good attention getter for persuasive speech

15 Powerful Attention Getters for Any Type of Speech

Coming up with a great opening line has never been so easy thanks to these ideas.

Arguably, the hardest part of writing a speech is coming up with the perfect hook. The first sentence that comes out of your mouth sets the tone for everything that's going to follow. You need to pack the first few lines with attention getters to make your speech immediately engaging to the audience.

But you don't have to be inherently good at oration like Cicero or Martin Luther King Jr. Instead, you can use these clever tactics to rock your speech from start to finish.

Effective Ways to Grab an Audience's Attention for a Speech

No two orators have the same methods, so no two speeches should start the same way. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ideas to see which one resonates the most with your topic and delivery style.

• Funny Student Council Speech Ideas to Help Everyone Relate to You
• 15 Things That Happen When You Give Birth That No One Talks About
• Self-Introduction Speech Examples & Tips to Help You Be Confident & Calm

All beginners have to start somewhere, and these are some tried-and-true proven ways to grab an audience's attention right away:

1.Start With a Powerful Question

Asking a thought-provoking question can stimulate your audience's curiosity and get them feeling interested in hearing what you plan to follow up with.

2. Use Humor to Break the Tension

Lighthearted jokes or funny anecdotes can warm up the audience by breaking the tension. After a little laugh, they'll probably be more receptive to whatever your message is.

3. Open With an Interesting Statistic

An unexpected or shocking statistic can spark interest and emphasize a major selling point of your topic. Simple stats can also be very punchy, so they make a big impact.

4. Tell a Story

Humans love a narrative, so you can start with a personal or relevant story that makes connections to the various points of your speech in an indirect way.

5. Use a Visual Element

Incorporating graphics, videos, props, or diagrams can add a new dimension to your speech and keep your audience's short attention span locked on you.

6. Quote a Famous Person

One way to open your speech is with an impactful quote from a respected figure to lend authority to your argument or topic.

7. Incorporate Interactive Features

Polls, question-and-answer sessions, or requesting audience members to share their experiences can keep your audience involved. You know what they say - idle hands are the devil's workshop.

8. Challenge Common Beliefs

Stating a contrary opinion or debunking a common myth can be an electric way to get the audience engaged.

9. Use Powerful and Emotive Language

This can draw people in and help them connect with your message on an emotional level. After all, there's a reason one of Cicero's branches of rhetoric is pathos.

10. Relate to your Audience

People like to listen to stuff they relate to, so you can start with a few examples or scenarios that are relatable to your audience's experience.

11. Use Sound Effects or Music

Audio elements can make your presentation more dynamic and memorable. It's hard to look away from a light show or someone sauntering up to the stage with a theme song.

12. Incorporate Physical Activity

Asking your audience to stand up, high five their neighbor, or do a simple exercise can re-energize them. This is especially useful if you're in a group of speeches and need to get the audience to reconnect with you.

13. Pose a Hypothetical Scenario

Paint a picture of a possible future or situation and you can pique your audience's interest.

14. Show Your Passion

Audiences tend to pay attention when speakers display genuine enthusiasm and conviction about their topic, so don't be afraid to get passionate. Inflect in your phrases and let your facial expressions run wild.

15. Surprise Your Audience

Doing something unexpected can break the routine and instantly grab the group's attention.

• Wedding Toast Examples for a Speech They'll Remember

Examples of Attention-Grabbing Phrases to Open a Speech

It's all good and well to know different methods for crafting your intro, but that doesn't magically help with putting the words together. Don't panic. We've got a whole host of attention-grabbing phrases you can use to open any speech with.

• "Imagine if you could..."
• "I'm going to reveal a secret that most experts don't want you to know."
• "How many of you have ever experienced..."
• "Let me start with an alarming fact..."
• "Raise your hand if you believe..."
• "Remember when you were a child and you believed in..."
• "Here's a shocking statistic that will make your hair stand on end..."
• "What if I told you that..."
• "Let's take a journey back in time to..."
• "I have a confession to make..."
• "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."
• "Picture this..."
• "I bet you're wondering why I'm here today..."
• "Let me tell you a story..."
• "I was in your shoes once, and then something extraordinary happened..."
• "There's an old saying that goes..."
• "Have you ever thought about why..."
• "Did you know that..."
• "Who here thinks they know what it's like to..."
• "It might sound crazy, but..."
• "Has anyone in here ever..."
• "Every second we waste, someone in the world is..."
• "I want to share with you a life-changing experience I had..."
• "When you wake up in the morning, do you ever feel..."
• "We are standing on the precipice of..."
• "There's a truth that no one talks about, and it's this..."
• "Let's take a moment to reflect on..."
• "The first time I ever experienced..."
• "Who here is brave enough to admit..."
• "Before we get started, I want to ask everyone a question..."

Use a Good Hook for a Successful Speech

People usually think about the mic drop moment towards the end of the speech and leave the opening bit for minutes before they go on. But reciting a speech isn't like performing open mic night at the comedy club.

You need a good hook to reel the audience in, and which one you use will depend on your audience, your topic, and what you want people to take away from your speech. The long and the short of it is, you might be able to procrastinate on writing your speech, but you probably don't want to leave the opener 'til last minute.

Good Attention Getters for Speeches with 10+ Examples!

I like building and growing simple yet powerful products for the world and the worldwide web.

Published Date : February 16, 2024

Reading Time :

There are days that you might be having trouble grabbing your audience’s attention during a speech , especially if your speech is too lengthy for the average attention span of an individual. 

Being prepared when planning a speech is essential, as you must instantly draw your audience’s attention. 

People don’t usually tune into speeches in the middle, so you have to catch their attention right from the beginning and have a list of attention-getters for speeches to use. 

In this article, you can get good attention-getters for speeches that will be your ticket to being a speaker that people would find interesting. There are also different types of attention-getters for speeches you can choose from to suit your speech topic.

What are attention-getters For

An attention-getter is intended to intrigue the audience members and inspire them to listen attentively for several minutes. There are countless options for attention-getters for speeches.

