African mind

YOU DON'T HAVE TO START EVERY SPEECH WITH PROTOCOLS: 10 BETTER WAYS TO OPEN YOUR SPEECH Once the MC or an earlier speaker has recognised the dignitaries present, you can simply acknowledge that and move on to your speech. There is no need to repeat the same list of names, titles and positions every time someone takes the microphone. HERE ARE 10 SIMPLE AND PROFESSIONAL WAYS TO OPEN YOUR NEXT SPEECH, DEPENDING ON THE OCCASION. 1. START WITH A SIMPLE GREETING Acknowledge your audience briefly and move straight to the subject. Example: "Good morning, everyone. It's a pleasure to be here, and I look forward to sharing a few thoughts with you today." 2. ACKNOWLEDGE THE OCCASION Talk about why everyone is gathered. Example: "We are gathered here today in Port Harcourt to discuss an issue that affects the growth of businesses in this city." 3. EXPRESS APPRECIATION Thank the organisers for giving you the opportunity to speak. Example: "I appreciate the organisers for inviting me to be part of this conversation. It is a subject I consider very important." 4. ACKNOWLEDGE THE PREVIOUS SPEAKER If someone has made a relevant point before you, build on it instead of repeating their opening. Example: "I agree with the point raised by the previous speaker about the importance of education. I would like to look at it from another perspective." 5. START WITH A QUESTION Ask something your audience can relate to. Example: "How many business owners in Port Harcourt can confidently say they know exactly how much profit their businesses make every month?" 6. START WITH A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE Share a short experience that connects with your topic. Example: "A few years ago, I had an experience in Abuja that changed how I approach business relationships. It taught me something I would like to share with you." 7. START WITH A REAL-LIFE STORY Tell a short story that helps your audience understand the subject. Example: "I know someone who spent years working towards a promotion but kept getting overlooked. When we looked closely at the situation, we realised that being good at the job was not the only thing that mattered." 8. START WITH A FACT OR STATISTIC Use a relevant fact to introduce your subject. Make sure the information is accurate. Example: “During my recent trip to Lagos, I noticed how much time people spend commuting from one part of the city to another. It got me thinking about the relationship between traffic congestion, urban planning and productivity." 9. MAKE A STRONG STATEMENT Open with a statement that immediately communicates your position. Example: "Having a good business idea does not automatically make you a good business owner. Knowing how to manage money, people and resources is equally important." 10. TELL YOUR AUDIENCE WHAT YOU WILL DISCUSS Give them a clear idea of what to expect from your speech. Example: "Today, I will be sharing five practical ways businesses in Port Harcourt can reduce operating costs and improve profitability."

I attended an event recently, and I was genuinely pissed that people still use expressions like "Standing on Existing Protocols," "All Protocols Observed" or "Permit Me to Stand on Established Protocols," even when previous speakers have already acknowledged all the dignitaries. I honestly see it as a sign of being unexposed. I have taken my time to put together 10 professional ways you can open your speech when speaking at a public function, depending on the occasion. Hopefully, someone finds it useful.