1. Opening
Among the worst things a motivational speaker can do is first open his or her mouth and say exactly what the audience expects. Among the most powerful things he or she can do is make their first words a total surprise.
What are some examples?
- Expected: “It is a privilege to be able to talk to you today.”
- Surprise: “Bang, you’re all dead!”
- Expected: “As I was thinking about what I would say to you today. . .”
- Surprise: Wow, you people know how to worship!”
The Opening Module is often the first element in a talk, but not always. It is short, say, 30 seconds to a minute. Its objective is to express appreciation and specific affirmation to the audience. It may be a brief story or a direct statement of appreciation. The purpose is to acknowledge the importance and uniqueness of this specific audience. It signals they are important to you and they are not interchangeable with the group you spoke to yesterday.
The subject of the effective opening is always you, the audience, not I, the speaker. You might say, for example, “I’ve heard you are people who really know how to worship and I’ve been looking forward to joining you.” not, “I feel privileged to be here.”
Here is an example of an opening module I once used in my home church when I came home from the mission field on a furlough…
“A year ago I came home from Ecuador on an unexpected trip and I walked into the foyer of this church on a Sunday when nobody was expecting me. I was a little late and the service had already started. Just as I came in the door I heard my name spoken over the intercom and I was startled. Nobody was expecting me here!”
Then I realized the service was being piped into the foyer and somebody was up on the platform, at that exact moment, praying for us in Ecuador. I trust the Lord wasn’t too confused by that.
Ever since that day I have often remembered and have been encouraged by that moment. You people are critical to our ministry. Thanks so much for being faithful to pray for us!”