introduction to meeting speech

Virtual Experiences
In-Person Experiences
Hybrid Experiences
Attend a Demo
Experience FAQ
Features & Benefits
How Pricing Works
Client Testimonials
Happiness Guarantee
Schedule Call
View Experiences

38 Top Opening and Closing Remarks for Meetings

By: Grace He | Updated: March 18, 2024

You found our list of opening and closing remarks for meetings .

Opening and closing remarks for meetings are statements that introduce and wrap up workplace get-togethers. The purpose of these remarks is to set the tone of the subject matter and summarize topics covered during the meeting. Examples of opening and closing remarks for meetings include quick welcomes to attendees, announcements explaining the reason for the meeting, and conclusions that wrap up the content covered.

Utilizing opening and closing remarks is among the top public speaking tips for employees . You can use conference jokes or conference quotes as your opening or closing remarks. These icebreaker jokes are a great addition to your conference agenda .

This list includes:

short opening remarks for a meeting
opening remarks for a virtual meeting
chairman opening remarks in a meeting
opening remarks for a seminar
sample closing remarks for a meeting
sample closing remarks for an event
simple closing remarks

Here we go!

Short opening remarks for a meeting

Welcome, everyone. Thank you for taking the time to attend our meeting this morning. This meeting will address some announcements we think you will find interesting. We have a lot to cover, so we will get started without further ado.
Good morning, folks. We appreciate you blocking out your calendar so we can discuss some important topics with you. We promise to get through this as quickly as possible so you can get back to your day.
Hey, everyone! Great to see so many shining faces in the room, especially for the early hour! Apologies for calling this meeting on such short notice. We have some significant announcements to make, so we will get right to it.
Hi, team. Thank you for making an effort to be here today. Some serious developments occurred over the weekend, and we wanted to inform you of the details before you heard any worrisome rumors. Here is everything we can tell you so far.
Hello, all! Glad you could make it on such short notice. We have some exciting news to share, and we just could not wait to spill the beans! Rather than wasting any time, we can get right to the good stuff.
Good afternoon. Thanks for making time to be here today. As you know, we hit some important milestones this week. We thought sharing the success and discussing what comes next would be helpful. Away we go!
Greetings, everybody! Here we are at another super exciting monthly meeting, our chance to share the highs and lows we all have been through since the last time we met. Would anyone like to get things started for us?
Well, hey there! It has been a long time since our last meeting. We have all been quite busy, as you know. We have a lot to catch up on, so how about we jump right in and get started?

Opening remarks for a virtual meeting

Good morning to everyone on our video call today. We have participants joining today from locations all over the world. Before we get started, we would like to take a moment to share our appreciation for everyone lining up their schedules across the time zones in this way. We understand how difficult it was to coordinate this meeting so all major stakeholders could attend. We promise to make it worth your while. If anyone on the call knows of a colleague who cannot attend, please feel free to share our discussion with them when you can. You should have a meeting deck in your email to help you follow along. Feel free to open it, and we will get started.
Cyberteam: Assemble! Cheers to our remote crew, tuning in from the various workspaces around town and throughout the country. It is truly incredible that technology allows us to get together, even if only in digital form. You may have heard about some developments across several departments. We will address those topics and field any questions or concerns you may have. We will also discuss future developments in as much detail as possible. Much of what we will cover is still in the works, so we do not have as much information for you as we would like. However, we promise to do our best to get you up to speed and keep you informed as we learn more.
Good afternoon, team. You may have seen the email announcing our new project calendar. This timeline includes tasks spanning multiple teams, so we have a coordinated effort. We wanted to get everyone on a call to brainstorm ways to approach our rollout of various tasks. Depending on the needs, you may find your name on multiple lists, or you may not appear on any lists. Our hope is to distribute the work as fairly as possible among the team to minimize potential overload. Because you are the players involved, we want you to have a say in how we assemble the list.
Hello, everyone. Thank you for firing up your cameras and getting online this morning. We have a few special announcements to go over as well as updates on items we left in limbo during our last meeting. We also have a special guest joining us today. This guest speaker has information about making the most of your remote work experience. I know we have discussed workplace wellness in the past, and I thought we should hear from an expert on the subject. They will hop on for the last 30 minutes, which gives us the first 30 minutes to cover everything else. I will dive right in so we can have time for Q&A before our guest appears.
Hey, crew! We have gotten away from our meeting schedule as of late, and for a good reason. Great job on catching up on the backlog! Now that we are ahead of the curve again, I would like us to pick back up on our semi-monthly schedule to stay informed in a more unified setting. I think it is also a good idea for us to see one another’s shining faces every so often so we can remember what we all look like! More sincerely, our remote team needs face-to-face interaction, which is what these meetings are all about. I will put new items on our calendars to keep us on track through the end of the year.

Chairman opening remarks in a meeting

I am pleased to be speaking to all of you today. As the leader of this board, it is my duty to bring us together when necessary. This task can be challenging, considering our other obligations. I would like us to take this opportunity to review developments that occurred since our last meeting and cover several lingering action items.
Good morning, fellow board members. It is a privilege to address you all this afternoon for such a fortunate occasion. It is not often that the board has the opportunity to honor the accomplishments of its own members. Today, we will celebrate the successes of a long-standing trustee who has reached the pinnacle of personal and professional achievement. Before we start, please join me in welcoming our esteemed member with a round of applause.
Thank you all for attending. As chairman, I would like to begin this meeting by reviewing the minutes from our last session before covering our new agenda. You all know how quickly the new corporate strategy is unfolding. We have a growing list of issues to address, so we should get started.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all in attendance today. As your newly appointed chairman, I think it best to begin this meeting by introducing myself and explaining my background before having each member do the same. Once introductions are complete, we will review the charter and attend to any new business.

Opening remarks for a seminar

Welcome, everyone, and thank you for being with us today. For those who may not know, this seminar is our opportunity to share our latest developments and explain how this progress will lead us into our next phase. We have laid out a roadmap that puts us on solid footing the whole way through. We are eager to share the details and get your input on what improvements we can make. As key stakeholders in the business, your viewpoints count as much as anyone on the team. We hope you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts.
There are few moments in which our group can assemble for a subject as important as improving our culture. We feel the need is critical enough to halt operations and bring us all together. This company remains dedicated to the well-being of every employee, but dedication means nothing without action. We have created a seminar-style meeting that presents information intended to help make the most of your experience in the workplace. This is your space, after all, and we will do all we can to create an enriching culture for all of us.
I can think of few workplace developments less stressful than learning new software. Unfortunately, we have outgrown our old platform and have no choice but to move to a bigger and better model. After a great deal of deliberation, we have chosen a package that will make your current work much easier while also accommodating future growth. To get a head start on learning, we have put together this seminar with a representative from the software company. This speaker will provide an overview of the system and its functions before going into detail about how each feature fits in with our current system. Please feel free to ask questions and share your insight as we proceed.

Sample closing remarks for a meeting

We have covered a lot of material in a short time. If you need more details, you can schedule one-on-one time with your supervisors, who will have additional information shortly. Please write down any questions that arise so you can get answers and feel settled about our next steps.
I hope you enjoyed our brainstorming session. We are off to a great start and should have a great second meeting. I will add an item to the calendar to continue with our planning phase. If everyone will kindly send me their notes, then I will create a master folder we can all access. I will also email today’s meeting minutes out so we can create a living document as we go. More to come!
As you can understand, this meeting is only a first step. We will continue business as usual until we receive further word about new developments. Once we know more about the acquisition, we will put together another meeting for updates. You may have questions and concerns before then, which you may discuss with your manager, of course. To avoid creating unnecessary anxiety, we would ask that you refrain from speculating on details we have yet to disclose. I appreciate your cooperation.
I hope you can all agree that it is important for our team to spend quality time together outside of our usual tasks. These team building meetings are a perfect forum for showing off other sides of our personalities and connecting in fun and exciting ways. This meeting is the first of many! To ensure everyone feels a sense of ownership, I would like you all to send me your ideas for events we can include in future meetings. If you know of any games or icebreaker activities we should include, please send me a note or drop by my office to chat. The more input we have, the better variety of activities we can draw from.

Sample closing remarks for an event

We hope you enjoyed attending our event as much as we enjoyed putting it together. As always, we are ready to assist our clients in any way possible. If you have concerns after you head out, please get in touch with your account manager or a supervisor and let us know how we can help. We truly appreciate serving you and cannot wait to see where we go together next. Thank you for coming!
Thank you for coming to our get-together. We know breaking away from your busy day can be challenging, and we do not take it for granted. That said, it is always great to see our team come together for time away from the daily grind! We would not be able to do what we do without you. You are all integral to this organization’s success, and we are grateful to have you.
We have come a long way since the last time we were all together. The organization has grown considerably, and we know more growth will come. We hope we have clarified what comes next for this company and how we intend to achieve our goals. The agenda may seem ambitious, but we have no doubt that the people in this room are the right people to make the effort successful. Thank you, as always, for your continued support and dedication to our cause. We hope to see you again next time.
Before we all head out, I would like to thank everyone who showed up tonight. You really came through and made this event a smashing success! I would also like to give a shout-out to our event team, who put together everything from decorations to catering without falling behind on their daily tasks. This team is phenomenal, and the credit for such a winning event goes to them. Please join me in showing our appreciation for all they have done.

Simple closing remarks

Thank you all for coming. Enjoy the rest of your day!
This meeting went quicker than expected, so I will give you 30 minutes back.
Apologies for this meeting taking longer than scheduled. I appreciate you taking the extra time needed to finish up.
If you have any questions after the meeting, please feel free to come to my office.
Anyone needing more information can reach out to the contacts listed on the calendar item for this meeting.
We have much more to discuss, so I will schedule a follow-up meeting for a week from now.
As you can see, we have some serious challenges ahead of us. But I know that our usual team spirit will help us rise to the occasion.
This topic is highly sensitive, so we ask that you treat it with the proper discretion.
As a thank-you for your time and attention, there are treats in the breakroom. Feel free to drop by and grab a few!
You all put the “dream” in “dream team.” Thank you for your incredible effort and amazing output during such a demanding time!

Preparing opening and closing remarks will provide definitive starting and ending points for your meetings. You can set the tone while alerting attendees to the main topic as well as sharing a list of agenda items. These remarks also create an opportunity to open your meeting with a warm welcome and close on a note of gratitude and encouragement.

Next, read about virtual workshop ideas and virtual brainstorming ideas , and team meeting tips .

Book wildly fun team building events with expert hosts

FAQ: Opening and closing remarks for meetings

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about opening and closing remarks for meetings.

What are opening and closing remarks for meetings?

Opening and closing remarks for meetings are introductions and conclusions that bring a sense of organization to your agenda. You can use opening remarks to announce the topic of your meeting, while closing remarks will provide a wrap-up and alert attendees to any follow-up meetings or actions needed.

Why are good opening and closing remarks important?

Good opening remarks are important because they set the tone for the meeting, set goalposts, and keep listeners engaged. Similarly, good closing statements summarize essential topics, establish goals for future sessions, and provide calls to action.

What are some good opening statements for meetings?

Some options for good opening remarks include quick reasons for the meeting and brief rundowns of topics you will cover. Choosing an opener that matches the tone of the topics you want to address is essential.

How do you create good closing remarks for meetings?

Preparing good closing remarks can be as simple as reiterating information already covered and assigning the next steps. Additionally, these remarks should leave meeting attendees with a sense of understanding and accomplishment. Examples of some good closing remarks include thank yous to workers for attending, confirmations of the following steps, and reminders of follow-up items.

Author: Grace He

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com. Grace is the Director of People & Culture at teambuilding.com. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

Get our free team building tool box

$49 value at no cost..

May as well check it out?
100+ tested icebreaker questions
24+ themed Bingo generators
5+ PDFs (including the 8% Rule)
2024 team building calendar and more...

Enter your email for instant access

15 Powerful Speech Opening Lines (And How to Create Your Own)

Hrideep barot.

Public Speaking , Speech Writing

Powerful speech opening lines set the tone and mood of your speech. It’s what grips the audience to want to know more about the rest of your talk.

The first few seconds are critical. It’s when you have maximum attention of the audience. And you must capitalize on that!

Instead of starting off with something plain and obvious such as a ‘Thank you’ or ‘Good Morning’, there’s so much more you can do for a powerful speech opening (here’s a great article we wrote a while ago on how you should NOT start your speech ).

To help you with this, I’ve compiled some of my favourite openings from various speakers. These speakers have gone on to deliver TED talks , win international Toastmaster competitions or are just noteworthy people who have mastered the art of communication.

After each speaker’s opening line, I have added how you can include their style of opening into your own speech. Understanding how these great speakers do it will certainly give you an idea to create your own speech opening line which will grip the audience from the outset!

Alright! Let’s dive into the 15 powerful speech openings…

Note: Want to take your communications skills to the next level? Book a complimentary consultation with one of our expert communication coaches. We’ll look under the hood of your hurdles and pick two to three growth opportunities so you can speak with impact!