Most importantly, in your audience’s mind, an attention-getter can generate excitement and persuade them that the speech would be informative and useful. 

Your attention-getter wording should be refined and practiced. Be sure to understand your speech ’s mood/tone; assess the suitability of humor, emotion, aggressiveness, etc. 

Not only should the words draw attention from the audience, but the delivery should be smooth and confident to let the audience know you are a competent speaker prepared for this address.

Watch how to write attention-getters for speeches:

Why It’s Important to Include Attention Getters in Your Speech

The primary role of attention-getters for speeches is to gain your audience’s attention and make them interested in what you have to say. 

One of the most significant errors inexperienced speakers make is to presume that people listen automatically.

While many audiences can be respectful and not talk while speaking, listening to what you say is an entirely different challenge.

If you do not have the audience’s attention at the beginning, as you continue talking, it will only become more challenging to do so.

The first few lines of a speech are intended to attract and hold the audience’s attention.

Attention getters for speeches are for the audience to listen to the rest of your speech . Your attention-getter should help the audience understand and reflect on your subject.

It might be helpful to ask yourself these questions when choosing attention-getters for speeches:

• What is the best one for the occasion?
• Who’s going to be my audience?
• What’s my speech ’s topic?
• What is the speech ’s purpose?
• What am I comfortable to say?

There are three ways to maximize your potential to grab your audience’s attention:

• Spend time strategizing
• Design your attention-getter
• Practice delivering your attention-getter

Different Types of Attention Getters for Speeches

Before getting in front of people to deliver your speech , you should know how to leave an impression on the audience. There are different types of attention-getters for speeches to choose from that can help you pique your listeners’ interest. 

Here are the four key points that you should consider in choosing a type of attention-getter for speeches:

The fact that listeners like funny speeches is reasonably obvious. However, the secret to a successful attention grabber is to use humor that is important to the subject. 

Humor is another successful way of attracting the attention of an audience. When used correctly, humor is an excellent weapon for attention-getters in speeches. 

However, without the proper practice and knowledge of using attention grabbers, you can quickly turn the audience against you if you do not wield the sword carefully. 

You just need to know the audience by using satire and consider what they would find funny. Using humor that the audience either does not find amusing or offensive is one of the biggest mistakes a speaker can make.

Here are funny attention-getters for speech examples that you can choose from:

• Jokes (e.g., inside jokes)
• Funny True Stories
• Delivery (e.g., imitating a voice from a famous character)

Using references as attention-getters for speeches can make your audience more inclined to connect a specific reference to your speech .

References allow the audience to freely think about facts and statements related to your speech topic. Targeting a connection to your audience would also make them feel involved in your speech .

Here is what you can do with the different types of references for attention-getters for speeches:

Bold Statements

When you start with a bold statement, your energy and enthusiasm will trigger your listeners to be immediately lured to your speech . They will carefully consider how you back up the assertion in your statement.

This type of attention-getter for speeches often comes in the form of figures and unusual facts. The purpose of good attention-getters for speeches is to use a statistic that shocks the audience and engages them in your subject. 

Many people push the thought of using statistics away as attention-getters for speeches. Most think it’s not interesting and will overwhelm or underwhelm the audience. However, they can shake things up when used correctly.

Starting with a question ensures the audience is engaged by presenting a response literally or rhetorically. 

Make sure you pause before using a question to allow the audience a chance to let it sink in. Give your audience a break to let them think about the problem that you have just posed.

You will typically use a rhetorical question when raising a question to open a speech , the kind you don’t expect a response to. Your listeners, however, will probably try to react to this mentally. 

It is not enough to use only one or two questions, though. If used alone, it is better to use a set of questions. Questions are usually paired with another presentation strategy.

Analogies can be associated with something fresh and distinct that the audience knows and understands. 

It would be best to use an analogy to demonstrate a connection between your speech ’s subject – something new and different for the audience and something your audience knows.

Analogies can be efficient because they use the audience’s thoughts, knowledge, and values to establish a link to your speech topic and you as a speaker. Analogies generate connections between you and the audience.

List of Attention Getters for Speeches

Quotations are the simplest, but they can come off as cliche if not done well. Short stories may be more intimate and appear to increase trust. A humorous attention-getter can also loosen up the right crowd.

The attention-getter should not be eclipsed for a minute, so do your best to keep it short and sweet. 

The following must be present for good attention-getters for speeches:

• Win the attention of the viewer.
• Set up some reputation or relatability.
• Outline the speech ’s thesis.
• Give a justification for the viewer to listen.
• Clear transition into the speech ’s body

Top 10 Good Attention Getters

There are a lot of good attention-getters, but we narrowed it to the top 10 attention-getters for speeches that will surely make your audience lend you their ears:

A lot of people enjoy a good laugh. Jokes are at the top of the list of good attention-getters for speeches. 

You create a bond with the audience by telling a good joke early in the speech , and you inspire them to listen with the promise of more laughter.

Ensure the joke isn’t insulting, and the rest of the expression suits you well. Making a terrible joke can hamper your stage’s morale and ruin the rest of your speech .

Make sure you write jokes perfect for the crowd you’re trying to discuss. In this case, there is no one-joke-fits-all.

Inside jokes are the best way to make the audience feel like they have a customized speech , depending on the setting. 

2. Usage of Common Ground

A good attention-getter for speeches is a direct reference to the audience. In this case, something special about the audience uses the common ground to make them interested in the speech ’s substance.

3. Intriguing Facts

Another one from the list of attention-getters for speeches is quickly catching an audience’s attention and revealing a fascinating fact or astonishing statistic first. 

Pick a fact relevant to your subject that can solve your audience’s dilemma. 

4. Rhetorical Question

Asking a rhetorical question is more of a test for the audience. It’s like a test to make your listener’s mind answer, even if it’s just a rhetorical question. 

If you asked an excellent rhetorical question, it would help your audience feel involved and tune in to your topic.

5. Response Question 

A response question is a question that is supposed to be answered by the audience in some way. For example, if they’ve done anything in the past, you could ask your audience to lift their hands. 

It will create more of a voluntary response from the audience. It can also be considered more interactive in the list of speech attention-getters.

