1. Be Brief and Engaging
* Avoid a Long-Winded Bio: Keep it concise. You're not writing your resume; you're captivating an audience.
* Start with a Hook: Grab their attention from the get-go. This could be a question, a surprising fact, a relevant anecdote, or a bold statement related to the topic.
* Example: "Have you ever wondered why we're drawn to certain stories? I'm [Your Name], and I'm fascinated by the power of narratives to shape our understanding of the world."
2. Tailor Your Introduction to the Topic
* Connect to the Theme: If the extempore topic is "The Future of Education," don't start with "Hi, I'm [Name], and I love to travel." Link your background to the subject.
* Example: "I've always been passionate about education, and seeing how technology is transforming classrooms today has me thinking about what the future holds for learning."
3. Show Confidence, Not Arrogance
* Project Your Voice: Speak clearly and audibly.
* Maintain Eye Contact: Engage the audience. Don't stare at one person, but make eye contact with different individuals throughout the room.
* Use Body Language: Stand tall, maintain good posture, and use your hands naturally for emphasis.
4. Set the Tone
* Humor, Seriousness, or a Mix?: Your introduction should hint at the overall tone of your speech. If you're going for humor, sprinkle in a joke. If you're tackling a serious issue, convey your commitment to the topic.
5. End with a Purpose
* Clearly State Your Goal: What are you hoping to achieve with your speech? Do you want to inform, persuade, or inspire?
* Example: "Today, I want to explore the challenges and possibilities of using AI in education."
Sample Introductions
* Topic: The Importance of Empathy
* "Imagine walking in someone else's shoes, truly understanding their perspective. That's empathy, and I believe it's the cornerstone of a compassionate society. I'm [Name], and I'm here to discuss why empathy is so crucial."
* Topic: The Impact of Social Media on Youth
* "We're living in a world where most teens have more followers than friends. I'm [Name], and I'm concerned about the impact of social media on young people. Let's explore this complex relationship together."
Remember:
* Practice your introduction before the speech.
* Stay genuine and authentic.
* Focus on connecting with your audience.
Good luck with your extempore speech!