Which approach should a speaker take when starting an impromptu speech?

Beginning with a strong hook is an effective approach when starting an impromptu speech because it captures the audience's attention and piques their interest in the topic. A hook can take various forms, such as an intriguing question, a surprising fact, or a short anecdote. This engaging start sets a positive tone for the rest of the speech, encouraging the audience to listen actively and become more receptive to the speaker's message.

By contrast, starting with detailed statistics risks overwhelming the audience, as not everyone may immediately understand or connect with numbers, especially when delivered without context. Opening with an apology can undermine the speaker's credibility and convey a lack of confidence, which may disengage the audience from the very beginning. Finally, reading immediately from note cards could appear unprepared and robotic, detracting from the natural flow and spontaneity that impromptu speaking seeks to achieve. Thus, beginning with a strong hook is the best strategy for engaging and holding the audience's attention.