1. Ric Elias

Opening: “Imagine a big explosion as you climb through 3,000 ft. Imagine a plane full of smoke. Imagine an engine going clack, clack, clack. It sounds scary. Well I had a unique seat that day. I was sitting in 1D.”

How to use the power of imagination to open your speech?

Putting your audience in a state of imagination can work extremely well to captivate them for the remainder of your talk.

It really helps to bring your audience in a certain mood that preps them for what’s about to come next. Speakers have used this with high effectiveness by transporting their audience into an imaginary land to help prove their point.

When Ric Elias opened his speech, the detail he used (3000 ft, sound of the engine going clack-clack-clack) made me feel that I too was in the plane. He was trying to make the audience experience what he was feeling – and, at least in my opinion, he did.

When using the imagination opening for speeches, the key is – detail. While we want the audience to wander into imagination, we want them to wander off to the image that we want to create for them. So, detail out your scenario if you’re going to use this technique.

Make your audience feel like they too are in the same circumstance as you were when you were in that particular situation.

2. Barack Obama

Opening: “You can’t say it, but you know it’s true.”

3. Seth MacFarlane

Opening: “There’s nowhere I would rather be on a day like this than around all this electoral equipment.” (It was raining)

How to use humour to open your speech?

When you use humour in a manner that suits your personality, it can set you up for a great speech. Why? Because getting a laugh in the first 30 seconds or so is a great way to quickly get the audience to like you.

And when they like you, they are much more likely to listen to and believe in your ideas.

Obama effortlessly uses his opening line to entice laughter among the audience. He brilliantly used the setting (the context of Trump becoming President) and said a line that completely matched his style of speaking.

Saying a joke without really saying a joke and getting people to laugh requires you to be completely comfortable in your own skin. And that’s not easy for many people (me being one of them).

If the joke doesn’t land as expected, it could lead to a rocky start.

Keep in mind the following when attempting to deliver a funny introduction:

Know your audience: Make sure your audience gets the context of the joke (if it’s an inside joke among the members you’re speaking to, that’s even better!). You can read this article we wrote where we give you tips on how you can actually get to know your audience better to ensure maximum impact with your speech openings
The joke should suit your natural personality. Don’t make it look forced or it won’t elicit the desired response
Test the opening out on a few people who match your real audience. Analyze their response and tweak the joke accordingly if necessary
Starting your speech with humour means your setting the tone of your speech. It would make sense to have a few more jokes sprinkled around the rest of the speech as well as the audience might be expecting the same from you

4. Mohammed Qahtani

Opening: Puts a cigarette on his lips, lights a lighter, stops just before lighting the cigarette. Looks at audience, “What?”

5. Darren Tay

Opening: Puts a white pair of briefs over his pants.

How to use props to begin your speech?

The reason props work so well in a talk is because in most cases the audience is not expecting anything more than just talking. So when a speaker pulls out an object that is unusual, everyone’s attention goes right to it.

It makes you wonder why that prop is being used in this particular speech.

The key word here is unusual . To grip the audience’s attention at the beginning of the speech, the prop being used should be something that the audience would never expect. Otherwise, it just becomes something that is common. And common = boring!

What Mohammed Qahtani and Darren Tay did superbly well in their talks was that they used props that nobody expected them to.

By pulling out a cigarette and lighter or a white pair of underwear, the audience can’t help but be gripped by what the speaker is about to do next. And that makes for a powerful speech opening.

6. Simon Sinek

Opening: “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?”

7. Julian Treasure

Opening: “The human voice. It’s the instrument we all play. It’s the most powerful sound in the world. Probably the only one that can start a war or say “I love you.” And yet many people have the experience that when they speak people don’t listen to them. Why is that? How can we speak powerfully to make change in the world?”

How to use questions to open a speech?

I use this method often. Starting off with a question is the simplest way to start your speech in a manner that immediately engages the audience.

But we should keep our questions compelling as opposed to something that is fairly obvious.

I’ve heard many speakers start their speeches with questions like “How many of us want to be successful?”

No one is going to say ‘no’ to that and frankly, I just feel silly raising my hand at such questions.

Simon Sinek and Jullian Treasure used questions in a manner that really made the audience think and make them curious to find out what the answer to that question is.

What Jullian Treasure did even better was the use of a few statements which built up to his question. This made the question even more compelling and set the theme for what the rest of his talk would be about.

So think of what question you can ask in your speech that will:

Set the theme for the remainder of your speech
Not be something that is fairly obvious
Be compelling enough so that the audience will actually want to know what the answer to that question will be

8. Aaron Beverley

Opening: Long pause (after an absurdly long introduction of a 57-word speech title). “Be honest. You enjoyed that, didn’t you?”

How to use silence for speech openings?

The reason this speech opening stands out is because of the fact that the title itself is 57 words long. The audience was already hilariously intrigued by what was going to come next.

But what’s so gripping here is the way Aaron holds the crowd’s suspense by…doing nothing. For about 10 to 12 seconds he did nothing but stand and look at the audience. Everyone quietened down. He then broke this silence by a humorous remark that brought the audience laughing down again.

When going on to open your speech, besides focusing on building a killer opening sentence, how about just being silent?

It’s important to keep in mind that the point of having a strong opening is so that the audience’s attention is all on you and are intrigued enough to want to listen to the rest of your speech.

Silence is a great way to do that. When you get on the stage, just pause for a few seconds (about 3 to 5 seconds) and just look at the crowd. Let the audience and yourself settle in to the fact that the spotlight is now on you.

I can’t put my finger on it, but there is something about starting the speech off with a pure pause that just makes the beginning so much more powerful. It adds credibility to you as a speaker as well, making you look more comfortable and confident on stage.

If you want to know more about the power of pausing in public speaking , check out this post we wrote. It will give you a deeper insight into the importance of pausing and how you can harness it for your own speeches. You can also check out this video to know more about Pausing for Public Speaking:

9. Dan Pink

Opening: “I need to make a confession at the outset here. Little over 20 years ago, I did something that I regret. Something that I’m not particularly proud of. Something that in many ways I wish no one would ever know but that here I feel kind of obliged to reveal.”

10. Kelly McGonigal

Opening: “I have a confession to make. But first I want you to make a little confession to me.”

How to use a build-up to open your speech?

When there are so many amazing ways to start a speech and grip an audience from the outset, why would you ever choose to begin your speech with a ‘Good morning?’.

That’s what I love about build-ups. They set the mood for something awesome that’s about to come in that the audience will feel like they just have to know about.

Instead of starting a speech as it is, see if you can add some build-up to your beginning itself. For instance, in Kelly McGonigal’s speech, she could have started off with the question of stress itself (which she eventually moves on to in her speech). It’s not a bad way to start the speech.

But by adding the statement of “I have a confession to make” and then not revealing the confession for a little bit, the audience is gripped to know what she’s about to do next and find out what indeed is her confession.

11. Tim Urban

Opening: “So in college, I was a government major. Which means that I had to write a lot of papers. Now when a normal student writes a paper, they might spread the work out a little like this.”

12. Scott Dinsmore

Opening: “8 years ago, I got the worst career advice of my life.”

How to use storytelling as a speech opening?

“The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller.” Steve Jobs

Storytelling is the foundation of good speeches. Starting your speech with a story is a great way to grip the audience’s attention. It makes them yearn to want to know how the rest of the story is going to pan out.

Tim Urban starts off his speech with a story dating back to his college days. His use of slides is masterful and something we all can learn from. But while his story sounds simple, it does the job of intriguing the audience to want to know more.

As soon as I heard the opening lines, I thought to myself “If normal students write their paper in a certain manner, how does Tim write his papers?”

Combine such a simple yet intriguing opening with comedic slides, and you’ve got yourself a pretty gripping speech.

Scott Dismore’s statement has a similar impact. However, just a side note, Scott Dismore actually started his speech with “Wow, what an honour.”

I would advise to not start your talk with something such as that. It’s way too common and does not do the job an opening must, which is to grip your audience and set the tone for what’s coming.

13. Larry Smith

Opening: “I want to discuss with you this afternoon why you’re going to fail to have a great career.”

14. Jane McGonigal

Opening: “You will live 7.5 minutes longer than you would have otherwise, just because you watched this talk.”

How to use provocative statements to start your speech?

Making a provocative statement creates a keen desire among the audience to want to know more about what you have to say. It immediately brings everyone into attention.

Larry Smith did just that by making his opening statement surprising, lightly humorous, and above all – fearful. These elements lead to an opening statement which creates so much curiosity among the audience that they need to know how your speech pans out.

This one time, I remember seeing a speaker start a speech with, “Last week, my best friend committed suicide.” The entire crowd was gripped. Everyone could feel the tension in the room.

They were just waiting for the speaker to continue to know where this speech will go.

That’s what a hard-hitting statement does, it intrigues your audience so much that they can’t wait to hear more! Just a tip, if you do start off with a provocative, hard-hitting statement, make sure you pause for a moment after saying it.

Silence after an impactful statement will allow your message to really sink in with the audience.

Related article: 5 Ways to Grab Your Audience’s Attention When You’re Losing it!

15. Ramona J Smith

Opening: In a boxing stance, “Life would sometimes feel like a fight. The punches, jabs and hooks will come in the form of challenges, obstacles and failures. Yet if you stay in the ring and learn from those past fights, at the end of each round, you’ll be still standing.”

How to use your full body to grip the audience at the beginning of your speech?

In a talk, the audience is expecting you to do just that – talk. But when you enter the stage and start putting your full body into use in a way that the audience does not expect, it grabs their attention.

Body language is critical when it comes to public speaking. Hand gestures, stage movement, facial expressions are all things that need to be paid attention to while you’re speaking on stage. But that’s not I’m talking about here.

Here, I’m referring to a unique use of the body that grips the audience, like how Ramona did. By using her body to get into a boxing stance, imitating punches, jabs and hooks with her arms while talking – that’s what got the audience’s attention.

The reason I say this is so powerful is because if you take Ramona’s speech and remove the body usage from her opening, the entire magic of the opening falls flat.

While the content is definitely strong, without those movements, she would not have captured the audience’s attention as beautifully as she did with the use of her body.

So if you have a speech opening that seems slightly dull, see if you can add some body movement to it.

If your speech starts with a story of someone running, actually act out the running. If your speech starts with a story of someone reading, actually act out the reading.

It will make your speech opening that much more impactful.

Related article: 5 Body Language Tips to Command the Stage

Level up your public speaking in 15 minutes!

Get the exclusive Masterclass video delivered to your inbox to see immediate speaking results.

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Final Words

So there it is! 15 speech openings from some of my favourite speeches. Hopefully, these will act as a guide for you to create your own opening which is super impactful and sets you off on the path to becoming a powerful public speaker!

But remember, while a speech opening is super important, it’s just part of an overall structure.

If you’re serious about not just creating a great speech opening but to improve your public speaking at an overall level, I would highly recommend you to check out this course: Acumen Presents: Chris Anderson on Public Speaking on Udemy. Not only does it have specific lectures on starting and ending a speech, but it also offers an in-depth guide into all the nuances of public speaking.

Being the founder of TED Talks, Chris Anderson provides numerous examples of the best TED speakers to give us a very practical way of overcoming stage fear and delivering a speech that people will remember. His course has helped me personally and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to learn public speaking.

No one is ever “done” learning public speaking. It’s a continuous process and you can always get better. Keep learning, keep conquering and keep being awesome!

Lastly, if you want to know how you should NOT open your speech, we’ve got a video for you:

Enroll in our transformative 1:1 Coaching Program

Schedule a call with our expert communication coach to know if this program would be the right fit for you

Go From Passive to Assertive with These 6 Top Tips

Feeling Nervous? Congratulations, You Care

How to Brag Like a Pro as a Speaker

[email protected]
+91 98203 57888

Get our latest tips and tricks in your inbox always

Welcome Speech for Meeting

Welcome speech generator for meeting.

When it comes to speeches , a lot of people, not only students but even employees and some employers, cringe or find the word scary. It does not have to be as long as you know what you are doing, how you are doing it, and what you are writing about. However, even with all that advice, there are still some people who do not want to be the center of making the speech and would want to find someone else to be able to do it. It goes without saying making a speech is the least worrisome thing you can do and you can present, especially if you know what you are talking about and what you are going to be presenting. If you know who your audience is, then making a speech is nothing short of a wonderful experience.

As we all know, there are a lot of kinds of speeches, and one is a welcome speech . When we hear a welcome speech, we think of something as easy as welcoming someone. But, it is not as easy as simply welcoming a person or a group of people to the place or to the event. Making a welcome speech has its own tips to get you started, and it has its own details that you need to look forward to in learning. So with that being said, here are your 10+ examples of a welcome speech for a meeting.

10+ Welcome Speech for Meeting Examples

1. welcome speech for governor meeting.

