products in ever-innovative ways.

Still, while the last two speeches I’ve mentioned opened with physical items, most of Jobs’s presentations built intrigue through the sight of the product.

So remember, you can use an object, or tease your audience with the absence of a prop, but make that prop integral to your talk.

You don’t always have to use a prop, of course.

A more minimalist approach to opening your speech uses the best audience reaction a speaker can receive: laughter.

The Funny Opener

Using laughter to win over your audience is the golden ticket to immediate rapport with your audience.

Jack Schafer, PhD at Psychology Today, said that People Will Like You If You Make Them Laugh , which seems obvious, but at least you know we have scientists on the case.

He also mentions that constructing humour requires and projects a high level of intelligence .

Of course, laughter is subjective, but it is also infectious, and if you get enough members of your audience to titter, it will spread across the whole group.

If you want to see just how quickly you can win an audience over with humour, have a look at Ken Robinson’s subtle but delightful ability to raise a chuckle in his speech Do Schools Kill Creativity?

Ken’s ability to speak conversationally to an audience of thousands is genuinely remarkable.

If you break down his humour, it is easy to see how you could include similar content in your presentations.

Whether you can pull it off as well as Ken is another story.

Not everyone feels like they can be a comedian, though; I get that.

Well, that’s alright because there are other ways to open your talk that play on other strong emotions.

You can inspire your audience, too.

The Inspirational Opener

One of my favourite ways to help beginner speakers to open their presentation is with a quote.

A quote acts like a story in that it sets the tone and theme of your speech, but it takes much less effort and even less skill.

An effective quote is usually only one line long and supported by the credibility of the original author who uttered those words.

Watch the way Clint Smith opens his TED Talk The Danger of Silence .

Using Martin Luther King’s voice to start his speech gives Clint what psychologists call the transference effect .

Just by citing someone else, especially someone admired and famous, you redirect the emotions an audience have towards that person onto yourself.

One caveat to using quotes, though:

Fact check them . I cringe whenever I see someone incorrectly quoting someone.

Have you ever heard the quote by Albert Einstein:

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results”?

A great quote, isn’t it?

But Albert Einstein never said those words .

A quick check on Reuters will help you add more credibility to your inspirational opener.

Finally, try to use a quote few people have ever heard. Inspiring words have been filling the archives of history for millennia. Seek out something that has been left dusty on the shelf, rather than the same recycled iterations.

Next, let’s look at a type of bold speech opener that take real chutzpah to land well.

The Perspective Shift Opener

A powerful speech opener that will take confidence is the perspective shift opener.

This opener will lead the audience in one direction before changing direction and setting a new pace for the speech.

Cameron Russel does a fantastic job of controlling the frame in her TED Talk, Looks aren’t everything. Believe me; I’m a model.

Russel takes to the stage dressed in a skimpy dress and begins to tell the audience about her career, but then does a rapid wardrobe change on stage in front of the entire audience.

This change of dress sets a new tone, feel, and direction for the speech.

If you can change the audience’s perspective or frame of reality, you are in the driving seat.

One of the best things you can hope for as a speaker is moving hearts and changing minds.

If you aren’t a confident speaker, start small.

Vanessa Van Edwards suggests never mentioning how nervous you are.

It’s distracting and makes the audience pick up on all the subtle nervous energy and cues you give off. Control the frame instead and act cool and confident: they will buy into it.

Another great way to hold frame control over an audience is by using the power of silence .

The Silence Opener

Silence is a valuable commodity in today’s noisy and distracting digital world.

Creating silence at the beginning of your talk can profoundly affect your audience and their focus.

Did you ever have a teacher at school who used silence effectively?

When my English classmates were noisy, our teacher Mr Rylance would hold up his hand for silence.

Slowly, we would settle down and focus on his raised hand.

A few would giggle, but that would peter out until we all sat in a hypnotic stillness.

If you want to see an example of how to use silence, then look at Neal Glitterman’s speech The Power of Silence .

You can see how much gravity silence can have , especially as a speech opener.

The final killer opener I want to introduce you to is the big promise opener.

The Big Promise Opener

I believe that all speeches and presentations should contain a big promise, as it tells your audience why they should keep on listening.

Ideally, your big promise will be your speech title or phrase that pays, which is a recurring foundational phrase you will use throughout your presentation.

A big promise is your way of making a deal with the audience : you listen to me, and you’ll get something in return.

Creating a big promise at the beginning of your speech is like adding a teaser trailer to the beginning of a TV show. It suggests a reason you should stick around.

When Arthur Benjamin introduces his talk Faster than a calculator by announcing:

“I am a human calculator!”

You know that proof is on the way.

Remember the essential rule of the Big Promise Opener: make it big, and keep your promise.

Impress your audience with these killer speech openers.

I hope you feel that I kept my promise of sharing nine killer speech openers to start a presentation.

Did you notice any other speech openers at the beginning of this article?

Don’t forget; these openers can be mixed and matched.

You can include a number of these speech openers in the same presentation to create more impact.

Let me know which of these killer openers was your favourite, and let me know if you have any more you’d like to share.

To your public speaking success,

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333 Informative Speech Topics To Rock Your Presentation

A powerful presentation covers a compelling topic that sparks your interest and hooks the audience. Use this master list to find your next great speech idea.

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You have been assigned a speech, presentation, or essay, but you have no clue what to talk about. A powerful presentation begins with a compelling topic that sparks your interest and hooks the audience. But you also need to discuss something you feel excited to research and discuss.

This guide contains 333 informative speech topics for your next presentation, plus pro tips for delivering the best presentation possible.

What Is An Informative Speech?

Informative speeches aim to teach or instruct the audience about a topic. They include objective information and fact-based research but can incorporate a unique perspective, compelling storytelling , or a powerful take-home message. Unlike a celebratory wedding toast or an inaugural speech , informative speeches are written specifically to educate.

The six key types of informative speeches are:

Definition speeches : This speech aims to explain a concept or theory. For example, a speech topic starting with “What is…?” is usually a definition-type informative speech.
Explanatory speeches : These speeches explain how something works. For example, an explanatory speech could explain how your brain processes information or how an electric car works.
Demonstrative speeches : These classic “how-to’s” show the audience how to perform a task and often include a visual presentation. For example, students could teach their classmates how to be more productive or cook a healthy meal.
Comparative speeches : When a speaker compares or contrasts two alternative things, they help the audience understand the similarities or differences between two topics. For example, a comparative speech may weigh the pros and cons of private versus public schools.
Descriptive speeches : This informative speech describes a person, place, or thing and explains why the subject is essential. For example, a student may teach their classmates about a historical figure, or an entrepreneur may give a descriptive speech about the specifics of their product idea.
Persuasive informative speeches : Although persuasive speeches are often categorized separately, some informative speeches can cross over into persuasion by using evidence to convince the audience why a particular method or perspective is better than its alternatives. For example, a salesperson may give a presentation to convince clients to buy their services, or a mental health advocate may give a speech to persuade people to do yoga more regularly.

How To Pick An Informative Speech Topic: The Five W’s

Whether you want to give a top-notch school speech assignment or a groundbreaking TED Talk , the best informative speeches have one thing in common: they deliver a purposeful message with a captivating delivery. You must understand the basic who, what, when, where, and why to pick the perfect topic.

Who: Before you start looking for topics, you should know who your audience is. A college speech class is a far different audience than a room of conference attendees. Consider what your audience is interested in, why they should care about your speech and their level of knowledge about the topic. If you talk about something too basic, they may be bored, but if you discuss something too technical, they may have difficulty understanding your speech.
What: Consider your passions and existing knowledge about a subject. The “what” of your speech is the meat of the presentation. Imagine a three-circle Venn diagram. The three circles are labeled: “things I am interested in,” “things my audience cares about,” and “things I can research.” The center point where these three circles overlap is the sweet spot for your speech topic.
When (Length): The length of your speech can drastically impact how in-depth you dive into the topic. A five-minute speech should cover a niche topic or a high-level concept. A thirty-minute to an hour-long presentation can teach about a more detailed topic.
Where: If you’re giving a speech in a meeting room at an office, your performance will likely be very different from speaking on stage in a large auditorium. Consider where you will be speaking and what kind of technology (projector, large screen, whiteboard, etc.) you will have available. The geographic location of your speech can also determine your selection of a local or regional topic relevant to the community.
Why: Most importantly, you should know the purpose of your speech. If your goal is to get a good grade, it may help you pay more attention to following the teacher’s rubric. If your goal is to convince the audience to make a lifestyle change or donate to an important cause, you should structure your speech with the core “why” in mind.

The best speeches combine a simple message with charismatic delivery, an easily digestible structure, and something the audience can relate to. The essence of a great speech is that it arouses something in the audience, such as the motivation to take action or to see things in a new way.

List of Informative Speech Topics: 333 Ideas to Spark Your Creativity

In an informative speech, it is essential to have plenty of evidence or data to support your claims. But even the most well-researched presentation can feel hollow without the passion for delivering it authentically.

As you explore ideas for your speech, you should naturally gravitate toward intriguing and exciting topics. Giving a speech about something you think your teacher or colleagues will like (rather than what you’re truly interested in) could ultimately be inauthentic or boring. Take note of what makes your heart beat a little faster and follow that curiosity .

Easy Informative Speech Topics

If you’re in a pinch, choose a speech topic that doesn’t require extensive explanations to get the point across. It may be a good idea to avoid anything controversial or technical. Instead, choose a straightforward demonstrative or descriptive topic with a wide range of online information.

How to improve your communication skills
The most memorable speeches in history
Why you should buy an electric car
The most popular cars of the year
How to read body language
Top habits of successful people
The most famous actors in history
The benefits of time in nature
Lesser known presidents
Most popular breeds of dogs
The worst natural disasters in the world
How to eat healthier
Harmful impacts of technology
How to survive without electricity
The richest people in the world
The top companies in the world
Child geniuses and prodigies
How does sugar influence the body?
The history of Disneyland
How to break bad habits
Top beauty products for younger skin
How to do your homework faster
How to be more productive
High school students should do these 5 things before graduating
Why high school students should take a gap year before college
The best healthy snacks
Why you should go vegan
How to be more confident
How to start a business
Fashion through the decades

Pro Tip : Start your speech with an attention-grabbing hook that draws the audience in to listen. Try not to start by mentioning a technical difficulty (“Is this microphone working?”) or saying a lackluster nicety (“Thanks for having me.”).

Instead, try starting with:

A story: “I’m here for a reason. And It’s an interesting story….”
A big idea: “The single most important thing I want to share with you today is….”
A quirky one-liner or interesting fact: “You might have always thought….”

Here is a guide on How to Start a Speech: Best and Worst Speech Openers .

You can also watch our video to learn the best (and worst) speech openers:

Informative Speech Topics for College

If public speaking isn’t scary enough, college speech classes can be brutal. You want to impress your professor without thoroughly embarrassing yourself in front of your peers. These topics are scholarly without being boring.

How you can reduce your carbon footprint
Different forms of learning
The truth about microplastics and possible alternatives
How to ace a college test
Why schools shouldn’t give homework
America’s fastest-growing cities
The differences between female and male communication
The best marketing tactics
The importance of education for a country’s economy
Ethical questions of artificial intelligence
Unique ways to stop global climate change
How to live to be 100
Benefits of E-learning
History of education in America
How to eradicate poverty
The real picture of foster care in America
How to decide on a college major
Pros and cons of the current education system
Economics of urban versus rural development
The history of agriculture
How ancient Egyptians built the pyramids
How to prevent the top 5 leading causes of death in America
Understanding industrial hemp
Pros and cons of remote work
How college students can become millionaires by age 50 with monthly investing
How to start an organic garden
Private vs. public school
The importance of discipline
The most useful websites for college students
Where does public university funding come from

Fun Informative Speech Topics

Most people don’t realize that playful topics like video games and reality TV can still be informative. These less serious subjects have the potential to become great speeches that invoke laughter, excitement, or new perspectives.

Can procrastination be good for you?
Myth or reality? We only use 10% of our brains
The funniest commercials of all time
Bizzare sports you didn’t know existed
How snake venom attacks the body
What will humans look like in the future?
Weirdest medical facts
The strangest phobias
Secrets to a great relationship
The fastest cars in the world
What causes hiccups
Evidence of life on Mars
The world history of tattoos
Why college students love fast food
The evolution of video games
How cryptocurrency can change finance
Where do stereotypes come from?
The most bizarre conspiracy theories
The most influential musicians of our time
Top craziest amusement park rides in the world
The most fun things to do when you’re bored
History of tattoo art
The seven wonders of the world
How to survive an annoying roommate
The truth about reality shows
How to create a bucket list
The secrets behind the best TV shows
Weirdest foods taste surprisingly delicious
How to talk to people you don’t like

Interesting Informative Speech Topics

The most viral TED Talks combine a compelling or unique idea with exceptional nonverbal delivery. These interesting topics are sure to get your audience thinking.

The neuroscience of attraction
Mind-blowing facts about volcanoes
The psychology of selling things
Why you should turn your lawn into a garden
Proof that aliens are real/fake
How to start a business for under $100
The history of America from a minority perspective
How technology affects our brains
What would happen to the economy if everyone grew their own food?
The science and ethics of genetic modification
How the electric car originated
Elon Musk’s rise to success
What is neuro-linguistic programming (NLP)?
How deaf people talk with emotion
Why smiles are contagious

Informative Speech Topics About Science

From biology to chemistry to genetics, science encompasses many subjects. Where modern technology meets cutting-edge discoveries, these topics are for inquisitive researchers who want to dig into the data.

How your brain works
History of space exploration
How solar panels work
The evolution of plants
Fascinating origins of plant medicines
How DNA evidence is used
How galaxies are formed
How science is influenced by corporations
Why dinosaurs really went extinct
The oldest fossils ever found
How does the human brain work?
The effects of music on the brain
The life of Albert Einstein
How earthquakes can be predicted
The craziest scientists in history
What is CRISPR?
Potential cures for cancer
What is epigenetics?

Pro Tip : Google Scholar and PubMed are two excellent resources for peer-reviewed scientific literature. Accredited institutions conduct these studies and have undergone the rigor of the scientific method. They even include easy copy-and-paste citations if you need to turn in a bibliography with your speech.

Informative Speech Topics about Animals

From cuddly pets to the alien-like mystery creatures of the deep ocean, animals are universally fascinating.

How to train a dog
The most dangerous animals in the ocean
How elephants use plants to medicate themselves
The science behind the fastest animals in the world
Can depression be treated with emotional support animals?
Comparing reptiles versus mammals
The strongest animal in the world
Top 10 strangest animals on Earth
Comparing human and primate brains
Animals that have their own languages
Ethical questions with animal testing
What causes animals to become extinct?
How to adopt a cat
Pros and cons of the pet adoption system
Is it kind to keep a monkey as a pet?

Informative Speech Topics Sports

Fitness, sports medicine, and professional sports teams are just scraping the surface regarding this subject. You can talk about the inspiring life of your favorite player or game history. The speech topics are perfect for anyone who loves to sweat and cheer.

How sports teach kids discipline
The importance of physical activity for stress relief
Why companies should promote workplace fitness programs
Top-paying careers in sports
How people with disabilities can still play sports
Football culture in the American south
The importance of sports for children’s socialization
The role of sports and masculinity in young boys
Gambling problems in sports
What makes a great sports coach?
The best football players of all time
How yoga can complement workouts
How to prevent sports injuries
The best physical therapy for college athletes
The life of Michael Jordan
Game-changing athletes in history
Lebron James’ secret to success
How Jackie Robinson transformed baseball
The best nutrition for athletes, based on science
Top vegan athletes in the world
Why cheerleading is/isn’t a real sport
Controversial moments in the Olympics
Modern controversies about transgender athletes
The most extreme sports in the world
How hockey changed my life
Pros and cons of CrossFit
Why swimming is one of the healthiest workouts
How adult hobby sports can improve socialization
Daily exercise improves mental health
The best at-home workouts
Top marketing strategies used by the Super Bowl
How the Olympics promotes international peace
Should pro athletes have salary caps?
How college athletes go pro
Top female athletes in the world
Interesting sports from around the world
Why height is not the most important factor in basketball
Why soccer is the most popular international sport
Why women’s soccer gets less media coverage than men’s
The best solo sports for introverts
How handicapped people can still play sports
The most inspirational handicapped athletes

Bonus Tip: Level Up Your Speech With Stage Presence

Did you know that public speaking is actually a skill? Many people struggle with stage anxiety because they feel they ‘missed the memo’ on public speaking or they are lacking because they do not have a natural stage presence. Not true!

Stage presence and public speaking are skills you need to be taught—very few people have them naturally.

Watch our video to learn 7 steps to overcome stage fright and beat performance anxiety:

Here are all the aspects of public speaking you can master.

How to make a first impression with an audience
How to have stage presence
Powerful body language
How to speak with a commanding voice
What to do with your hands while speaking

For every speaking skill you add to your toolbox, the less speaking anxiety you will feel.

If you want help really diving into your presentation skills, be sure to sign-up for our course…

Master Your People Skills

Create a Memorable Presence
Communicate with Confidence
Achieve Your Goals

Have a question about the presentation or People School? Email Science of People support .

Cultural Informative Speech Topics

Learning about different cultures can drastically expand your viewpoint of the world. These speech ideas cover everything from language to ancient history to pop culture.

How to learn about local culture while traveling
The importance of workplace culture
How to build a positive corporate culture
How social media connects and promotes culture
The oldest cultures in the world
Modern versus traditional gender roles
How women have transformed corporate leadership
The dangers of hustle culture
How social media culture impacts self-esteem
How to learn from watching movies
The rise of podcasts and their role in modern culture
The role of social media in business
How immigrants maintain cultural traditions in their new countries
Ancient archeological artifacts you’ve never heard of
Native American spiritual traditions
Holy herbs and plants across global cultures
How to make an African tribal basket
The portrayal of black culture in the media
Culture of Scandinavia
Burial rituals in ancient Mesopotamia
History and meaning of the Om symbol
The history of Buddhism
How to show respect in Japanese culture
The cultural history of African Americans
Chinese traditional foods
Top 10 foreign dishes you have to try before you die
The most important spiritual symbols in the world
Generational differences in Mexican culture
The symbolism of marigolds in Mexican traditions
What is Dia De Los Muertos?

Want to radically improve your presentation skills? Watch our video for 10 presentation ideas:

Informative Speech Topics About History

They say, “history repeats itself.” Consider giving a unique or lesser-known perspective about historical events for a thought-provoking speech. Use museum artifacts and first-hand accounts to guide your points.

