How to Start English Speech

Published: 17 Jul 2025

30+ Effective Ways to Start an English Speech (With Examples & Tips)

A great speech starts with a hook—a moment that grabs attention, creates connection, and sets the tone. Whether you’re giving a 1-minute school speech or a 5-minute formal talk, the right start can win your audience in seconds. Below are 30+ practical ways to begin your speech with examples, tips, and bolded keywords to guide you. Use these to leave a powerful first impression!

Table of Content

1. Start with a Powerful Quote

Example: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
Tip: Use a quote that supports your topic and creates inspiration from the first line.

2. Ask a Thought-Provoking Question

Example: “Have you ever felt like your voice doesn’t matter?”
Tip: A question makes the audience think and gets their attention fast.

3. Use a Personal Story

Example: “When I was 10, I stood on stage for the first time, my heart racing…”
Tip: Make it emotional and relatable to your topic.

4. Start with a Shocking Fact

Example: “Did you know 1 in 3 people fear public speaking more than death?”
Tip: Shocking stats grab attention and build curiosity.

5. Paint a Vivid Picture

Example: “Imagine a dark room, filled with silence, broken only by a nervous breath…”
Tip: Use sensory words to pull the audience into your world.

6. Use Humor Carefully

Example: “I was told to open strong… but not to fall off the stage while doing it!”
Tip: Keep it light, not offensive. Humor builds connection.

7. Start with Silence

Tip: Walk on stage, pause for 5 seconds, and let the silence speak. It builds tension.

8. Begin with a Bold Statement

Example: “This may be the most important talk you’ll hear today.”
Tip: Be confident and direct.

9. Reference a Common Experience

Example: “We’ve all felt nervous before a big moment, haven’t we?”
Tip: Creates a shared feeling with the audience.

10. Use a Dramatic Statistic

Example: “Every 40 seconds, someone in the world takes their own life.”
Tip: Choose data that moves people emotionally.

11. Start with a Definition

Example: “Success means different things to different people. To me, it means growth.”
Tip: Use this to shape your message clearly.

12. Break a Myth

Example: “Most people believe failure is bad—but what if it’s the first step to success?”
Tip: Flip common beliefs to challenge your audience.

13. Begin with a Dialogue

Example: “My mother once told me, ‘Never let fear stop you.’ That changed my life.”
Tip: Brings warmth and realness to your start.

14. Make a Bold Promise

Example: “In the next five minutes, I’ll show you how to turn fear into power.”
Tip: Deliver what you promise to keep trust.

15. Use Repetition

Example: “I believe in change. I believe in courage. I believe in YOU.”
Tip: Repetition builds rhythm and strength.

16. Begin with a Challenge

Example: “I dare you to leave this room without feeling inspired.”
Tip: Challenges create engagement and curiosity.

17. Say Something Unexpected

Example: “I’m not here to teach you. I’m here to learn from you.”
Tip: Say what the audience least expects—then explain.

18. Use a Famous Line or Song

Example: “Let it go… Let it go… Have you ever needed to just move on?”
Tip: Familiar words make instant emotional impact.

19. Make the Topic Personal

Example: “This isn’t just a speech. It’s my truth, and I hope it speaks to yours.”
Tip: Make your story matter to them.

20. State a Problem

Example: “Too many people stay silent when they should speak up.”
Tip: Present a clear issue to solve in your speech.

21. Use the Rule of Three

Example: “Dream big. Work smart. Speak loud.”
Tip: Three strong ideas sound balanced and powerful.

22. Start with a Historical Moment

Example: “In 1969, man landed on the moon. Today, we reach for new goals.”
Tip: Link past and present to show progress.

23. Show a Contrast

Example: “One moment you’re afraid. The next, you’re on stage, shining.”
Tip: Opposites highlight growth and inspire.

24. Begin with a Strong Visual

Example: “Picture a child holding a book, eyes wide with wonder.”
Tip: Use visual language to connect emotionally.

25. Use a Proverb or Idiom

Example: “They say, ‘Actions speak louder than words.’ Let’s test that today.”
Tip: Start with familiar wisdom and give it your twist.

26. Mention the Occasion

Example: “It’s an honor to speak here today on such a special occasion…”
Tip: Be respectful and relevant to the event.

27. Create a Mystery

Example: “There’s one thing that changed my life forever. I’ll tell you soon…”
Tip: Curiosity keeps audiences hooked.

28. Speak to the Future

Example: “Imagine the world we’ll create 10 years from now…”
Tip: Forward thinking creates hope and vision.

29. Be Vulnerable

Example: “I used to fear speaking. Even now, my hands are shaking.”
Tip: Vulnerability builds trust and connection.

30. Begin with Gratitude

Example: “Thank you for giving me this moment to speak. It truly means a lot.”
Tip: A warm start creates good energy in the room.

31. Use Your Own Catchphrase

Example: “Let’s light the fire, not wait for sparks.”
Tip: Unique catchphrases help people remember your speech.

32. Start with a Current Event

Example: “Just yesterday, a young student in Kenya changed the world with a new app.”
Tip: Stay updated and inspiring.

Famous Quotes to Start Your Speech

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu
“What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes
“Your voice can change the world.” – Barack Obama
“To speak well, you must think well.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak.” – Winston Churchill
“Great speakers are not born, they are trained.” – Dale Carnegie
“Words have power. They can heal. They can hurt. They can inspire.” – Robin Sharma
“You were born to make an impact.” – Zig Ziglar