Size: 163 KB

2. Welcome Chairman’s Speech for Meeting

Size: 57 KB

3. Welcome Speech for Manager Meeting

Size: 31 KB

4. Welcome & Introduction Speech for Meeting

Size: 40 KB

5. Welcome Speech for University Meeting

Size: 269 KB

6. Welcome Speech for Remote Meeting

Size: 106 KB

7. Welcome Speech for Event Meeting

Size: 190 KB

8. Welcome Speech for Shareholders Meeting

Size: 210 KB

9. Welcome Speech for Meeting in PDF

Size: 116 KB

10. Welcome & Opening Speech for Meeting

Size: 28 KB

11. Welcome Speech for Bank Meeting

Size: 76 KB

What Is a Welcome Speech for a Meeting?

A welcome speech for a meeting is a kind of speech that is made useful to introduce , greet, and welcome important people or those who have higher influences in your company, group, or organization. This welcome speech caters to simply getting new people to be acquainted with the guests or the visitors. In addition to that, a welcome speech for a meeting is often only done when visitors like shareholders, managers, and governors are planning on attending an important event or an important meeting.

The purpose of a welcome speech is to introduce to the public or to the crowd the names of the people present. It is to welcome them to the event and to be able for them to know who the rest of the people present are. In addition to that, the use of a welcome speech is to introduce the purpose of the meeting, for the people present and for the general public.

How to Write a Welcome Speech for Meeting?

Making a speech may seem easy or difficult, depending on how you are going to look at it. But did you know that before you can make the speech, you have to write it down as well? If you think that is another difficult thing to do, think again. Here are some tips to help you get through that problem .

1. Remember to Take All Details into Account

The details of the welcome speech are basically the names of the people or the important people who are coming. This is the responsibility of the one who is assigned to make the welcome speech. Always make sure that all details needed are within your reach or that you already have them down as notes.

2. Write a Short Draft of Your Speech

Draft it out . It may sound as simple as that, and it really is, but to make a good welcome speech, one must at least learn to draft out what you need to say. Make sure that you know the theme, the people, the event, and the titles or the ranks of the important people, such as manager, the CEO, the president, etc.

3. Use Simple Words When Writing the Speech

If you think using difficult or unfamiliar jargon would impress your guests and audience, you may want to think again. Using jargon that is not familiar to everyone, in general, would only confuse them. Some may be able to understand it while others do not. To avoid this issue, it is best to use simple or commonly used words to write your speech. There are other ways to impress your guests, but using difficult words is not one of them.

4. Practice Pronouncing the Names of the Guests

Since this is a speech, the next best thing to do while you are also writing is to practice it out loud. Practice how you are going to say their names properly. Practicing helps by making you feel less nervous and less prone to forgetting the entire speech. In addition to that, by writing the names of your guests, you may also want to keep an eye on the spelling.

5. Revise If There Are Any Issues with It

Just as making the final output from the draft, it is always best to review, revise, and recheck if there are any issues you may have missed. Revising your work helps to maintain the flow of your speech.

What is a welcome speech for meeting?

A welcome speech is a kind of speech that anyone makes in order to welcome and introduce an important person to the company or an organization.

How do you write a good welcome speech for meeting?

To write a good welcome speech, all you have to do is to follow the steps found in the tips.

What should not be in a welcome speech?

A welcome speech is just a short speech to welcome people. What should not be in it is introducing every single person in the audience or writing a speech about you.

It goes without saying there is really nothing to fear when you are making or writing a speech. Writing a welcome speech is the easiest kind as all you have to do is to know who your honored guests are and the event you are going to be holding the speech in. In addition to that, writing a welcome speech only takes a few minutes especially when you already have a draft in mind. In this case, welcome speeches can be done by just about anyone: employees, students, teachers, and even employers. Anyone can write it; however, it takes good practice to write a very good welcome speech.

Text prompt

Instructive
Professional

How to start a meeting on a positive note with a welcome speech for meeting

Writing a concise welcome speech for meeting

No menu assigned!

How to smoothly start a meeting (when you’re in charge)

Your turn, now!

Tell me: What are your own tips to conduct a smooth meeting?

Write your answer down in the comments! It’s a great way to practice, and share with the world!

Don’t lose professional opportunities because of your English. Get my insider tips and interview secrets to get the job at your next interview. Click here to learn how you can become more confident for interviews and convince the recruiter you’re the right candidate.

And of course subscribe to my channel, so you get a new English lesson each week!

Thanks for watching Speak English with Christina, and I’ll see you next time!

More good stuff...

Click the image to learn more

My tips to conduct a good meeting is to speak slow and clear. I am from Denmark. If I speak too fast, people can’t understand my accent or words.

Hi Philip, Great tips, thanks! Yes, often people think they need to speak fast to speak well, but often it is the opposite! Just think of how difficult it is to talk with Americans because they speak fast. The goal is clear communication, not fast speech. Thanks for reminding us of that!

Thanks! This is really helpful

I think choosing the proper words Is important. Also, prevent some ambiguous words, in case there is any misunderstanding.

Absolutely, Hank!

Thanks so much!

Business English lessons & tips

Learning tips & motivation
Business English lessons
Job interviews lessons
Conversation & speaking lessons
American Culture Lessons
Vocabulary lessons
Listening comprehension lessons

Most recent episodes

Attract American Clients: Strategies for European Service Providers
American Business Culture Tips: Avoid Mistakes in US Business Deals
My tips from VivaTech, on prospecting & networking for introverts
Mastering the One-on-One Business Pitch: Tips for Effective Pitching
American Accent Survival Kit
Ebook: "What Was That?"

ENGLISH PROGRAMS

English Conversation Club
Business English Coaching + Conversation
Private Neurolanguage Coaching
Get The Job
Corporate Programs for Businesses

CONTACT INFO

Call +33 (0)6 70 44 79 80
Click here to send me a message
Office hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm (France time)
Address : 9 square le Périer 38400 Saint Martin d'Hères FRANCE

ENGLISH CONVERSATION CLUB PODCAST
AMERICAN MARKET ALCHEMIST PODCAST
CONVERSATION CLUB
SPEAK BUSINESS ENGLISH CONFIDENTLY
AMERICAN CLIENT SCORECARD

How to Start a Speech: 7 Tips and Examples for a Captivating Opening

By Status.net Editorial Team on December 12, 2023 — 10 minutes to read

1. Choosing the Right Opening Line

Finding the perfect opening line for your speech is important in grabbing your audience’s attention. A strong opening line sets the stage for the points you want to make and helps you establish a connection with your listeners.

1. Start with a question

Engage your audience from the very beginning by asking them a thought-provoking question related to your topic. This approach encourages them to think, and it can create a sense of anticipation about what’s coming next.

“Have you ever wondered how much time we spend on our phones every day?”

2. Share a personal story

A relatable personal story can create an emotional connection with your audience. Make sure your story is short, relevant to your speech, and ends with a clear point.

“When I was a child, my grandmother used to tell me that every kind deed we do plants a seed of goodness in the world. It was this philosophy that inspired me to start volunteering.”

3. Use a quote or a statistic

Incorporate a powerful quote or an intriguing statistic at the outset of your speech to engage your audience and provide context for your topic.

“As the great Maya Angelou once said, ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'”

4. Make them laugh

Injecting a little humor into your opening line puts everyone at ease and makes your speech more memorable. Just make sure your joke is relevant and doesn’t offend your audience.

“They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but if the doctor is cute, forget the fruit!”

5. Paint a mental picture

Draw your audience in by describing a vivid scene or painting an illustration in their minds. This creates an immersive experience that makes it easier for your audience to follow your speech.

“Picture this: you’re walking down the beach, and you look out on the horizon. The sun is setting, and the sky is a breathtaking canvas of reds, oranges, and pinks.”

2. Using a Personal Story

Sharing a personal story can be a highly effective way to engage your audience from the very beginning of your speech. When you open your talk with a powerful, relatable story, it helps create an emotional connection with your listeners, making them more invested in what you have to say.

Think about an experience from your life that is relevant to the topic of your speech. Your story doesn’t have to be grand or dramatic, but it should be clear and vivid. Include enough detail to paint a picture in your audience’s minds, but keep it concise and on point.

The key to successfully using a personal story is to make it relatable. Choose a situation that your audience can empathize with or easily understand. For example, if you’re giving a speech about overcoming adversity, you could talk about a time where you faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge and overcame it.

Make sure to connect your story to the main point or theme of your speech. After sharing your experience, explain how it relates to the topic at hand, and let your audience see the relevance to their own lives. This will make your speech more impactful and show your listeners why your personal story holds meaning.

3. Making a Shocking Statement

Starting your speech with a shocking statement can instantly grab your audience’s attention. This technique works especially well when your speech topic relates to a hot-button issue or a controversial subject. Just make sure that the statement is relevant and true, as false claims may damage your credibility.

For example, “Believe it or not, 90% of startups fail during their first five years in the market.” This statement might surprise your listeners and make them more receptive to your ideas on how to avoid pitfalls and foster a successful business.

So next time you’re crafting a speech, consider opening with a powerful shocking statement. It could be just the thing to get your audience sitting up and paying full attention. (Try to keep your shocking statement relevant to your speech topic and factual to enhance your credibility.)

4. Using Humor

Humor can be an excellent way to break the ice and grab your audience’s attention. Opening your speech with a funny story or a joke can make a memorable first impression. Just be sure to keep it relevant to your topic and audience.

A good joke can set a light-hearted tone, lead into the importance of effective time management, and get your audience engaged from the start.

When using humor in your speech, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Be relatable: Choose a story or joke that your audience can easily relate to. It will be more engaging and connect your listeners to your message.
Keep it appropriate: Make sure the humor fits the occasion and audience. Stay away from controversial topics and avoid offending any particular group.
Practice your delivery: Timing and delivery are essential when telling a joke. Practice saying it out loud and adjust your pacing and tone of voice to ensure your audience gets the joke.
Go with the flow: If your joke flops or doesn’t get the reaction you were hoping for, don’t panic or apologize. Simply move on to the next part of your speech smoothly, and don’t let it shake your confidence.
Don’t overdo it: While humor can be useful in capturing your audience’s attention, remember that you’re not a stand-up comedian. Use it sparingly and focus on getting your message across clearly and effectively.

5. Incorporating a Quote

When you want to start your speech with a powerful quote, ensure that the quote is relevant to your topic. Choose a quote from a credible source, such as a famous historical figure, a well-known author, or a respected expert in your field. This will not only grab your audience’s attention but also establish your speech’s credibility.

For example, if you’re giving a speech about resilience, you might use this quote by Nelson Mandela: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

Once you’ve found the perfect quote, integrate it smoothly into your speech’s introduction. You can briefly introduce the source of the quote, providing context for why their words are significant. For example:

Nelson Mandela, an inspirational leader known for his perseverance, once said: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

When you’re incorporating a quote in your speech, practice your delivery to ensure it has the intended impact. Focus on your tone, pace, and pronunciation. By doing so, you can convey the quote’s meaning effectively and connect with your audience emotionally.

Connect the quote to your main points by briefly explaining how it relates to the subject matter of your speech. By creating a natural transition from the quote to your topic, you can maintain your audience’s interest and set the stage for a compelling speech.

In our resilience example, this could look like:

“This quote by Mandela beautifully illustrates the power of resilience. Today, I want to share with you some stories of remarkable individuals who, like Mandela, overcame obstacles and rose every time they fell. Through their experiences, we might learn how to cultivate our own resilience and make the most of life’s challenges.”

6. Starting with a Question

Opening your speech with a question can be a great way to engage your audience from the start. This strategy encourages your listeners to think and become active participants in your presentation. Your opening question should be related to your core message, sparking their curiosity, and setting the stage for the following content. Here are a few examples:

For a motivational speech : “Have you ever wondered what you would do if you couldn’t fail?”
For a business presentation : “What’s the biggest challenge your team faces daily, and how can we overcome it?”
For an educational talk : “How does the way we use technology today impact the future of our society?”

When choosing the right starting question, consider your audience. You want to ask something that is relevant to their experiences and interests. The question should be interesting enough to draw their attention and resonate with their emotions. For instance, if you’re presenting to a group of entrepreneurs, gear your question towards entrepreneurship, and so on.

To boost your question’s impact, consider using rhetorical questions. These don’t require a verbal response, but get your audience thinking about their experiences or opinions. Here’s an example:

For an environmental speech : “What kind of world do we want to leave for our children?”

After posing your question, take a moment to let it sink in, and gauge the audience’s reaction. You can also use a brief pause to give the listeners time to think about their answers before moving on with your speech.

7. Acknowledging the Occasion

When starting a speech, you can acknowledge the occasion that brought everyone together. This helps create a connection with your audience and sets the stage for the rest of your speech. Make sure to mention the event name, its purpose, and any relevant individuals or groups you would like to thank for organizing it. For example:

“Hello everyone, and welcome to the 10th annual Charity Gala Dinner. I’m truly grateful to the fundraising committee for inviting me to speak tonight.”

After addressing the event itself, include a brief personal touch to show your connection with the topic or the audience. This helps the audience relate to you and gain interest in what you have to say. Here’s an example:

“As a long-time supporter of this cause, I am honored to share my thoughts on how we can continue making a difference in our community.”