6. Visualization

Visualization is another crucial thing to consider for good attention-getters for speeches. You can try to introduce a scene with your words to your audience. 

You can send your audience a visual picture instead of making them decode graphs and figures or associate a relatable emotion with your abstract concept. 

Using instructions accompanied by descriptive terms such as “imagine” or “picture this” practically works with any speech subject using imagination. 

7. Startling Statement

You can create a position for yourself to stress the importance of your message until you surprise your listeners with this type of attention-getter for speeches. 

Starting with this type of attention-getter for speeches can help pique your audience’s interest. Make sure to create the right balance between your statement and your message after.

8. Captivating Story

Your audience would want to know what happened next and how things turned out by starting with an engaging story. 

Direct them through a captivating story so they are always on the edge of their seats, excited to learn what happens next. 

9. Quote from Someone Famous

Another impressive and good attention-getter for speeches is to quote anyone famous in the opening of your speech . 

When you know it’s someone the audience loves, your audience will immediately be drawn to listen. 

You must carefully choose the quote’s source and ensure it relates to your speech .

10. Personal Experience

Attention-getters for speeches about yourself create a connection with you and your audience by sharing a piece of your experience with them. It would help them get to know you more as a speaker.

Likewise, it is also vital to consider building a bridge to make your audience want to know more about what you can share with them. 

How to Practice Good Attention Getters for Speeches

Many think their core content is adequate to get the listener’s attention. 

However, the chances are that the listener would already be distracted by getting to the main message without a strong introduction. 

Public speaking is an art form of persuasion, and along with writing good material, you will need to be aware of the technical aspects that make a great speech . 

It would help if you learned how to deliver it after planning your speech and selecting from your list of attention-getters for speeches. 

Two features you want to represent are excitement and trust. Talk properly and highlight the points you want the crowd to take with them. 

If you are anxious , respectfully introduce yourself, understand your subject, and create an optimistic and energetic atmosphere.

Here are ways on how you can improve your speech delivery:

• Smile:  Smile at your audience, and they’ll smile back!
• Enthusiasm : The audience will return the energy that you will give.
• Create a connection : Find common ground with the audience and use it.
• Compliment and acknowledge your audience :  Make your audience feel appreciated.
• Honesty: Avoid any fake news or baseless information.

How can AI help in practicing attention-getters?

It is crucial to be prepared when you have to give a speech in front of an audience, whether big or small. Who would want an audience not to tune in when you still have something to say? 

Attention-getters for speeches will help you pique your audience’s interest through their different types and examples. Of course, you must match your attention-getter with your speech to avoid sounding out of the blue for your listeners.

Ask yourself some questions and create a speech that will surely lure your audience to listen to your speech properly. You can also download the Orai App to help you practice that perfect speech that catches your audience’s attention. Start your free trial today, which is available on the app store. 

You might also like

How Many Words is a 5-Minute Speech

How to End a Speech: The Best Tips and Examples

Quick links.

• Presentation Topics

Useful Links

• Start free trial
• The art of public speaking
• improve public speaking
• mastering public speaking
• public speaking coach
• professional speaking
• public speaking classes - Courses
• public speaking anxiety
• © Orai 2023

Speeches HQ

15 Introduction Speech Attention Getters

Those first few words can turn a regular speech into something special. Starting strong helps grab your audience’s attention and keeps them interested throughout your message. Great openings make people want to hear more.

Speaking at a wedding, conference, or graduation requires a strong start that connects you with your listeners. A powerful introduction builds trust and engagement from the beginning. Here are proven ways to start your speech that will keep your audience interested from start to finish.

Introduction Speech Attention Getters

These carefully selected speech openings show different ways to capture audience attention from your first word.

1. The Personal Story Opener

“My grandmother used to say that life gives you exactly what you need, exactly when you need it. Standing here today, those words ring especially true. You see, twenty years ago, I sat right where you are now, filled with the same mix of excitement and uncertainty about what lay ahead. That day shaped everything that followed, and here’s why…”

— END OF INTRO —

Commentary: A warm, relatable opening that connects through shared experience. Perfect for graduation speeches, motivational talks, or career-focused presentations.

2. The Striking Statistic

“Every sixty seconds, five thousand people log into social media for the first time. That’s three hundred thousand new users every hour. Each one hoping to connect, to belong, to find their place online. But what happens next might surprise you…”

Commentary: An eye-opening statistical opener that grabs attention immediately. Works well for business presentations, tech conferences, or social impact discussions.

3. The Question Series

“Do you notice how quiet your neighborhood has become? Where are the sounds of children playing outside? Why do parks sit empty on sunny days? Something’s changing in our communities, and we can bring back the active street life we used to know…”

Commentary: A thought-provoking series of questions that builds curiosity and concern. Excellent for community meetings, urban planning presentations, or social advocacy speeches.

4. The Strong Statement

“Success shows clear patterns. Behind each breakthrough, each innovation, each milestone reached, you’ll find steps anyone can follow. Here’s how Sarah used these steps to build a million-dollar company from her garage…”

Commentary: A confident opening that shows value ahead. Great for business seminars, entrepreneurship talks, or success-oriented presentations.

5. The Time Machine

“December 14th, 1903. Two brothers stood on a windy beach in North Carolina, about to change transportation forever. They had no fancy degrees. No big financial backing. Just complete belief that humans could fly. Their story shows us something powerful about staying determined…”

Commentary: A compelling historical reference that connects to current challenges. Ideal for innovation talks, engineering presentations, or motivational speeches.

6. The Compare and Connect

“Right now, a tech specialist in California codes the next big app. At the same time, a young girl in Kenya solves her community’s water shortage with a simple, smart invention. Both are changing lives, each in their own way…”

Commentary: An engaging comparison that shifts expectations and opens minds. Perfect for development talks, innovation conferences, or social entrepreneurship events.

7. The Morning Moment

“The sun peeks through your window. Coffee fills your kitchen with its smell. You check your phone messages and suddenly – everything changes. That’s what happened to Mike Stevens, and his story will change how you see opportunity…”

Commentary: A rich, detailed opening that pulls listeners into the story. Excellent for motivational speeches, sales presentations, or personal development seminars.