The Civil Rights Movement
The oldest civilizations in the world
Nelson Mandela’s historical impact
The truth about colonization and Thanksgiving
How the Industrial Revolution impacted the environment
The real story of the Titanic
The craziest criminals in history
What caused the Great Depression?
What schools get wrong about black history
Religion during the age of the Aztecs
Archeological evidence of aliens
Ancient history of dogs and wolves
What caused the Salem witch trials?
The American Revolution
The role of Christianity in slavery
Human rights violations throughout history
How life changed for Native Americans after colonization
The role of urbanization on the changing American landscape
The cowboy era: myths and truths
The American Constitution
The most influential people in world history
Forming of the United Nations
What caused World War I?
Financial panics and recessions throughout history
The Prohibition era
What led to consumerism in society?
The Vietnam War
The California Gold Rush
The true story of Pocahontas
Little-known facts about Mexican history

Informative Speech Topics About Music

Music is the soundtrack to our lives. Beyond mere entertainment, its impact dives into the roots of culture, identity, and brain function. Here are some exciting ways to incorporate your love of music into an informative speech.

How music can help mental health
Why you should learn an instrument
How listening to music improves your productivity
Genres of music
Links between classical music and IQ
Why do people bond over music
Rarest instruments in the world
The easiest instruments to play
Best country musicians of all time
How hip hop music has shaped culture in America
Evolution of rap and hip hop
The origins of rock n’ roll in southern blues music
The history of opera
The best electronic dance music
The impact of reggae music
How punk rock got its start
How folk music shaped Appalachia
Country music hall of fame
Must-see musical landmarks around the world
Importance of gospel music
The ethics of sampling other artist’s music
How music shapes subculture
Has social media made record companies obsolete?
The importance of musical education in public schools
Music as a form of protest
How sad music helps you overcome heartbreaks
Why music shapes generations
How dancing can change your mindset
From the phonograph to iPhone: History of music machines

Health Informative Speech Topics

The ever-changing landscape of health offers a wealth of resources. Leave an impact on your audience by inspiring them to improve their eating habits or approach healthy living in a new way. Be sure to find the right sources for these speeches to make sure you are citing correct health science.

How to extend your lifespan
Links between diet and mental illnesses
How to cook healthy food on a budget
Why a daily walk outside can transform your health
History of herbal medicine
Let food be thy medicine: From Hippocrates to modern day food pyramid
Why you should do yoga for 15 minutes a day
Benefits and drawbacks of a vegetarian diet
The healthiest fruits in the world
What is really in processed food?
Is weight lifting or cardio better for burning fat?
How agriculture affects our health
The gut microbiome
The dangers of pesticides in our food system
How soil health impacts human health
Who controls the food system?
The science behind keto diets
The dangers of low-fat diets
Top 5 best foods for brain function
The daily habits of the healthiest people in the world
Differences in definitions of health
European versus American food ingredients
The role of fats in brain function
How to fix a headache
The benefits of magnesium
The best supplements, according to science
The main signs of a stroke
The chronic disease epidemic in America
How to lose weight the healthy way
Why you should avoid eating seed oils
Why you should stop eating gluten
How to prevent arthritis
The real causes of diabetes
Is meat actually bad for you? Pros and cons
How to stop the mental health epidemic
How dental health impacts your digestion
Amazing benefits of black seed oil
The Harvard Longevity Project: Why happy people live longer
Ancient health remedies from around the world
Why you should eat fermented foods
Causes of cancer and how to prevent it
Why people should donate their organs
Effects of radiation
The healthiest cultures in the world
Why obesity is a modern problem
How to have stronger bones
Healthcare access for minorities
Why fast food restaurants are addictive
Pros and cons of salt
How to overcome stress
The dangers of e-cigarettes
People need to drink more water
The insurance and healthcare system in America
How friendships improve your health
Why couples should exercise together
Benefits of dark chocolate
Dangerous food additives you’ve never heard of
Easy ways to improve your nutrition
How to reverse hair loss
Secrets to have healthy hair
Benefits and drawbacks of stem cell research
Why you should stop drinking soda
How to reduce asthma attacks
Health benefits of ginger
Why you should drink tea

Key Takeaways: Find Inspiration for a Speech

Any informative topic can be used to craft a speech, but a showstopping presentation requires thinking outside the box and approaching your speech from a unique point of view. Before you settle on a topic for your next speech, be sure that your speech idea is:

Authentically interesting : Discussing something that doesn’t spark your interest is no use. Choose a topic or idea that you actually care about for an authentic and passionate delivery.
Relevant to your audience : If you don’t know your audience, you might as well be speaking to a wall. Professional presenters understand the general knowledge level of their audience and what information will be valuable or interesting to them.
Easy to research : Obscure topics can be alluring and challenging to research. Choose a topic that has plenty of information available in books or online. Be sure to use reputable sources and cite them when necessary.
The proper length : The depth and detail of your speech ultimately depend on the length of time you have to talk. Pick a subject that you can thoroughly describe in the allotted time frame.

Once you narrow down a few of your favorite topic ideas, start brainstorming how you want your speech to impact the audience. Use these 10 Presentation Ideas That Will Radically Improve Your Presentation Skills , such as:

Why you should save the best for first and last
How to design epic presentation slides
Why you shouldn’t over-rehearse
How to own the stage

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15 Powerful Speech Opening Lines (And How to Create Your Own)

Hrideep barot.

Public Speaking , Speech Writing

Powerful speech opening lines set the tone and mood of your speech. It’s what grips the audience to want to know more about the rest of your talk.

The first few seconds are critical. It’s when you have maximum attention of the audience. And you must capitalize on that!

Instead of starting off with something plain and obvious such as a ‘Thank you’ or ‘Good Morning’, there’s so much more you can do for a powerful speech opening (here’s a great article we wrote a while ago on how you should NOT start your speech ).

To help you with this, I’ve compiled some of my favourite openings from various speakers. These speakers have gone on to deliver TED talks , win international Toastmaster competitions or are just noteworthy people who have mastered the art of communication.

After each speaker’s opening line, I have added how you can include their style of opening into your own speech. Understanding how these great speakers do it will certainly give you an idea to create your own speech opening line which will grip the audience from the outset!

Alright! Let’s dive into the 15 powerful speech openings…

Note: Want to take your communications skills to the next level? Book a complimentary consultation with one of our expert communication coaches. We’ll look under the hood of your hurdles and pick two to three growth opportunities so you can speak with impact!

1. Ric Elias

Opening: “Imagine a big explosion as you climb through 3,000 ft. Imagine a plane full of smoke. Imagine an engine going clack, clack, clack. It sounds scary. Well I had a unique seat that day. I was sitting in 1D.”

How to use the power of imagination to open your speech?

Putting your audience in a state of imagination can work extremely well to captivate them for the remainder of your talk.

It really helps to bring your audience in a certain mood that preps them for what’s about to come next. Speakers have used this with high effectiveness by transporting their audience into an imaginary land to help prove their point.

When Ric Elias opened his speech, the detail he used (3000 ft, sound of the engine going clack-clack-clack) made me feel that I too was in the plane. He was trying to make the audience experience what he was feeling – and, at least in my opinion, he did.

When using the imagination opening for speeches, the key is – detail. While we want the audience to wander into imagination, we want them to wander off to the image that we want to create for them. So, detail out your scenario if you’re going to use this technique.

Make your audience feel like they too are in the same circumstance as you were when you were in that particular situation.

2. Barack Obama

Opening: “You can’t say it, but you know it’s true.”

3. Seth MacFarlane

Opening: “There’s nowhere I would rather be on a day like this than around all this electoral equipment.” (It was raining)

How to use humour to open your speech?

When you use humour in a manner that suits your personality, it can set you up for a great speech. Why? Because getting a laugh in the first 30 seconds or so is a great way to quickly get the audience to like you.

And when they like you, they are much more likely to listen to and believe in your ideas.

Obama effortlessly uses his opening line to entice laughter among the audience. He brilliantly used the setting (the context of Trump becoming President) and said a line that completely matched his style of speaking.

Saying a joke without really saying a joke and getting people to laugh requires you to be completely comfortable in your own skin. And that’s not easy for many people (me being one of them).

If the joke doesn’t land as expected, it could lead to a rocky start.

Keep in mind the following when attempting to deliver a funny introduction:

Know your audience: Make sure your audience gets the context of the joke (if it’s an inside joke among the members you’re speaking to, that’s even better!). You can read this article we wrote where we give you tips on how you can actually get to know your audience better to ensure maximum impact with your speech openings
The joke should suit your natural personality. Don’t make it look forced or it won’t elicit the desired response
Test the opening out on a few people who match your real audience. Analyze their response and tweak the joke accordingly if necessary
Starting your speech with humour means your setting the tone of your speech. It would make sense to have a few more jokes sprinkled around the rest of the speech as well as the audience might be expecting the same from you

4. Mohammed Qahtani

Opening: Puts a cigarette on his lips, lights a lighter, stops just before lighting the cigarette. Looks at audience, “What?”

5. Darren Tay

Opening: Puts a white pair of briefs over his pants.

How to use props to begin your speech?

The reason props work so well in a talk is because in most cases the audience is not expecting anything more than just talking. So when a speaker pulls out an object that is unusual, everyone’s attention goes right to it.

It makes you wonder why that prop is being used in this particular speech.

The key word here is unusual . To grip the audience’s attention at the beginning of the speech, the prop being used should be something that the audience would never expect. Otherwise, it just becomes something that is common. And common = boring!

What Mohammed Qahtani and Darren Tay did superbly well in their talks was that they used props that nobody expected them to.

By pulling out a cigarette and lighter or a white pair of underwear, the audience can’t help but be gripped by what the speaker is about to do next. And that makes for a powerful speech opening.

6. Simon Sinek

Opening: “How do you explain when things don’t go as we assume? Or better, how do you explain when others are able to achieve things that seem to defy all of the assumptions?”

7. Julian Treasure

Opening: “The human voice. It’s the instrument we all play. It’s the most powerful sound in the world. Probably the only one that can start a war or say “I love you.” And yet many people have the experience that when they speak people don’t listen to them. Why is that? How can we speak powerfully to make change in the world?”

How to use questions to open a speech?

I use this method often. Starting off with a question is the simplest way to start your speech in a manner that immediately engages the audience.

But we should keep our questions compelling as opposed to something that is fairly obvious.

I’ve heard many speakers start their speeches with questions like “How many of us want to be successful?”

No one is going to say ‘no’ to that and frankly, I just feel silly raising my hand at such questions.

Simon Sinek and Jullian Treasure used questions in a manner that really made the audience think and make them curious to find out what the answer to that question is.

What Jullian Treasure did even better was the use of a few statements which built up to his question. This made the question even more compelling and set the theme for what the rest of his talk would be about.

So think of what question you can ask in your speech that will:

Set the theme for the remainder of your speech
Not be something that is fairly obvious
Be compelling enough so that the audience will actually want to know what the answer to that question will be

8. Aaron Beverley

Opening: Long pause (after an absurdly long introduction of a 57-word speech title). “Be honest. You enjoyed that, didn’t you?”

How to use silence for speech openings?

The reason this speech opening stands out is because of the fact that the title itself is 57 words long. The audience was already hilariously intrigued by what was going to come next.

But what’s so gripping here is the way Aaron holds the crowd’s suspense by…doing nothing. For about 10 to 12 seconds he did nothing but stand and look at the audience. Everyone quietened down. He then broke this silence by a humorous remark that brought the audience laughing down again.

When going on to open your speech, besides focusing on building a killer opening sentence, how about just being silent?

It’s important to keep in mind that the point of having a strong opening is so that the audience’s attention is all on you and are intrigued enough to want to listen to the rest of your speech.

Silence is a great way to do that. When you get on the stage, just pause for a few seconds (about 3 to 5 seconds) and just look at the crowd. Let the audience and yourself settle in to the fact that the spotlight is now on you.

I can’t put my finger on it, but there is something about starting the speech off with a pure pause that just makes the beginning so much more powerful. It adds credibility to you as a speaker as well, making you look more comfortable and confident on stage.

If you want to know more about the power of pausing in public speaking , check out this post we wrote. It will give you a deeper insight into the importance of pausing and how you can harness it for your own speeches. You can also check out this video to know more about Pausing for Public Speaking:

9. Dan Pink

Opening: “I need to make a confession at the outset here. Little over 20 years ago, I did something that I regret. Something that I’m not particularly proud of. Something that in many ways I wish no one would ever know but that here I feel kind of obliged to reveal.”

10. Kelly McGonigal

Opening: “I have a confession to make. But first I want you to make a little confession to me.”

How to use a build-up to open your speech?

When there are so many amazing ways to start a speech and grip an audience from the outset, why would you ever choose to begin your speech with a ‘Good morning?’.

That’s what I love about build-ups. They set the mood for something awesome that’s about to come in that the audience will feel like they just have to know about.

Instead of starting a speech as it is, see if you can add some build-up to your beginning itself. For instance, in Kelly McGonigal’s speech, she could have started off with the question of stress itself (which she eventually moves on to in her speech). It’s not a bad way to start the speech.

But by adding the statement of “I have a confession to make” and then not revealing the confession for a little bit, the audience is gripped to know what she’s about to do next and find out what indeed is her confession.

11. Tim Urban

Opening: “So in college, I was a government major. Which means that I had to write a lot of papers. Now when a normal student writes a paper, they might spread the work out a little like this.”

12. Scott Dinsmore

Opening: “8 years ago, I got the worst career advice of my life.”

How to use storytelling as a speech opening?

“The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller.” Steve Jobs

Storytelling is the foundation of good speeches. Starting your speech with a story is a great way to grip the audience’s attention. It makes them yearn to want to know how the rest of the story is going to pan out.

Tim Urban starts off his speech with a story dating back to his college days. His use of slides is masterful and something we all can learn from. But while his story sounds simple, it does the job of intriguing the audience to want to know more.

As soon as I heard the opening lines, I thought to myself “If normal students write their paper in a certain manner, how does Tim write his papers?”

Combine such a simple yet intriguing opening with comedic slides, and you’ve got yourself a pretty gripping speech.

Scott Dismore’s statement has a similar impact. However, just a side note, Scott Dismore actually started his speech with “Wow, what an honour.”

I would advise to not start your talk with something such as that. It’s way too common and does not do the job an opening must, which is to grip your audience and set the tone for what’s coming.

13. Larry Smith

Opening: “I want to discuss with you this afternoon why you’re going to fail to have a great career.”

14. Jane McGonigal

Opening: “You will live 7.5 minutes longer than you would have otherwise, just because you watched this talk.”

How to use provocative statements to start your speech?

Making a provocative statement creates a keen desire among the audience to want to know more about what you have to say. It immediately brings everyone into attention.

Larry Smith did just that by making his opening statement surprising, lightly humorous, and above all – fearful. These elements lead to an opening statement which creates so much curiosity among the audience that they need to know how your speech pans out.

This one time, I remember seeing a speaker start a speech with, “Last week, my best friend committed suicide.” The entire crowd was gripped. Everyone could feel the tension in the room.

They were just waiting for the speaker to continue to know where this speech will go.

That’s what a hard-hitting statement does, it intrigues your audience so much that they can’t wait to hear more! Just a tip, if you do start off with a provocative, hard-hitting statement, make sure you pause for a moment after saying it.

Silence after an impactful statement will allow your message to really sink in with the audience.

Related article: 5 Ways to Grab Your Audience’s Attention When You’re Losing it!

15. Ramona J Smith

Opening: In a boxing stance, “Life would sometimes feel like a fight. The punches, jabs and hooks will come in the form of challenges, obstacles and failures. Yet if you stay in the ring and learn from those past fights, at the end of each round, you’ll be still standing.”

How to use your full body to grip the audience at the beginning of your speech?

In a talk, the audience is expecting you to do just that – talk. But when you enter the stage and start putting your full body into use in a way that the audience does not expect, it grabs their attention.

Body language is critical when it comes to public speaking. Hand gestures, stage movement, facial expressions are all things that need to be paid attention to while you’re speaking on stage. But that’s not I’m talking about here.

Here, I’m referring to a unique use of the body that grips the audience, like how Ramona did. By using her body to get into a boxing stance, imitating punches, jabs and hooks with her arms while talking – that’s what got the audience’s attention.

The reason I say this is so powerful is because if you take Ramona’s speech and remove the body usage from her opening, the entire magic of the opening falls flat.

While the content is definitely strong, without those movements, she would not have captured the audience’s attention as beautifully as she did with the use of her body.

So if you have a speech opening that seems slightly dull, see if you can add some body movement to it.

If your speech starts with a story of someone running, actually act out the running. If your speech starts with a story of someone reading, actually act out the reading.

It will make your speech opening that much more impactful.

Related article: 5 Body Language Tips to Command the Stage

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Final Words

So there it is! 15 speech openings from some of my favourite speeches. Hopefully, these will act as a guide for you to create your own opening which is super impactful and sets you off on the path to becoming a powerful public speaker!

But remember, while a speech opening is super important, it’s just part of an overall structure.

If you’re serious about not just creating a great speech opening but to improve your public speaking at an overall level, I would highly recommend you to check out this course: Acumen Presents: Chris Anderson on Public Speaking on Udemy. Not only does it have specific lectures on starting and ending a speech, but it also offers an in-depth guide into all the nuances of public speaking.

Being the founder of TED Talks, Chris Anderson provides numerous examples of the best TED speakers to give us a very practical way of overcoming stage fear and delivering a speech that people will remember. His course has helped me personally and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to learn public speaking.

No one is ever “done” learning public speaking. It’s a continuous process and you can always get better. Keep learning, keep conquering and keep being awesome!

Lastly, if you want to know how you should NOT open your speech, we’ve got a video for you:

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Informative Speech

Informative speech generator.

As a speaker, you’re given a special role. You’ve been given the power for your voice to be heard. For those who deliver an informative speech, this role can come as a challenge. Not only do you have to write a speech , but you also need to deliver it well. Of course, there’s also the challenge of making your speech interesting enough to capture the attention of your audience.

What Is an Informative Speech? An informative speech is a type of speech designed to educate the audience on a particular topic. It aims to provide interesting and useful information, ensuring the audience gains new knowledge or insights. Unlike persuasive speeches that seek to convince the audience of a particular viewpoint, informative speeches focus on explaining a subject matter clearly and objectively, without trying to influence the audience’s opinions or beliefs.

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An informative speech must be made memorable for it to be effective. Check out these examples and outlines of speeches that have tried to do just that. If they succeeded or failed, you’ll be the judge of that. Take what works and replicate it in your own speech drafts.

Informative Speech Format

Introduction.

Attention Getter : Start with a hook to grab the audience’s attention. This could be a surprising fact, an intriguing question, or a relevant story. Purpose Statement : Clearly state the purpose of your speech. This tells the audience exactly what they will learn. Preview : Briefly outline the main points you will cover. This gives the audience a roadmap of your speech.

First Main Point : Introduce your first key point. Support this point with evidence, such as data, examples, or expert quotes. Explain how this information is relevant to your topic. Second Main Point : Follow the same format as the first point, presenting new information and supporting evidence. Third Main Point : Continue with the format, ensuring each point is distinct and contributes to your overall topic. Remember to transition smoothly between points to maintain the flow of your speech.