Next, give a brief overview of your speech so the audience knows what to expect. This sets the context and helps them follow your points. You could say something like:

“Tonight, I’ll be sharing my experiences volunteering at the local food bank and discussing the impact of your generous donations.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective opening lines for speeches.

A powerful opening line will grab your audience’s attention and set the stage for the rest of your speech. Some effective opening lines include:

Start with a bold statement: “The world needs your creativity now more than ever.”
Share a surprising fact: “Did you know that the average person spends (…) years of their life at work?”
Pose a thought-provoking question: “What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?”
Tell a short, engaging story: “When I was 10 years old, I discovered my passion for baking in my grandmother’s kitchen.”

Can you provide examples of engaging introductions for speeches?

Use humor: “As a kid, I believed that 7 pm bedtime was a form of torture. Now, as an adult, I find myself dreaming of 7 pm bedtime.”
Share a personal experience: “On a trip to Italy, I found myself lost in the winding streets of a small village. It was there, amidst my confusion, that I stumbled upon the best gelato I’d ever tasted.”
Use an analogy: “Starting a new business is like taking a journey into the unknown. There will be challenges to overcome, and you’ll need resilience, determination, and a strong compass.”

Which speech styles can make a powerful impact on the audience?

Different speech styles will resonate with different audiences. Some styles to consider include:

Inspirational: Motivate your audience to take action or overcome challenges.
Storytelling: Share personal experiences or anecdotes to illustrate your points and keep listeners engaged.
Educational: Provide useful information and insights to help your audience learn or grow.
Persuasive: Present a compelling argument to convince your audience to adopt a particular perspective or take specific action.

How do successful speakers establish a connection with their listeners?

Establishing a connection with your listeners is key to delivering an impactful speech. Some ways to connect with your audience include:

Show empathy: Demonstrating understanding and concern for your audience’s feelings and experiences will generate a sense of trust and connection.
Be relatable: Share personal stories or examples that allow your audience to see themselves in your experiences, thus making your speech more relatable.
Keep it genuine: Avoid overrehearsing or coming across as scripted. Instead, strive for authenticity and flexibility in your delivery.
Encourage participation: Engaging your audience through questions, activities, or conversation can help build rapport and make them feel more involved.

What are some techniques for maintaining a friendly and professional tone in speeches?

To maintain a friendly and professional tone in your speeches, consider these tips:

Balance humor and seriousness: Use humor to lighten the mood and engage your audience, but make sure to also cover the serious points in your speech.
Speak naturally: Use your everyday vocabulary and avoid jargon or overly formal language when possible.
Show respect: Acknowledge differing opinions and experiences, and treat your audience with courtesy and fairness.
Provide useful information: Offer valuable insights and solutions to your audience’s concerns, ensuring they leave your speech feeling more informed and empowered.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in Leadership [Examples, Tips]
Effective Nonverbal Communication in the Workplace (Examples)
Empathy: Definition, Types, and Tips for Effective Practice
How to Improve Key Communication Skills
38 Empathy Statements: Examples of Empathy
What is Self Compassion? (Exercises, Methods, Examples)

Personal Development
Sales Training
Business Training
Time Management
Leadership Training
Book Writing
Public Speaking
Live Speaker Training With Brian
See Brian Speak
Coaching Programs
Become a Coach
Personal Success
Sales Success
Business Success
Leadership Success

How to Start a Speech: The Best Ways to Capture Your Audience

You’ve heard the saying, “First impressions are lasting; you never get a second chance to create a good first impression” — right?

The same is true when talking about how to start a speech…

The truth is, when you start your speech, you must focus everything on making a positive first impression on your audience members (especially if you are doing the presentation virtually ). Capturing the audience’s attention from the very beginning is crucial to prevent them from being distracted, losing interest, or forming negative opinions.

The introduction is the formal greeting for speeches, so let’s be sure to get this right to hook the audience. Understanding the importance of speech openings can significantly impact making a strong first impression. Planning and delivering the first words with confidence and relevance is essential, as they set the tone for the entire presentation and ensure you deliver a professional start, free from hesitation or irrelevance.

Here are 15 different ways to start a speech as well as 2 extra BONUS tips at the end.

1) Thank the Organizers and Audience

You can start by thanking the audience for coming and thanking the organization for inviting you to speak.

Refer to the person who introduced you or to one or more of the senior people in the organization in the audience.

This compliments them, makes them feel proud and happy about your presence, and connects you to the audience like an electrical plug in a socket.

2) Start With a Positive Statement

A presentation tip at the start is to tell the audience members how much they will like and enjoy what you have to say.

For example, you might say:

“You’re really going to enjoy the time we spend together this evening. I’m going to share with you some of the most important ideas that have ever been discovered in this area.”

Remember that speaking is an art, so be an artist and take complete control of your performance,

3) Compliment the Audience

You can begin by complimenting the audience members sincerely and with great respect.

Smile as if you are really glad to see them as if they are all old friends of yours that you have not seen for quite a while.

You can tell them that it is a great honor for you to be here, that they are some of the most important people in this business or industry, and that you are looking forward to sharing some key ideas with them.

You could say something like:

“It is an honor to be here with you today. You are the elite, the top 10 percent of people in this industry. Only the very best people in any field will take the time and make the sacrifice to come so far for a conference like this.”

4) Start Your Speech With the First Sentence Referring to Current Events

Use a current event front-page news story to transition into your subject and to illustrate or prove your point. You can bring a copy of the newspaper and hold it up as you refer to it in your introduction.

This visual image of you holding the paper and reciting or reading a key point rivets the audience’s attention and causes more people to lean forward to hear what you have to say.

5) Refer to a Historical Event

For many years, I studied military history…

Especially the lives and campaigns of the great generals and the decisive battles they won. One of my favorites was Alexander the Great. Standing in the symbolic shadow of such historical figures can provide a powerful and engaging start to any speech, especially when drawing parallels to contemporary challenges.

One day, I was asked to give a talk on leadership principles to a roomful of managers for a Fortune 500 company.

I decided that the campaign of Alexander the Great against Darius of Persia would make an excellent story that would illustrate the leadership qualities of one of the great commanders in history.

I opened my talk with these words:

“Once upon a time there was a young man named Alex who grew up in a poor country. But Alex was a little bit ambitious. From an early age, he decided that he wanted to conquer the entire known world. But there was a small problem.

Most of the known world was under the control of a huge multinational called the Persian Empire, headed by King Darius II. To fulfill his ambition, Alex was going to have to take the market share away from the market leader, who was very determined to hold on to it.

This is the same situation that exists between you and your major competitors in the market today. You are going to have to use all your leadership skills to win the great marketing battles of the future.”

6) Refer to a Well Known Person

You can start by quoting a well-known person or publication that recently made an interesting or important statement.

One of the subjects I touch upon regularly is the importance of continual personal development.

I will say something like:

“In the twenty-first century, knowledge and know-how are the keys to success. As basketball coach Pat Riley said, ‘If you are not getting better, you are getting worse.’”

7) Refer to a Recent Conversation

Start by telling a story about a recent conversation with someone in attendance.

For instance, I might say:

“A few minutes ago, I was talking with Tom Robinson in the lobby. He told me that this is one of the very best times to be working in this industry, and I agree.”

8) Make a Shocking Statement With a Startling Fact

You can start your talk by making a shocking statement of some kind.

For example, you might say something like:

“Here’s a startling fact: According to a recent study, there will be more change, more competition, and more opportunities in this industry in the next year than ever before. And 72 percent of the people in this room will be doing something different within two years if they do not rapidly adapt to these changes.”

Click here If you want to learn more techniques to wow your audience.

9) Quote From Recent Research

You can start by quoting a relevant, recent research report.

One example is:

“According to a story in a recent issue of Businessweek, there were almost 11 million millionaires in America in 2018, most of them self-made.”

10) Start Your Speech With a Strong Opening By Giving Them Hope

The French philosopher Gustav Le Bon once wrote, “The only religion of mankind is, and always has been hope.”

When you speak effectively, you give people hope of some kind.

Remember, the ultimate purpose of public speaking, is to inspire people to do things that they would not have done in the absence of your comments.

Everything you say should relate to the actions you want people to take and the reasons that they should take those actions.

11) Be Entertaining

Bill Gove used to walk onto the stage after his introduction if he had just finished talking to someone on the side and was breaking off to give his talk to the group.

The audience got the feeling that his entire talk was one continuous conversation, devoid of meaningless filler words .

Bill would often go to the edge of the stage and then drop his voice in a conspiratorial way, open his arms, and beckon the audience members to come a little closer.

He would say, “Come here, let me tell you something,” and then he would wave them forward as though he was about to tell a secret to the entire room.

The amazing thing was that everyone in the room would lean forward to hear this “secret” that he was about to share. People would all suddenly realize what they were doing and break out in laughter. It was a wonderful device to get the audience into the palm of his hands.

12) Ask a Question

You can open by making a positive statement and then pose a rhetorical question to engage your audience and set the stage for your presentation.

Try something like this:

“This is a great time to be alive and in business in America. But let me ask you, what does it truly mean to be self-employed in today’s economy?”

Raise your hand to indicate what you want people to do. I have used this line, and after a moment of thought, I then say to someone who looks intrigued in the front, “How many people here feel truly self-employed?”

Invariably, someone will say, “We all do!”

I then compliment and affirm the answer: “You’re right! We are all self-employed, from the time we take our first jobs to the day that we retire; we all work for ourselves, no matter who signs our paychecks.”

Similarly, a 17-year-old science fair winner effectively engaged their audience with a question at the beginning of their TED Talk, showcasing the power of this technique.

13) Open With a Problem

You can start with a problem that must be solved. If it is a problem that almost everyone has in common, you will immediately have the audience’s complete and undivided attention.

For example, you could say:

“Fully 63 percent of baby boomers are moving toward retirement without enough money put aside to provide for themselves for as long as they are going to live. We must address this problem and take action immediately to ensure that each person who retires will be able to live comfortably for the rest of his or her natural life.”

Introducing a new idea at this point can be a powerful way to engage your audience further, by promising a solution that is both innovative and beneficial.

14) Make a Strong Statement, Then Ask a Question

You can start by making a strong and powerful statement and then ask a question. You then follow with an answer and ask another question. This gets people immediately involved and listening to your every word.

Here’s an example:

“Twenty percent of the people in our society make 80 percent of the money. Are you a member of the top 20 percent? If not, would you like to join the top 20 percent or even the top 10 percent? Well, in the next few minutes, I am going to give you some ideas to help you become some of the highest-paid people in our society. Would that be a good goal for our time together today?”

15) Tell a Personal Story

You can start your talk with a personal story. Some of the most powerful words to capture the complete attention of the audience and make a personal connection are, “Once upon a time…”

From infancy and early childhood, people love stories of any kind. When you start off a presentation with a personal anecdote using the words, “Once upon a time…” you tell the audience that a relatable story is coming. People immediately settle down, become quiet, and lean forward, eager to hear how your experience might mirror their own or offer them new insights.

When I conduct full-day seminars and I want to bring people back to their seats after a break, I will say loudly, “Once upon a time there was a man, right here in this city…”

As soon as I say these words, people hurry back to their seats and begin to listen attentively, connecting with the story on a personal level.

Incorporating a personal story is very effective.

In fact, it’s probably one of the best public speaking tips I’ve learned to this day.

Bonus Tip: Tell Them About Yourself

Very often, I will start a serious speech or presentation to a business, sales, or entrepreneurial group by saying:

“I started off without graduating from high school. My family had no money. Everything I accomplished in life I had to do on my own with very little help from anyone else.”

It is amazing how many people come up to me after a talk that began with those words and tells me that was their experience as well.

They tell me that they could immediately identify with me because they too had started with poor grades and limited funds, as most people do. As a result, they were open to the rest of my talk, even a full-day seminar, and felt that everything I said was more valid and authentic than if I had been a person who started off with a successful background.

Building a bridge like this is very helpful in bringing the audience onto your side.

Bonus Tip: Get Them Talking to One Another

You can ask people to turn to the person next to them to discuss a particular point.

For instance, you could say:

“Tell the person next to you what you would like to learn from this seminar.”

Whatever you ask your audience members to do, within reason, they will do it for you. Your commands and your thought leadership will easily influence them, as long as you ask them with confidence.

By following any one of these tips for starting your speech, you are sure to grab your audience’s attention every time. How do you start a speech? Let me know in the comments.

« Previous Post How to Develop Self-Discipline to Succeed Next Post » 15 Simple Ways to Be Successful in Life

About Brian Tracy — Brian is recognized as the top sales training and personal success authority in the world today. He has authored more than 60 books and has produced more than 500 audio and video learning programs on sales, management, business success and personal development, including worldwide bestseller The Psychology of Achievement. Brian's goal is to help you achieve your personal and business goals faster and easier than you ever imagined. You can follow him on Twitter , Facebook , Pinterest , Linkedin and Youtube .