8. The Shared Challenge

“Stress takes away our joy, blocks our creativity, and stops us from reaching our goals. But there’s another way forward. A path leading to peace, purpose, and lasting happiness…”

Commentary: An opening that points out common problems and hints at solutions. Works well for wellness seminars, mental health talks, or professional development workshops.

9. The Tomorrow View

“Soon, cars will drive themselves. Buildings will clean the air. Robots might serve your morning coffee. But the biggest changes won’t come from machines. They’ll show up in how we connect, create, and care for each other…”

Commentary: A forward-looking opener that starts discussion. Perfect for technology conferences, trend presentations, or innovation summits.

10. The Reset Button

“Take a deep breath. Feel your feet on the ground. Look at the people around you. This moment could start something amazing. Here’s why…”

Commentary: A mindful opening that creates focus and attention. Ideal for personal growth workshops, meditation seminars, or mindfulness training.

11. The Big Question

“What could you do with three extra hours each day? How would your life look with more time for what matters most? Here are secrets from people who found their answer…”

Commentary: An engaging opener that offers possibilities. Great for productivity workshops, time management seminars, or life optimization presentations.

12. The Fresh Look

“‘Money can’t buy happiness.’ You’ve heard this before. But new studies show something different. The amount matters less than how you spend it. This changes the whole discussion…”

Commentary: A new view of common wisdom that makes people think differently. Fits well in financial seminars, happiness research presentations, or consumer psychology talks.

13. The Connected Stories

“Meet Sarah from New York and Michael from Tokyo. Their paths cross in an amazing way. But first, let’s see how their story started…”

Commentary: An interesting story structure that builds excitement. Perfect for keynote speeches, storytelling workshops, or cultural exchange presentations.

14. The Time Focus

“Three seconds. That’s how long it takes to make a first impression. Three seconds to gain trust or lose it. Three seconds to start something big or miss your chance…”

Commentary: A sharp, rhythmic opening that shows importance through repetition. Excellent for leadership talks, sales training, or personal branding presentations.

15. The Common Ground

“That feeling hits you. You stand at a turning point. A choice needs making. You wonder if you’re ready. This story shows how one choice can start good things happening…”

Commentary: A relatable opening that connects right away. Works well for life coaching sessions, career transition talks, or personal change workshops.

These openers show different ways to grab attention and connect with your audience immediately. Each method fits specific needs and can match your style and event. Pick one that fits your message and audience, then make it yours.

14 Attention Getters for Classrooms and Speeches

April 29, 2023

It doesn’t matter if you’re a public speaker, a school teacher, or someone who’s giving a presentation at work — we can all agree that losing your audience’s interest isn’t a good feeling. 

Luckily, attention getters can mitigate this and help engage and captivate your audience. It’s a great tool to implement in the classroom, during a presentation, or during a speech.

We’ll explore what attention getters are, some great attention getter examples, and how to use them properly to make sure you can engage and keep your audience engaged.

What Are Attention Getters?

In a nutshell, attention getters are a means of grabbing someone’s attention through a visual or auditory signal. 

So, for example, if someone were to begin their presentation with an anecdote or an outrageous (but true) statement, those would qualify as attention getters. Flickering the lights on and off in a classroom is also an attention getter, even though there’s no auditory component. 

Attention Getters Examples

Attention getters are so versatile that they can be adapted for almost any situation. Here are some of the best attention getters examples to check out. 

Speech attention getters examples 

Luckily, there are tons of speech attention getters examples. Some of the best attention getters for speeches or presentations include:

• Humorous anecdotes
• Questions (both rhetorical and response-worthy questions are great choices)
• A bold (but true) statement 
• Relevant statistics
• Visualizations
• An interesting or intriguing anecdote
• A relevant quote
• Analogies 

Classroom attention getters examples

Classroom attention getters can vary by the students’ ages or grades, so we’ll break them down into three groups : elementary school, middle school, and high school.

For elementary school students, you could try:

• Teacher: “1, 2, 3, eyes on me!” (Response: “1, 2, eyes on you!”)
• Teacher: “A, B, C…” (Response: “1, 2, 3!”)
• Teacher: “3, 2, 1…” (Response: “Blast off!”)

Some options for middle school students include:

• Teacher: “If you can hear my voice, clap once.” (Response: [students clap])
• Teacher: “If you’re not talking, point at me.” (Response: [students point])
• Teacher: “Eyes on me, please.” (Response: [students look])

For high school students, some attention getters you could try include:

• Setting an alarm to go off
• Raising your hand or clapping
• Flickering the lights on and off

Types of Attention Getters

Attention getters can be pretty diverse in terms of what they’re used for. There are tons of types of attention getters, but we’ll just focus on the most common: for speeches and public speaking, and for classrooms.

Attention getters for speeches

Implementing attention getters in your speech or presentation is a great idea. Captivating the listeners in this way is an engaging method for ensuring your message is getting through to your target audience.

Here are some attention getter tips for public speaking that you should keep in mind.

1. Try starting with an anecdote. An anecdote is a short, personal story. These can help the audience relate to and identify with you, and it can be an interesting way to kick things off. For example, when you start your work presentation with an interesting or particularly comedic anecdote, it can help capture the attention of your audience. It can also set the tone for your entire presentation, so it’s one of the best attention getters.

2. Ask a thought-provoking question. To engage and get your audience thinking, try asking a question. You should ask a question that’s something worth pondering or will get discussion started. Your audience will wonder what you’ve got to say and this type of attention getter ensures they’re anticipating your response. In general, you should try to avoid close-ended questions. That’s because they’re usually “yes” or “no” questions and don’t provide good discussion points. 

3. Be sure to make eye contact. One of the most important aspects of speaking in public is making eye contact with your audience. It’s also a great way to get the audience’s attention. It’ll show them you’re speaking or presenting directly to them when you make eye contact with individual members of your audience. Making eye contact also shows that you’re comfortable and confident as a speaker, which helps engage audiences. 

