Nothing will turn students off faster to your message than a weak open. You have about 20 seconds for them to decide whether or not they will listen to the rest of your message. What a shame to create solid, Biblical content, and then lose the students after the first 7 sentences proceed out of your mouth.
Here are 3 ways you can alter the opening of your message the next time to step up in front of a group of students to speak:
1. Jump right into a story.
Don't begin with the typical introduction, "Hi my name is [blank], welcome tonight (or tonight we are going to talk about blah, blah, blah)..." Instead, open in the middle of a story, "I could smell the stench of the sewage burning in both of my nostrils... (or whatever story opening you can use to draw them into the story you are telling).
2. Begin with a statistic and use students in the room to demonstrate it.
As opposed to opening with, "I'd like to share some startling statistics with you...." Try implementing some student interaction right off of the bat with something like, "I need this half of the room to stand up on their seats... (or whatever your percentage)... those of you standing represent..." You get the picture.
3. Whisper your theme.
Really. Try it. Open your talk by whispering (or talking quietly and slowly) the theme of your message. Students will be forced to lean in and focus to hear what it is you are saying. Imagine the next time you get up in front of a group of students you said (in a hushed voice), "Those who diligently seek the Lord, WILL (pause) find Him... When they seek Him will all of their heart (or whatever your theme sentence is)."
If there is a need for you to introduce yourself (or the message, or whatever), do so AFTER you have completed your opening. Try it. You will find yourself starting on much stronger footing and presenting your message with much greater connection than ever before.
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