Questions
The use of questions can be a very effective introduction, whether those questions are meant to be answered by the audience (generally a good technique to get audience involvement and interest) or are rhetorical in nature, and are only meant to be considered and pondered by the audience.
Generally, speech students are encouraged to use rhetorical questions rather than questions that actually ask for audience response. Rhetorical questions are designed to allow you as speaker to get the audience to think about your topic without actually speaking the answer to the question. Rhetorical questions allow you as speaker to maintain the most control over a speech situation, and allow you to guard against an inappropriate or even offensive response.
Using questions that ask for real responses, however, has additional benefits, if a speaker feels comfortable with his or her audience, and is able to handle some impromptu situations. Getting the audience to physically and verbally involve themselves in your topic guarantees that they’re paying attention. Using questions that lead to positive answers can also enhance your connection to and credibility with the audience.
Starting a speech with a question whether rhetorical or actual does require thought and practice on your part. You need to carefully consider the question and possible answers. Remember—even if you think the question is rhetorical, your audience may not know this and may answer the question. You also need to carefully deliver the question. Too often, speakers will use a question, or a series of questions, as an introduction—but then give the audience no time to either think about the answer or answer the question. You need to use timing and pause when starting with questions. You also need to be careful to use eye contact in asking questions, since you are above all asking for audience involvement and your eye contact requests that involvement.
In 1992, Ross Perot selected a little-known retired military figure, Admiral James Stockdale, as his Vice Presidential running mate. In the fall debates, Stockdale began his opening statement with two questions: “Who am I? Why am I here?"13 The questions received applause and also laughter, though the later reaction to these questions was mixed at best. Some saw this as confusion on the part of Stockdale.14 Stockdale considered these two questions to illustrate his difference from the other two “mainstream” candidates, Al Gore and then Vice President Dan Quayle. Traditional politicians, Gore and Quayle were readily recognized, as compared to Stockdale.
