Your Speech Opening: “Hello Everyone…”

Here’s a way to predict that the speech you’re about to hear will be dull: The speaker starts with the phrase, “Hello everyone…” You know it’s likely to be dull for at least two reasons: First because it’s a cliche, and second because the phrase tends to alienate the audience. So, let’s add a new tactic to your public speaking tips collection.

Always try to address members of the audience as individuals. When you address a group as a group, it implies that you, the speaker, see a featureless group, rather than a gathering of individuals. “Hello everyone…” and “Thanks everyone…” and their variations depersonalize the audience.

You’ll find this works well for comedians, because the formalization of the address (”Ladies and Gentlemen”) contrasts nicely with their subsequent remarks (often disrespectful remarks).

Take a look at individuals in the audience before you start, and remember each of them values his or her individuality. For illustration of the point, put the shoe on the other foot: Would you prefer that the speaker think of you as an individual, rather than an anonymous, interchangeable member of a faceless group?

Even something as simple as “Hello…” as opposed to “Hello everyone…” let’s them know you see them individually. The same applies to “Thank you…” and other usages.

Whether you’re making an introduction speech or you are the featured speaker, never greet your audience as a group; always address it as a collection of individuals. Interestingly, audience members will get that sense of personalization, even when they’re part of a huge crowd. Watch good speakers or entertainers get started, and you’ll notice how they can develop a personal connection with literally thousands of people almost immediately.

Bottom line: In your speech opening, speak to your audience for what it is, a group of individuals who have the same yearning as you to be recognized as special individuals.