One great way is to start with a personal anecdote. For example, if you're giving a speech about perseverance, you could begin by telling a story about a time when you faced a difficult challenge but didn't give up. It immediately grabs the audience's attention because it's real and relatable.
Use a story that creates suspense. For instance, start with a story about a mystery that was finally solved. This hooks the audience as they'll be eager to know how it all unfolded. It makes them listen attentively to your speech to find out more.
One great way is to start with a vivid description. For example, 'The sun was a blazing ball of fire in the sky, casting long, menacing shadows across the desolate landscape.' This immediately sets the scene and draws the reader in.
Beginning a story with a strong action can be very effective. For instance, 'He ran as fast as he could, the sound of the approaching storm driving him forward.' This creates immediate tension. Starting with a character's internal monologue is also good. 'I knew this day would come, but I still wasn't prepared,' he thought, his heart pounding. Or you could start with a startling statement like 'The dead man walked into the room.'
A good way to begin is with a sense of impending doom. 'I felt it in my bones, that something was horribly wrong. There was a heaviness in the air, a stillness that was not peaceful but rather filled with a lurking danger. I didn't know what it was yet, but I knew it was coming for me.' This type of start makes the reader feel the unease that the character is experiencing.
One great way to start a scary story is with an unexpected sound. For example, 'In the dead of night, a shrill scream pierced through the silence, making my blood run cold.' This immediately grabs the reader's attention and sets a spooky mood.
Beginning with an intriguing character in an unusual situation can be effective too. Say, a young girl wakes up in a world where all the colors are reversed. It makes the reader curious about who this girl is and what will happen to her in this strange place. Also, starting with a dialogue can be good. Like, '"Where are we?" he asked, his voice trembling as he looked around the desolate landscape.' It creates immediate tension and makes the reader want to know more about the speakers and their situation.
One great way is to start with an interesting character in an unusual situation. For example, 'The old man sat on the bench, a parrot on his shoulder and a map in his hand, looking as if he was about to embark on a journey that no one else could fathom.'
A good way to start a mystery story is to introduce a strange event. For example, 'The old clock in the attic started chiming at midnight, even though it hadn't worked in years.' This immediately creates a sense of mystery and makes the reader wonder what's going on.
You can start with a dialogue. For instance, '"I don't believe you," she said, her eyes narrowing.' It immediately creates a sense of conflict or mystery between the characters involved in the conversation.