What are the elements of a professional-sounding speech introduction?

A professional-sounding speech introduction presents the topic, captures attention and gains the confidence of the audience. Such an introduction provides a first impression that engages and prepares the audience to be interested in the rest of the speech.

When a speaker draws listeners in by kindling curiosity or building suspense, she piques their desire to hear what comes next. A speaker may do this by providing a startling fact or a shocking statistic that jolts listeners into paying attention. Sometimes, a speech may begin well with a brief story that the speaker ties to the topic. At other times, a well-known quote or a question sets the optimum tone.