Most Recent
Using Parkinson's Law to Increase Your Productivity
How To Publish A Book: Your Go-To Guide To Becoming An Author
Potential Ways To Make More Money: 20 Creative Ideas
Top 10 Leadership Qualities of Great Leaders
How to Write a Book: Proven Start-to-Finish Steps
Free Webinar: How To Write a Book and Become a Published Author
Free Video Series: 3-Part Sales Mastery Training Series
Free Assessment: The Confidence Factor
Free Assessment: Discovering Your Talents

Browse Categories

Financial Success

Follow Brian & Join the Discussion

Free Resources
Best Sellers
Knowledge Base
Shipping & Returns
Privacy Policy
About Brian
Brian Recommends

Your Privacy is Guaranteed. We will never give, lease or sell your personal information. Period!

The Right Way to Start a Meeting

by Liane Davey

We all know there’s a price to pay for a making bad first impression: A limp handshake conveys low confidence; a wrinkled suit makes you seem lazy; oversharing comes across as emotional instability. But do you ever think about the first impression your meetings make? Frequently restarting meetings for stragglers sends the message that participants have more control than you do. Issues opened for discussion with no clear purpose get hijacked by participants with a clearer agenda than yours. Monologues validate everyone’s fears that your meeting is going to be about as valuable (and as scintillating) as watching an hour of C-SPAN.

Partner Center

Opening a Meeting

Whether you are holding the meeting or attending the meeting it is polite to make small talk while you wait for the meeting to start. You should discuss things unrelated to the meeting, such as weather, family, or weekend plans.

Sample Dialogue:

Once everyone has arrived, the chairperson, or whoever is in charge of the meeting should formally welcome everyone to the meeting and thank the attendees for coming.

Well, since everyone is here, we should get started.
Hello, everyone. Thank you for coming today.
I think we'll begin now. First I'd like to welcome you all.
Thank you all for coming at such short notice.
I really appreciate you all for attending today.
We have a lot to cover today, so we really should begin.

Sample Welcome:

Pierre : I think we'll begin now. First I'd like to welcome you all and thank everyone for coming, especially at such short notice. I know you are all very busy and it's difficult to take time away from your daily tasks for meetings.

Introductions

If anyone at the meeting is new to the group, or if there is a guest speaker, this is the time when introductions should be made. The person in charge of the meeting can introduce the new person, or ask the person to introduce him or herself.

I'd like to take a moment to introduce our new tour coordinator.
I know most of you, but there are a few unfamiliar faces.
Stella, would you like to stand up and introduce yourself?
Hi everyone. I'm Judy Strauss. I'll be acting as Amanda's assistant while Nancy is away on maternity leave.

Roll Call/Apologies

If the meeting is a small group, it is probably unnecessary to take attendance out loud. The person who is taking the minutes will know everyone personally and can indicate who is present and who is absent. In a larger meeting, it may be necessary to send around an attendance sheet or call out names. If an important figure is absent, it may be necessary for the chairperson to apologize for his or her absence and offer a brief explanation for it.

It looks like everyone is here today.
If you notice anyone missing, please let Jane know so that she can make a note of it.
Unfortunately, Ken cannot join us today. He has been called away on business
Mike will be standing in to take the minutes today, as Lisa is home with the flu.

Some people who hold meetings prefer to pass around copies of the agenda, and others will post a large copy on a wall, or use an overhead projector. No matter which format is used, attendees should be able to follow the agenda as the meeting progresses. Before beginning the first main item on the agenda, the speaker should provide a brief verbal outline the objectives.

Sample Introduction to the Agenda:

How to Order

Speech Writing

Introduction Speech

Introduction Speech- Tips & Examples

10 min read

What is an Introduction Speech?

An introduction speech, or introductory address, is a brief presentation at the beginning of an event or public speaking engagement. Its primary purpose is to establish a connection with the audience and to introduce yourself or the main speaker.

This type of speech is commonly used in a variety of situations, including:

Public Speaking: When you step onto a stage to address a large crowd, you start with an introduction to establish your presence and engage the audience.
Networking Events: When meeting new people in professional or social settings, an effective introduction speech can help you make a memorable first impression.
Formal Gatherings: From weddings to conferences, introductions set the tone for the event and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

In other words, an introduction speech is simply a way to introduce yourself to a crowd of people.

How to Write an Introduction Speech?

Before you can just go and deliver your speech, you need to prepare for it. Writing a speech helps you organize your ideas and prepare your speech effectively.

Here is how to introduce yourself in a speech.

Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is crucial. Consider their interests, backgrounds, and expectations to tailor your introduction accordingly.

For instance, the audience members could be your colleagues, new classmates, or various guests depending on the occasion. Understanding your audience will help you decide what they are expecting from you as a speaker.

Opening the Speech with a Hook

The best speech introduction starts with a hook or opening line that grabs your audience's attention. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a thought-provoking question about yourself or the occasion.

Introduce Yourself

Introduce yourself to the audience. State your name, occupation, or other details relevant to the occasion. You should have mentioned the reason for your speech clearly. It will build your credibility and give the readers reasons to stay with you and read your speech.

Keep It Concise

So how long is an introduction speech?

Introduction speeches should be brief and to the point. Aim for around 1-2 minutes in most cases. Avoid overloading the introduction with excessive details.

Highlight Key Points

Mention the most important information that establishes the speaker's credibility or your own qualifications. Write down any relevant achievements, expertise, or credentials to include in your speech. Encourage the audience to connect with you using relatable anecdotes or common interests.

Rehearse and Edit

Practice your introduction speech to ensure it flows smoothly and stays within the time frame. Edit out any unnecessary information, ensuring it's concise and impactful.

Tailor for the Occasion

Adjust the tone and content of your introduction speech to match the formality and purpose of the event. What works for a business conference may not be suitable for a casual gathering.

Introduction Speech Outline

To assist you in creating a structured and effective introduction speech, here's a simple speech format that you can follow:

Here is an example outline for a self-introduction speech.

Outline for Self-Introduction Speech

Introduction Speech Example

So if you are wondering what to say in an introduction speech we have you covered! We have compiled introduction speech examples to help you understand how to put your ideas into practice for different scenarios.

Introduction Speech Writing Sample

Short Introduction Speech Sample

Self Introduction Speech for College Students

Introduction Speech about Yourself

Student Presentation Introduction Speech Script

Teacher Introduction Speech

New Employee Self Introduction Speech

Introduction Speech for Chief Guest

Moreover, here is a video example of a self-introduction speech. Watch it to understand how you should deliver your speech:

Want to read examples for other kinds of speeches? Find the best speeches at our blog about speech examples !

What Are Some Famous Introduction Speeches?

Here are the best introduction speeches for students to get inspired:

Malala Yousafzai's Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech (2014) : Malala's speech upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize introduced her advocacy for girls' education and youth empowerment globally.
Elon Musk's Presentation on SpaceX Interplanetary Transport System (2016) : Elon Musk introduced SpaceX's ambitious plans for interplanetary travel, outlining a vision for the future of space exploration.
Michelle Obama's Democratic National Convention Speech (2008) : Michelle Obama's speech introduced her as a potential First Lady, sharing personal stories and values that resonated with the audience.
J.K. Rowling's Harvard Commencement Speech (2008) : Rowling's speech introduced themes of failure, imagination, and resilience, drawing from her personal journey as an author and philanthropist.

Introduction Speech Ideas

So now that you’ve understood what an introduction speech is, you may want to write one of your own. So what should you talk about?

The following are some sample introduction speech topics and ideas that can provide an engaging start to a presentation, meeting, or social gathering.

Personal Story: Share a brief personal story or experience that has shaped you.
Professional Background: Highlight your career achievements and expertise.
Hobby or Passion: Discuss a hobby or passion you're enthusiastic about.
Volunteer Work: Talk about your involvement in volunteer work or community service.
Travel Adventures: Share anecdotes from your travel adventures.
Books or Literature: Provide an introduction related to a favorite book, author, or literary work.
Achievements and Milestones: Highlight significant achievements and milestones in your life or career.
Cultural Heritage: Explore your cultural heritage and its influence on your identity.
Social or Environmental Cause: Discuss your dedication to a particular social or environmental cause.
Future Aspirations: Share your future goals and aspirations.

You can deliver engaging speeches on all kinds of topics. Here is a list of entertaining speech topics to get inspiration.

7 Tips for Delivering the Best Introduction Speech

Now that you know how to write an effective introduction speech, let's focus on the delivery. The way you present your introduction is just as important as the content itself. Here are some valuable tips to ensure you deliver a better introduction speech:

Tip# 1: Maintain Eye Contact

Make eye contact with the audience to establish a connection. This shows confidence and engages your listeners.

Tip# 2: Use Appropriate Body Language

Your body language should convey confidence and warmth. Stand or sit up straight, use open gestures, and avoid fidgeting.

Tip# 3: Mind Your Pace

Speak at a moderate pace, avoiding rapid speech. A well-paced speech is easier to follow and more engaging.

Tip# 4: Avoid Filler Words

Minimize the use of filler words such as "um," "uh," and "like." They can be distracting and detract from your message.

Tip# 5: Be Enthusiastic

Convey enthusiasm about the topic or the speaker. Your energy can be contagious and inspire the audience's interest.

Tip# 6: Practice, Practice, Practice

Rehearse your speech multiple times. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself or seek feedback from others.

Tip# 7: Be Mindful of Time

Stay within the allocated time for your introduction. Going too long can make your speech too boring for the audience.

Mistakes to Avoid in an Introduction Speech

When crafting and delivering an introduction speech, it's important to avoid common pitfalls that can reduce its impact. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Rambling On: Avoid making the introduction too long. Keep it short and sweet to set the stage without stealing the spotlight.
Lack of Preparation: Not preparing enough can lead to awkward pauses or losing your train of thought. Practice your speech to feel more confident.
Using Jargon or Complex Language: Steer clear of technical jargon or complicated language that might confuse the audience. Keep it simple and clear.
Being Too Generic: A bland introduction can set a dull tone. Make your speech specific to the event and the speaker to keep it engaging.
Using Inappropriate Humor: Be careful with humor. Avoid jokes that could offend or alienate the audience.
Overloading with Background Information: Providing too much background information can overwhelm the audience. Offer just enough to give context without bogging down the introduction.

To Conclude,

An introduction speech is more than just a formality. It's an opportunity to engage, inspire, and connect with your audience in a meaningful way.

With the help of this blog, you're well-equipped to shine in various contexts. So, step onto that stage, speak confidently, and captivate your audience from the very first word.

Moreover, you’re not alone in your journey to becoming a confident introducer. If you ever need assistance in preparing your speech, let the experts help you out.

MyPerfectWords.com offers a custom essay service with experienced professionals who can craft tailored introductions, ensuring your speech makes a lasting impact.

Don't hesitate; hire our professional speech writing service to deliver top-quality speeches at your deadline!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a speech introduction be.

A speech introduction should be concise, typically lasting about 1 to 2 minutes. It should set the stage, capture the audience's attention, and provide a clear direction for the rest of the speech.

What Is the Best Speech Introduction Greeting?

The best greeting for a speech introduction depends on the formality of the event. Some examples include:

Formal: "Good morning/afternoon/evening, distinguished guests."
Semi-formal: "Hello everyone, thank you for being here today."
Informal: "Hi everyone, thanks for coming."

What Word to Start a Speech?

Starting a speech with an engaging word or phrase can capture the audience's attention. Here are a few speech starting lines:

"Imagine..." to prompt the audience to visualize something.
"Today..." to ground the speech in the present moment.
"Have you ever..." to ask a thought-provoking question.
"In our lives..." to make a personal connection.
"Picture this..." to create a vivid mental image.

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

How to Run Introductory Meetings (+ Practical Examples)

Are you ready to turn a simple introduction into a lasting professional relationship?

Are you seeking effective ways to establish a connection with a new team or wondering how to set the right tone from the get-go?

These dilemmas are prevalent across various industries. In this blog, we'll delve into these questions and more, exploring practical solutions and insights.

What Is An Introductory Meeting?

An introductory meeting is an important gathering, particularly for managers getting to know their new teams, but its principles are equally applicable in a variety of other settings.

Often the first opportunity for individuals to meet, these meetings are essential in professional, social, or academic contexts for establishing new connections. This could be within a team, at a networking event, or in a one-on-one session with a potential client.

During these meetings, participants generally introduce themselves, discuss their backgrounds, and collectively determine the goals of the meeting. This process is pivotal in laying the foundation for effective communication and robust relationship building.

For managers and others alike, a successful introductory meeting hinges on setting a clear agenda, mastering the skill of active listening, and effectively establishing rapport.

Typically, these meetings last between 30 to 60 minutes, balancing thoroughness with efficiency to maximize productivity and engagement.

How to Conduct an Introductory Meeting

Successful introductory meetings are a blend of strategic planning and interpersonal skills. Central to this is active listening and demonstrating genuine interest, which are crucial in fostering personal connections and trust.

The success of these meetings hinges on more than just information exchange; it's about creating an environment of support and trust, paving the way for future collaborations and shared visions.

