Wondering how to ensure your speech or presentation captures the attention right from the start?
Look no further than the rhetorical technique of presenting a riddle to your audience, only to solve it with a brilliant and unexpected remark. The key lies in delivering a statement that takes the audience by surprise, leaving them intrigued and eager to hear more.
Why does this work?
Engage your audience by presenting a captivating riddle that sparks their active thinking. By surprising them with an unexpected and clever solution, you greatly increase the likelihood of receiving a positive and enthusiastic response. Encouraging your listeners to actively participate in the puzzle heightens their engagement and sets the stage for a memorable and impactful experience.
Individuals who successfully employ this technique
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s speeches may not possess the eloquence of President Obama’s, but they are equally captivating. He skillfully employs the technique of riddles, infusing his speeches with an intriguing allure. During his address at the Republican Convention five years ago, Schwarzenegger cleverly doubled down on this technique. Following a thunderous applause upon his arrival, he opened with a riddle: “What a greeting! This is like winning an Oscar!” After a brief pause, he delivered the punchline: “As if I would know!” Without missing a beat, he continued, “Speaking of acting, one of my movies was called ‘True Lies’.” The purpose behind this statement? After a momentary pause, he provided the solution: “It’s what the Democrats should have called their convention!” This humorous revelation elicited laughter from the Republican audience, effectively capturing their undivided attention.
More historic examples
This captivating opening technique has been employed by numerous renowned speakers. A notable example comes from Margaret Thatcher, who, in a speech, stated “On my way here, I passed a local cinema, and it seems you were expecting me after all.” Pausing briefly to allow the audience to ponder, she continued, shedding light on the clever twist: “For the billboards read: ‘The Mummy Returns’.”
Similarly, when Ronald Reagan, a former B actor turned politician, declared his intention to become President of the United States, he humorously remarked, “This is a moment of quite some mixed emotions for me.” Swiftly thereafter, he revealed the solution, evoking laughter: “I haven’t been on primetime television in quite a while!”
These masterful displays of wit and unexpectedness not only engaged the audience but also demonstrated the skilled use of rhetorical techniques, leaving a lasting impression on listeners.