Summary : Briefly recap the main points you’ve covered. This reinforces the information for the audience. Closing Statement : Conclude with a strong closing statement. You can reiterate the importance of the topic, share a concluding thought, or call to action if relevant.

Example of Informative Speech

The Impact of Technology on Society Good morning, everyone. Today, I am excited to delve into a topic that affects us all profoundly: the impact of technology on society. From the way we communicate to how we work and learn, technology has transformed every facet of our lives. But what does this mean for us as a society? Let’s explore this together. Imagine a world without smartphones, social media, or the internet. It’s hard, isn’t it? These technologies have become so integral to our daily lives that living without them seems almost unthinkable. My aim today is to shed light on both the positive and negative effects of technological advancements on our societal structures, behaviors, and relationships. We will explore three main areas: communication, privacy, and education. Technology has revolutionized the way we communicate. Social media platforms have made it easier than ever to stay connected with loved ones around the globe. While this keeps relationships alive across distances, it also raises questions about the depth and quality of these connections. The digital age has brought about significant concerns regarding privacy. Personal information is often collected by companies for targeted advertising, sometimes without explicit consent. This practice has led to a global conversation about the rights to privacy and the need for stricter regulations to protect personal information. Technology has transformed the educational landscape. Online learning platforms and digital textbooks make education more accessible than ever. However, this shift also presents challenges, such as the digital divide, where not all students have equal access to technology. In conclusion, technology’s impact on society is multifaceted, influencing our communication, privacy, and education. While it offers unprecedented opportunities for growth and connectivity, it also presents significant challenges that we must address. As we navigate this digital age, let us embrace the benefits of technology while also being mindful of its implications. By doing so, we can ensure that technological advancements serve to enhance, rather than diminish, the quality of our societal fabric. Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to any questions you might have.

Good Topics for Informative Speech with Samples

Cli mate Change : Discuss the causes, effects, and solutions related to climate change.
Artificial Intelligence : Explore the impact of AI on various industries and daily life.
Space Exploration : Cover recent advancements in space exploration and missions to other planets.
Cybersecurity : Explain the importance of cybersecurity and how individuals can protect their online privacy.
Mental Health Awareness : Discuss common mental health issues and strategies for maintaining mental well-being.
History of a Notable Figure : Present a biography of a historical figure and their contributions.
Healthy Eating Habits : Share tips for maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Renewable Energy Sources : Explain different types of renewable energy and their benefits.
The Impact of Social Media : Discuss the positive and negative effects of social media on society.
The Importance of Education : Explain the significance of education in personal and societal development.
Cultural Diversity : Explore the value of cultural diversity and its impact on societies.
Medical Breakthroughs : Highlight recent advancements in medical science and healthcare.
Effective Time Management : Provide strategies for better time management and productivity.
The History of a Local Landmark : Share the history and significance of a well-known local landmark.
The Power of Positive Thinking : Discuss the benefits of a positive mindset and its impact on success.
Economic Trends : Explain current economic trends and their implications for businesses and individuals.
Animal Conservation : Discuss endangered species and efforts to protect them.
The Importance of Voting : Explain the significance of participating in the democratic process.
DIY Home Improvement : Offer tips and tricks for various home improvement projects.
The Art of Public Speaking : Provide insights into effective public speaking techniques.

Examples of Informative Speeches

Technological Advancements in Renewable Energy (Environment)
The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (Technology)
The Influence of Cryptocurrency on Global Finance (Economics)
Conservation Efforts for Endangered Species (Ecology)
The History and Cultural Impact of Hip Hop Music (Culture)
The Rise of Electric Vehicles in Modern Transportation (Technology)
Understanding the Global Water Crisis (Environmental Science)
The Psychological Effects of Social Media on Teenagers (Psychology)
The Development of Quantum Computing (Computer Science)
The Role of the United Nations in Promoting Global Peace (International Relations)

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Guidelines for an Effective Informative Speech

Always maintain your focus. It’s easy to swerve lanes with topics that are too broad, as there just too many areas that may be covered. So instead, identify the specific areas that you wish to tackle. You may also see tribute speech examples & samples.

Focus on these areas and provide supporting details for each.

If you wish to paint a mental picture for your audience, make your speech as detailed as possible. You can do so by describing even the tiniest detail of a given subject.

Additionally, consider your audience’s needs when crafting your speech. Make sure that it caters to their knowledge level and group. You need to be accurate, clear, and meaningful in order for your speech writing to be effective enough.

How to Create an Outline for Informative Speech

1. Before you create the actual outline for your speech, you need to decide on your topic of interest. This will help you brainstorm on key points that you would want to emphasize in your speech. You may also like dedication speech examples .

2. Next, it would be necessary to arrange these points in a certain manner. It may be in topical, spatial, or chronological order. This will help you make smooth transitions between different points.

3. Finally, conclude your speech . Since you aren’t meant to provide a call of action for this type of speech, simply summarize the main points.

Remember, your speech outline isn’t your whole speech but it will serve as a draft to guide you with your final speech.

Why Is an Informative Speech Important?

An informative speech is an essential part of learning, especially if you want to share your knowledge on a given matter or even spread awareness to the public. An effective informative speech provides an audience with information that are significant, yet uncommon.

Listeners wouldn’t want to hear about things that they already know, it’s the speaker’s job to expand the knowledge of an audience. At the end of the day, this ideal of educating a public proves to be beneficial for both the speaker and the audience. You may also check out orientation speech examples & samples.

What is Informative Writing Speech?

Informative writing and informative speech both aim to provide valuable information to an audience, but they differ in their presentation formats. Informative writing refers to the act of conveying information through written text, while an informative speech is the oral presentation of information to an audience. Here’s a brief explanation of each:

Informative Writing : Informative writing is a form of writing that is designed to educate or inform readers about a specific topic. It typically presents factual information, explains concepts, or provides an analysis of a subject. Informative writing can take many forms, including essays, articles, reports, research papers, blogs, and more. The primary goal is to convey information clearly and concisely to the reader. It often includes supporting evidence, examples, and details to enhance the reader’s understanding of the topic.

Informative Speech: An informative speech, on the other hand, is an oral presentation delivered to an audience with the purpose of conveying information, facts, or insights about a particular topic. It is a spoken form of communication that allows the speaker to engage with the audience in real-time. An informative speech typically follows a structured format, with an introduction, body, and conclusion. The speaker’s goal is to educate the audience, and the speech may include visual aids or props to enhance comprehension.

Types of Informative Speech

Descriptive Speeches – These speeches aim to provide a detailed description of a subject, allowing the audience to form a clear mental image.
Explanatory Speeches – Focused on explaining the reasons behind phenomena or processes, offering a deeper understanding of how and why things happen.
Demonstrative Speeches – These are how-to speeches that guide the audience through the steps of doing something, emphasizing practical skills and techniques.
Definition Speeches – Aim to clarify the meaning, background, and context of a particular term or concept, especially complex or abstract ones.
Informative Report Speeches – Present factual reports on specific events, findings, or research, providing detailed information and analysis.
Comparative Speeches – Discuss the similarities and differences between two or more entities, offering insights into their unique characteristics and relationships.
Biographical Speeches – Focus on the life and achievements of a person, providing a detailed account of their contributions, experiences, and legacy.
Historical Speeches – Offer a detailed examination of past events, including their causes, effects, and significance in history.
Technical Speeches – Deal with complex technical information, aiming to make specialized knowledge accessible and understandable to the audience.
Scientific Speeches – Present scientific concepts, discoveries, or research findings, emphasizing the methodology, results, and implications of scientific studies.

What are examples of informative writing?

News Articles: News reports provide information about current events, often answering the who, what, when, where, and why questions.
Expository Essays : These essays present information, facts, and explanations about a specific topic or subject.
Research Papers: Academic papers that provide in-depth information and analysis on a particular subject or research question.
How-to Guides: Instructions on how to perform a specific task, such as cooking a recipe, assembling furniture, or using software.
Textbooks: Educational materials that provide information on various subjects, often used in schools and colleges.
Encyclopedias: Reference books that offer detailed information on a wide range of topics.
User Manuals: Instruction manuals that explain how to operate and troubleshoot devices, appliances, or software.
Travel Guides: Publications that provide information about travel destinations, including attractions, accommodations, and local culture.
Scientific Journals: Articles that report the methods, results, and conclusions of scientific research studies.
Technical Documents: Documents that explain technical specifications, processes, or procedures in various fields, such as engineering or computer science.
Historical Accounts: Writings that provide historical facts and analysis of past events, periods, or figures.
Biographies: Accounts of individuals’ lives that offer information about their personal and professional experiences.
Health and Wellness Articles: Articles that provide information on various health topics, including medical conditions, nutrition, and fitness.
Product Reviews: Reviews that give detailed information about the features, performance, and quality of products or services.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions): Lists of questions and answers that provide information about a specific topic or product.
Documentary Narration: Narration scripts for documentaries that educate viewers on various subjects.
Lecture Notes: Notes taken during educational lectures that summarize information presented by the lecturer.
Financial Reports: Documents that present financial information and analysis of a company’s performance.
Government Publications: Documents released by government agencies that provide information on laws, regulations, policies, and statistics.
Blogs and Online Articles: Informative content published on blogs or websites covering a wide range of topics, from technology to lifestyle.

How do you write a good informative speech?

Choose a Topic: Select a topic that interests you and is relevant to your audience. Ensure it’s not too broad or too narrow for the allotted time.
Research: Gather reliable information from various sources, including books, articles, websites, and expert interviews. Take thorough notes.
Organize Your Content: Introduction, Body, Conclusion
Engage Your Audience: Use stories, anecdotes, or real-life examples to make your speech relatable.
Practice: Rehearse your speech multiple times to become comfortable with the content and timing. Practice your delivery, tone, and gestures.
Timing: Stay within the allotted time. Being too brief or too long can diminish the impact of your speech.
Feedback: Seek feedback from others to improve your speech’s clarity and effectiveness.
Delivery: When delivering the speech, maintain good eye contact with the audience, use a clear and audible voice, and control your body language.
Q&A Session: If appropriate, be prepared for a question-and-answer session following your speech. Anticipate potential questions related to your topic.

What does a good informative speech look like?

Clear Structure: It follows a clear and logical structure, typically consisting of an introduction, body with main points, and a conclusion. The main points are well-organized and flow seamlessly.
Engaging Introduction: It begins with an attention-grabbing introduction, which may include a compelling anecdote, quote, rhetorical question, or startling fact. The introduction also introduces the topic and states the purpose or thesis of the speech.
Thorough Research: It is well-researched, presenting accurate and reliable information from credible sources. The information is presented in a clear and organized manner.
Well-Defined Main Points: The main points are distinct, well-defined, and supported with relevant evidence, examples, statistics, or anecdotes.
Effective Transitions: The speech includes smooth transitions between main points, ensuring that the audience can follow the progression of ideas easily.
Engagement: It engages the audience through effective storytelling, relatable examples, and a conversational tone.
Clarity and Simplicity: It uses clear and concise language to convey complex concepts, making it understandable to a diverse audience.
Audience Focus: The speech is tailored to the needs and interests of the audience. The speaker considers the prior knowledge and expectations of the listeners.
Audience Interaction (if appropriate): It incorporates opportunities for the audience to engage, such as asking questions, participating in polls, or sharing their thoughts.

How do you start an informative speech?

1. Select a Clear and Engaging Opening:

Begin with an attention-grabbing opening that piques the audience’s interest. You can use a surprising fact, a rhetorical question, a relevant quote, a brief anecdote, or a compelling story. This opening should relate to your topic and set the stage for what’s to come.

2. Introduce Yourself:

After your opening, briefly introduce yourself. Share your name and any relevant qualifications or expertise that establish your credibility on the topic.

3. State the Topic and Purpose:

Clearly state the topic of your speech and its purpose. In one or two sentences, explain what you’ll be discussing and why it’s important or relevant.

4. Provide an Overview:

Offer a brief preview of the main points or subtopics you’ll cover in your speech. This gives the audience a roadmap of what to expect.

5. Establish a Connection:

Establish a connection with the audience by demonstrating the relevance of the topic to their lives or interests. Explain why they should care about the information you’re going to present.

6. Set the Tone:

Consider the tone of your speech. Depending on your topic, you may want to set a serious, informative, motivational, or humorous tone. Ensure that the tone aligns with the subject matter and the audience’s expectations.

7. Engage the Audience:

Encourage audience engagement by asking a rhetorical question or by posing a question that you’ll answer later in your speech. This can pique their curiosity and involve them from the beginning.

8. Transition to the Body:

Conclude your introduction with a smooth transition to the main body of your speech. This transition should connect the opening to the content that follows.

What not to do in an informative speech?

In an informative speech, avoid vague or biased information, complex jargon, excessive detail, disrespect, and lack of organization. Maintain clarity, engage the audience, and stay focused on the topic.

How do you write a hook for an informative speech?

To create an engaging hook for an informative speech, use a startling fact, anecdote, question, quote, or humor that captivates the audience’s interest and introduces your topic effectively.

What is an informative speech for kids?

An informative speech for kids is a presentation designed to educate young audiences about a specific topic in a simple, engaging, and age-appropriate manner, promoting understanding and learning.

Mastering the art of informative speeches is pivotal for effective communication in various settings. These speeches play a key role in educating and enlightening audiences on diverse topics, emphasizing the importance of clarity, engagement, and factual accuracy. The speaker’s ability to present information in an interesting and accessible manner can significantly enhance the audience’s understanding and retention of the subject matter.

For a deeper understanding of informative speeches, including their structure and purpose, explore the resources at Southwest Tennessee Community College’s guide on Competent Communication . Additionally, Modesto Junior College Library offers a comprehensive guide on writing and delivering informative speeches , which can be an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their speech-making skills.

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Develop an informative speech on the history of the school's founding

Compose an informative speech about the benefits of a balanced diet for students.

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May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024 | Blog

Have you ever wondered what makes a speech truly informative and engaging? In exploring informative speech examples, we’ll dissect the elements that make a speech impactful and provide insights on crafting your compelling narrative. Whether you’re gearing up for a class presentation or simply curious about effective communication, we’ve got you covered.

What exactly is an informative speech, you ask? Well, think of it as a chance to share knowledge with your audience, like being a friendly guide on a journey of information. Unlike persuasive speeches aiming to sway opinions, informative speeches focus on presenting facts, ideas, or explanations.

So, let’s delve into this world of words, where you’ll discover the nuances of different speech types, from brief and concept speeches to autobiographical gems.

Ready to dive in? Let’s roll!

Table of Contents

What Are Informative Speeches

Imagine you’re sharing cool facts with your friends. That’s an informative speech! It’s a type of speech where you deliver fascinating details to your audience.

But wait, isn’t that the same as an explanatory speech? Not quite!

While an explanatory speech clarifies, an informative one educates. So, think of yourself as a friendly guide, not a textbook.

Your mission? Present relevant information, explain concepts, and make sure your audience leaves enlightened. No convincing is informative and needed; just sharing knowledge like a pro!

Ready to inform? Let’s roll!

Effective Informative Speaking Vs. Persuasive Speaking

Let’s talk about the difference between effective informativeand persuasive speaking. Imagine you’re presenting a persuasive speech – you’re on a mission to convince your audience to see things your way. It’s like being a smooth talker, aiming to sway opinions.

Conversely, informative peaking is like a friendly guide, sharing facts without pushing a particular viewpoint. So, how do you think you could spot the variance?

In persuasive speeches, your closing statement is like the grand finale, the big persuasion moment. In informative speeches, it’s more about leaving your audience with a clear understanding.

Remember, it’s not about convincing; it’s about enlightening. So, when choosing a topic, ask yourself, “Am I trying to persuade or inform?” That’s the key to crafting a speech that hits the right notes for your audience.

How do you write a good informative speech?

Let’s dive into the art of crafting a stellar informative speech. Have you ever wondered what makes public speaking a task and an opportunity to share knowledge? Here’s your guide:

Start with a Clear Purpose: Ask yourself, “What’s my goal here? Am I educating, explaining, or demonstrating?” Knowing your purpose helps shape your entire speech.
Know Your Audience: Who are you talking to? I think it’s important that you understand your audience’s knowledge level. Are they familiar with the topic, or is it new territory?
Choose a Relevant Topic: Pick something your audience can connect with. Remember, it’s about them understanding, not you impressing.
Research Like a Pro: Dive into your topic like a detective. Gather facts, examples, and anecdotes. The more well-researched your speech, the more credible you become.
Craft a Clear Structure: Organize your speech logically. Start with an introduction, followed by main points, and end with a memorable conclusion. Think of it as a journey with a roadmap.
Engage with Your Audience: Connect with nonverbal cues – eye contact and gestures. Imagine you’re having a conversation, not delivering a monologue.
Keep It Simple: Explain complex concepts in simple terms. Avoid jargon that might confuse your audience.
Be Passionate: Even if your topic seems dry, let your enthusiasm shine through. Your passion is contagious!

For students juggling academic responsibilities with speech preparation, platforms like MyAssignmentHelp.com can be a lifesaver. Whether you need assistance with “ write my paper ” services or expert guidance on your speech, they offer comprehensive support to help you excel.

How To Start An Informative Speech Examples

Have you ever wondered how to kick off an informative speech and grab your audience’s attention? Let’s break it down:

Hook Your Audience: To start an informative speech, begin with a captivating fact, a relatable story, or a surprising statistic. Think of it as reeling in your audience, making them eager to hear more.
Establish a Friendly Tone: In your introduction for an informative speech, set a welcoming atmosphere. Imagine you’re chatting with friends, creating a connection from the get-go.
Declare Your Purpose: Could you explain why you’re there? Are you going to educate the audience on a fascinating topic or perhaps deliver an informative speech to clarify a concept?
Please look over the Journey: Outline the main points you’ll cover. It’s like giving your audience a roadmap for the upcoming adventure. Could you let them know what to expect? Connect with nonverbal cues – eye contact and gestures
Engage Your Audience: Interact with your audience members. Ask questions and share relatable experiences – make them part of the conversation. After all, an informative speech is a two-way street.

What does a good informative speech look like?

So, you’re curious about what a good informative speech looks like? Fantastic! Let’s paint a picture together:

Clear Introduction: A great informative speech kicks off with a bang. Imagine it like a friendly invitation – you want your audience excited to join you on this learning journey. Ask a thought-provoking question or share an intriguing fact to grab their attention.
Defined Purpose: Right out of the gate, your audience should know what type of speech they’re in for. Are you here to educate, explain, or show something cool? Make it crystal clear.
Organized Structure: Picture your speech like a well-arranged book. Start with a captivating introduction, smoothly move through your main points, and wrap it up with a memorable conclusion. Think of it as a roadmap guiding your audience through the information.
Engaging Content: Sprinkle your speech with relatable examples, anecdotes, or even a touch of humor. Keep your audience on their toes – you want them to remember your words.
Visual Aids: If you’re explaining a process or showing statistics, use visuals. A picture is worth a thousand words.
Connect with Your Audience: It’s about delivering information and connecting. Imagine you’re having a friendly chat, not delivering a lecture. Engage with your audience through eye contact and a conversational tone.
Avoid Overloading with Information: While you want to be informative, avoid overwhelming your audience with a data dump. Pick the juiciest, most relevant information to keep them interested.
Memorable Conclusion: Wrap things up with a bow. Summing up your main points and leaving your audience with a clear understanding. It’s like leaving a lasting impression after a great conversation.

What are examples of informative writing?

The following is an informative speaking excerpt on smoking:

It is general knowledge that smoking is bad for your health. Yet, the number of smokers globally increases each year. In 2018, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1.1 billion people in the world use tobacco. That number might rise to 1.6 billion by 2025.

Tobacco kills, which smokers ignore until they get cancer or another terminal disease. It results in 6 million deaths per year. That means that there is one tobacco-related death every six seconds.

That said, a lack of information about the effects of smoking is a significant contributor to this pandemic. A survey conducted in China revealed that only 38% of tobacco smokers knew the habit could lead to heart disease, and only as few as 27% were aware smoking could cause a stroke.

Ignorance is no defense. So, today, I will present the adverse effects of tobacco and back them up with facts and real-world statistics.

The following is another informative speaking excerpt on global warming:

A global warming search on Google brings back 65 million results pages. The subject has drawn a lot of attention due to adverse climate change . In a speech presented at the UN Summit in 2019, Barrack Obama said that we must solve climate change swiftly and boldly or risk leaving future generations to an irreversible catastrophe.

A YouTube Influencer, Prince EA, addressed this issue by saying that our descendants will know it as the Amazon Desert instead of the Amazon Rainforest if we are not careful. Imagining the Amazon as a dessert should give you chills, and it seems so farfetched, but it could be a reality if global warming is not addressed.

But what exactly is global warming? What causes it? And what can we do to stop it? In this short but informative speech, I will answer these questions effectively.

Examples of Informative Speeches in Literature or Popular Culture:

Excerpt from Marie Curie’s speech on the discovery of radium:

I could tell you many things about radium and radioactivity, and it would take a long time. But as we can not do that, I shall only give you a short account of my early work about radium. Radium is no longer a baby; it is more than twenty years old, but the discovery conditions were somewhat peculiar, so remembering and explaining them is always of interest. We must go back to the year 1897. Professor Curie and I worked then in the School of Physics and Chemistry laboratory, where Professor Curie held his lectures. I was engaged in some work on uranium rays which had been discovered two years before by Professor Becquerel.***I spent some time studying the way of making good measurements of the uranium rays, and then I wanted to know if there were other elements, giving out rays of the same kind. So I took up work about all known elements and their compounds and found that uranium compounds and all thorium compounds are active, but other elements were not found active, nor were their compounds. As for the uranium and thorium compounds, I found that they were active in proportion to their uranium or thorium content.

The impassioned political speech by President George W. Bush’s address to the nation as the US attacked Iraq begins as an informative speech:

At this hour, American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, free its people, and defend the world from grave danger.

On my orders, coalition forces began striking selected targets of military importance to undermine Saddam Hussein’s ability to wage war. These are the opening stages of a broad and concerted campaign.

More than 35 countries are giving crucial support, from using naval and air bases to help with intelligence and logistics to deploying combat units. Every nation in this coalition has chosen to bear the duty and share the honor of serving in our common defense.

Informative Speech Examples

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Example Informative Speech Outline

How To Write An Informative Speech Outline

Start with a Clear Purpose: Before diving into the details, ask yourself, “What’s the goal here?” Is it to convince the audience of a particular viewpoint or inform them about a topic?
Pick Your Main Points: Could you identify the key ideas you want to convey? Imagine telling a friend about your favorite movie – what would you highlight?
Organize Your Thoughts: Arrange your main points logically. Think of it as creating a roadmap for your audience. You want them to follow along easily.
Add Supporting Details: Each main point needs backup dancers! Sprinkle in facts, examples, or anecdotes. This isn’t a demonstrative speech , but adding a story here and there keeps it engaging.
Create a Memorable Introduction: Your introduction is like the trailer for a movie. It should grab attention and hint at what’s coming. Consider posing a question or sharing a surprising fact.
Conclude Strong: Summing up your main points and leave a lasting impression. A good conclusion for an informative speech should tell your audience, “Wow, I learned something valuable!”
Practice Your Timing: A well-prepared speaker keeps an eye on the clock. Ensure your speech runs smoothly or cut smoothly, not run too long or cut too short.
Be Open to Adjustments: Sometimes, the best ideas appear during practice. Be flexible and tweak your outline if needed. For tutoring, check out Spark on how to create an informative speech outline.

Informative Speech Outline Examples

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10+ informative speech examples & samples in pdf, alliteration examples in literature , informative speeches about concepts, informative speeches about objects, list of informative speech topics: ideas to spark your creativity, informative speeches topics for history and the humanities.

1. The Olympics in Ancient Greece

2. Explore the history of tattoos and body art

3. Economic divisions and the Vietnam War

4. Burial practices in ancient cultures and societies

5. How escaped enslaved people communicated along the Underground Railroad

6. Immigration history in America

7. Mahatma Gandhi and Indian apartheid

8. Innovations that came out of the great wars

9. The assassination of John F Kennedy

10. Sculpture in the Renaissance

11. The Salem Witch Trials

12. Colonization and its impact on the European powers in the Age of Exploration and beyond

13. The Gold Rush in California and its impact or significance

14. Fashion in Victorian Britain

15. Japanese Kamikaze fighters during World War II

16. The significance of the Stonewall Riots

17. The Spanish Flu

18. Rum running during Prohibition

19. Society and life in the Dark Ages

20. The mystery of Leonardo DaVinci’s Mona Lisa painting

Interesting Topic Ideas For English And Classic Literature

1. Depictions of classic literature in modern films

2. Depictions of the apocalypse in literature and fiction

3. Common themes in Victorian literature from the th century

4. How to beat writer’s block

5. Symbolism in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird

6. The history of spirits or the supernatural in classic literature

7. The concept of madness in William Shakespeare’s tragedies

8. War poetry from any period

9. How Shakespeare’s plays helped shape the modern language

10. Ernest Hemingway’s narrative on masculinity

11. How to define the canons of classic literature

12. Which books published today would be classic literature in the future?

13. Common themes in Gothic literature

14. Feminist theory and the works of Charlotte Perkins Gilman

15. The practice of banning books and literature from schools

16. Rhetorical analysis of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech

17. Satire in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice

18. Human nature in Plato’s The Republic

19. The impact of modern technology on literature and publishing

20. Rationality in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies

Intriguing Topics About Current Affairs, Social Issues, And Human Rights

1. Current social movements such as Black Lives Matter or the Occupy Wall Street movement

2. The influence of cultural traditions on human rights in various countries

3. Benefits of social media for collective action in areas where human rights are being contested

4. Support and guidance for troubled children in the current foster care system

5. The prevalence of child abuse in modern society

6. The United Nations Human Rights Council and its purpose/function

7. Women’s rights/freedoms in third world countries

8. Human trafficking in first-world countries

9. Patterns in America’s fastest-growing cities

10. Generational divisions and tensions between Baby Boomers, Millennials, or Generation Z

11. The concept of universal human rights

12. What our society has learned from the COVID- pandemic

13. Uses of torture to extract information from high-level criminals or terrorists

14. The influence of Westernization on human rights in other countries

15. The role of the United Nations in the interest of global human rights

16. Racial prejudice in the workplace

17. Explore modern protest culture

18. Idolization of celebrities in modern society

19. “Viral” culture in today’s society

20. Social media influencers and Tik Tok stars and their celebrity status among Generation Z

Creative Ideas For Film, Music, And Popular Culture

1. Mythology in popular culture

2. Censorship issues in music

3. Superhero culture in society

4. Focus on a music subculture and how it has empowered that group of people

5. Modern horror films and “shock value”

6. The importance of teaching music in elementary and high schools

7. The impact of a historical musician or musical group and their impact on today’s music

8. How streaming services have changed the film/television or music industry

9. Domestic violence in the media

10. Disney princesses and their impact on young girls in society

11. The history of jazz music in New Orleans

12. Crime scene television – accuracies and inaccuracies

13. Which popular cultural artifacts will archaeologists study in the future to learn about our society?

14. The role of music in social movements

15. Originality in today’s music, movies, or television shows

16. Religious symbolism in Star Wars

17. The current status of the idea of the “Blockbuster” movie

18. Child stars and the problems they face as they age

19. Sexuality and messaging in film and television

20. The power of satire in comedy

What are some good topics for an informative speech?

Example Informative Speech Topics

Informational Topics For Speeches Informative Speech Ideas Informative Speech About A Person Informative Speech Essay Informative Speech Intro Informative Speech Introduction Informative Speech Meaning

Sample Informative Speech Topics

Topics To Do Informative Speeches On Things To Write An Informative Speech About What To Write An Informative Speech About What To Write An Informative Speech On

Get Help With Your Informative Speech Writing

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What is an example of an informative speech?

An example of informative speaking could be a presentation on climate change, providing facts and data to educate the audience.

What are good informative speech topics?

Good informative speech topics include subjects like space exploration, sustainable living, or the history of ancient civilizations.

What is an example of an informative speech about objects?

An informative speech about objects could focus on the history and significance of a specific artifact, like the Rosetta Stone.

What is a good introduction for an informative speech?

A good introduction for an informative speech grabs attention, such as posing a thought-provoking question or sharing a relevant anecdote, setting the tone for the presentation.

With a passion for helping students navigate their educational journey, I strive to create informative and relatable blog content. Whether it’s tackling exam stress, offering career guidance, or sharing effective study techniques

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WTO / Education / How to Structure Informative Speech | Outline Examples

How to Structure Informative Speech | Outline Examples

Informative speeches are often given on topics that the audience is unfamiliar with, whether it is in a professional, educational, or social setting. This speech is typically prepared following a basic outline to ensure the listeners receive valuable knowledge. Moreover, the outline helps the speaker deliver information effectively and increase audience engagement by structuring it in a logical and organized manner.

This article will introduce readers to such a speech and discuss the basic components of the outline for creating it. It also provides best practices for preparing this speech and examples you can use as a reference to better understand how to structure these.

What is an Informative Speech?

An informative speech is a means of conversing or public speaking where the speaker educates the audience on a particular topic they are not familiar with.

The speaker provides facts, insights, and examples to enlighten the audience. The goal is to educate, not persuade, and therefore, should be free of personal opinions or biases to allow the audience to create their own.

There are four major types:

Explanatory
Demonstrative
Descriptive
Definition speeches.

To enhance engagement and effectiveness, speakers can utilize visual aids such as slides, diagrams, or videos. Visual aids serve to support and reinforce the spoken content, making it easier for the audience to comprehend and remember the information. It can teach any topic, including scientific findings, social issues, technological innovations, cultural traditions, smoking habits, etc.

Basic Format of Speech Outline

You must organize the content rationally and present it in a manner that is easy to understand. This is achieved by using the correct outline, which is a framework for organizing and presenting information effectively during a speech or presentation.

The basic outline guides you on the points to include and the order in which they should be presented to avoid stress during the preparation stage. This enhances the logical flow of information when delivering the speech. Consequently, this increases the clarity and coherence of your topic.

Below are the fundamental components of such an outline:

The first item on the outline is the title of the topic you will be discussing. The title is meant to introduce the topic by giving them an idea of what will be discussed. It should be short, descriptive, and captivating to grasp the audience’s interest.

“Origin of mental health in the NFL.”

General purpose

Each speech is given with an objective or objectives in mind. The general purpose states the overall objective of the speech, which is typically to educate, inform the audience or raise awareness about a particular topic.

“The long-term negative consequences of contact sports in the country.”

Specific purpose

The specific purpose narrows down to what you intend to achieve through it. You should indicate what the audience should expect to learn by the end of the speech.

“To educate the audience on how concussions affect the health of players in the NFL.”

Thesis statement

A complete outline will include a thesis statement which is an overview of the main message to be delivered. This statement is meant to guide you on the main idea you want to convey to the audience.

“Constant knocks to the head of a player leads to concussions and the lack of policies to compel players to enroll into mental health programs after retiring lowers chances of timely interventions.”

Introduction

The introduction is used to provide a preview of the key points to be discussed in it. It should capture the audience’s attention and provide enough details to generate their curiosity.

The introduction will have the following components:

Attention getter

This is an element used to capture the audience’s attention before you delve into the topic. It can be a quote, question, statistic, poem, or anecdote. The element should be relevant to the topic, engaging, and thought-provoking. However, the quote does not have to be related to the topic. Only use one element at a time.

“Do you know that 3 out of 10 ex-NFL players struggle with mental health issues.”

Topic & audience relevance

Start by explaining why and how the topic is relevant to the audience. To craft a valuable explanation, talk about the significance of the topic to the individuals, specific groups, and society at large. Also, relate the topic to the audience’s interests, experiences, industry, and concerns.

You can discuss and highlight how your speech will benefit or impact the audience. Also, identify common ground with the audience, which can be a shared experience or values to establish a connection that can elicit empathy or understanding.

Establish credibility

Your credibility can impact how well the audience receives your speech. So, your outline should help you prepare how to establish credibility.

Credibility can be established by stating the following:

Qualifications – This includes relevant education achievements, professional experience, and certifications.
Expertise – Specify your profession and any relevant projects or research you have undertaken in a related field.
Personal experience – Share any real-life experiences you have had that would qualify you to discuss the topic in question.
Research – If you have conducted any research on a particular topic, inform the audience. Also, you can reference people you have consulted in regard to the topic. If they are credible sources, this increases the credibility of your speech.

Preview of main points

The outline prompts you to preview the main points of the topic to be discussed in brief phrases and sentences. This will help the audience understand and anticipate the format in which information will be delivered and the content of your speech. Present the headings logically to help the audience follow along more easily.

The body component in the outline discusses the main content or topic and supporting information. It is meant to prompt you to write down all the main points to be discussed. The content will have the main points, which are then broken down into subpoints. You should consider discussing 3-5 main points, but these can vary depending on the length of your speech.

This section will have the following parts:

Transition sentence to the main point

This is a sentence made to end the introduction and start the body seamlessly. This transition sentence helps the audience follow your speech and maintain a logical flow of information. You should add transition sentences and phrases whenever you want to connect different but related points.

The main point is the core idea, concept, or fact you want to convey to the audience. It should support the thesis and can be given in a single sentence. Also, avoid any ambiguity, as every other piece of information is meant to further expound on this point.

Sub-points are arguments meant to elaborate on the main point. These may include explanations, examples, or research findings. Sub-points will focus on specific aspects, facts, and principles that help clarify the main point. You can have multiple sub-points depending on the depth of information you want to provide.

Sub-sub points

Sub-sub points are used to justify or break down subpoints. These include statistics, examples, stories, and references that provide additional information and reinforce the main point. They should aim at improving the audience’s understanding. Then, for each main point, provide subpoints and sub-subpoints to maintain the logical flow of the speech.

This component of the outline is meant to guide you to end the speech on a positive note. It summarizes the information shared with the audience.

Reiterate the key point(s) by incorporating the following elements in your conclusion:

Transition sentence to conclusion

The transition sentence from the last main point to the conclusion indicates to the audience that you are about to finalize your speech. Use transition words, phrases, and sentences to connect everything discussed in the entire speech.

Summary of main points

Briefly summarize the key message you wanted to educate the audience about. Also, state any key takeaways the audience should keep in their mind.

Restate your thesis

Restate the thesis in the introduction using different words but retaining the argument. Also, connect the message to your purpose. Reiteration of key elements etches the main idea or concept in the audience’s minds.

Closing statement

At the end, provide a closing argument that is memorable and impactful. Aim to leave a lasting and positive impression on the audience in one of the following ways:

Call to action – A call to action directs the audience to take specific actions related to the topic discussed in the speech. For instance, participate in a program, change their behavior, support a cause, etc.
Thought-provoking question – You can end by raising a question that jogs the audience’s mind and prompts them to learn more about a topic.
Powerful quote – Use a quote that is relevant to the message to strengthen the main points further and leave the audience thinking.
Hopeful message – Also, you can end with an inspiring message to motivate and inspire the audience in different aspects of their lives, such as being kind, working for their goals, patience, etc. Ending on a positive note can encourage the audience to retain the information you conveyed.

When you follow this simple outline during the preparation stage, your key message will be delivered effectively, and the sitting will prove productive for you and the audience. However, note that you can modify this basic format to ensure your speech aligns with the time constraints and the topic in question.

This infographic is about the step by step guide to create the outline.

Free Templates

Given below are outline templates that you can download for free:

Great Comprehensive Childhood Obesity Speech Outline Example for Word File

4 Best Practices to Consider for Writing an Outline

Your outline should help you capture all the relevant details and organize them in a comprehensive and palatable message. So you can tailor it to the specific speech you are preparing.

Below are things you can do to develop a more effective outline:

Research thoroughly

Research your topic extensively and gather accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information. Then, you can craft an outline that captures and conveys this information effectively.

Consult examples

Review multiple examples to get an idea of the basic format of well-structured speeches. Identify how to introduce a topic, convey the key message and conclude the speech. Then, craft your outline and incorporate any unique elements and strategies that will be effective depending on the topic, audience, and forum.

Use visual aids

You can use charts, images, slides, and props to explain your points. Visual aids increase audience engagement and understanding. They can also be useful to explain complex concepts and leave lasting impressions.

Engage the audience

Encourage the audience to actively participate during the sitting by asking questions, holding polls, or doing short activities that break the monotony and keep their minds engaged. This can make it more memorable and help the audience understand the key message better.

Informative speeches are effective tools for educating an audience on a topic you are well-versed with. However, to ensure you convey your message effectively, it is advisable to use a simple outline to prepare how to speak to the audience. While there are basic outline templates you can download, you should personalize them to suit your topic and style of giving speeches. Also, it is advisable to consult several samples to understand how to organize your points.

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73 Essay Hook Examples

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Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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essay hook examples and definition, explained below

An essay hook is the first one or two sentences of your essay that are used to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into your discussion.

It is called a hook because it “grabs” the reader and doesn’t let them go! It should have something in there that makes the reader feel curious and intrigued, compelling them to continue reading.

Techniques for Good Essay Hooks

Here are a few techniques that you can use to write a good essay hook:

Use a Quotation : Sometimes, a relevant quotation from a well-known author or expert can help establish the context or theme of your essay. Next time you’re conducting research for an essay, keep an eye out for a really compelling quote that you could use as your hook for that essay.
Start with a Statement that is Surprising or Unusual: A surprising or unusually statement will draw a reader in, making them want to know more about that topic. It’s good if the statement contradicts common knowledge or reveals an insight about your topic that isn’t immediately obvious. These can be particularly good for argumentative essays where you’re putting forward a controversial or compelling argument as your thesis statement .
Tell a Brief Anecdote : A short, interesting story related to your topic can personaize the story, making it more than just a dry essay, and turning it into a compelling narrative that’s worth reading.
Use Statistics or Facts: Interesting, surprising, or shocking facts or statistics work similarly to surprising statements: they make us want to know more about a topic. Statistics and facts in your introductions are particularly useful for analytical, expository , and argumentative essays.
Start with a Question: Questions that make the reader think deeply about an issue, or pose a question that the reader themselves has considered, can be really effecitve. But remember, questions tend to be better for informal and personal essays, and are generally not allowed in formal argumentative essays. If you’re not sure if you’re allowed to use questions in your essays, check with your teacher first.

Below, I’ll present some examples of hooks that you could use as inspiration when writing your own essay hook.

Essay Hook Examples

These examples might help stimulate your thinking. However, keep in mind that your essay hook needs to be unique to your essay, so use these as inspiration but write your own essay hook that’s perfect for your own essay.

1. For an Essay About Yourself

An essay about yourself can be personal, use “I” statements, and include memories or thoughts that are deeply personal to you.

Question: “Have you ever met someone who could turn even the most mundane events into a thrilling adventure? Let me introduce myself.”
Anecdote: “The smell of freshly baked cookies always takes me back to the day when I accidentally started a baking business at the age of nine.”
Intriguing Statement: “I’ve always believed that you haven’t truly lived until you’ve read a book upside down, danced in the rain, or taught a parrot to say ‘I love pizza.'”
Quotation: “As Mark Twain once said, ‘The secret of getting ahead is getting started.’ That’s a philosophy I’ve embraced in every aspect of my life.”
Humorous Statement: “I’m a self-proclaimed ‘professional chocolate tester’ – a title that’s not only delicious but also requires extreme dedication.”
Start with your Mission Statement : “My life motto is simple but powerful: be the person who decided to go for it.
Fact or Statistic: “According to a study, people who speak more than one language tend to be better at multitasking . As a polyglot, I certainly live up to that statistic.”
Comparison or Metaphor: “If my life were a book, it would be a blend of an adventurous novel, a suspense thriller, and a pinch of romantic comedy.”
Personal Revelation: “Ever since I was a child, I’ve had an uncanny ability to communicate with animals. It’s an unusual skill, but one that has shaped my life in many ways.”
Narrative: “The day everything changed for me was an ordinary Tuesday. Little did I know, a single conversation would lead me to discover my true passion.”

2. For a Reflective Essay

A reflective essay often explores personal experiences, feelings, and thoughts. So, your hooks for reflective essays can usually be more personal, intriguing, and engaging than other types of essays. Here are some examples for inspiration:

Question: “Have you ever felt as though a single moment could change your entire life? This essay is going to explore that moment for me.”
Anecdote: “I was standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, looking at the vast emptiness, and for the first time, I truly understood the word ‘perspective’.”
Bold Statement: “There is a part of me that is still trapped in that room, on that rainy afternoon, holding the letter that would change everything.”
Personal Revelation: “The first time I truly felt a sense of belonging wasn’t in a crowded room full of friends, but in the quiet solitude of a forest.”
Intriguing Statement: “In my life, silence has been a teacher more profound than any words could ever be.”
Quotation: “Einstein once said, ‘The only source of knowledge is experience.’ Now, looking back, I realize how profound that statement truly is.”
Comparison or Metaphor: “If my life is a tapestry, then that summer was the vibrant thread that changed the entire pattern.”
Narrative: “As the train pulled out of the station, I realized I wasn’t just leaving my hometown, I was leaving my old self behind.”
Philosophical Statement: “In the theater of life, we are both the actor and the audience, playing our part and watching ourselves simultaneously.”
Emotive Statement: “There is a sort of sweet sorrow in remembering, a joy tinged with a hint of sadness, like the last notes of a beautiful song.”

For an Argumentative Essay

Essay hooks for argumentative essays are often the hardest. This type of essay tends to require the most formal type of academic writing, meaning your hook shouldn’t use first person, and should be more based on fact and objectivity, often at the expense of creativity. Here are some examples.

Quotation: “Thomas Jefferson once said, ‘Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.’ If Jefferson were alive today, he would likely feel that this meed for a well-informed citizenry is falling well short of where he would aspire.”
Provocative Statement: “Despite what romantic films may portray, love at first sight is merely a myth perpetuated by society. This essay will prosecute the argument that love at first sight is a myth.”
Statistical Fact: “According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading psychological disability worldwide. Yet, mental health is still stigmatized and often overlooked. This essay will argue that depression should be seen as a health issue, and stigmatization of depression causes serious harm to society.”
Comparison: “Much like an unchecked infection, climate change, if left ignored, can spread far beyond what it is today, causing long-term economic and social problems that may even threaten the longevity of humanity itself.”
Contradiction : “While we live in an era of unprecedented technological advancements, millions around the world are still denied basic internet access.”
Bold Declaration: “Animal testing is not only ethically unacceptable, but it also undermines the progress of medical research.”
Challenging Belief: “Despite popular belief, the automation of jobs is not a threat but an opportunity for society to evolve.”
Quotation: “George Orwell wrote in ‘1984’, ‘Big Brother is Watching You.’ In our modern society, with the advancement of technology, this is becoming more of a reality than fiction.”
Intriguing Statement: “Despite countless diet fads and fitness trends, obesity rates continue to rise. This argumentative essay will argue that this is because medical practitioners’ approaches to health and weight loss are fundamentally flawed.”
Statistical Fact: “Research reveals that over 90% of the world’s plastic waste is not recycled. This alarming figure calls for a drastic change in social attitudes towards consumption and waste management.”
Challenging Assumption: “Society often assumes that progress and growth are intrinsically good, but this is not always the case in the realm of economic development.”
Contradiction: “Western society upholds the value of freedom, yet every day, members of society cede personal liberties in the name of convenience and security.”
Analogy: “Like an overplayed song, when a news story is repeated too often, it loses its impact. In the era of digital media, society is becoming desensitized to critical issues.”
Relevant Anecdote: “In a village in India, the arrival of a single computer transformed the lives of the residents. This small anecdote underscores the importance of digital inclusion in today’s world.”
Call to Rethink: “In a world where success is often equated with financial wealth, it is time for society to reconsidered what truly constitutes a successful life.”

For a Compare and Contrast Essay

A compare and contrast essay examines two issues, looking at both the similarities and differences between them. A good hook for a compare and contrast essay will immediately signal to the reader the subjects that are being compared and why they’re being compared. Here are sine ideas for hooks for a compare and contrast essay:

Quotation: “As Charles Dickens wrote in his novel ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times’. This could equally apply to the contrasting dynamics of urban and rural living.”
Provocative Statement: “Despite popular belief, cats and dogs have more in common than society tends to think.”
Comparison: “Comparing being an only child to growing up with siblings is like contrasting a solo performance with an orchestral symphony.”
Contradiction: “While many view classic literature and contemporary fiction as worlds apart, they are more akin to two sides of the same coin.”
Bold Declaration: “Android and iPhone may compete in the same market, but their philosophies could not be more different.”
Statistical Fact: “Statistics show that children who grow up reading books tend to perform better academically than those who do not. But, the jury is out on how reading traditional books compares to reading e-books on screens.”
Quotation: “As Robert Louis Stevenson once wrote, ‘Sooner or later, we all sit down to a banquet of consequences.’ This statement can be used to frame a comparison between short-term and long-term thinking.”
Provocative Statement: “Democracy and dictatorship are often seen as polar opposites, but are they are not as different as they seem.”
Comparison: “Climate change and plastic pollution are two major environmental issues, yet they demand different approaches and solutions.”
Contradiction: “While traditional classrooms and online learning are seen as separate modes of education, they can often blend into a cohesive learning experience.”
Bold Declaration: “Though both based on merit, the structures of capitalism and socialism lead to vastly different societal outcomes.”
Imagery: “The painting styles of Van Gogh and Monet can be contrasted as a stormy sea versus a tranquil pond.”
Historical Reference: “The philosophies of the Cold War-era – capitalism and communism – provide a lens to contrast economic systems.”
Literary Comparison: “The dystopian societies portrayed in George Orwell’s ‘1984’ and Aldous Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’ serve as contrasting visions of the future.”
Philosophical Question : “Individualism and collectivism shape societies in distinct ways, but neither one can truly exist without the other.”

See Here for my Guide on Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay

For a Psychology Essay

Writing an engaging hook for a psychology essay involves sparking the reader’s interest in the human mind, behavior, or the specific psychology topic you’re discussing. Here are some stimulating hooks for a psychology essay:

Rhetorical Question: “How much control do we truly have over our own actions?”
Quotation: “Sigmund Freud once said, ‘Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.’ This essay will explore whether this is universally true.”
Provocative Statement: “Contrary to popular belief, ‘venting out’ anger might actually be fueling the fire of fury.”
Comparison: “Just as an iceberg reveals only a fraction of its bulk above water, conscious minds may only be a small piece of who humans truly are.”
Contradiction: “While it may seem counterintuitive, studies show that individuals who are more intelligent are also more likely to suffer from mental health issues.”
Bold Declaration: “Despite advances in technology, understanding the human brain remains one of the final frontiers in science.”
Statistical Fact: “According to a study by the American Psychological Association, nearly one in five adults in the U.S. lives with a mental illness. Yet, mental health continues to be a topic shrouded in stigma.”

For a Sociology Essay

Writing an engaging hook for a sociology essay involves sparking the reader’s interest in social behaviors, cultural phenomena, or the specific sociology topic you’re discussing. Here are ideas for hooks for a sociology essay:

Quotation: “As Karl Marx once noted, ‘Social progress can be measured exactly by the social position of the fair sex.’ Sadly, society has not made much progress in gender equality.”
Provocative Statement: “Social media, initially created to connect people, is ironically leading society into an era of unprecedented isolation.”
Comparison: “Comparing society to a theater, where each individual plays a role, it is possible to start to see patterns and scripts embedded in daily interactions.”
Contradiction: “While people often believe that technology is bringing society closer together, evidence suggests that it’s actually driving a wedge between people, creating ‘digital divides’.”
Bold Declaration: “Human societies are constructed on deeply ingrained systems of inequality, often invisible to those benefiting from them.”
Statistical Fact: “A recent study found that women still earn only 81 cents for every dollar earned by men. This stark wage gap raises questions about equality in the workforce.”

For a College Application Essay

A college essay is a personal statement where you can showcase who you are beyond your grades and resume. It’s your chance to tell your unique story. Here are ten potential hooks for a college essay:

Anecdote: “At the age of seven, with a wooden spoon as my baton, I confidently conducted an orchestra of pots and pans in my grandmother’s kitchen.”
Provocative Statement: “I believe that life is like a game of chess. The king might be the most important piece, but it’s the pawns that can change the entire course of the game.”
Personal Revelation: “It wasn’t until I was lost in a foreign city, armed with nothing but a map in a language I didn’t understand, that I truly discovered my love for adventure.”
Intriguing Question: “Have you ever wondered how it feels to be part of two completely different cultures, yet wholly belong to neither?”
Bold Declaration: “Breaking a bone can be a painful experience. Breaking stereotypes, however, is an entirely different kind of challenge.”
Unusual Fact: “I can recite the periodic table backwards while juggling three tennis balls. It’s a strange talent, but it’s a perfect metaphor for how I tackle challenges.”
Quotation: “As Albert Einstein once said, ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’ This quote has defined my approach to learning.”
Narrative: “It was a cold winter’s day when I first discovered the magic of turning a blank page into a world full of characters, stories, and ideas.”
Metaphor: “Like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, my high school years have been a period of profound metamorphosis.”
Humorous Statement: “Being the youngest of five siblings, I quickly learned that the best way to be heard was to become the family’s unofficial lawyer.”

Conclusion: The Qualities of a Good Essay Hook

As I wrap up this article, I want to share a few last tips on qualities that a good essay hook should have. Keep these tips in mind when writing your essay hook and using the above essay hook examples:

First, relevance . A good hook should be directly relevant to the topic or theme of your essay. The hook should provide a preview of what’s to come without giving too much away.

Second, Intrigue. A great hook should make the reader want to continue reading. It should create a question in the reader’s mind or present a fascinating idea that they want to know more about.

Third, uniqueness. An effective hook should be original and unique. It should stand out from the many other essays that the reader might be going through.

Fourth, clarity. Even though a hook should be captivating and original, it should also be clear and easy to understand. Avoid complex sentences and jargon that might confuse the reader.

Fifth, genre conventions. Too often, my students try to be so creative in their essay hooks that they forget genre conventions . The more formal an essay, the harder it is to write the hook. My general approach is to focus on statistics and facts, and avoid rhetorical questions , with more formal essay hooks.

Keep in mind that you should run your essay hook by your teacher by showing them your first draft before you submit your essay for grading. This will help you to make sure it follows genre conventions and is well-written.

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9 Killer Ways to Start a Speech: Hooks & Attention Getter Examples

To grab your audience’s attention, you should start your speech with a catchy hook.

Public speaking might be nerve-wracking. Apart from preparing the information itself and making an outline, you also need to structure it so it won’t get boring and will catch your audience’s attention.

The presentation of your information is as important as the information itself. So, to grab your audience’s attention, you should start with a catchy hook. The hook is the only possibility to make your listener interested in what you say, so do not start with a simple greeting and a self-introduction.

In this article, you’ll find nine attention getters for speeches based on the top TED Talks . You’ll learn how to write good hooks for speeches. You’ll also find the six worst speech introductions to avoid. Let’s get started!

🙋 Talk about Yourself
📰 Tell a Story
❔ Ask a Question
💪 Make a Statement
📊 Provide Statistics
😅 Use Humor
🖖 Be Interactive
🤯 Shock the Audience
🌈 Use a Metaphor

✅ Attention Getter Examples

❌ 6 Worst Ways to Start a Speech

🙋 1. Talk about Yourself

One of the good ways to make your audience interested in you is to be honest and sincere . Telling your listener about yourself can make them relate to your more. Share your experience with them.

Here’s a speech by Elizabeth Gilbert , the author of Eat, Play, Love , where she chooses to talk about herself at the beginning of her speech. She is talking about her passion which is writing. She made her performance enjoyable to listen to by making a connection to the audience this way.

Elizabeth Gilbert: Your elusive creative genius

📰 2. Tell a Story

Telling a story is also one of the good hooks for speeches. You can make your audience resonate with you or relate to you by telling a sincere story. If you let your reader know more about you by talking about your experience, they will pay attention to what you say.

The following is a speech by Bill Gates , where he used a story from his childhood as an attention grabber. In this speech, he talks about his fear of nuclear war and how his family would hide in the barrel in case of attack.

Bill Gates: The next outbreak? We’re not ready

Next speech is by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie , a famous Nigerian author. She also uses a story as an opener for her presentation. Her story is about how she learned how to read at a very young age

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story

❔ 3. Ask a Question

Asking your audience a question is also one of the best strategies to begin your performance. By asking a question, you can make your listener involved and set the directions for their thoughts.

In the following speech, Simon Sinek asks the audience an exciting question that immediately grabs their attention: How do you explain when others are able to achieve things that seem to defy all of the assumptions?

Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action

💪 4. Make a Strong Statement

Another option is to grab your audience’s attention by making a strong statement. A solid, exciting statement can make your listeners engaged and persuade them to listen to you. Usually, a strong opening statement is followed by a question too.

You can take a look at the speech by Julian Treasure , a leading TED speaker. He makes an interesting statement about the human’s voice, comparing it to some instrument. Later, he asks his audience a question to make them think about his topic.

Julian Treasure: How to speak so that people want to listen

📊 5. Provide Impressive Statistics

Impressive statistics might also be one of the attention-getters for speeches. Think of a statistic that impressed you when you first came across it. Then, try to avoid using simple numbers. Instead, you can compare the numbers with something else. For example, instead of saying that you spend 8 hours online a day, you can say that you spend a whole working day online.

It is crucial to choose a statistic that would be interesting to both a speaker and the audience .

The following is a speech by Robert Waldinger , a Harvard professor of psychiatry, about happiness. He begins his speech by stating the results of a survey. In that survey, millennials were asked about their life goals.

Robert Waldinger: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness

😅 6. Use Humor

Humor is another good way to catch the attention. Although your speech might be about a serious and formal topic, you can say something funny in the beginning. However, it would be best to be extremely careful because your joke might be offensive to someone. So, try to make a joke on a neutral topic .

Here’s a speech by Pamela Meyer on how to spot a liar. She begins her speech by making a joke about how everyone is a liar. Her joke is engaging and makes the audience curious about what else she has to say.

Pamela Meyer: How to spot a liar

🖖 7. Be Interactive

What can be more engaging than actually asking your audience to do something? Your audience will pay all their attention to you if you make them interact with you. You can ask your listeners to raise their hands by asking a question.

The following speech is by Kelly McGonigal , a psychologist and Stanford lecturer, on how to make stress your friend. At the beginning of her speech, Kelly asks her audience to raise their hands if they experienced stress during the past year.

Kelly McGonigal: How to make stress your friend

The following speech is by Celeste Headlee on ten ways to have a better conversation. In her speech, she asks her audience to raise their hands if they have unfriended someone because of an offensive conversation topic.

Celeste Headlee: 10 ways to have a better conversation

🤯 8. Shock the Audience

Some people use the method of shocking their audience to catch their attention. You can do something your listeners do not expect . For example, you can say goodbye at the beginning of your speech or change your clothes. These actions will catch everyone’s attention, but they will only work if the topic is suitable.

In this TED Talk on how schools kill creativity by Sir Ken Robinson , he makes an unexpected move by saying that he is leaving right after saying hello to his audience.

Sir Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?

The following speech is by Cameron Russell on how appearance is not everything. She changed her clothes on the stage as she was opening her speech.

Cameron Russell: Looks aren’t everything. Believe me, I’m a model.

🌈 9. Use a Colorful Comparison

If you are still wondering how to start a speech, a colorful comparison might be a good option. You can use a metaphor , symbol , or another figure of speechto deliver your thought in a catchy way.

Here is a speech by Dan Gilbert on the science of happiness. In his hook, he compares two perspectives on two million years. By making this comparison, he can control the audience’s thoughts, making them think about his words.

Dan Gilbert: The surprising science of happiness

In the following section, you’ll find the best attention grabber examples for speeches. Our examples will help you effectively get your audience’s attention and conduct a great presentation.