A brief overview for a productive meeting:

Develop a detailed agenda that highlights critical discussion points and aligns expectations, ensuring a mutual understanding from the outset.
Introduce yourself and sharing your professional information. Personal life details can enhance your relatability to the audience.
Allocate time for questions and answers , clarifying any uncertainties for all participants.
Follow-up steps are essential after an introductory meeting because they ensure relationship building with participants.

(1) Setting Clear Objectives and Creating an Agenda

Begin your introductory meeting by setting clear and specific goals, such as:

Articulate your expectations and vision: Whether it's to enhance strategy or apply your expertise to advance the company, make your purpose and long-term plans for the team clear.
For different contexts, share pertinent information: In business settings, discuss products or services, while job interviews might center around company values.

Documenting these objectives can effectively shape your presentation.

To ensure a focused and efficient discussion, organize the meeting with a detailed agenda. This preparation covers all essential topics and maintains the meeting's productivity.

(2) Introduce Yourself

Begin your introductory meeting with a personal touch by talking about yourself, even if you've met some attendees before. Start with your name, professional background, and experience in the industry.

Sharing personal details like your hometown, family, or hobbies can help you connect with your audience on a more personal level. A well-crafted introduction sets a positive tone, demonstrating confidence and engaging your audience.

In smaller meetings, encourage team members to introduce themselves, sharing both professional and personal information. This fosters a sense of community and helps everyone understand each other's roles and backgrounds.

Tips for Introducing Yourself:

Talk about your experience: When detailing your professional experience, go beyond just your last job title. Share the duration of your tenure with previous employers, key accomplishments, and how the skills you acquired there will contribute to your effectiveness as a manager.
Embrace authenticity: Being genuine in your introduction is essential. Express your true self by talking about your personal interests or unique experiences.
Smile: A smile can communicate confidence, positivity, and friendliness. Maintain a smiling demeanor to create a welcoming and confident atmosphere.
Keep eye contact: Establishing eye contact with each member of your team during the meeting can enhance trustworthiness and approachability.
Dress appropriately: Dressing professionally is crucial as it influences first impressions. Familiarize yourself with the company's dress code to ensure your attire is appropriate for the meeting.
Remain composed: While it's normal to feel nervous, appearing calm can boost your perceived confidence. Use techniques like speaking clearly and at an adequate volume to demonstrate composure.
Be mindful of your speech: Speak clearly and at a suitable volume, ensuring everyone understands you, especially if English isn't their first language. Adjust your speaking pace to be inclusive and understandable.

(3) Q&A

In your introductory meeting, allocate time for a Q&A session, a crucial step in ensuring clear communication and building rapport, especially in team meetings and client interactions.

Inform participants at the outset about this opportunity for queries, giving them ample time to prepare their questions.

When addressing these questions, practice active listening and seek clarification if needed, demonstrating your genuine interest and commitment.

Q: "With our current team size and the complex nature of the project, how do we plan to meet deadlines without sacrificing quality, especially considering potential tech compatibility issues with our older systems?"

A: "Great question. To manage workload and maintain quality, we're planning to outsource some tasks to specialized vendors. Regarding the tech compatibility, we're aware of the limitations and are initiating an upgrade to our existing systems to support the new project. We'll be forming a task force to tackle these specific challenges, and I encourage those interested in these areas to join and contribute to the planning and execution."

(4) Follow-Up Steps

As you conclude your introductory meeting, it's crucial to outline the subsequent steps, affirming the meeting's role as the foundation for ongoing collaboration.

Here are the essential steps:

Express your intention to schedule individual meetings with team members, which will facilitate deeper connections and understanding.
Share your contact details, inviting open communication for any further inquiries or discussions. A gesture of gratitude, combined with enthusiasm for future collaboration, leaves a lasting positive impression.
Commit to following up with a detailed summary email or message. By recapping key points and agreed-upon actions, you will ensure that everyone is aligned and accountable. If time is limited for summarizing all the information, consider using Wudpecker to assist with its automatically AI-generated meeting notes.

Begin your introductory meeting with engaging icebreakers to establish a relaxed atmosphere, promoting open communication and reducing any initial tension. This strategy enhances the effectiveness of future meetings and supports rapport building. For larger teams, brief icebreakers are ideal, followed by individual meetings for deeper connections.

For virtual settings, consider using interactive tools like digital whiteboards for collaborative activities or online quizzes related to team interests. These virtual icebreakers can be both fun and engaging, helping new team members feel welcomed and valued in their roles.

Such techniques are crucial in creating a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring open lines of communication, which are key to successful team management.

Practical Examples of Virtual Icebreakers and Interactive Tools

1. Two Truths and a Lie: Each participant states two true facts and one false fact about themselves, and others guess which is the lie. This can be done via video conference, with participants typing their guesses in the chat.

2. Online Polls and Quizzes: Use tools like Google Forms or Slido to create fun quizzes related to your industry, the company, or general trivia. This keeps attendees engaged, ideal for creating a relaxed atmosphere.

3. Photo Sharing: Ask team members to share a photo of their workspace, pet, or favorite travel destination and briefly talk about it. This personalizes the experience, helping in establishing connections.

4. Interactive Whiteboards: Platforms like Miro or Jamboard facilitates collaboration and effective communication on projects and ideas using real-time digital whiteboard, brainstorming ideas or mapping out plans together.

These activities not only break the ice but also help in building rapport and easing into more formal meeting agendas.

Mastering the art of the introductory meeting is essential for fostering effective communication and strong professional relationships.

By setting clear goals, engaging in active listening, and employing innovative techniques, you lay the groundwork for successful collaborations and team dynamics.

Remember, the key to a productive introductory meeting lies in preparation, authenticity, and the ability to connect with your audience.

By following the strategies outlined in this blog, you're well-equipped to lead meetings that not only achieve their objectives but also build a foundation for future success.

Let your introductory meeting be the first step towards a journey of impactful and meaningful professional interactions.

How do you prepare for an introductory meeting?

Preparing for an introductory meeting involves several steps:

Start by setting clear objectives and crafting a detailed meeting agenda.
Understand the background of the attendees, whether it's a team meeting, one-on-one, or a meeting with a potential client.
Prepare talking points relevant to the meeting goal, focusing on building relationships and effective communication.

What do you talk about in an introduction meeting?

In an introductory meeting, topics are about discussing your role, experience, and background, and inviting others to do the same to establish rapport. Cover the meeting agenda, focusing on specific projects or goals, and encourage active listening and genuine interest to understand each attendee's perspective.

What is called as introductory session?

An introductory session, or introductory meeting, is the initial meeting aimed at getting acquainted, sharing information, and setting expectations for future interactions. It's essential for establishing personal connections and aligning the team or participants.

Is it introduction or introductory session?

An introduction refers to the act of presenting oneself or others, while an introductory session is the entire meeting or event where introductions and initial discussions take place. An introductory session is more comprehensive and may include various activities to build trust and find common ground.

Date: [Insert Date]

Time: [Insert Time]

Location: [Insert Location or Virtual Meeting Link]

Duration: [Insert Expected Duration]

Opening Remarks (5 Minutes)

Greet participants.
Summarize the meeting's purpose and establishing basic guidelines.

Introduce Yourself (20 Minutes)

Take time to introduce yourself, sharing your name, role in the organization, and a brief professional background.
Encourage the sharing of an interesting personal fact or hobby to foster a more relaxed and personal atmosphere.

Q&A (5 Minutes)

Open the floor to any questions participants might have about the meeting's content, objectives, or any organizational updates.
If time allows, address individual questions or concerns.

Follow-up Steps (10 Minutes)

Recap the main points of the meeting and any important information shared during introductions.
Provide information on ways to stay connected, such as contact details, team communication channels, or scheduling tools.

How Can I Record Meetings Without a Bot?

20 Sales Meeting Ideas to Motivate Your Team

10 Sales Objective Examples to Drive Results

Sandler 7 Steps Selling Method: Everything You Need to Know

25 Emotional Intelligence Interview Questions to Ask Candidates

12 Miscommunication Examples and How to Avoid Them

Engage Your Team With 100 Trivia Questions

100 ChatGPT Prompts for Content Creation

18 Strategies to Identify Prospects (for Sales Reps)

15 Project Management Trends in 2024

60 Right Sales Discovery Questions to Qualify More Deals

How Sales Reps Can Deliver an Effective Sales Demo (8 Steps)

71 Exit Interview Questions to Ask Employees

How to Write a Meeting Summary Email (Examples and Templates)

34 Best Virtual Team Building Activities

Join professionals and teams supercharging their productivity with Wudpecker.

Help team members get to know each other and build rapport for a successful start to your collaboration here!

If you’re welcoming new members to your team, building new professional relationships, or even joining a new team yourself, it’s time to think about how you’ll manage introductions. Mary Shapiro, author of the HBR Guide to Leading Teams , says in a new group setting,

“One of your first priorities should be to get to know your team members and to encourage them to get to better know one another,” and advises that you “resist the urge to immediately start talking about the work and the task outcome.”

Running an introductory meeting is a great way to help your team focus on relationship building instead of jumping immediately to project work. An effective first meeting will encourage connections, help your team get aligned, and lay the foundation for effective teamwork moving forward. However, there are a few ground rules to keep in mind for success. Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to manage your team’s introductions and make sure nothing’s missing on meeting day.

What is an introductory meeting?

Benefits of an introductory meeting, how to host an introductory meeting, tips for introducing yourself in a meeting.

An introductory meeting is a meeting between two or more people who haven’t met before with the goal of initiating a positive working relationship. For example, you might be welcoming one or more new team members and want to help them integrate effectively into the group. Alternatively, you might be starting a new role as a manager and want to share your professional background and leadership philosophy with your new team.

To prepare for an introductory meeting, it’s important to reflect on the meeting goal , whom you should invite, what to include on the agenda, and how you’ll introduce yourself. You’ll also need to decide what tools will make your meeting a success. For example, you can use Fellow to create a meeting agenda ahead of time, record meeting notes, and assign action items for an effective introductory meeting.

Run efficient introductory meetings, come to a decision, and get back to work

Level up your meeting habits to boost engagement and productivity with a collaborative meeting agenda. Try a tool like Fellow!

Improves teamwork
Encourages connections
Fosters alignment
Heightens knowledge

1 Improves teamwork

Running an introductory meeting is a great way to improve teamwork from the very start. This first meeting with your team will let everyone get to know each other and start building positive working relationships. In remote or hybrid work environments where people miss out on casual office conversations, introductory meetings are also an effective way to help team members bond. For example, you can use icebreakers to help your team feel more connected on a personal level. In the meeting , you can use your introductions to lay the groundwork for effective communication, establish a clear purpose, and start building trust with your team. These elements are essential for effective teamwork and will help your team perform well as soon as you start working together.

2 Encourages connections

A well-connected team is a successful team! When you get a group of people together who don’t know their team leader or fellow team members, it can be challenging to jump straight into project work. By hosting an introductory meeting before the work starts, you’ll help people feel ready to collaborate. People may feel nervous about working with a new team or manager, so building these connections early on is key to making everyone feel relaxed and capable of doing their best work. After your introductory meeting, people have the option to book one-on-ones to continue getting connected on a personal and professional level.

3 Fosters alignment

An introductory meeting is an effective way to increase alignmen t and get everyone on the same page from the start. Encouraging your team members to give a brief overview of their professional skills, experience, and areas of expertise in their introductions will help everyone understand where each member fits on the team. You can also take a few minutes to outline each team member’s role and responsibilities so people are aligned on how you’ll be working together. At the end of the meeting, you’ll also cover the next steps so everyone understands what’s ahead and can leave the meeting ready and excited to get started.

4 Heightens knowledge

In addition to helping your team connect, an introductory meeting is a great opportunity for information sharing among your team. Sharing important information from the start fosters transparency and makes your team more likely to communicate openly in the future. For example, you can share relevant company information, the goal of your collaboration, and any potential risks or challenges ahead. By sharing key information in your introductory meeting, you’ll help your team members gain the knowledge they need to work together effectively. However, make sure to avoid information overload by scheduling a separate project kickoff meeting to go over additional details.

Set a meeting purpose
Share a collaborative meeting agenda
Only invite those who need to be there
Begin by introducing yourself
Provide an opportunity for questions
Establish expectations
Assign clear next steps

1 Set a meeting purpose

Some simple preparation for your introductory meeting will help make sure it’s a success. First, set out the purpose of the meeting to keep things focused on meeting day and help everyone prepare ahead of time. A best practice is to write a meeting purpose statement that clearly describes the why of your meeting. For example, “The purpose of this meeting is to help everyone get to know each other before we start our first project.” Make sure your meeting purpose is clear, specific, and actionable so everyone knows what to expect and comes ready for their introductions.

Fellow helps ensure every meeting has a clear purpose. With the Meeting Guidelines feature set, when a meeting is being created, meeting organizers are prompted to add a meeting purpose to the description of the meeting, to help boost meeting engagement.