4. Use some visual aids. If you’re trying to draw your audience’s attention, try using some visual aids. Using things like videos, graphics, diagrams, or slides can also emphasize key points in your speech. Visual aids can help your audience understand your presentation better and break up your speech.

5. Use your voice. The last thing you want to do during a speech or presentation is speak in a monotonic tone. This has the opposite effect on an audience and can bore them. Instead, try emphasizing important words and using various tones to engage your audience. To maintain your audience’s interest, you can also try changing up your volume, cadence, and speed during your speech.

6. Finish with a call to action. When you’re ready to wrap up, make sure you’ve still got your audience’s attention by using a call to action. Not only do they help you get their attention, but a call to action can also emphasize some of the main points you made during your speech or presentation.

Attention getters for the classroom

If you’re a teacher or work in education, you know that managing a room of students — no matter what age — isn’t exactly easy. Getting students’ attention can be difficult too, especially in the age of the iPhone and ChatGTP. But attention getters for the classroom can be a game changer. 

In the classroom, attention getters can help instructors get the attention of students using visual or auditory signals. These types are often “call and response,” meaning students hear or see the cue and respond, to show they’re paying attention. 

Nowadays, some teachers even grab inspiration from TikTok. Here are five excellent attention getters from teachers on TikTok worth trying if you’ve got a classroom of kids. 

• Here are some food-related attention grabbers from teacher @misscamposs.
• Teacher @the_mr.thomas uses a variety of attention getters, from specific media references to simpler call-and-response examples.
• On the other hand, teacher @thatweirdchoirteacher allowed her students to create their own creative attention grabbers
• For younger children who are in kindergarten, @katduhleen uses age-appropriate references to shows like “Scooby Doo.”
• Teacher @spicynuggets implements classroom attention getters that reference popular viral TikTok sounds and videos (e.g., “bombastic side eye” and “what you looking for, we got what you looking for!”).

How AI Can Help You Practice Attention Getters

If you’re trying to practice an attention getter — whether it’s for the classroom, a presentation, or a speech — there’s no better way to do so than Yoodli . 

Instead of practicing in a mirror (which is helpful too!), you can have your speech expertly analyzed by an AI speech coach. Unlike other AI communication coaches, speech coach apps , or in-person coaches, Yoodli is free to start. 

To begin, record or upload a video of yourself speaking. You could be practicing your speech or presentation, or simply practicing the attention getter. Once you’re done talking, Yoodli provides you with feedback and actionable insights. 

In addition to a full, timestamped transcript of what was said, you’ll get metrics and analytics regarding your speaking pace, word choice, body language, and filler word usage, among others. You can then use these insights — plus Yoodli’s actionable feedback and coaching suggestions — to completely transform the way you speak and present, including the way you use attention getters.

Learn how you can use Yoodli to practice not only attention getters but also public speaking:

Why Are Attention Getters Important?

Although they’re often overlooked, attention getters are very important. For those giving a speech or presentation, attention getters can secure the audience’s interest and keep them engaged. This will make it more likely that they remember your presentation or speech and more importantly, what was said. 

In the classroom, they’re just as important. They’re an essential tool for managing and maintaining a calm learning environment (no matter what ages the students are). 

The Key Takeaway

If you want to grab your audience’s attention, there’s no better way to do so than through an attention getter. These will also make sure your message — whether you’re presenting or teaching — sticks with your audience. Just make sure you practice a few attention getters before you implement them. 

Start practicing with Yoodli.

Getting better at speaking is getting easier. Record or upload a speech and let our AI Speech Coach analyze your speaking and give you feedback.

Best Attention Getters for Effective Speeches

It’s show time! You have the audience in front of you and it’s time to give the speech of your life. But before you even start, you need to get their attention. After all, how can you change their lives if they’re not even listening?

If you watch some of the more successful public speakers, you will notice that they all have one thing in common: they know how to get attention within the first 60 seconds.

Every great speech starts with an attention getter that captivates the audience and draws them in. They make people want to listen to what you have to say and set the tone for the rest of your speech.

There are a few characteristics of good attention getters, including:

• They’re relevant to your topic.
• They’re interesting, so people actually want to listen to what you have to say.
• They’re short, so you don’t waste valuable time that could be spent on the rest of your speech.
• They make a connection with the audience, so they feel like you’re speaking to them directly.
• They’re memorable, so people will remember your speech long after you’ve finished speaking.

Now that you know what makes a good attention getter, let’s take a look at some of the best attention getters for effective speeches.

1. Anecdotes

Anecdotes are short, usually personal stories that are used to illustrate a point. They’re often used as opening remarks in persuasive speeches because they can immediately capture the attention of the audience and connect you with them on a personal level.

People love stories, especially ones that are relatable or personal. A good anecdote should be relevant to your topic, interesting, and relatable to your audience. It should also be relatively short, so you don’t spend too much time on it and lose their attention.

For example, let’s say you’re giving a speech about the importance of never giving up on your dreams. You could start with a story about how you almost gave up on your dream of becoming a successful writer, but you kept going and now you’re a published author.

2. Rhetorical Questions

Rhetorical questions are questions that you ask for effect, not because you actually expect an answer. They’re often used to engage the audience and make them think about your topic in a new way.

Rhetorical questions can be especially effective as attention getters because they can immediately draw people in and get them thinking about your topic. They can also be used to make a point or challenge the audience’s beliefs.

The psychology behind rhetorical questions is that they create a state of cognitive dissonance, which is when people have conflicting belief systems. This cognitive dissonance then motivates people to try to reduce the conflict by finding more information about the topic.

For example, let’s say you’re giving a speech about the importance of taking care of the environment. You could start with a rhetorical question like, “How can we expect future generations to take care of the planet if we’re not doing our part?” This question would immediately get people thinking about the issue and how they can do their part to help the environment.

3. Statistics

Statistics are a great way to add credibility to your persuasive or argumentative speech and make your ideas more convincing. They are really good attention getters because they’re often shocking or surprising.

When using statistics as an attention getter, make sure that they’re relevant to your topic and that they’re from a reliable source. You also want to make sure that you explain the statistics in a way that’s easy for people to understand.

