What is a potential drawback of opening a speech with a rhetorical question?

Opening a speech with a rhetorical question can indeed lead to the audience providing answers, even if the intent was not to elicit a direct response. This immediate engagement can shift the focus from the speaker’s prepared message to individual interpretations or reactions, creating an unintended interaction that may derail the speech's flow.

When the audience starts answering a rhetorical question, it can disrupt the speaker’s control over the narrative and may lead to confusion about how to respond or participate further. While this engagement might serve as an intriguing moment, it can divert attention away from the core message the speaker intends to convey.

Thus, while the use of rhetorical questions is a popular technique designed to provoke thought and stimulate interest, the potential drawback lies in the unpredictability of audience participation, which can complicate the delivery and clarity of the speech.