2 Share a collaborative meeting agenda

Once you’ve clarified your meeting’s purpose, it’s time to put together an agenda. Creating an agenda ahead of time will help the meeting stay on track and ensure there’s enough time for everyone’s introductions. Since people may be anxious about meeting a new team or manager, sharing the agenda in advance will also help everyone know what to expect and feel more relaxed. With a collaborative agenda , the group can add questions or talking points so you know what information to cover for a successful first gathering.

With Fellow, you can create collaborative meeting agendas that will help your team thrive before, during, and after each meeting. Fellow’s collaborative meeting agendas ensure that everyone:

Shows up prepared: Review past notes and encourage everyone to add talking points to the meeting agenda
Collaborates on notes: With a full history of meeting notes archived in Fellow, you’ll never forget what was discussed
Records action items: The most important work comes after the meeting . Ensure that your team has clear objectives by recording action items in one spot
Sends meeting notes: With a single click of a button, you can send meeting notes via email or Slack so that everyone feels like they were a part of the discussion

3 Only invite those who need to be there

For your introductory meeting, it’s key to only have the essential people in the room. The purpose of this meeting is to facilitate personal connections, so you want to make sure there’s enough time for everyone to interact, ask questions, and establish rapport. Having too many faces in the room will also make it harder for people to bond with each other and get connected on a personal level. Try to invite only the people who will be working together directly—like those on a specific project or team. To help the rest of the company get to know new team members, you can encourage everyone to create an “about me” page and add it to the company wiki.

4 Begin by introducing yourself

Set an example and help people feel more at ease by introducing yourself first at the start of the meeting. One purpose of your introduction is to build trust and credibility, so share a few professional highlights such as companies you’ve worked for, notable projects, and your areas of expertise. To avoid bragging, make sure you shine the spotlight back on your team and share how you hope to support them and why you’re excited to work together. Mention a few fun personal facts to build rapport—like your favorite foods, memorable trips, or hidden talents. However, don’t go overboard; keeping your introduction short and sweet will make it more memorable and help people stay engaged.

5 Provide an opportunity for questions

In your introductory meeting, people might want to know more about how you’ll be working together, the expectations you have as a manager, your team’s overall purpose, and more. Adding a section for questions in the agenda ahead of time will help people come prepared with their top questions. Be an active listener and remember it’s okay not to have the answers for everything—your team will appreciate honesty and transparency! If you aren’t able to address everyone’s questions during the meeting, you can schedule one-on-ones with people to continue the conversations.

6 Establish expectations

Setting expectations in your introductory meeting is a key step for building a thriving team culture from the start. When your employees’ expectations are aligned with yours and each other’s, everyone knows what the path to success looks like and stays unified as a team. Set expectations in your introductory meeting by reviewing how you’ll work together and your team’s rules for performance, behavior, communication, and more.

For example, some effective ground rules related to meetings are that everyone arrives on time, people are present during the meeting, and an agenda is sent at least 24 hours ahead of time. Following your introductory meeting, you can meet with team members individually for an expectations meeting to cover their roles and responsibilities in-depth.

7 Assign clear next steps

One of the most important parts of every meeting agenda is assigning action items before the meeting’s over, and your introductory meeting is no exception. For example, you may want to assign tasks related to scheduling one-on-ones and a project kickoff meeting , creating “about me” pages for the company wiki, or making sure everyone’s set up with your project management tools. There will likely be a lot of excitement in the room during your introductory meeting, and clear next steps will help turn this energy into positive momentum for your team.

With Fellow , you can easily assign, track, and follow up on meeting action items. Action items are organized by urgency and importance so your whole team can clearly see what to get working on first.

“My absolute favorite part about Fellow is the Action Items feature. Fellow makes it extremely easy to assign myself or others to a task that needs to be completed. Recently, Fellow has been updated with the ability to assign Action Items to multiple people. Each Fellow user can sort and group their Action Items in ways that are most impactful to them individually.” – Fellow review on G2

Follow these best practices to make a great impression in your introductory meeting:

Avoid talking too much about yourself in your introduction by focusing on how you hope to support your team .
Add one or more icebreakers at the start of the agenda to help people bond.
Pay attention to your body language to ensure you come across as calm and confident.
Assign talking points to help guide people’s introductions.
Include a balance of personal and professional details in your introduction to help people connect with you on a personal level, too.
Use Fellow’s AI-generated agendas to help you generate headings and talking points for your introductory meeting.
Keep your introduction short and sweet to make it memorable and leave time for questions.

Parting Advice

While it can be tempting to jump straight into project work with new team members, investing some time in introductions will pay off with improved teamwork from the very start. Scheduling an introductory meeting is a great way to get people excited about working together and ready to take the first steps. Remember to include plenty of time for icebreakers and questions and encourage everyone to share both professional and personal highlights. The focus of this meeting should be on getting to know each other—save the nitty gritty for your one-on-ones and project kickoff meetings. For tips on how to lead your team to success following your introductions, don’t forget to check out the Fellow blog !

The art of one-on-one meetings for business leaders and managers 36 min read

Cross-Functional Meetings: Best Practices to Get Them Right 6 min read

Staff Meeting Agenda Blueprint: Best Practices and Checklist 8 min read

How to Introduce Yourself to a New Team (+ Examples)

See how leaders in 100+ countries are making meetings more productive and delightful.

Say goodbye to unproductive meetings. Fellow helps your team build great meeting habits through collaborative agendas, real-time notetaking, and time-saving templates.

End every meeting knowing who is doing what by when. Assign, organize, and prioritize all your meeting action items in one place.

Give and get feedback as work happens. Request and track real-time feedback on meetings, recent projects, and performance.

7 ways for opening a speech! The ideal speech introduction to grab your audience’s attention

Maybe you know this: you may or must give a speech, but how do you start? Whether you’re giving a speech as an employer or to your colleagues, or you’re an external keynote speaker, the principles are always the same. Likewise, your preparation is not much different: whether it’s a keynote at a kick-off event , the festive speech at the company Christmas party , a motivational speech at a team event or even a laudatory speech at an awards ceremony – the search for the right begining should not be left to chance.

How do you get your audience’s attention so that they want to listen and can follow you easily? How do you sound interesting? In this article you will get the necessary tips for your ideal start for your next speech to inspire your audience. I have collected these speech introductions and examples in my work in the field of public speaking as a presenter and keynote speaker in front of over 5 million people.

Why is the beginning, i.e. the first few minutes of a presentation, so important? This is where the first impression is being made. Your audience intuitively decides within a few seconds whether they like the speaker and want to follow. After that, you still have up to three minutes to pick up your audience with the content of your speech.

Stop guessing how to WOW your audience!

We will send you our secret ingredients to WOW your audience for free! In the MAGIC MOMENTS FORMULA you can learn how to take any audience of any size and create a deep emotional experience for them in order to create a deeper emotional bond with you and your brand.

The first impression is crucial for further success

There’s a saying that goes, “ There’s no second chance for a first impression. ” It takes between 100 milliseconds and 7 seconds for your audience to get the same impression of you. If you as a speaker fail to make that first impression, no matter how impressive your speech, it will be very difficult to pick up your audience.

US comedian Jerry Seinfeld , one of the most famous American comedians of the 90s, said that his fame only gives him a starting bonus for the first three minutes – at the latest then he has to deliver. If you don’t enjoy the celebrity bonus in your speeches, that means you have to deliver right from the get go to win over your audience.

Requirements for the ideal introduction for your speech

Before you can wow people as a speaker and give any thought to content, you need to set the stage. If you want to give a good speech and move your audience from A to B, two things are essential: you need to know where you want to go and where your audience is coming from .

Know the outcome of your speech

If you don’t know in which direction you want to move your audience, then no amount of tips will get you there. So before you tinker with the ideal introduction, you need to be clear about what your outcome is .

What feeling do you want the audience to have when you leave the stage? What impression do you want to convey as a speaker? Even more public speaking tips you can find here.

Know your audience members

If you want to catch a fish, you have to use a bait that tastes good to the fish, not to the fisherman . The same applies to presentations: who decides what is a top speech? That is, of course, in the eye of your audience. Therefore, it is all the more important to know who the people are, listening to your speech.

An American proverb says that your audience doesn’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Your audience won’t pay attention to you until they see that your speech is relevant to them. As a speaker, do you bring examples and tips and answer questions in your main points that matter to the audience? Do your main ideas strike a cord?

Tip: Try to find out as much as possible to know in advance what moves your audience and why people are here today. If you have the opportunity, use the time for successful networking and listen to their needs.

The goal of an ideal introduction to your speech

Only after you know your outcome and your audience you can focus on how to start your presentation, because now you know as a speaker in which direction your ship should sail. If you want to give a speech, you need to get your audience interested in you and your main points. For this to happen, you need the attention of your audience.

Speaker Tip: First create attention , then develop interest in your message and your main points to make it worth listening for your audience.

Giving a speech: seven perfect speech introductions

Now let’s look at tips and examples of how you as a speaker can inspire your audience. These tips should give you a guideline from where you can successfully transition from your chosen introduction to the main part and final part of your speech.

1. He who asks, leads – starting with a question

An elegant way to begin a speech is with a question . The goal is to engage your listener directly in your opening and generate interest. In order for the question to be effective, it must be tailored to your target audience. The question may be provocative, surprising or even make you smile, but it must be relevant.

For example, if you’re speaking to a group of retirees, a question like “Which one of you went to a disco last weekend?” would be just as out of place as asking a group of Wall street brokers “Which one of you has been involved in stocks?”. Your audience needs to feel like you know who you’re dealing with.

“Who remembers what they did last Saturday night?” was an opening I chose many years ago when giving a speech. Of course, after that, there was a story about my Saturday night that fit right in with the theme of my speech. People were immediately involved and everyone was thinking. Because just about everybody did something last Saturday and so it was relevant… even if many didn’t even remember it.

With questions that fit the topics, you are sure to get the attention of the participants. However, always pay attention to what you trigger in your audience with a question and, if requested, also provide the appropriate answer.

Another speaking tip: When you ask a question, give your audience time to respond . Whether out loud, with a show of hands, or silently, people need time for what you say to have an impact. Of course, questions can also be used during your speech.

2. Start your speech with a quote

Using the words of another person in your speech is a proven way. The art of building a good speech is to pick up your audience where they are. A pointed quote that gets to the heart of your ideas or the occasion is the basic premise for choosing someone else’s statement as your lead-in. If people are familiar with the name of the person you are quoting, it gives you added credibility as a speaker.

Very similar to a quote is using a proverb to start your speech. Again, there is often a deeper wisdom behind it. Link this to the idea of your speech and you have a great introduction.

Again, I’ll give you an example from my own experience when I was asked to give a presentation on the topic of corporate mission statements many years ago. I decided to start with a quote, but the number of quotes on this topic are manageable. However, the corporate mission statement compares very well with the soul for people, and so on this occasion I found a quote on the subject of the soul and then drew the analogy with the corporate mission statement. “Outside the box” solutions are also the speaker’s friend.

3. Inspire your audience with storytelling

A particularly powerful way to start is to share a story or personal real life experience with your audience at the beginning of your presentation. With a personal story, you create compelling moments and build an emotional connection with your audience. However, this is also where the biggest danger lies: your story must absolutely correspond to the facts and at the same time should have a connection to the topic of the event. The audience has a good nose for it, if you serve them a “suitably made” story.

Of course, storytelling is not limited to stories you have experienced yourself. You can also draw on a current or even historical event. Important, as mentioned above, is the connection to the goal of your presentation. Also, make sure that you start right in the relevant event and do not begin with Adam and Eve. Especially extroverted people like to get into narration and then it can happen that you lose the drive to your actual presentation and your audience is no longer on the point.

One of my stage coaching clients, for example, took his audience into a situation right at the beginning of his speech when he was at the start of his first triathlon. He immediately built up a tension, because he put his audience directly into it instead of talking about preparation and planning for the triathlon. Because he also found the right tone, the speech went down great. Bonus tip for your speech: Stories absolutely need to be rehearsed and tailored to your audience and the occasion. This does not mean, as already mentioned, that you add things, but that you leave out unnecessary things. Don’t just tell from memory, but really practice.

4. Start with an open loop

Starting with an open loop is something like the supreme discipline. Here, you start with a story, but don’t finish telling it until the end of your speech . This type of introduction is certainly a bit unusual and, in my opinion, more suitable for experienced speakers, especially to keep the tension high.

You start with the open loop in the same way as with storytelling and take your audience along until the point where the tension is at its highest. Instead of the resolution, you lead into the topic of your speech and then come to the main part, where the content is presented with further examples. Only at the end do you pick up the ball of your introductory story again and close the open loop.

As an example, I start one of my keynote speeches with such an open loop: I take the audience on my experience at the New York City Marathon. Since my preparation for it was far from ideal due to injuries, I wasn’t sure until the start how far I would run that day. My speech started with the thoughts going through my head at the start, with my uncertainty but also anticipation. The start of the marathon was then the Open Loop, which I only resolved at the end of the speech.

5. Enchant the audience with parables

A parable is a very short to short story which might not even have a plot of its own. While a parable can be told with action, as if something has actually taken place, it can also be about something hypothetical: “Imagine…” or “Suppose…”. In both cases, the point is that we want to make a connection to the content.

