Ask in advance how much time you will be alloted to make the speech.

Don't be afraid to write something and cut it out later.

2torial #0694: Learn2 Write a Speech (Continued) Polish the intro The first objective is to get your audience's attention. Make your entrance fit your personal style, staying clear of a gimmick unless it really works for you. A few options are:   Anecdote: Tell a relevant story (Upon his arrival to India, Sir Falkham searched...) that perks up the audience's ear to your topic. The key word here is relevant--an extraneous anecdote will just confuse 'em.   Surprise: Propose an exciting or outrageous question (What if the world ended tomorrow?). That gets the audience thinking.   Quote: Restate a well-known quote (Ask not what you can...) to introduce a point. But once again, make sure the linkage to the topic at hand is clear.   Fact: Make a factual statement that will impact your audience (According to the Daily Journal, one in three of you will...).   Straight: Go right to it and announce your topic (Our management stinks!). Step 6