19 Hot Speech Openers You Can Steal and Why They Work
Well begun is half done
Aristotle
Why Captivate Your Audience With First Words?
According to research conducted at Princeton University by psychologist Alexander Todorov, people decide in the first 1/10th of a second whether they like a person or not, and in the first 3 seconds, whether to listen to that person or not.
After those initial 3 seconds, it becomes extremely difficult to change people’s minds about their first impressions. People tend to reinforce their first impressions with further interaction. What’s called confirmation bias. That’s why first impressions are long-lasting.
In the world of public speaking, research indicates that people decide within the first 30 seconds of your presentation whether they like you and want to listen to you. So within that time, you have two main objectives
Convince your audience that you are their friend and they like you. Or at least that you are friendly and likable.
Give them a reason to give you their undivided attention. Captivate them. Your opening statement will make or break this.
Examples of Great Speech Openers
Let’s look at examples of some engaging speech openers that great speakers have used to open their speeches and presentations.
Remember these are not for you to copy but for you to steal. As Pablo Picasso said,
“Good artists copy, great artists steal.” Strive to be a great artist.
1. “Let me tell you a story…” –
Example: “Let me tell you a story about a young man named Jamal…” – Oprah Winfrey, in a commencement speech about overcoming adversity.
Why it works: We love stories. Stories are how we make sense of our lives and the world. People can see themselves or someone they know in a story and so relate with the speaker almost like a friend.
Other alternatives: You can also jump straight into the story. It’s common for speakers to open with the setting: time, place, or both. e.g.: “In college,…”, “At exactly half past 10 am on June 11 of 2017, I received a phone call that turned my world upside down.”
2. “Have you ever wondered…” –
Example: “Have you ever wondered why some people seem to be naturally more successful than others?” – Tony Robbins, in a motivational speech.
Why it works: This opener taps into the audience’s natural curiosity and sets up a question or problem to be explored. It has the effect of causing people to start wondering and look up to you for answers. You better have good ones if you use this opening line.
3. “According to recent studies… According to research… Research shows that…” –
Example: “According to recent studies, the average person spends over 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime.” – Arianna Huffington, in a speech on work-life balance.
Why it works: Citing research or statistics lends credibility and establishes the speaker as an authority on the topic. To make this approach even more powerful, don’t just state numbers but further, make them humanly comprehensible.
4. “Imagine…”
Example: “Imagine a world without disease, where no child has to suffer from preventable illnesses.” – Bill Gates, in a speech on global health initiatives.
Why it works: This opener invites the audience to visualize a scenario, immediately engaging their imagination and curiosity. Suitable for sharing visionary and futuristic ideas and innovations and also for inviting the audience to walk with you through something in the past.
5. “In this room…” –
Example: “In this room, we have leaders from various industries, all united by a common goal…” – Sheryl Sandberg, in a speech on women’s leadership.
Why it works: This opener acknowledges the shared experience of the audience and creates a sense of community. It further has the effect of bringing minds into the here and now–this room.
6. “Let me ask you something…” –
Example: “Let me ask you something: when was the last time you truly felt alive?” – Brené Brown, in a speech on vulnerability and wholehearted living.
Why it works: Posing a question directly to the audience engages them, their curiosity and thoughtfulness and encourages participation. The more personal the question the better.
7. “I stand before you today…” –
Example: “I stand before you today, not as a politician, but as a concerned citizen…” – Martin Luther King Jr., in his “I Have a Dream” speech.
Why it works: This classic opener establishes the speaker’s purpose and sets the tone for the speech. This opener usually is employed for speeches that are intended to create a turning point, a pivot, a major change, or speeches that are aimed at reflecting on such events in retrospect.
8. “There’s a saying…” –
Example: “There’s a saying: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.'” – Jacqueline Novogratz, in a speech on social entrepreneurship.
Why it works: Using a well-known quote or proverb can resonate with the audience and introduce the speech’s theme. Proverbs carry resonant time tested universal truths packaged in short memorable statements. Another very captivating way to use them is to quote them and then say “But I disagree” to reveal a new way of thinking.
9. “Imagine if…” –
Example: “Imagine if we could harness the power of the sun to provide clean, renewable energy for everyone on the planet.” – Elon Musk, in a speech on sustainable energy solutions.
Why it works: This opener invites the audience to consider a hypothetical scenario, often one that challenges the status quo. It lets the audience know from the start that this is something different from the past and present experience.
10. “How is it that… How do you explain… Why is it that …”
Example: “How do you explain when things don’t go as we assume? Or better, how do you explain when others are able to achieve things that seem to defy all of the assumptions?” – How Great Leaders Inspire Action | Simon Sinek | TED
Why it works: Posing a thought-provoking question that challenges the audience’s assumptions stimulates curiosity. It invites listeners to reconsider their understanding of success and failure, making them eager to hear the speaker’s insights.
11. “Today, I want to talk about…” –
Example: “Today, I want to talk about the future of education and how we can make it more accessible to all.” – Malala Yousafzai, in a speech on education.
Why it works: This opener clearly states the topic and sets the audience’s expectations. It is usually suitable for an audience that already has an interest in the topic, and is specifically there to hear about it.
12. “We stand at a crossroads…” –
Example: “We stand at a crossroads, where the choices we make today will shape the world of tomorrow.” – Al Gore, in a speech on climate change.
Why it works: This opener emphasizes the importance of the moment and the need for action. Suitable for advocating for change that needs to happen because there are consequences to doing nothing.
13. “I believe…” –
Example: “I believe that every child deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their family’s income.” – Michelle Obama, in a speech on healthcare reform.
Why it works: This opener expresses the speaker’s conviction and sets the tone for the rest of the speech. It has the effect of rallying people in the audience who believe the same to line up behind you. It is suitable for speeches about causes that many people resonate with and want to see in the world.
14. “The question is…” –
Example: “The question is, what kind of world do we want to leave for future generations?” – Jane Goodall, in a speech on environmental conservation.
Why it works: This opener poses a question that the speaker will answer or explore in the speech. This is often used to make people reflect on actions or work that needs to be done.
15. “It’s time to…” –
Example: “It’s time to take a stand against discrimination and fight for the rights of all individuals.” – Harvey Milk, in a speech on LGBTQ+ rights.
Why it works: This opener emphasizes the urgency of the moment and the need for action.
16. “We are at a moment…” –
Example: “We are at a moment in history where we can choose to make a difference, to make a change.” – Nelson Mandela, in a speech on social justice.
Why it works: This opener highlights the significance of the current moment and the opportunities it presents.
17. “The truth is…” –
Example: “The truth is, we’ve been living in a world of inequality for far too long.” – Gloria Steinem, in a speech on gender equality.
Why it works: This opener emphasizes the speaker’s honesty and sets the tone for a candid and informative speech. It is best used for truths that are widespread and generally accepted or personal truths that won’t trigger resistance or argument in the minds of the listeners.
18. “I want to share with you…” –
Example: “I want to share with you a story about my own struggles with mental health.” – Prince Harry, in a speech on mental health awareness.
Why it works: This opener creates a sense of intimacy and sharing, making the audience more receptive to the speaker’s message. I could be used to share an idea, a story, a dream, a hope, a vision… When used it should state the consequence of sharing. “I want to share with you a story that will make you never think of the phrase ‘I am…’ the same again”
19. “The future belongs to…” –
Example: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt, in a speech on women’s empowerment.
Why it works: This opener emphasizes the importance of the next generation and the need for them to take action. This is typical of inspirational and motivational speeches.
These are just a few more examples of powerful speech openers. Remember, the key is to choose an opener that resonates with your message and audience and sets the tone for the rest of your speech.
Extended examples
Dan Pink | TED
“I need to make a confession at the outset here. A little over 20 years ago, I did something that I regret, something that I’m not particularly proud of.” Dan Pink’s speech; The Puzzle of Motivation, grabs your attention right away because he makes a confession. People are generally drawn in by a display of vulnerability.
Ric Elias | TED
“Imagine a big explosion as you climb through 3,000 ft. Imagine a plane full of smoke. Imagine an engine going clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack. It sounds scary. Well, I had a unique seat that day. I was sitting in 1D.” Ric Elias’s speech, 3 Things I Learned While My Plane Crashed, goes straight into the action, asking the listener to imagine the nerve-wracking situation. With an opening like that, who wouldn’t want to keep listening to find out what happens next?
Arianna Huffington
“My big idea is a very, very small idea that can unlock billions of big ideas that are at the moment dormant inside us. And my little idea that will do that… is sleep.” Arianna’s speech, How to Succeed? Get More Sleep, starts with an interesting oxymoron “My big idea is a very, very small idea.” This twist in wording both excites and engages the mind.
Wrap up
These are just a few examples of powerful speech openers that you can adapt and make your own. Remember, the key is to capture your audience’s attention, establish your credibility, and set the atmosphere for the rest of your presentation. Create credibility with courage, and confidence and start your presentation with audacity, authenticity, and authority. With the right opening line, you’ll be well on your way to delivering a memorable and impactful interaction.