For example, let’s say you’re giving a speech about the importance of recycling. You could start with a statistic like, “Did you know that the average person produces 4.4 pounds of trash every day?”

This statistic is shocking and relevant to the topic of recycling. It would immediately grab the attention of the audience and make them want to learn more about what they can do to reduce their waste.

However, you want to make sure that you use them wisely and don’t overload your speech with too many numbers.

4. Quotations

Quotations are an effective attention getter because they provide thought-provoking information while also adding credibility to your speech. Be sure to attribute the quotation to its rightful owner, though, or you may find yourself in hot water!

Quotes can be especially effective if they’re from a well-known or respected person. Use it to get more buy-in from your audience on your topic, or to challenge the audience’s beliefs.

For example, let’s say you’re giving a speech about the importance of taking risks. You could start with a quote from Theodore Roosevelt that says, “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

This quote is inspiring and relevant to the topic of taking risks. It would immediately engage the audience and get them thinking about how they can push themselves outside of their comfort zone.

5. “What if” scenarios

“What if” is one of the most powerful phrases in the English language. It has the ability to change your perspective on a situation and help you see things in a new light. It can also be used to make a point or challenge the audience’s beliefs.

When used as a speech hook, “what if” can help you grab your audience’s attention and get them thinking about your topic in a whole new way.

For example, let’s say you’re giving a speech on the importance of voting. You could start your speech with a “what if” question: “What if everyone who didn’t vote decided to vote this year?”

This question would likely get your audience thinking about the potential impact of their vote, and it might even inspire them to head to the polls.

Humor is a great way to engage your audience and get them to pay attention to your speech. A good joke helps break the ice, eases tension and shows that you’re confident, relaxed, and comfortable. When you can make people laugh, they’re more likely to listen to what you have to say.

It’s important to use humor wisely when you are delivering a speech. If you’re not careful, your jokes could fall flat or even offend your audience.

Make sure that your jokes are appropriate for your audience. If you’re speaking to a group of children, for example, you’ll want to avoid jokes that might be too complicated or offensive.

Timing is also extremely important when using humor as an attention getter. A well-timed joke can get a laugh and keep people’s attention.

You could use humor in many ways, including:

• Self-deprecating: making fun of yourself
• Observational: making fun of the situation or other people
• One-liners: clever or funny sayings that get a laugh
• Stories: entertaining tales that relate to your message
• Jokes: classic set-ups with punchlines
• Physical comedy: using your body or props for humor
• Improvisation: making up jokes on the spot
• Imitation: imitating the voice of a famous person/character

A little bit of humor can go a long way. If you try to force it, you’ll likely end up coming across as awkward or desperate. Just relax and let the funny moments happen naturally.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Top 10 Powerful Attention Grabbers for Engaging Presentations

Imagine standing in front of an audience, about to present, but their attention is scattered. You’ve got limited time to hook them in. That’s where attention grabbers come in. They’re like the spark that ignites curiosity and keeps people locked into your message. In presentations, attention grabbers aren’t just useful—they’re essential for setting the tone, building engagement, and keeping people interested.

Why Are Attention Grabbers So Important?

If you can grab attention early, you’ve won half the battle. Attention spans are shorter than ever, and people are constantly bombarded with information. Starting with a strong attention grabber helps you cut through the noise. It shows your audience why they should care about what you’re about to say and makes them want to hear more. Without this, even the most well-prepared content can fall flat.

1. Start With a Powerful Question

Kicking off your presentation with a thought-provoking question is one of the most effective attention grabbers. It stimulates curiosity and gets people thinking. For example, “What if I told you that 70% of your daily activities can be automated?” A question like this not only grabs attention but also primes the audience for the information you’ll share later.

Why Questions Work as Attention Grabbers

Questions work well because they force the audience to engage mentally. Instead of passively listening, they start thinking about the answer, which makes them more likely to follow along with your presentation.

2. Share a Shocking Statistic

Numbers can make people sit up and take notice. A startling statistic, especially one relevant to your topic, acts as a jolt of reality that forces the audience to pay attention. For instance, “Did you know that 40% of people stop paying attention to presentations within the first five minutes?” That’s a bold way to make your point, and it emphasizes the need for attention grabbers early on.

List of Effective Statistics to Use:

• 85% of presentations fail to engage their audience.
• Employees spend 31 hours in unproductive meetings each month.
• 90% of people admit to daydreaming during presentations.

3. Use Humor to Break the Ice

Humor is one of the most underrated attention grabbers. A light, funny remark can ease the tension in the room and make you more relatable to your audience. Something simple like, “I wanted to start this presentation with a joke, but I forgot the punchline,” can work wonders to set a comfortable tone.

H2: 4. Tell a Captivating Story

Everyone loves a good story. One of the best attention grabbers is to open with a personal anecdote or relevant tale that illustrates a point. For example, “A few years ago, I walked into a meeting and realized I was completely unprepared. What followed was a disaster—but it taught me a crucial lesson about preparation.” Stories not only grab attention but also create an emotional connection with the audience.

Benefits of Storytelling in Presentations:

• Makes the presentation relatable
• Humanizes the speaker
• Creates a lasting impression

5. Use a Powerful Visual Aid

Sometimes, visuals speak louder than words. A shocking image or a compelling video can serve as an excellent attention grabber . Whether it’s an eye-catching chart or a brief, impactful video clip, visual aids grab attention fast and help illustrate your points.

6. Open With a Quote from a Famous Figure

Quoting someone famous can lend credibility and make your opening impactful. A quote like, “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday’s logic” by Peter Drucker can immediately grab attention and set the stage for a discussion on innovation or change.

List of Quotes That Serve as Great Attention Grabbers:

• “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
• “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein
• “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek

7. Pose a Hypothetical Scenario

Creating a “what if” scenario is another effective attention grabber . It invites the audience to imagine themselves in a situation, making them more invested in the topic. For instance, “What if you could double your company’s revenue in the next six months by making just one change?”