The purpose of parables is to pick up the audience as they enter your presentation and provide an emotional experience that immediately introduces them to the topic through your words.

6. Facts, figures and statistics as an introduction for the speech

The FFS introduction is particularly useful if you have facts, figures or statistics that are not familiar to your audience and are also unusual. In addition, it must of course fit your topic and possibly support your thesis. A personalized statistic works best to meet your audience’s needs.

When we were designing the outline for one of my Executive Legacy Coaching clients’ investor pitch, we made a conscious decision to start with a number that would probably come as a surprise to many listeners. To back up the pain point that his product solves, he asked the panel how much they thought that an unhappy employee costs a company per year. Starting with that number was so effective because the audience’s estimates were all substantially lower than the true number, creating an a-ha effect.

7. Looking back

Another way to start your speech is with a look back . This variant is particularly suitable if you are to give a speech on the occasion of an anniversary or birthday. In your preparation, you should pay special attention to who is sitting in your audience: what connection do they have to the person or the company or the occasion and, above all, have they experienced the period themselves.

Some time ago, I had the privilege of being on stage at a company’s 20th anniversary. In order to give the audience as emotional an experience as possible, I first had to find out who was in the audience. Have people lived through these last 20 years, and are they likely to remember the moment from 20 years ago? Since my audience was mostly over 35 years old I assumed that was the case. Thus I dove into the world of 20 years ago: how did the world look and what moved people at the time? Immediately the people were in the emotions of the memories and from that I could then draw a bow to the company anniversary: “much has changed, but one thing has remained the same…”.

Giving a speech: here’s what you should avoid when getting started

Jokes are for comedians.

There are talented joke tellers and there are those who always flub the punch line. If you feel uncomfortable in the role of the joker, don’t do it. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t spice up the introduction with a little humor. Humor arouses positive emotions and loosens the atmosphere. A humorous introduction, which also works without a joke, signals to the participants that the event will not be dry as dust and that it is worth staying for.

Bonus tip: Humor is different in different regions and works best when you approach your audience with respect and humility.

Stay away from provocative introductions

A provocative introduction is like riding on a razor blade: very dangerous. You have to have an incredible ace up your sleeve to win your audience back. As a rule, I would strongly advise you not to use provocative introductions. If your audience perceives you as an unsympathetic person, no matter how ingenious the content of your speech, it will not bring the desired success.

Start with an apology

Some insecure speaker starts his speech with an apology for his insecurity or God knows what else. Please don’t do that. For one thing, the audience usually doesn’t notice it anyway, and for another, it immediately takes something away from your first impression. You might get sympathy for it, but in the rarest cases you will get the attention for your speech.

One of the most important tips I once received was that your audience wants you to win . That’s right, you read that correctly. Your audience wants you to be good. No one sits in the audience hoping for a boring speaker to come on now. Your audience wants you to do your job well. If you feel anxiety on the way to the stage, keep reading.

The way to the stage and the first seconds

The key to a perfect introduction lies not only in the preparation for your speech, but also in the emotional preparation in the moments before public speaking. Especially if you are nervous or even feel speech anxiety , it is even more important that you, to present convincingly, are in an ideal state.

Take a deep breath just before your performance, send positive emotions to your audience and off you go. Many speakers also like to take index cards with their notes to be prepared in case of an emergency. The phrase for the introduction as well as for the conclusion I would always write in full. For the main points, keywords are enough here.

When you finally arrive on stage, at first be aware of your audience . Before you begin, start with eye contact and confident body language to radiate stage presence . Only then, when you feel the attention of your audience, you start to talk. This confidence will automatically boost your credibility.

Bonus tip: if you’re unsure about your voice, a little voice training will help.

The ideal start for your virtual speech

Of course, the principles for your ideal start also apply at virtual events. So if you hold a webinar or a virtual presentation or are on stage at a hybrid event , nothing will change in the structure of your preparation. The main point in the virtual space is that you have to speak in front of the camera and this should be practiced. The specific elements of structuring your presentation stay the same.

Ask Ronny to coach you for your next performance

Click on the button and send a non-binding request to Ronny to be your coach for your next keynote, speech or presentation.

Feeling ready for your next speech?

In this article you have learned how to start your speech in an ideal way. Do you already have an idea which structure you like best? Remember that you always start with your outcome and your audience before you create a thread for your presentation.

The tone makes the music. Former American writer Maya Angelou summed it up this way: “Your audience won’t remember exactly what you said, but they’ll always remember how it made them feel.” Whatever the occasion, take your audience on an emotional journey.

If you feel that you still need help for your next speech or keynote , feel free to contact me or just write me an e-mail ! Together many things are easier.

Which introduction appeals to you the most? Which start to a speech have you learned about here and would like to try out for your next performance? Please leave a comment below and share this article with someone who you think will profit from it. All the best for your next speeches.

There is no second chance for a first impression . The first impression is created in the first few seconds of perception and is crucial to whether your audience perceives you as likeable or unlikeable. If you mess up the first impression, the next few minutes will be a steep uphill climb to get the audience back on your side.

First, take three deep breaths and consciously put a smile on your face. Stand up straight, shoulders back, head up and visualize your audience and your goal. The important thing here is to move as quickly as possible from an internal focus (thinking about you) to an external focus (thinking about your audience). Imagine how your audience will benefit from your speech. For even more tips, I recommend you read my blog post Persuasive presentations: 3 Steps to Your Ideal State in Front of an Audience.

Ideally, you were introduced by a presenter who has also given some interesting background information about you to the audience. However, it always makes sense to leave nothing to chance here and, on the one hand, to discuss your introduction with the presenter upfront and, on the other hand, to include the most important points in your speech. I would always start with an introduction into the topic to get the audience interested and then introduce myself. The best way to find the right introduction is to read this article.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 4.3 / 5. Vote count: 37

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Top 21 team event ideas and activities for 2024

Stop guessing how to WOW your audience!The first impression is crucial for further successRequirements for the ideal introduction for your speechKnow the outcome of your speechKnow your audience membersThe goal of an ideal introduction to…

What do I need for a webinar? 7 steps to a successful webinar!

How to find the perfect host for your event in five steps

Persuasive presentation: In 3 steps to your ideal state to inspire your audience

Use your time : 8 tips on how to make the most of your time

How stage coaching can help you to inspire your audience

Five of the Best Speech Opening Lines

Great opening lines to a speech get us curious and can set the direction for a powerful talk. In those first few seconds you have the chance to gain your audience’s attention, earn their trust, and persuade them you are someone worth listening to. The best introductions to speeches are a mile away from the standard welcomes and thank yous that set the snoozometer to max. Get it right, and those initial words can captivate the crowd from the off, creating a connection with every individual in the room. But how do you go about opening your speech with something different and memorable? A great place to start is looking at examples of introductions to successful speeches to see what you can learn from them. To show you what we mean, we’ve picked some of our favourite opening lines from TED talks, home to some of the best conference speeches in the world. From funny stories to hard-hitting introductions, TED talks show the art of the possible when it comes to getting your speech off to a kick-ass start. Have a go at guessing the speaker, or the focus of the rest of their talk (hint…we give you the answers later on).

Do you want to improve your public speaking? Why not view our Public Speaking Courses !

Guess the Speech: Five of the best speech opening lines

Speech A: Good morning. How are you? It’s been great, hasn’t it? I’ve been blown away by the whole thing. In fact, I’m leaving.

Speech B: For a long time, there was me, and my body. Me was composed of stories, of cravings, of strivings, of desires of the future. Me was trying not to be an outcome of my violent past, but the separation that had already occurred between me and my body was a pretty significant outcome. Me was always trying to become something, somebody. Me only existed in the trying. My body was often in the way.

Speech C: Sadly, in the next 18 minutes when I do our chat, four Americans that are alive will be dead from the food that they eat.

Speech D: Okay, now I don’t want to alarm anybody in this room, but it’s just come to my attention that the person to your right is a liar. (Laughter) Also, the person to your left is a liar. Also the person sitting in your very seats is a liar. We’re all liars. What I’m going to do today is I’m going to show you what the research says about why we’re all liars, how you can become a liespotter and why you might want to go the extra mile and go from liespotting to truth seeking, and ultimately to trust building.

Speech E: 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.

Giving a good introduction to a speech is key

Answers: Who delivered these great opening lines?

These examples pack a punch for very different reasons. There’s absolutely no chance of the audience zoning out when the speaker goes straight in with such a powerful start. So, who gave these speeches, and why are the introductions so good? Time for the big reveal….

A: Sir Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity

Deceptively simple, the opening lines for this speech set the tone for what has become the most viewed TED talk of all (currently nearly 57 million views). Far from being just ‘throat clearing’, Sir Ken’s funny introduction cleverly paves the way for a talk that will gently but profoundly show us a new way of looking at education. It’s as if we are at a dinner party, being hosted by Sir Ken – he makes us feel comfortable, interested and open all at once. We are not being lectured to (which is always a possibility when education is the subject matter of choice), we want to learn and hear more. Very skilful indeed.

Ginger tip: funny introductions

Using humour in your introduction can be a great way to get your speech off to a flying start – but only if you do it in a way that feels natural. This example shows how you can make people laugh without telling a joke. It’s about finding your own funny and feeling totally comfortable with what you’re saying. If it feels a bit forced to you, it definitely will to your audience. You don’t have to make people roll around on the floor laughing, but light-hearted and amusing anecdotes can add energy and engagement to your talk – which is especially needed if you’re in the dreaded after-lunch slot . Remember, when you open your speech with something funny, you are setting the tone for the rest of your talk – so you’ll need to pepper humour throughout.

Extra Ginger nuggets

How to write a funny speech Funny inspiring speakers talks

B: Eve Ensler: Suddenly, my body

As you’d expect from a the writer of the Vagina Monologues, the start of this speech opening was profound, stark in its honesty and inviting. We empathize and want to know more. Unfortunately this speech suffered from a common affliction that writers face; in getting focused on the precise words of the speech (in this instance, Eve Ensler read her speech), we can get disconnected from the full power of the material. Whilst the words were powerful, we would have enjoyed the rest of this speech more if Eve had given herself permission to find the right words in the moment, rather than needing to be perfectly scripted.

Ginger tip: going unscripted

You want it to be perfect. You’re worried about forgetting something vital. You’re scared of doing it wrong. These are common and perfectly understandable reasons why people opt to script their speech and read it word for word. But rather than delivering a foot-perfect performance, you’re more likely to lose the vital connection with the audience. Not to mention risking plunging yourself into the dreaded ‘I’m sorry I’ve lost my place’ scenario. More than anything, people want you to be human and to speak from the heart. It takes confidence to ditch your notes, but with some simple techniques, you can prepare and remember your speech in a way that allows you to deliver a clear, compelling and authentic talk.

How to start a speech with power and confidence How to remember a speech without notes

C: Jamie Oliver’s TED Wish: Teach every child about food

This is one of our favourite ever TED talks, and it doesn’t pull its punches from the very first line. Jamie Oliver manages to balance preparation (statistics, stories, well-developed ideas) with heart in his TED talk. This speech opening line both makes our jaws drop to the ground in shock at such a statistic and opens our hearts to the human side of the story. Powerful stuff.

Ginger tip: punchy facts

Opening your speech with a hard-hitting fact can quickly add credibility to your talk and demonstrate the scale of an issue. It’s best to keep statistics simple and make them as relevant to the audience as possible, so it feels memorable rather than dry. Resist the urge to stuff the rest of the speech with stats. Try to stick to a few powerful facts and bring them to life with real examples.

Extra Ginger nuggets:

The key to presenting data…is not to present data How to make a powerful point with your speech

D: Pamela Meyer: How to spot a liar

We love talks that balance humour and connect us to the subject matter in hand – and Pamela Meyer does this perfectly in her TED talk opening line. By bringing a challenge straight to us, in our very seats, Pamela engages us and makes sure the talk is about ‘me’ the audience member. We’re laughing and ready to listen. Great job.

Ginger tip: setting up a problem

Setting up a problem at the start of your speech immediately creates a reason for listening and a direction for your talk. And if you involve the audience in the problem, it’s even more powerful. It doesn’t have to be something completely new, in fact telling us what we already know and explaining why that’s a problem can be a really engaging way to start. Depending on the subject matter, you can frame the problem in different ways – from serious to humorous. And it gives a natural structure to the rest of your talk as you explore how to solve the issue.

The best way to engage your audience Five methods to master audience interaction

E: Ric Elias: 3 things I learned while my plane crashed

Wow, what an opening! Who wouldn’t want to know more? Ric Elias showed here how powerful it is to jump straight into a story, with no fussing around with thank yous and throat clearing. Unfortunately after the winning start, the rest of the talk lacked some of the gusto and drama of its opening lines. What can we learn from this? Start with power, but make sure you structure your talk to include a journey that will continue to keep us involved all the way through.

Ginger tip: start with a story

Stories are one of the most effective ways to inspire others. We’re hard wired to connect with stories and your experience of the world is one of the most valuable speaking tools that you possess. