4 Unique Ways to Open a Message

During a recent Youth Communicator's Cohort, we were discussing the importance of the introduction and why it is so vital that as youth pastors or youth speakers that we open strong.

As we were sharpening one another, I was reminded of a practical tip that I learned from Youth Speaker University's Josh Shipp and his youth speaker training series, Rock the Stage. It is the youth pastor's secret weapon of opening a message called the pattern interrupt.

According to Josh, a pattern interrupt occurs each time we open a talk with a unique or different method than the students are used to. This helps grab their attention and listen intently for what we are saying. As a youth leader, being the communicator that your students hear on a consistent basis, this could not be a more important tool to implement.

With that in mind, while there are countless unique ways that you could choose to open your message, here are four:

1.  The Dramatic Personal Story

I am sure the students in your ministry have heard MANY of your stories. This would be one of those personal illustrations that you jump right into that is full of mystery and intrigue in which you are not the hero, but learn a valuable lesson. Don't begin your message with pleasantries or humor, but instead, start your story immediately with something like, "There I was stranded on the side of the road..."

2.  The Shocking Statistic.

Start your talk off right of the bat with a series of numbers (statistics or percentages that reflect the students in the room). Move from there to showing them the impact of the statistics on their lives. If the statistic deals with "50 percent of students today...", have half of the students in the room stand up to represent the percentage. It will drive the numbers home, and draw them in to listen to what you have to say.

3.  The Scripture

The next time you are scheduled to speak, try opening your message by reading a passage right out of the Bible (if you don't normally begin your messages this way). Read with emotion. Practice your pauses. Vary your pace or volume for emphasis. Allow the Word of God to be living and active in the moment. Don't distract by trying to set up the passage or pre-explaining it. Just begin by standing quietly until you have the students attention, then read.

4.  The Video Clip

If you do not usually utilize video when you speak, opening with a scene from a movie or television show can do wonders to grab students' attention and cause them to sit up and listen to the message you have prepared. Be sure that the clip you choose is relevant to the main theme of your talk.

What are some different methods that you use to open your message?