Why Hypothetical Scenarios Work:

• Encourages imagination
• Makes the content more relatable
• Instantly engages the audience by offering them a vision of possibility

8. Interactive Polls and Questions

Get your audience involved by using real-time polls or asking for a show of hands. This is one of the most interactive attention grabbers and works well, especially with larger groups. Questions like, “How many of you have ever fallen asleep during a presentation?” will immediately get the room engaged and paying attention to what comes next.

9. Share a Bold Statement

A bold, controversial statement can be a risky but highly effective way to grab attention. If you start your presentation by saying, “Most people in this room are wasting 30% of their time,” you’ve immediately got everyone’s attention. Now they want to know how, why, and what they can do about it.

10. Use Music or Sound Effects

Finally, using sound is an unexpected but powerful attention grabber . You could start with a short music clip or sound effect that relates to your topic. Whether it’s the sound of a ticking clock to symbolize time running out or an upbeat song to energize the audience, sound can be an exciting way to start your presentation.

Final Thoughts on Attention Grabbers

Incorporating effective attention grabbers into your presentations can transform how your audience engages with your message. The key is to keep it relevant, fresh, and appropriate to your content. Whether you choose humor, statistics, stories, or visual elements, the right attention grabber will keep your audience focused and eager to hear more. So next time you prepare a presentation, make sure to start with a bang and keep their attention from start to finish.

You may also like

Top 20 most famous motivational speakers, intracultural communication definition and its importance today, how to become a freelance writer with no experience in 2025, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

How to Use Attention-Grabbers to Engage Your Audience (With Examples)

• The Speaker Lab
• June 19, 2024

Table of Contents

Ever found yourself tuning out during a speech or presentation? We’ve all been there. Capturing an audience’s attention is no easy feat, but it’s crucial for effective communication. That’s why in this article we’ll explore some attention-grabber examples that can transform your next talk or piece of writing. From rhetorical questions to startling statistics, these techniques are designed to hook your listeners right from the start. As you’ll soon find, the power of a good opener can’t be overstated.

What Are Attention-Grabbers?

An attention-grabber is a technique used to capture your audience’s interest right from the start, whether you’re giving a speech, writing an article, or teaching a class. No matter your context, attention grabbers serve a crucial purpose: they make your audience want to keep listening. They create a connection and pique curiosity, setting the stage for the rest of your message to be heard.

Types of Attention-Grabbers

There are many different types of attention-grabbers you can use, depending on your topic and audience. For example, you could start off by including humor, thought-provoking questions, surprising statistics, personal anecdotes, vivid descriptions, or powerful quotes. The key is choosing an attention-getter that feels authentic and relevant to your overall message.

Purpose of Using Attention-Grabbers

Also known as a “hook,” an attention-grabber helps get your audience interested in what you have to say. It’s a way to stand out, create a positive first impression, and motivate people to keep engaging with your content. A strong attention-getter sets the tone and lays the groundwork for a memorable message.

Learn How You Could Get Your First (Or Next) Paid Speaking Gig In 90 Days or Less

We receive thousands of applications every day, but we only work with the top 5% of speakers .

Book a FREE call with our team to get started — you’ll learn why the vast majority of our students get a paid speaking gig within 90 days of finishing our program .

Examples of Rhetorical Questions to Use as Attention-Grabbers

Before you can use a rhetorical question as your attention-grabber, you first have to know what one is. A rhetorical question is a question asked to make a point, rather than to get an answer. It’s a thought-provoking way to get your audience to reflect on your message and engage with your content on a deeper level.

In order to use a rhetorical question effectively as an attention-grabber, make sure it’s relevant to your topic and audience. It should spark curiosity and lead naturally into the rest of your content. So avoid questions with obvious answers, and don’t overuse this technique—one or two well-placed rhetorical questions are usually enough. Below are a few examples of rhetorical questions you might use as your attention-grabber.

• “What if I told you that everything you know about [topic] is wrong?”
• “Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if [scenario]?”
• “Why do we [common behavior], even though we know [consequence]?”

Rhetorical questions are a powerful way to get your audience thinking and create a sense of intrigue around your message. When used strategically, they can be an incredibly effective attention-grabber.

Using Quotes to Grab Your Audience’s Attention

Another way to start a speech or article is with a compelling quote. There’s just something about the wisdom and authority of a well-chosen quote that immediately lends credibility to your message . When you cite a respected figure or expert in your field, it shows that you’ve done your research and that your ideas are backed by others. Quotes can also be a great way to evoke emotion or set a certain tone for your content.

Choosing the Right Quote

When selecting a quote to use as an attention grabber, look for something that is relevant to your topic and audience. Additionally, the quote should be memorable and meaningful, and it should come from a reputable source. Avoid overused or clichéd quotes, and make sure to properly attribute the quote to its original speaker or author. For example, notice how each of the quotes below has its original speaker listed directly after, making them perfect attention-grabbers.

• “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
• “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs
• “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney

A well-chosen quote can be a powerful way to grab your audience’s attention and set the stage for a persuasive and memorable message. Just remember to use quotes sparingly and strategically for maximum impact.

Engaging Your Audience with Startling Statistics

Want to instantly grab your audience’s attention and show them why your message matters? Try starting with a surprising statistic that relates to your topic. Statistics are powerful attention-grabbers because they confront your audience with a concrete, indisputable fact that challenges their assumptions. When used effectively, a startling statistic can create a sense of urgency and make your audience more receptive to your message.

How to Find Relevant Statistics

To find startling statistics to use as attention grabbers, look for reputable sources like academic journals, government reports, and industry publications. In addition, make sure the statistic is current, accurate, and directly relevant to your topic. Avoid statistics that are overly complex or difficult to understand—the goal is to create an immediate impact.

Examples of Statistics to Use as an Attention-Grabber

• “Did you know that [shocking percentage] of [group] experiences [problem]?”
• “Every [timeframe], [large number] of [things] are [action].”
• “By [year], experts predict that [shocking trend] will [predicted outcome].”

Startling statistics are a highly effective way to grab your audience’s attention and make them sit up and take notice. Just be sure to choose your statistics carefully and that you’ve fact-checked each one.

