Techniques to Open and Close Your Speech (Flashback Friday #32)

On Fridays, we dip into the Six Minutes article archive in search of the most memorable articles. We’ll dust them off, shine a light on them, and consider them from a new perspective.

This week, we also spotlight recent book releases that may help you enrich your public speaking library.

Resources for Speakers – Public Speaking Books

Check out these recently released public speaking, communications, and training books:

• TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking by Chris Anderson
• Without Saying a Word: Master the Science of Body Language and Maximize Your Success by Kasia Wezowski
• Powered by Storytelling: Excavate, Craft, and Present Stories to Transform Business Communication by Murray Nossel
• Messages: The Communications Skills Book by Matthew McKay, Martha Davis, and Patrick Fanning
• Effective Data Visualization: The Right Chart for the Right Data by Stephanie Evergreen

Today’s Flashback Article

This week, we’re double dipping back to October 2009 to explore how to start your speech and end your speech to maximize your impact.

Many speakers pour all of their creative energy into honing the body of their speech. This is understandable, since the speech body covers the vast majority of your presentation’s time. But this habit neglects two of the most important parts of any presentation: the start and the end!

This week’s flashback articles are both from guest author Peter Jeff. What I love most about both articles is that they quickly rule out the conventional (and boring) opening (“I’m pleased to be here today…”) and closing (“Thank you for your attention…”). Instead, you are treated to a smorgasbord of more attractive techniques to create impact. With this advice, your speech will be memorable from your first word to your last.

Read the two articles, and share your insights about starting and ending your speech:

• TEASE ’em: 5 Ways to Start Your Speech
• 10 Ways to End Your Speech with a Bang