Youtube Exercise » English Grammar Homework

How to start a speech like a PRO

Dominic Colenso

755K views 1 year ago

Warm-up Questions

When you hear “start a speech like a PRO,” what kind of opening do you imagine?
What makes you pay attention in the first 30 seconds of a presentation?
Have you ever heard a speech that started badly? What happened?
Have you ever had to start a public speech ? How did you feel ?

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How to start a speech like a PRO

Your only job at the start: grab attention (00:00 – 00:52)

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1. What does the speaker say is your only job in the first 30 seconds?

To make people sit up and listen
To hand out materials and explain the agenda
To apologize for starting late
To introduce yourself with your full background

2. According to the speaker, why do people only listen at the beginning?

Because it is the audience’s job to pay attention
Because they are afraid of missing instructions
Because the topic is always interesting
Because you make them listen

3. What will the video mainly cover?

Major pitfalls to avoid and tips for killer intros
How to design slides and charts
How to speak more quietly and slowly
How to write a full speech word-for-word

How to start a speech like a PRO

Avoid “housekeeping” first; start clearly and breathe (00:52 – 03:13)

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1. What is one of the biggest mistakes the speaker sees people making at the start?

Using too many numbers
Speaking too loudly
Telling a story too early
Doing the housekeeping first

2. Why does the speaker say people won’t pay attention if you begin with small stuff?

They will immediately start taking notes
They will think the topic is too advanced
They will assume you haven’t actually started yet
They will be impressed by your politeness

3. What does pausing before you start signal to the audience?

That you are in control
That the technology isn’t working
That you are waiting for permission
That you forgot your lines

How to start a speech like a PRO

Six strong ways to open: story, question, quote, facts, visuals, joke (03:13 – 08:28)

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1. What advice does the speaker give about telling a story at the start?

Use it only at the end of the speech
Avoid structure and keep it spontaneous
Keep it succinct and punchy (about 60 seconds max)
Make it long and detailed to build suspense

2. What kind of question does the speaker recommend for the opening?

A personal question about someone’s private life
A question that forces people to answer aloud immediately
A rhetorical question to make the audience think
A technical question with one correct answer

3. Why can starting with an image or video be powerful, according to the speaker?

It replaces the need for any speaking
It mainly helps the audience check their emails
It instantly engages emotions, not just analysis
It guarantees the audience will ask questions

How to start a speech like a PRO

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1. What is the main purpose of a strong introduction in a speech or presentation?

To prove you know more than the audience
To earn the audience’s attention and signal the talk has begun
To spend time on logistics and announcements first
To cover every detail of the topic immediately

2. Which opening style is described as “high-risk” in the video?

Starting with a quote
Starting with a fact or figure
Starting with a short story
Starting with a joke

3. Which of these is presented as a common “pitfall” at the beginning?

Doing housekeeping and small talk first
Using a relevant hook
Starting with a surprise
Pausing and taking a deep breath

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

How to start a speech like a PRO

Do you agree that the speaker has “one job” in the first 30 seconds? Why or why not?
Which opening strategy (story, question, quote, fact, visual, joke) fits your personality best? Explain.
What kinds of “housekeeping” do you usually hear at the start of meetings? How could it be handled better?
Think of a presentation you must give. Write one opening line using a “surprise” (story/question/quote/fact/visual). Which would be strongest?