Grabbing Attention with Anecdotes and Personal Stories

There are plenty of examples of attention-grabbers that you can use to engage your audience. Of these, one of the most powerful ways to connect with an audience is by sharing a personal story or anecdote. There’s just something about a well-told story that immediately draws people in and creates a sense of empathy and connection.

The Power of Storytelling

Stories are a fundamental part of how we communicate and make sense of the world. When you share a personal story or anecdote, you’re inviting your audience to step into your shoes and see the world through your eyes. This creates a powerful emotional connection that can make your message more relatable and memorable.

How to Craft a Compelling Anecdote

To use an anecdote as an attention-grabber, choose a story that is relevant to your topic and audience. The story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, and it should illustrate a key point or lesson. Use vivid sensory details to bring the story to life, and practice telling the story out loud to refine your delivery.

Examples of Anecdotes to Use as an Attention-Grabber

• “When I was [age], I had an experience that changed my perspective on [topic] forever.”
• “I’ll never forget the day I learned the hard way that [lesson].”
• “Growing up, my [family member] always used to say [quote]. It wasn’t until years later that I truly understood what they meant.”

Personal stories and anecdotes are a powerful way to grab your audience’s attention and create a lasting emotional connection. By sharing a piece of yourself, you can make your message more authentic, relatable, and unforgettable.

Using Humor to Hook Your Audience

If you want to liven up your presentation, then humor is your secret weapon. The right quip or amusing story not only breaks the monotony, but also makes sure people are hooked and stay focused on your message. Humor also helps to break the ice and create a sense of rapport between you and your audience.

How to Use Humor Appropriately

Of course, not all humor is appropriate for all audiences or situations. When using humor as an attention-grabber, it’s important to know your audience and choose jokes that are relevant and inoffensive. In addition, avoid humor that criticizes others or relies on stereotypes. If you need ideas, consider the examples below, all of which are perfectly suitable as an attention-grabber.

• “I always wanted to be a [profession], but I soon realized I was better suited for [humorous alternative].”
• “You know what they say – [common saying]. Well, I’m here to tell you that’s not always true. In fact, [humorous contradiction].”
• “I once [humorous mistake or misunderstanding]. Needless to say, I learned my lesson.”

Used appropriately, humor can be a highly effective way to hook your audience and keep them engaged throughout your presentation. Just remember to keep it relevant, tasteful, and targeted to your specific audience.

Find Out Exactly How Much You Could Make As a Paid Speaker

Use The Official Speaker Fee Calculator to tell you what you should charge for your first (or next) speaking gig — virtual or in-person! 

Incorporating Sensory Details to Capture Attention

Have you ever noticed how some speakers have a way of transporting you into their story? Chances are, they’re using vivid sensory details to create a rich, immersive experience for their audience. Sensory details are descriptive words and phrases that appeal to the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. When you incorporate sensory details into your attention-grabber, you create a more vivid and memorable experience for your audience. This helps to grab their attention and keep them engaged with your message.

How to Use Sensory Language Effectively

To use sensory language effectively, focus on the most relevant and evocative details for your topic and audience. Use specific, concrete language rather than vague or abstract descriptions. Engage multiple senses when possible, and use figurative language like metaphors and similes to paint a vivid picture in your audience’s mind.

Examples of Sensory Details to Use as an Attention-Grabber

• “Imagine biting into a ripe, juicy peach, feeling the sticky juice run down your chin as the sweet, fragrant flavor explodes on your tongue.”
• “Picture a serene mountain lake at dawn, the glassy surface of the water reflecting the pink and orange hues of the sky, the only sound the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore.”
• “The acrid smell of smoke filled the air, stinging my eyes and throat as I stumbled through the darkness, my heart pounding in my chest.”

By incorporating sensory details into your attention-grabber, you can create a more immersive and engaging experience for your audience. Sensory language is a powerful tool for grabbing attention and making your message more memorable and impactful.

FAQs on Attention Grabbers

What is a good example of an attention grabber.

“Imagine living on Mars in 2040.” This question makes your audience think and draws them into the conversation.

What is a good attention getter?

A shocking statistic, like “Farmers and ranchers make up less than 2% of America’s population,” instantly hooks listeners by highlighting unexpected facts.

What are some attention grabbing phrases?

“Did you know that we have only explored 5% of the Earth’s oceans?” This phrase sparks curiosity and engagement right away.

What is an example of an attention grabbing hook?

Telling a brief story, such as how overcoming fear led to skydiving, captivates audiences with personal connection and anticipation for what’s next.

You now have some potent tools in your arsenal with these attention-grabber examples. Whether you’re starting with an intriguing question, a personal story, or eye-opening stats, each method serves to hook your audience and keep them engaged. The magic lies in choosing the right one for the moment and delivering it confidently. Keep practicing and refining, and soon enough grabbing attention will be second nature!

• Last Updated: June 12, 2024

Explore Related Resources

Book a call with our team to get started — you’ll learn why the vast majority of our students get a paid speaking gig within 90 days of finishing our program .

If you’re ready to control your schedule, grow your income, and make an impact in the world – it’s time to take the first step. Book a FREE consulting call and let’s get you Booked and Paid to Speak ® .

About The Speaker Lab

We teach speakers how to consistently get booked and paid to speak.  Since 2015, we’ve helped thousands of speakers find clarity, confidence, and a clear path to make an impact.

Get Started

Let's connect.

[email protected]

Copyright ©2023 The Speaker Lab. All rights reserved.

• Essay Topic Generator
• Summary Generator
• Thesis Maker Academic
• Sentence Rephraser
• Read My Paper
• Hypothesis Generator
• Cover Page Generator
• Text Compactor
• Essay Scrambler
• Essay Plagiarism Checker
• Hook Generator
• AI Writing Checker
• Notes Maker
• Overnight Essay Writing
• Topic Ideas
• Writing Tips
• Essay Writing (by Genre)
• Essay Writing (by Topic)

9 Killer Ways to Start a Speech: Hooks & Attention Getter Examples

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:

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:

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.

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.

❌ 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.

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