How To Start A Formal Speech

Do you have a formal speech coming up? If so, you’re probably researching how to start your formal speech. You may not realize it, but the beginning of your speech can make a huge impact on your audience. This is especially true if you want your audience to understand your speech and have an emotional connection to what you have to say by the end of it.

In this article, we have provided detailed information on formal speech with its structure and tone that are used while delivering any good formal speech.

When do you need to deliver a ‘Formal Speech’?

There are various occasions in which we have to give a formal speech. For example:

1. Presenting ideas to your colleagues

2. Introducing yourself to the class

3. Proposing a toast during a wedding reception

4. Opening a business presentation

5. Giving a farewell speech.

What makes formal speeches different from others is the tone and language used. Theses tool are maximised to have an audience take you seriously and require your effort before and during the speech to control over mistakes or errors while giving your speech.

Tips for Delivering a Formal Speech

For many people, public speaking is a nerve wrecking challenge. Yet it doesn’t have to be! By learning the basics of writing and delivering a speech, you can present your ideas clearly, logically, and memorably—whether you’re giving a talk at school, proposing new plans to your colleagues at work or officiating an event.

Every speech should contain these fundamental elements for you to keep in mind:

1. Mindfulness of time

2. Mental bullet points

3. Strong opening sentences

4. Appropriate language

5. Appropriate phrases

6. "Hook" the audience with a positive or negative story

Ways to Start a Formal Speech

If a person is interested in delivering formal speeches but does not know how to get started, then learning from several speech examples can be of great help. Try following these simple ways to start a formal speech.

1. Ask the audience.

It is good to ask if your audience is ready to begin before officially beginning your speech to avoid any interruptions.

2. Greeting

Formal speeches must start with greeting towards the audience and the chief guest(s) in an appropriate manner. Always take note of the local protocols.

3. Right introduction

It is important to have an introduction. The introduction should be made in such a way that it should grab the attention of the listeners. A number of things can be used in order to keep your audience engaged.

4. Tone & Structure

Identify the tone and structure of your speech to match with the audience. Make sure it is concise, factual and straight to the point.

5. Energy

Formal speech is a type of speech given with energy and in an organised form. When you are given a formal speech to give, you should know how to control the audience and maintain their attention. Your energy levels need to build organically with your word and also match the expectations of the room.

6. Thank the Organisers and Audience

You can start by thanking the audience for coming and thanking the organization for inviting you to speak.

Refer to the person who introduced you or to one or more of the senior people in the organization in the audience.

This compliments them, makes them feel proud and happy about your presence, and connects you to the audience like an electrical plug in a socket.

7. Start With a Positive Statement

You can choose to start by telling the audience how much they will enjoy what you have to say.

For example, you might say:

“You’re really going to enjoy the information today as it will affect the time you have for your family and friends.”

Remember that as the speaker, you can take complete control of your performance and audience.

8. Compliment the Audience

You can begin by complimenting the audience members sincerely and with great respect.

You can tell them that it is a great honor for you to be here, that they are some of the most important people in this business or industry, and that you are looking forward to sharing some key ideas with them.

You could say something like:

“It is an honor to be here with you today. You are the elite, the top 10 percent of people in this industry. Only the very best people in any field will take the time and make the sacrifice to come so far for a conference like this.”

9. Refer To Current Events

Use a current event like a front-page news story to transition into your subject and to illustrate or prove your point. You can bring a copy of the newspaper and hold it up as you refer to it in your introduction.

This visual image of you holding the paper and reciting or reading a key point rivets the audience’s attention and causes people to lean forward to hear what you have to say.

10. Refer to a Historical Event

Usually these speech starters are effective on the elder age groups of those who are experienced.

“Once upon a time there was a young man named Maggie who grew up in a poor country. But Maggie was a little bit ambitious. From an early age, he decided that he wanted to conquer the entire known world. But there was a small problem. Most of the known world was under the control of a huge multinational called the Persian Empire, headed by King Darius II. To fulfill his ambition, Maggie was going to have to take the market share away from the market leader, who was very determined to hold on to it.

This is the same situation that exists between you and your major competitors in the market today. You are going to have to use all your leadership skills to win the great marketing battles of the future.”

11. Refer to a Well-known Person

You can start by quoting a well-known person or publication that recently made an important statement.

One of the subjects I touch upon regularly is the importance of continual personal development.

I will say something like:

“In the twenty-first century, knowledge and know-how are the keys to success. As legendary basketball coach Pat Riley said, ‘If you are not getting better, you are getting worse.’”

12. Refer To A Recent Conversation

Start by telling a story about a recent conversation with someone in attendance.

For instance, I might say:

“A few minutes ago, I was talking with Dr Zalihah Zainal in the lobby. She told me that this is one of the very best times to be working in this industry, and I agree.”

13. Shocking Statement

You can start your talk by making a shocking statement of some kind.

For example, you might say something like:

“According to a recent study, there will be a steep drop in those working in the corporate offices and a high jump in business ownerships.”

14. Recent Research

You can start by quoting a recent research report.

One example is:

“According to a story in a recent issue of The Edge, there were almost 10 million millionaires in Malaysia in 2021, most of them self-made.”

15. Relate-able & Hopeful

When you speak effectively, you create connection with people and give people hope of some kind.

Remember, the ultimate purpose of speaking is to inspire people to do things that they would not have done in the absence of your words.

Everything you say should relate to the actions you want people to take and the reasons that they should take on those actions.

16. Ask A Question

You can open by making a positive statement and then ask a question requiring a show of hands.

Try something like this:

“This is a great time to be alive and in business in Malaysia. By the way how many people here are self-employed?”

17. Open with a Problem

You can start with a problem that must be solved. If it is a problem that almost everyone has in common, you will immediately have the audience’s complete and undivided attention.

For example, you could say:

“So many of us lost our stable income and jobs during the recession. How many of you are nose deep in debt?”

18. Tell a Story

You can start your talk with a story. Some of the most powerful words grab the complete attention of the audience are, “Once upon a time there was a man, right here in this city…”

As soon as I say these words, people hurry back to their seats and begin to listen attentively to the rest of the story.

The story technique is very effective.

19. Tell Them About Yourself

Everyone loves to hear a real personal story.

“I started off without graduating from high school. My family had no money. Everything I accomplished in life I had to do on my own with very little help from anyone else.”

20. Get Them Talking To One Another

You can ask people to turn to the person next to them to discuss a particular point.

For instance, you could say:

“Tell the person next to you what you would like to learn from this seminar.”

Whatever you ask your audience members to do, as long as it is within reason, they will likely do it for you. Your commands and your leadership will easily influence them, as long as you ask them with confidence.