Attention-Getter Examples for Self-Introduction Speech

Wondering how to create a good hook for a speech about yourself ? Then you’re at the right place. Here are some hook ideas that proved to be effective:

Hook idea	Attention getter example
	Let me tell you about the time I got lost in a foreign country, unable to speak the language, and had to rely on the kindness of strangers to find my way back to safety.
	Have you ever felt like you were venturing into the unknown, unsure of where life would take you next? That’s exactly how I felt when I set off on my journey to start a new life in a different city.
	We’ve all experienced those moments of self-doubt and uncertainty, but how we navigate through those times truly defines us.
	Life is a rollercoaster, filled with twists, turns, and unexpected drops. Just as we hold on tight and embrace the thrill of the ride, I’ve learned to navigate through the ups and downs of my own journey, and I’m excited to take you along for the ride today.
	Embarking on a new chapter in life is like learning to ride a bike for the first time. It’s wobbly; you might fall a few times, but you eventually find your balance with determination and perseverance. Today, I want to share with you the bumps and triumphs of my personal journey as I found my balance.

Attention Getter for Persuasive Speech Examples

In crafting a persuasive speech , it’s essential to captivate your audience from the very beginning. A well-crafted hook can pique their interest and draw them in, setting the stage for a compelling and impactful message. Here are a few examples of persuasive hooks:

Hook idea	Persuasive hook example
	Have you ever stopped to think about the impact of our daily choices on the environment? What if I told you that small changes in our habits could make a world of difference?
	Today, we stand on the brink of a global catastrophe, and it is up to us to decide whether we will be remembered as the generation that destroyed our planet or the one that took a stand to save it.
	The rise in cyberbullying has reached alarming levels, affecting the mental well-being of our youth. We must address this issue head-on to protect the future of our society.
	Did you know that every minute, the equivalent of a truckload of plastic appears in our oceans? This destructive trend is leading us toward an environmental catastrophe, and we must take immediate action to reverse it.
	As a professional in the field of medicine for over 15 years, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of untreated mental illness on individuals and their families. I am here today to advocate for better access to mental health resources for all.
	In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This powerful message resonates with the urgency of our current situation and reminds us that we can make a positive impact through our actions.

Attention Grabber Examples for Presentation

Are you struggling to find the perfect attention getter for an informative speech ? Look no further! In this section, we’ll explore some powerful hook examples that will captivate your audience right from the start and make your presentation unforgettable.

Hook idea	Attention getter example
	Did you know that the octopus has three hearts, blue blood, and the ability to change both its color and texture to blend into its environment? Today, we’ll explore these intelligent creatures’ fascinating world and remarkable abilities.
	Raise your hand if you’ve ever experienced the frustration of not being able to fall asleep. Many of us have, and I’m here to share some valuable insights to help you achieve a restful night’s sleep.
	As acclaimed physicist Stephen Hawking once said, “The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge.” Today, we’ll delve into this concept’s profound impact on scientific discovery.
	Take a look at this stunning time-lapse video of the rapidly melting glaciers in the Arctic. This visual representation highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and its consequences.
	While many people believe that social media has only negative effects on mental health, studies have shown that it can also provide a sense of community and support for individuals. Today, we’ll explore the multifaceted impact of social media on mental well-being.

Funny Attention Getters for Speeches Examples

Are you tired of starting your speeches with the same old dull hooks? Well, get ready to add some humor and excitement to your next presentation with these funny attention-getters for speeches.

Hook idea	Explanation	Example
	A funny anecdote or personal experience can be shared to entertain the audience, creating a humorous connection and adding a relatable element to the speech.	Let me tell you about the time I accidentally wore my pajamas to a business meeting. It was a classic case of “dress for the job you want, not the job you have” — and apparently, I wanted to be a professional napper!
	This hook involves using humorous material from established sources, such as jokes, anecdotes, or quotes from comedians, writers, or public figures.	As Mark Twain once said, “The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don’t want, drink what you don’t like, and do what you’d rather not.” So, if anyone offers you kale smoothies and a gym membership, just remember – it’s all for the sake of your health!
	This type involves taking an existing humorous concept or joke and modifying it to fit the context of the speech or the specific audience, creating a personalized and amusing rendition.	Why don’t skeletons fight each other? They don’t have the guts! Speaking of guts, let’s dig into the fascinating world of human anatomy and learn about the wonders of the human body.

❌ Bonus: the 6 Worst Ways to Start a Speech

As we have learned different attention-getting techniques, let’s take a look at a list of things to avoid while starting a speech.

	No matter how much time you have to prepare, try to use it wisely. Even if you only have half an hour to prepare, make use of any minute you have to outline, think of a structure, and a good hook to catch your audience’s attention.
	Technical difficulties are something we cannot control. However, we can do everything possible and check the tech in advance. Try to arrive at the place you are giving your speech early to check that everything is working correctly.
	Apologizing can only draw attention to the issue that your audience might not have even noticed. So, try to ignore anything you are struggling with and focus on your speech. If you feel the need to apologize for something obvious, you can reverse it the way you can express your gratitude rather than being sorry.
	Making a joke is an excellent way to start your speech off. However, your joke has to be ethical. Do not think of your audience as of your friend with whom you can talk about anything. Treat your audience with as much respect as possible.
	Instead of asking your audience to turn off their cell phones, try to focus on making your speech interesting and engaging so that your audience wouldn’t want to distract themselves with their cell phones.
	Do not say your name because your audience should already know it. Leave your introduction to the person who organizes the event.

We hope the tips above will help you get ready for your performance. If you haven’t yet decided what topic to choose for your speech, feel free to use our generator to get ideas. The tool is able to make topics not only for essays, but also for speeches.

❓ How to Start a Speech: FAQ

How to start a speech for school.

To start an in-class speech for students, you can talk about yourself or tell a personal story. By telling your audience a story about yourself, you can engage them. An engaged audience pays attention to what you say. Another way is to start your speech with a quote. You can also search for some samples to gain inspiration.

How to start an informative speech?

To start off an informative speech, you should have a catchy hook. You can try asking your audience a question or sharing your experience. After you are done with an attention grabber, you can state your thesis and move to your main points.

How to start a persuasive speech?

Start your persuasive speech with a catchy hook. You may use a quote, a joke, a story, or any other attention grabbers. A good option is to make a question to make your audience think about your topic. If you have enough information, you can also show an impressive statistic related to your topic.

How to start a motivational speech?

You can start your motivational speech by asking your audience a question or asking them to do something. It can engage them and make them interested in what you are trying to say. Another option to engage your audience is to create a joke or to tell a story about yourself.

🔗 References

How to Prepare for Public Speaking
10 Strategies to Prepare for Speaking Engagements
Preparing Speeches – University of Hawaii System
15 Ways to Start a Speech + Bonus Tips | Brian Tracy
Speeches – UNC Writing Center
12 Ways to Hook an Audience in 30 Seconds

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Writing Tips

25 Topics for an Informative Speech

3-minute read
20th November 2023

Have you been asked to give an informative speech, or do you simply want to practice your public speaking skills ? If the answer to either question is yes, then the first thing you need to do is choose a topic for your speech. But with so many potential topics, how can you pick just one? In this post, we’ve narrowed down 25 topics for an informative speech to help you find the one that works best for you.

Choosing a Topic

Informative speeches aim to educate the audience on a particular subject or industry. Unlike persuasive speeches , informative ones are not meant to convince the listener to believe or act a certain way; they are meant to be purely descriptive and explanatory.

The best topics for informative speeches are engaging, interesting, valuable, and relevant to the target audience . Choose a topic about which you have a comprehensive understanding or one you intend to research substantially. After all, it’s easy to deliver an engaging presentation and educate your audience when you’re extremely knowledgeable about the topic! Next, let’s take a look at 25 interesting topics for an informative speech, organized by subject.

Science and Technology

● The impact of artificial intelligence on society

● Recent advancements in space exploration

● Recent breakthroughs in medical research

● The science behind climate change and its effects

● The evolution of social media

● What is 3D printing?

Health and Wellness

● The effect of regular exercise on overall health

● How sleep impacts brain functioning

● Understanding stress and stress management techniques

● How does sugar impact the body?

● Key figures in the Civil Rights movement

● Significant women in history

● Sculpture of the Renaissance

● A history of fashion in the Victorian era

● An exploration of the Olympics from their beginning

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● The history and impact of open-access education

● An exploration of virtual learning over the past 25 years

● How high schools differ around the world

● A look back at education in 19th-century America and the way it compares to current methods

● The history of homework

The Environment and Sustainability

● How to reduce your carbon footprint

● What is zero-waste living?

● The significance of global water conservation

● The impact of air pollution on public health

● The impact of oil spills on the environment

Tips for Giving an Informative Speech

If you’re giving an informative speech, remember to:

● Do your research! Gather information from credible, authoritative sources when composing your speech. Avoid sources that discuss strictly the opinion of the author and look for solid, factual evidence to support your topic.

● Consider your audience. Do they have at least a baseline knowledge of the topic? The answer to this question will help determine how deep you should go in your explanations and what kind of language to use.

● Organize your ideas . Before you begin writing, create a comprehensive outline that includes the introduction, main ideas, and conclusion.

● Use anecdotes or examples to make your content more engaging and relevant to your audience.

● Anticipate potential questions and jot down notes you can easily refer to.

Here’s one last essential speech writing tip: to ensure a smooth delivery and enhance your writing, have your speech professionally proofread and edited. Our editors can make sure your informative speech effectively conveys your message and engages your audience. Send in your free sample today to get started.

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Attention Getter Generator

Get a catchy attention getter in 4 steps:

Choose the hook type that you want.
Type in your essay’s topic.
Push the “Get an attention getter” button.
Get your perfect attention grabber just like that!
✨ Our Tool’s Benefits

👀 What Is an Attention Getter?

🔥 Types of Hooks
❤️ Helpful Tips

🔗 References

✨ attention getter for essays: our tool’s benefits.

Getting unique hook examples to boost your inspiration has never been easier! AssignZen’s hook generator has many unique features that you’ll definitely appreciate. Here’s why you should choose our tool instead of others:

💸 It’s free!	No extra fees or paid subscriptions are required.
👍 It’s easy to use.	This tool is intuitive thanks to its user-friendly interface.
🤩 You can use it without limits.	Feel free to generate as many hooks as you want!
🔥 You can choose the hook type.	Switch between a question, a piece of statistics, and other options.

Not sure why you need a perfect hook in your essay? Or maybe you want to learn more about attention getters? Keep reading this article!

A hook is essentially the text’s first sentence that captures the reader's attention. It’s usually located in the opening sentence of an essay. It can either state the primary idea or function as an introductory sentence before the main narrative.

Reasons to Use an Attention Getter

There are many reasons why using an attention getter will take your essay to the next level:

It sparks interest and curiosity in the reader.
It makes your essay memorable and helps it stand out among others.
It establishes the mood, style, and voice of your writing.
It provides context or background information that leads to your essay’s main argument.

🔥 Types of Attention Getters

Did you know there are several diferent types of hooks? Each type is suitable for specific situations and texts. In addition, by using various attention-getting techniques, you can cater to different learning styles and make your essay more accessible to a broader range of readers.

The 4 main types of attention getters are:

Type	Explanation	Example
	This type requires you to write a question that is connected to the topic. It aims to make the reader look for answers, motivating them to continue reading your essay.
	Using quotes is a great way to actualize your topic. The reader will see that even famous people spoke on this topic. Just make sure to !
	A shocking piece of statistics is a great way to show your readers the importance of your topic.
	Telling a story from a personal experience is another excellent way of intriguing your readers and catching their attention. Just make sure that your story is connected to the text’s theme.

Attention Getters for Different Purposes

As you already know, each hook type suits specific texts. In this next segment, we will discuss which attention getters to use with which assignments to get the best outcome.

Attention Getter for an Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays aim to engage the reader in a discussion. An attention getter for this essay type can be a powerful tool to capture the reader's interest and establish credibility. By presenting compelling evidence in a thought-provoking question or a surprising fact , you can pique the audience's curiosity and make a persuasive impact.

Attention Getter for a Narrative Essay

Narrative essays tell a story. As you can guess, the most suitable hook in this case is the anecdotal type .

Attention Getter for an Informative Essay

Informative essays aim to tell the readers about something. Your aim with the hook would be to create interest. That’s why the best choice here would be statistical and question hook types .

Attention Getter for a Research Paper

Research papers are generally more complex than essays. In this case, a hook of almost any type can fit. We recommend starting with statistics and quotation hooks .

Attention Getter for a Literary Analysis

Literary analysis generally requires a more creative approach than other essay types. That’s why quotation and question hook types are the most appropriate options.

Attention Getter for a Speech

If you’re writing a text for an informative speech, you need a hook that will quickly grab the attention of many diverse people. Generally, a quotation or question hook will do the trick, but you can also use shocking statistics to actualize the topic effectively.

❤️ Writing a Catchy Attention Getter: Helpful Tips

Finally, we present to you the most helpful tips to make your hooks perfect!

✔️	If you’re using a quote or a question for your hook, make sure they are intriguing.
✔️	Be sure to provide solid proof and a reference for your statistic hooks.
✔️	Don’t be too informal in anecdotal attention grabbers.
✔️	before writing a hook. It's great when you can get some info on their interests beforehand and use it during the writing process.
✔️	Use metaphors and similes to make your attention grabbers more memorable.

Now you know everything necessary for making a great attention grabber for your text. Make sure to use AssignZen’s hook generator to speed up the process! This groundbreaking tool will be a great help even for a seasoned writer.

❓ Attention Getter Generator FAQ

❓ how do you make an attention grabber.

It's pretty easy to make a good attention grabber. Just think of a sentence that can be catchy, informative, and related to your main topic’s problem. You can use any hook, should it be a question, a quote, a personal story, or a shocking statistic.

❓ What is a hook generator?

AssingZen’s hook generator is a free tool that creates attention getters for essays or research papers. All you should do is choose the desired hook type and state your topic in the generator's parameters. After that, you'll receive a perfect hook that you can use however you want.

❓ What is a good attention grabber for an essay?

A good attention grabber must be catchy, informative, and connected with the topic. Here’s an example of a great hook for an argumentative essay: “In recent days, many influential people have asked themselves: can we create a world under a single government?”

❓ What is an example of an attention getter in an essay?

Here’re a few good examples of catchy hooks:

Everyone knows that committing a crime is a punishable act. But were there situations where committing a crime has helped society?
According to the most recent statistics, 53% of marriages in the US end in divorce.

Updated: Apr 9th, 2024

How to Write a Hook: East Stroudsburg University
How to Write a Hook to Captivate Your Readers: Grammarly
Hooks & Grabbers: Las Positas College
Attention Getters: Grand Valley State University
The Attention-Getter: The First Step of an Introduction: University of Minnesota

Good Hooks for Essays: 14 Hook Ideas with Examples

Now here’s the clue.

If you want to wow your teacher, polish the introduction. Add something interesting, funny, shocking, or intriguing. Good essay hooks help you build an emotional connection right from the start. Think of an essay hook as bait for your readers.

Our expert team has prepared numerous examples of hooks for essays. You’ll find hook examples for an argumentative essay, personal story, history essay, and other types of papers.

For 100% clarity, we provided examples using each hook tactic. And a short part about how to write a good hook.

Teacher: "I won't forgive you for this essay." Student: "But you gave me an A. What's wrong with it?" Teacher: "I couldn't stop reading it, and I burned my dinner."

💎 What Exactly Is a Hook & How to Write a Good One
📜 Examples of Classical Essay Hooks
💡 Try Some Informative Essay Hooks
🦄 Here are the Most Uncommon Essay Hooks

✅ Good Hooks for Essays: Bonus Tips

🔗 References for More Information

We highly recommend reading all the methods and examples, so you don’t have any questions.

💎 How to Write a Hook That Will Work for Your Essay?

The hook of your essay usually appears in the very first sentence.

The average length of an essay hook should be 3-7 sentences, depending on the topic.

But first, let’s quickly go through the key questions.

What Is an Essay Hook?

An essay hook (or narrative hook) is a literary technique that writers use to keep their readers engaged. It shows that the content below is worth reading.

The hook can have different lengths. Some writers make it last for several pages. Though, it better be a short paragraph or even a sentence.

Why Do You Need a Good Essay Hook?

Writing the right hook is essential for a few reasons:

It heats up your readers’ interest. If you did it right, they read the whole piece.
It shows off your skills . A right hook presents you as an expert in your field.
It attracts target audience. Only the readers you want will keep reading.
It keeps the tension on the right level. Use an intriguing question, and a reader dies to find out the answer.
It makes a good introduction. Starting your essay off a boring fact is simply not a good idea.

How to Write a Good Hook: Ideas and Examples

Hook ideas	Where to use	Hook sentence examples
		Elon Musk once said, “We are running the most dangerous experiment in history right now, which is to see how much carbon dioxide the atmosphere can handle before there is an environmental catastrophe.”
		Have you ever thought about how you can become happier?
		It had been all summer since we’d seen each other, and now I was standing face to face with my old enemy – my Math teacher, Mrs. Parker.
		According to the Annapolis Police Department, nearly 42% of teenagers have been bullied online, and almost one in four have had it happen more than once.
		Sunlight is clear and colorless until it reaches the earth’s atmosphere. Then, spread by air molecules, it paints the sky blue.

Next, we will discuss these hook types in more detail. We’ll also provide essay hook examples of less common yet intriguing types: dialogue, story, contradiction, comparison, definition, metaphor, puzzle, announcement, and background information hooks.

💬 The Famous Quote Hook

Use a famous quote as a hook for your essay on history, literature, or even social sciences. It will present you as an established writer. It shows how knowledgeable you are and motivates the readers to engage in the text.

⬇️ Check out examples below ⬇️

Quote Hook Example: Political Science

Hilary Clinton once said that "there cannot be true democracy unless women's voices are heard." Which creates a discussion about how perfect democracy should look like. If it is a form of government that considers all opinions, why are women silenced so often even nowadays? The truth is that we need to ensure completely equal opportunities for women in politics before we talk about establishing the correct version of democracy. And even the most developed and progressive countries are still struggling to get to that level of equality. It can be achieved by various methods, even though they might only work in certain countries.

Social Sciences

"Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." These words of wisdom from John Kennedy reflect the perspective we need to teach the younger generations. For some reason, it has become popular to blame the government for any problem arising in society. Is it their fault that we don't think about waste and keep trashing our home? Social responsibility is a real thing. The well-being of our countries starts with the actions of every separate individual. It is not entirely right to wait until the government fixes all the issues for us. The best strategy is to start thinking about what we can do as a community to make our home even a better place.

And excellent sources of quotes for you:

Brainyquote.com – you can search quotes by topic or by author.
Goodreads.com is not only a great collection of e-books but also quotes.
Quoteland.com has plenty of brilliant words for all imaginable situations.
Quotationspage.com – more than 30,000 quotations for unique essay hooks.

❓Rhetorical Question Essay Hooks

It doesn’t have to be rhetorical – any type of question addressed to your audience will do its job. Such a universal kind of hook can spike the interest of your readers immediately.

Some useful patterns of rhetorical questions:

What could be more important than…?
What if there was only one… (chance/day/hour)?
Who wouldn’t like to… (be a cat/turn visitors into clients)?
Why bother about… (inequality/imperfect education system)?
Which is more important: … (making money or realizing potential)?

