要想吸引人们的注意力，最简单的方法也许就是高举起某件东西，让人们看看它，即使是土人和傻瓜、摇篮中的婴儿、商店橱窗中的猴子以及街道上的小狗，人们都会情不自禁地去注意这种刺激性的举动。有时候也可以运用这种方法，在最严肃的听众面前发挥很大的作用。例如，费城的艾利斯先生在一次演讲时，一开始就以拇指和食指握住一枚硬币，高高举起，超过肩膀的高度。自然在场的每一个人都望着他的这个举动。这时，他问：“有没有人在人行道上捡到像这样的一枚硬币？它上面说，捡到这种硬币的幸运者，将可在房地产开发上获得许多减免优待。只要他把这枚硬币交给主办的公司即可……”艾利斯先生接着开始谴责这种行为的错误及不道德。Perhaps the easiest way in the world to gain attention is to hold up something for people to look at. Almost any creature, from the simplest to the most complex, will give heed to that kind of stimulus. It can be used sometimes with effectiveness before the most dignified audience. For example, Mr. S. S. Ellis, of Philadelphia. opened one of his talks in one of our classes by holding a coin between his thumb and forefinger, and high above his shoulder. Naturally everyone looked. Then he inquired: "Has anyone here ever found a coin like this on the sidewalk? It announces that the fortunate finder will be given a lot free in such and such a real estate development. He has but to call and present this coin..." Mr. Ellis then proceeded to condemn the misleading and unethical practices involved.

以上提到的方法都很值得称赞。这些方法可以单独用，也可以结合起来用、要意识到你的开场白决定着你的听众是否会接受你的讲演内容。All of the foregoing methods are commendable. They may be used separately or they may be combined. Recognize that how you open a talk largely determines whether the audience is going to accept you and your message.