Exordium—the introductory part of a speech, where you set the stage and prepare your audience for what’s to come.

The exordium is your first impression, and it’s vital for capturing attention and establishing a connection.

An effective exordium might begin with a relevant quote, a trio of compelling questions, a story, or a surprising statistic.

This hooks your audience and encourages them to focus on your message.

“Every year, over eight million tons of plastic are dumped into our oceans!”

“Did you ever wish you could get twice the work done in half the time?”

“I’m 25 years old, sailing a 26 foot boat across 2700 feet of water…”

A strong exordium grabs attention and sets the tone and path for the rest of your speech.

Think of it as the doorway inviting your audience into the conversation. Use it to spark curiosity and engage your listeners from the very beginning.