And more in examples:

Example of a Question Hook on Education

Wouldn't free access to education for everyone be wonderful? The answer would most likely be positive. However, it is not as simple as it seems. As much as the governments try to achieve this goal, there are still many uneducated people. On the bright side, in the era of technology, learning has never been so easy. Of course, some young adults just prefer the shortcut option of taking a student loan. Other ways are much more challenging and require a lot of responsibility and patience. Finding free educational resources online and gaining experience with the help of video tutorials might sound unprofessional. Still, you will be surprised how many experts hired in different fields only received this type of education.

Question Hook Example: Health

Is there anything that can help you lose weight fast? You have probably heard of this magical keto diet that is getting more and more popular worldwide. People claim that it helps them shred those excess pounds in unbelievably short terms. But how healthy is it, and does it suit anyone? The truth is that no diet is universal, and thanks to our differences, some weight-loss methods can even be harmful. Keto diet, for example, leads your body into the state of ketosis. What happens is that you don't receive carbohydrates, and in this state, fat is used as the primary source of energy instead them. However, it carries potential threats.

😂 Anecdotal Essay Hooks

This type would usually be more suitable for literary pieces or personal stories. So, don’t use it for formal topics, such as business and economics. Note that this hook type can be much longer than one sentence. It usually appears as the whole first paragraph itself.

It wouldn't be Kate if she didn't do something weird, so she took a stranger for her best friend this time. There is nothing wrong with it; mistakes like that happen all the time. However, during only five minutes that Kate spent with the stranger, she blabbed too much. Thinking that she sat down at the table that her friend took, Kate was so busy starting on her phone that she didn't notice that it wasn't her friend at all. Sure enough, the naive girl started talking about every little detail of her last night that she spent with her date. It was too much for the ears of an old lady. Kate realized she took the wrong table only when it was too late.

Literature (personal story)

Do not ever underestimate the power of raccoons! Those little furry animals that may look overly cute are too smart and evil. It only takes one box of pizza left outside your house by the delivery person for the disaster to begin. When they smell that delicious pizza, no doors can stop them. They will join the forces to find a hole in your house to squeeze into. Even if it's a window crack four feet above the ground, they know how to get to it. Using their fellow raccoons as the ladder, they get inside the house. They sneak into the kitchen and steal your pizza in front of your eyes and your scared-to-death dog. Not the best first day in the new home, is it?

📈 Fact or Statistic Hook

Looking deeper into your essay topic, you might find some numbers that are quite amusing or shocking. They can serve as perfect hooks for economics- and business-oriented writings. Also, it is better if they are less known.

Business/social sciences

The UAE workforce is culturally diverse since around 20% of employees (usually called expatriates) come from different countries. Ex-pats tend to take managerial positions, which makes communication within companies quite tricky. The training focused on raising cultural awareness is getting more common, but such educational strategies as games (or gamification) are still rarely applied in the UAE companies. Yet, gamification was a useful tool in other places, making it an attractive UAE team building method. It can significantly help integrate ex-pats and create a more culturally aware environment.

Statistic Hook Example in Economics

The United Arab Emirate's debt has been rising drastically in past years, from about US$17 billion in 2003, which is almost 19 percent of GDP, to US$184 billion in 2009. Only a small proportion of the debt can be tracked directly to the public sector. A report by UBS bank shows that most of the debt comes from the corporate sector. Most of the companies that hold the main section of the debt are financial institutions. The public sector partly owns them. Banks in the UAE have been accumulating their debt amounts in the years mentioned above and could now account for 75 percent of the total foreign debt. The discussion is about the reasons why the UAE debt has been rising at an alarming rate.

Some good sources for statistics

Finance.yahoo.com is perfect for business papers.
Usa.gov/statistics is an easy-to-use governmental engine for searching data and stats.
Unstats.un.org provides a massive collection of statistics published by UN organizations
Oecd-ilibrary.org is the online library of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), featuring its books, papers, and statistics and is a gateway to the OECD’s analysis and data.

🤯 Shocking Facts are Very Good Hooks for Essays

Very similar to a statistical hook, a fact can serve as a perfect engaging introduction. Search your field for some shocking phenomenon and gently insert it in the beginning.

Don’t forget to include a reliable source reinforcing your words!

Fact Hook Example in Economics

Nowadays, much attention is paid to the problem of shark finning around the world. Millions of sharks are killed annually for their fins, and many of them are dropped back to the ocean finless, where they die because of suffocation. In many countries, the idea of shark finning remains illegal and unethical, but the possibility of earning huge money cannot be ignored (Dell'Apa et al. 151). Regarding available technologies, market economies, trade relations, and cheap employment, it does not take much time to organize special trips for shark hunting. The Trade of shark fins is alive and well developed in countries like the United States and China. However, the number of people who are eager to try shark fin soup has considerably decreased during the last several years because of the popularity of anti-shark fin soup campaigns and laws supported worldwide (Mosbergen). The situation continues to change in China.

Daniel Stacey and Ross Kelly observed that long lines and a new gray market trend for bigger screen phones marked Apple's new iPhones debut. As expected, new phone models drew Apple fans outside retail stores (Stacey and Kelly). Global critics, however, noted that this year's lines were generally longer relative to previous periods mainly because of the developing gray market for Apple products. The new Apple's iPhones have larger screens than the previous models. Also, they boast of improved battery life, faster processors, and an enhanced camera. Tim Cook called them "mother of all upgrades" (Stacey and Kelly).

Sources to look for reliable facts:

Buzzfeed.com – news, videos, quizzes.
Cracked.com – a website full of funny stuff, like articles, videos, pictures, etc.
Webmd.com – an incredible collection of medical facts you will love.
Livescience.com – discoveries hitting on a broad range of fields.
National Geographic – needs no introduction.
Mental Floss answers life’s big questions, a compilation of fascinating facts and incredible stories.

🗣️ Dialogue as a Catchy Hook for Essays

Dialogue is another type of hooks that goes perfectly with pieces of literature and stories. It can even make your short essay stand out if you include it at the beginning. But don’t forget that it only concerns specific topics such as literature and history.

Here it is:

Dialogue Hook Example in Literature

– Why did you do it? – I don't know anymore… That's why I'm leaving for a little bit right now. I need time to think.

With these words, Anna stepped back into the train car and waved goodbye to Trevor. She couldn’t even find the right words to explain why she ran away on her wedding day. It wasn’t that she didn’t love Trevor, but there was this deep, natural, and unexplored feeling that told her it wasn’t time yet. But the only thing Anna realized was that the city made her sick. That day, she took off her wedding dress, bought a ticket on the next flight leaving that afternoon, and hopped on the train taking her to the airport. She couldn’t even remember the country’s name she was going to so blurry everything was from her tears.

Dialogue Hook for History Essay

– If we still had inquisition, we could probably set him on fire. – Some dark magic, indeed, my friend! It would have probably been a real dialogue if we knew who was the first automobile inventor for sure. People were undoubtedly shocked to see the cars moving by themselves without horses. However, since they started appearing around the globe around the same time, it is almost impossible to identify who was the original creator of the idea and the first automobile itself. The credit was usually given to Karl Benz from Germany, who created a gasoline car in 1885-1886. But there are also much earlier records of a gentleman named Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot, who built the first vehicle powered by steam in France in 1769.

🔮 A Story Looks Like an Extremely Good Essay Hook

A universal essay hook is a story. You can use this trick pretty much anywhere. The main challenge is to be as authentic as possible, try to tell something fresh and engaging. The more specific and narrow the story, the more chances for a successful introduction.

Story Hook Example for an Essay on Business

Dell started fast and strong. The original company was founded in 1984 when the founder was only a 19-year-old student at the University of Texas. Four years after the inception of the company, Michael Dell became the Entrepreneur of the Year. Eight years after he started the company from his dorm room's comfort, Dell was chosen as the Man of the Year by PC Magazine. […] The company was acknowledged as the world's leading direct marketer of personal computers. At the same time, Dell was known as one of the top five PC vendors on the planet (Hunger 9). […] However, the company's journey encountered a major hurdle down the road. Even after recovering from an economic recession in 2010, the company continued to experience declining sales.

🦚 Contradictory Statement – Queen of Good Hooks

Everybody loves to start an argument by contradicting some facts. Therefore, you simply need to add a controversial statement at the beginning of your essay. People of all ages and beliefs will not be able to stop reading it!

Challenging your readers works well for social sciences, business, and psychology topics.

Examples of contradictory statements essay hooks:

If you think being a manager is a calm and relatively easy task, try surviving on five cups of coffee, a sandwich, and two packs of cigarettes a day. You would rather believe that managers only walk around the office and give their staff orders, wouldn't you? Unfortunately, the reality is much harsher than such rainbowy dreams. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. A whole set of personal qualities and professional skills must keep up with the successful strategic planning, assessment, and development. All the tasks the managers need to attend to are nerve-wracking and sometimes almost impossible to do. The stress from the demanding managerial position is often overlooked or underestimated.

Social sciences

Video games have been ruining our kids' lives and leading to an increase in crime. Since the gaming industry's development in recent years, the fear of its adverse effects on the younger generations' brains has become a significant concern. There is such a wide variety of games, ranging from educational to violent shooters and horrors. Almost immediately, caring parents jumped on the latter category, claiming that its impact is too significant and children become more aggressive and uncontrollable. Some supporters of this theory went even further. They decided to link real-life crimes to the effects of violent video games on child and adult behavior. However, as we will see later in this article, there is no or little scientific evidence supporting those ideas.

🔁 Vivid Comparison Essay Hook

Introducing your topic with an engaging, vivid comparison is a universal strategy. It is suitable for any kind of writing. The main idea is to grab your readers’ attention by showing them your unique perspective on the topic. Try to make the comparison amusing and exciting.

Comparison Essay Hook Options:

Comparison with daily chores (e.g., Proofreading your essays is like cleaning your teeth.)
Comparison with something everyone hates (e.g., Learning grammar is like going to the dentist.)
Comparison with something everyone loves (e.g., John was happy like a child eating a free vanilla ice cream.)
Comparison of modern and old-school phenomena (e.g., Modern email has much in common with pigeon post.)
Funny comparison (e.g., Justin Bieber is the Michael Jackson of his time)

Check out examples:

Environment

For many people, flying feels like a dream come true. More and more people take their first-ever flight thanks to the rapidly developing aviation technologies. Aircraft and airports are advancing, and air traveling is getting cheaper. However, except for transporting eager travel addicted and business people, planes are used in other ways. It appears that the whole economies across the world depend on the effectiveness and efficiency of airlines. Import and export demand this kind of transportation to work at all times. Aviation development seems like a great thing. However, just like any other technological breakthrough, it comes with a price. Environmental issues did not wait too long to show up.

Social sciences/psychology

Leaving home for the first time as a freshman can only be compared to the level of stress you had in childhood when your mother left you in the line at the checkout for too long. Indeed, becoming a student and moving out of the parent's house comes with a great deal of stress. All the unknown that lies ahead makes youngsters too anxious. Then, the difficulties of financial planning and increased academic pressure come as additional sources of worries. However, it does not have to be such a negative experience. Particular techniques can help students overcome their stress related to the separation from their parents.

📄 Definitions = Easy & Good Hooks for Essays

Another versatile essay hook option is introducing a qualitative definition. Try to make it capacious, and don’t fall into verbal jungles. This narrative hook is perfect for short scientific papers where there is only one focus subject.

Business Ethics

White-collar crime refers to the peaceful offense committed with the intention of gaining unlawful monetary benefits. There are several white-collar crimes that can be executed. They include extortion, insider trading, money laundering, racketeering, securities fraud, and tax evasion. Enron Company was an American based energy company. It was the largest supplier of natural gas in America in the early 1990s. The company had a stunning performance in the 1990s. Despite the excellent performance, stakeholders of the company were concerned about the complexity of the financial statements. The company's management used the complex nature of the financial statements and the accounting standards' weaknesses to manipulate the financial records. The white-collar crime was characterized by inflating the asset values, overstating the reported cash flow, and failure to disclose the financial records' liabilities. This paper carries out an analysis of the Enron scandal as an example of white-collar crime as discussed in the video, The Smartest Guys in the Room.

Motivation is the act of influencing someone to take any action to achieve a particular goal (Montana& Chanov, 2008). Employees' motivation depends on the job's nature, the company's organizational culture, and personal characteristics. In this case study, various theories influence and show how employees can be motivated in the workplace.

📚 Metaphor Hook for Essays

Naturally, using a metaphor as a hook for your essay comes with some limitations. You should only use this type in literature and sometimes in psychology. However, it serves as a great attention grabber if it’s engaging enough.

Let’s see how you can use a metaphor:

When life gives you dirt, don't try to squeeze the juice out of it. It's better to leave it alone and let it dry out a bit. Kate decided to follow this philosophy since nothing else seemed to work. After the painful divorce process, last week's ridiculous work assignments and managing two kids alone almost drove her crazy. No polite discussions, arguing, or bribing helped take care of seemingly a million tasks these little women had to deal with. Even letting out the anger just like her phycologist recommended did not help much. Instead, Kate referred to the last remedy. She put all the issues aside with the hope that it would get better later.

The recipe is relatively easy – take a cup of self-respect, two cups of unconditional love, half a cup of good health, a pinch of new positive experiences, and mix it all for a perfect state of happiness! We all wish it would be possible, right? However, the mystery of this state of being happy is still unsolved. The concept and its perception considerably change depending on time and values. Happiness is so complicated that there is even no universal definition of it. Besides, humans are social creatures, so associating your level of success with others is not unusual. Therefore, being happy means achieving a certain level of several aspects.

🧩 Puzzle? Yes! Amazing Hook for Your Essay

Doesn’t a good riddle grab your attention? Sometimes you just want to find out the answer. The other times, you want to figure out how it is related to the topic. Such a hook would be great for writings on psychology and even economics or business.

Here are the examples:

How many Google office employees you need to destroy a box of fresh donuts? Google is indeed famous for some of the most accommodating and unique working places around the whole world. However, the success of the company does not only appear from treats for employees. It seems that the organizational culture has many effects on business decisions and overall performance. All the staff working in Google share the same visions and values, helping them cooperate and lead the company to success. However, there is one aspect to consider. The organizational culture needs to be adapted to the ever-changing business environment.

Who survives on dirt-like substance, is never joyful, and only returns to the cave to sleep? It sounds horrible, but the correct answer is human. Nowadays, the demands for any kind of workers are rising, which brings tremendous effects on people. As the number of duties increases, it is getting harder for employees not to chug on coffee and come back home in time for a family dinner. The work-life balance is disturbed, leading to anxiety, relationship issues, and even health problems. Social life appears to be as important as making money. Therefore, the correct distribution of time between personal life and work duties is necessary for happiness.

📢 Announcement Is Also a Good Essay Hook Option

Announcements could be suitable for literary pieces and historical essays.

Such a hook doesn’t have to be too long. It should be significant enough to persuade your readers to stick to your writing. Make sure it aligns with your topic as well.

Ways to use announcements as essay hooks:

It was a revolution! The Beatle's first song came out in 1962, and almost immediately, hordes of fans pledged their loyalty to this new band. Nearly all youngsters became obsessed with their music. No one can deny that the Beatles are still considered the creators of some of the best songs in history. However, the arrival of the British band influences culture as well. Many photos depict girls going crazy on live concerts and guys shaping their haircuts after the Beatles' members. The revolution that the band brought left an impact, evidence that we can still trace in modern British culture and music.

I will never go to Starbucks again! Oh, no, mind me. I love their coffee. At some point in my life, I even thought I had an addiction and had to ask my friends to watch my consumption of Pumpkin Spice Latte. Then, the wind of change turned everything upside down. On my usual Starbucks morning run, I noticed a homeless man holding a paper cup begging for money. At first, I didn't pay much attention since it's a usual occurrence in our area. However, one day, I recognized my old neighbor in him. The only cash I had on me, I usually spent on my cup of coffee, but I decided it was not much of a sacrifice. From that moment, I only showed up on that street to shove a few bucks into that poor guy's cup. One day, to my surprise, he talked to me.

ℹ️ Background Information Essay Hook

Last but not least, give background information on your subject to make a good intro. Such an essay hook is effortless and suitable for practically any paper. Try to find the most unobvious angle to the background information. At the same time, keep it short and substantive.

Here are the ways to use background information essay hooks:

Air Arabia is among the leading low-cost carriers in the global airline industry. The airline is mainly based at the Sharjah International Airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Air Arabia, 2012). The airline came into inception in 2003 after His Highness Dr. Sheik Mohammed Al Qassimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, issued an Emiri Decree. Later, Air Arabia was transformed into a limited liability company. For nearly a decade, Air Arabia has witnessed tremendous growth, resulting in increased fleet size and improved sales revenues. At the same time, Air Arabia has created a renowned brand that offers reliable and safe services (Dubai Media Incorporated, 2012). Air Arabia identifies itself as a low-cost carrier by providing low fares in the industry. Some of the key strengths of the airline include punctuality and safety. This aims to ensure that the airline serves its customers most efficiently by observing its safety requirements and adhering to the landing and takeoff schedules (De Kluyver, 2010).

Walmart was founded by Sam Walton in the Arkansas United States in 1962 as a grocery store. The company, which operates a chain of over 8,000 stores in fifteen countries, is estimated to employ over two million employees from diverse backgrounds. Wal-Mart was incorporated in 1969 and started trading in the New York Stock Exchange in 1972. […] Although the company can leave its consumers with a saving due to its low-price policy, it has faced some sharp criticisms over how it treats its employees and other stakeholders. Wal-Mart boasts of its ability to save its customers' money, an average of $950 per year. This, however, has been criticized as harming the community. Also, the feminists' activists have focused on Walmart's misconduct in offering low prices. (Fraedrich, Ferrell & Ferrell 440)

Now we won’t keep you for long. Let’s just go through simple points of essay hook writing.

Someone may think that you have to write your hook first. It comes first in the paper, right?

In reality, though, you can wait until your entire essay is nearly finished. Then go back and rewrite the very first paragraph. This way, you can have a fresh look at what you’ve written in the beginning.

Here’s a simple plan you can follow.

First, write a basic version of your thesis statement.
Then, provide supporting evidence for your thesis in every body paragraph.
After that, reword your thesis statement and write your concluding paragraph.
Finally, search for an attention-grabbing fact, statistic, or anything from the list above to serve as an engaging essay hook.

Add this essay hook to the beginning of your introduction. Make sure that your ideas still flow naturally into your thesis statement.

⚠️ Pro tip: choose various hooks and play around, adding each hook to your introduction paragraph. Like this, you can determine which one makes the most impressive beginning to your paper.

Some of your choices may sound interesting but may not lead to your essay’s main point. Don’t panic! Paper writing always involves trial and error. Just keep trying your essay hook ideas until one fits perfectly.

That’s it 😊

Good luck with your work!

🔗 References

Hook – Examples and Definition of Hook
How to Engage the Reader in the Opening Paragraph – BBC
Hooks and Attention Grabbers; George Brown College Writing Centre
Hook Examples and Definition; Literary Devices
What Is a Narrative Hook? Video
How to: Writing Hooks or Attention-Getting Openings-YouTube

Research Paper Analysis: How to Analyze a Research Article + Example

Film analysis: example, format, and outline + topics & prompts.

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

126 Good Informative Speech Topics – 2024

June 23, 2024

What is an informative speech? You may be asking this question if you find yourself needing to give one for a class or extracurricular. Unlike a persuasive speech , which is designed to convince an audience of something, or a debate , which can be polemic by nature, an informative speech is meant to educate its listeners on a topic, elucidate an unclear idea, or simply help an audience delve more deeply into a subject. In other words, while informative speeches can persuade or argue, they don’t have to. In this article, we’ll highlight a few tips on how to choose good informative speech topics, and then provide a list of 126 informative speech ideas to get you brainstorming for your next big speech!

How to Choose Informative Speech Topics

Your choice of informative speech topic will depend greatly upon the task at hand: is this speech for a class? A passion project ? A campus rally? A professional development conference? Recruiting for a particular major, club, or community service organization? A high school speech competition? Once you know the purpose and parameters of your speech, it will be easier to select an informative speech topic that is an appropriate subject and size. Additionally, it’s important to consider your audience, expertise, scope, research, and tone before you delve into your writing.

Knowing your target audience is key to creating reciprocity, or the necessary give and take between speaker and listener that creates communication and understanding. Speakers who know their audiences are better able to shape their speeches to be well-received. [i] Imagine, for example, you’re giving an informative speech on “Jane Austen’s narrators.” You must ask yourself: are you giving your speech to a panel of scholars, to educated adult non-experts, or to grade school-aged children? If your audience will be comprised of literature professors, your speech should provide fairly advanced and in-depth knowledge and should be filled with the latest developments in professional literary criticism. If your audience is made up of grade school-aged children, you’ll want to start with the basics, like who was Jane Austen? And what, exactly, is a narrator?

As you give your informative speech, you’ll want to think about not only your audience’s level of expertise in your speech topic, but also your own (and it’s okay if you’re a novice in the subject!). [ii] An informative speech often includes or takes into consideration a synthesis of preexisting scholarship in a field or information around a topic. While you don’t need to apprise your audience of an entire body of research before you begin delivering your speech, you do want to have a working knowledge of the preexisting conversation around your informative speech topic. [iii] This will inform the level of research you’ll need to perform before you begin writing your speech.

In terms of selecting research sources, it’s good to remember the three P’s: peer-reviewed , published , and prestigious . A peer-reviewed source is one that has been evaluated by a group of experts in the field of the writer. It has undergone the most stringent editing and fact-checking and, when first published, is the most up-to-date information in a field. A published source is one that has also usually undergone some editing before publication – though you’ll want to be wary of self-published sources and online publications (these usually don’t receive the same kind of scrutiny as printed texts).

Finally, it’s certainly okay to use online sources, but you want to make sure they are coming from a prestigious or at least well-known source like a national newspaper or even an established commercial website. A good tip for assessing a source’s quality is to check: does this source cite any outside resources in a works cited or in footnotes?

You want to be sure that you are able to cover a topic thoroughly, given the time and resources allotted. For example, if you have five minutes to give an informative speech to your psychology 101 classmates, you could choose a general topic like, “Why was Sigmund Freud important to psychology?” If you have an hour to give an informative speech at a professional psychology conference, you might provide a detailed account of Sigmund Freud’s most important contributions to a particular branch of modern psychology and explain its current significance to the field, including recent developments in research and clinical practice.

Finally, something crucial to consider is the emotional register of your speech. Is the subject matter something serious like an illness or climate change? Or is it a politically charged topic like immigration or gun control? Is it light, like “how to make pizza dough” or “the invention of the roller coaster?” Or is it merely intriguing or educating like, “personality typing and psychology,” “owning a poodle,” or “Ben Franklin’s top five aphorisms?” Gauging the emotional involvement of your audience will help you choose an appropriate informative speech topic for the project at hand and will ultimately let you craft a more effective speech.

The 126 informative speech ideas below run the gamut from broad to very specific and can all serve as starting points as you brainstorm what you’d like to give a speech on. Good luck!

Health & Medicine Informative Speech Topics

1) Ideas on curbing the spread of future global pandemics.

2) What is the endocrine system?

3) What is a physician’s assistant?

4) The importance of blood donation.

5) Disparities in healthcare between different demographic groups.

6) How did Marie Curie contribute to the medical field?

7) What is the role of nurses in primary care settings?

8) What subspecialties are there in women’s health?

9) What recent developments have been made in knee replacement surgery techniques?

Good Informative Speech Topics/Informative Speech Ideas (Continued)

10) What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

11) Telehealth and patient outcomes in recent years.

12) How to MRI machines work?

13) Comparing healthcare systems in different countries.

14) The five most important cancer research innovations in the past five years.

15) What is a plague?

16) How does social media affect mental health?

17) What is the World Health Organization?

18) What are the differences between a midwife and an obstetrician?

STEM Informative Speech Topics

19) What are some important differences between commercial and government-sponsored space flight programs?

20) How do rollercoasters work?

21) The relationship between AI and defense.

22) How are robots used in surgeries?

23) How do you solve a quadratic equation?

24) Why are information systems an important part of modern marketing?

25) What recent innovations have been made in the field of machine learning algorithms?

26) How has cloud computing changed in the past five years?

27) What is the role of engineers in mining and extraction?

28) What is a black hole?

29) What is internal combustion?

30) How self-driving cars work.

31) What are some differences between aeronautical and aerospace engineers?

32) What is Euclidian geometry?

33) How is probability be used in sport management?

34) Why are we running out of helium?

35) What is the relationship between cybersecurity and national politics?

36) The most important uses of 3D printing?

Arts & Humanities Informative Speech Topics

37) What are the most likely interpretations of Hamlet’s “To be or not to be?” speech ?

38) What was the Dadaism movement?

39) Why is the Mona Lisa so popular?

40) The differences between highbrow, lowbrow, and commercial cultural production.

41) What are the major tenets of postmodernism?

42) The influences of Alfred Hitchcock on modern cinema.

43) What is the difference between “performance” and “performativity?”

44) What are the differences between an early novel and a romance?

45) Recent developments in literature and ecocriticism.

46) What is the debate on the Elgin Marbles?

47) In what ways was fashion an important element of the Belle Epoch era?

48) The top five most influential texts in speculative fiction.

49) What is pop art?

50) Who was Andy Warhol?

51) What is The Iliad ?

52) Postcolonial studies as an academic field.

53) The history of the Louvre museum.

54) Jane Austen’s narrators and free indirect discourse.

Psychology and Sociology Informative Speech Topics

55) What is the Enneagram and how is it used in therapeutic settings?

56) How did Pierre Bourdieu define “fields?”

57) What is the Panopticon?

58) What is intersectionality?

59) The role of psychologists in school settings.

60) How is behavior psychology related to consumerism and marketing?

61) What is gentrification?

62) The role of the pharmaceutical industry in psychiatric treatment.

63) Who was Sigmund Freud and why is he important?

64) What is the difference between clinical and research psychology?

65) What is the relationship between social media and mental health?

66) What is neuropsychology?

67) What is an ethnographic study?

68) How did Habermas define the public sphere?

69) What is multiple personality disorder?

70) What is are the “gaze” and the “mirror stage,” according to Lacan?

71) Describe the prisoner’s dilemma.

72) What is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

Nature and Environment Informative Speech Topics

73) What are some pros and cons of wind farming?

74) Why are microbiomes important for health?

75) What is an axolotl?

76) Death Valley: the hottest place on Earth

77) What threats do spotted lanternflies pose?

78) What are the most significant climate change “points of no return?”

79) Water conservation strategies in the American West.

80) What is biodiversity?

81) How do dolphins communicate?

82) Why was Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring significant for the environmentalist movement?

83) How was the Santorini caldera created?

84) What are plate tectonics?

85) How and why tornadoes happen.

86) What is the El Niño phenomenon and why is it important?

87) Fungus and blue spruce disease in Northeast Ohio.

88) What measures are being taken to curb deforestation in the Amazon?

89) How is the Galapagos ecosystem preserved today?

90) Floridian ecosystems and the Red Tide.

Business, Marketing, Finance and Economy

91) The role of sports merchandising in U.S. women’s Olympic events.

92) Subprime mortgages and the housing market crash of 2008.

93) What are the eight best steps you can take to better your personal finances?

94) Which social media platforms are most lucrative for marketing to each current online generation?

95) What is inflation?

96) What is the relationship between politics and the unemployment rate?

97) What is market saturation?

98) How do we measure the GDP of emergent nations?

99) What developments to we expect to see in the industry competition between EVs and regular automobiles?

100) What is an index fund? What is a mutual fund?

101) Bond holdings late in retirement.

102) The role of social justice in branding.

103) How does search engine optimization work for marketing?

104) Is the influencer economy a bubble?

105) Describe the differences between a CFA and a CPA.

106) What developments have we seen in start-up economies in the past five years?

107) What is embezzlement?

108) What is the history of human resource departments?

History and Travel

109) The religious persuasions of each of Henry VIII’s wives .

110) How the aqueduct system worked in ancient Rome

111) What are the tallest buildings in the world?

112) What was the Black Death?

113) The Watergate Scandal.

114) In what ways was the printing press an important invention?

115) What is the Chernobyl site like today?

116) What was the relationship between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla?

117) Why was the Great Wall of China built?

118) Who were medieval anchorites?

119) The political significance of whistle-stop train tours.

120) What was the significance of the Second Boer War?

121) The Tennis Court Oath .

122) What are the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?

123) Witch hunting in 1600s New England.

124) What was the Space Race?

125) Why are the bodies of Pompeiians preserved?

126) What is Machu Picchu?

Good Informative Speech Topics – Works Cited

[i] Lloyd-Hughes, Sarah. How to Be Brilliant at Public Speaking: Any Audience, Any Situation . Pearson Educated Limited, Edinburgh 2011.

[ii] Downs, Douglas and Elizabeth Wardle. “What Can a Novice Contribute? Undergraduate Researchers in First-Year Composition,” Undergraduate Research in English Studies (2010) pp. 173-90).

[iii] Graff, Gerard, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing . W.W. Norton & Company, New York, 2006.

Informative Speech Ideas – Additional Reading

149 Capstone Project Ideas and Examples
100 Best Political Science Research Topics
64 Social Issues Topics
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Hooks For Writing Examples
types of presentation hooks
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What is a hook
20 Compelling Hook Examples for Essays

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7 Super and Strategic Hooks In Speaking
Hook #1: Curiosity Hook. "After 15 years of trial and error, research, and blood, sweat, and tears, I've finally found out what makes the difference between a good presenter and a great one. It's…". That's an example of a curiosity hook. You find ways to make your long road lead to their shortcut.
50+ Catchy Hook Examples for a Compelling Reading Experience
Metaphor/Simile Hook: You can set up a scene by telling a short story for your readers to imagine before getting to your essay's core. This metaphor hook can be highly compelling and relatable to your audience. Anecdotal Hook: The trickiest essay hook used to diffuse the tension surrounding a heavy topic.
12 Pretty Good Hooks for Your Next Presentation
12 Pretty Good Hooks About Socks. 1. Make an Outrageous or Provocative Claim . It's the same way I started this post. Hopefully it caught your attention and made you want to read more. The same goes for presentations. Be bold, original, challenge common beliefs, then back up your claim. "Socks are more important than food.".
8 Expert Presentation Hooks to Captivate Your Audience
Examples of clever hooks to start a presentation can include a surprising statistic, a compelling question, a short anecdote or story, a vivid description, a quote from a well-known person, a demonstration of a problem, an intriguing statement, or a "what if" scenario. These methods are designed to grab your audience's attention and set ...
12 Ways to Hook an Audience in 30 Seconds
What is a speech hook and how does it work? A hook is a presentation-opening tactic that immediately captures your audience's imagination. As the word implies, it's like a worm on a fishing hook that attracts a fish. ... A good hook is brief, catchy, well-rehearsed and pertinent to your topic. In brainstorming examples of hooks, avoid the ...
8 Effective Hooks to Start Your Speech
One way to create a contrarian approach is to argue against an opinion or belief. A contrarian attitude can create easily recognizable hooks for a speech and succeed in catching the audience's attention. 2. Ask Several Rhetorical Questions. Rhetorical questions are powerful because they pull at people's heartstrings.
15 Informative Speech Examples to Inspire Your Next Talk
Below are 15 examples of informative speech topics that are sure to engage and educate your audience. The history and evolution of social media platforms. The benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources. The impact of sleep deprivation on mental and physical health. The role of emotional intelligence in personal and professional success.
How to Hook Your Audience with a Great Opener
Here are what I believe are the four key elements of a successful speech hook, along with speech introduction examples. Keep in mind, they should occur as early in your speech as possible, so you tap into the critical first 60 seconds of a speech. What then does a good speech hook do? (1) It resonates with the audience.
How to Write an Informative Speech Outline: A Step-by-Step Guide
Examples of Effective Informative Speech Outlines. Informative speeches must be compelling and provide relevant details, making them effective and impactful. In order to create an effective outline, speakers must first conduct extensive research on the chosen topic. ... It's also important to include a strong attention-grabbing hook in order ...
Informative Speeches
Demonstrative speeches How to write an informative speech. Regardless of the type, every informative speech should include an introduction, a hook, background information, a thesis, the main points, and a conclusion. Introduction. An attention grabber or hook draws in the audience and sets the tone for the speech. The technique the speaker uses ...
Presentation Hook Examples
Try one of these presentation hook examples. A good hook for a speech launched in the first seconds of the presentation is the difference between success and failure. Now you have 13 presentation hook ideas, and a long list of videos and examples from which you can take inspiration every time you need to make a new hook.
9 Killer Speech Openers To Start A Talk Or Presentation
One of the best ways to open your speech with a buzz is to startle or shock them. You can shock an audience in many ways, but they all rest on the major senses of V.A.K.S: Visual. Auditory. Kinaesthetic (touch) and Smell. We don't want your audience tasting your talk, but it should leave a good taste in their mouths.
333 Informative Speech Topics To Rock Your Presentation
333 Informative Speech Topics To Rock Your Presentation. You have been assigned a speech, presentation, or essay, but you have no clue what to talk about. A powerful presentation begins with a compelling topic that sparks your interest and hooks the audience. But you also need to discuss something you feel excited to research and discuss.
15 Powerful Speech Opening Lines (And How to Create Your Own)
Analyze their response and tweak the joke accordingly if necessary. Starting your speech with humour means your setting the tone of your speech. It would make sense to have a few more jokes sprinkled around the rest of the speech as well as the audience might be expecting the same from you. 4. Mohammed Qahtani.
Informative Speech
Example of Informative Speech The Impact of Technology on Society. Good morning, everyone. Today, I am excited to delve into a topic that affects us all profoundly: the impact of technology on society. ... To create an engaging hook for an informative speech, use a startling fact, anecdote, question, quote, or humor that captivates the audience ...
146+ Informative Speech Examples And Samples And Topics
Hook Your Audience: To start an informative speech, begin with a captivating fact, a relatable story, or a surprising statistic. Think of it as reeling in your audience, making them eager to hear more. ... 10+ Informative Speech Examples & Samples in PDF. Alliteration Examples in Literature . Informative Speeches about Concepts.
How to Structure Informative Speech
Consult examples. Review multiple examples to get an idea of the basic format of well-structured speeches. Identify how to introduce a topic, convey the key message and conclude the speech. Then, craft your outline and incorporate any unique elements and strategies that will be effective depending on the topic, audience, and forum.
73 Essay Hook Examples (2024)
These examples might help stimulate your thinking. However, keep in mind that your essay hook needs to be unique to your essay, so use these as inspiration but write your own essay hook that's perfect for your own essay. 1. For an Essay About Yourself. An essay about yourself can be personal, use "I" statements, and include memories or ...
How to Start a Speech: Hooks & Attention Getters for Speeches with
Attention getter examples and good hooks for speeches are collected here. Make a 🔝 speech introduction that people will 💘 love! ... To start off an informative speech, you should have a catchy hook. You can try asking your audience a question or sharing your experience. After you are done with an attention grabber, you can state your ...
25 Topics for an Informative Speech
The answer to this question will help determine how deep you should go in your explanations and what kind of language to use. Organize your ideas. Before you begin writing, create a comprehensive outline that includes the introduction, main ideas, and conclusion. Use anecdotes or examples to make your content more engaging and relevant to your ...
Attention Getter Generator: Free & Intuitive Tool for Students
Getting unique hook examples to boost your inspiration has never been easier! AssignZen's hook generator has many unique features that you'll definitely appreciate. ... If you're writing a text for an informative speech, you need a hook that will quickly grab the attention of many diverse people. Generally, a quotation or question hook ...
Good Hooks for Essays: 14 Hook Ideas with Examples
Then, spread by air molecules, it paints the sky blue. Next, we will discuss these hook types in more detail. We'll also provide essay hook examples of less common yet intriguing types: dialogue, story, contradiction, comparison, definition, metaphor, puzzle, announcement, and background information hooks.
126 Good Informative Speech Topics
Audience. Knowing your target audience is key to creating reciprocity, or the necessary give and take between speaker and listener that creates communication and understanding. Speakers who know their audiences are better able to shape their speeches to be well-received. [i] Imagine, for example, you're giving an informative speech on "Jane ...

Hook #1: Curiosity Hook

Hook #2 – Avoidance Hook

Hook #3 – Attainment Hook

Hook #4 The “Most People” Hook

Hook #5 – Conflict Hook

Hook #6 Silence Hook

Hook #7 Statement Hook

Final Words on Hooks

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50+ Hook Examples: The Opening Lines That Make Your Essay Successful

What is a Hook?

How to Write a Great Hook + Examples

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12 Pretty Good Hooks for Your Next Presentation

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8 Clever Hooks for Presentations That Will Captivate Your Audience

8 Creative Ways to Make Your Presentation Stand Out

1. Start with a Powerful Statement

2. Use a Historical Anecdote

3. Pose a Rhetorical Question

4. Share a Real-Life Example

Expert Tips to Captivate Your Audience

Prioritize a Strong Start

Use the Power of Storytelling

The Art of Storytelling in Presentations

Engaging Your Audience with Questions

Using Humor to Break the Ice

Understanding Your Audience

Crafting the Perfect Joke

Leveraging Visuals for Impact

Effective Use of Quotations

Why Quotations Work

Picking the Right Quote

Creating Anticipation with Insights

Start with a Provocative Question

Share Historical Insights

Arouse Curiosity

Using Rhetorical Questions

Sharing Intriguing Facts and Stories

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2. Ask a series of rhetorical questions.

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5. Provide a reference to a historical event.

6. Use the word imagine.

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