Memorable Opening Lines

I asked my students recently to tell us about the most memorable speech they have heard in person and to explain why it was memorable.  Deryk told us about a speech he attended in high school.  He said that the speaker's opening line was, "Do you have big butts?"

Deryk went on to explain that this was the speaker's way of pointing out to the audience that we often let our but's or our excuses, get in the way of achieving our goals.

This example shows that our opening lines give us the opportunity to make a lasting impression on our audiences.  Don't throw away your opening lines by telling us your name or the topic of your presentation.  Tell us something we will never forget.  Tell us something we will remember long after the speech is over.  Make an impression like the impression that was made on Deryk.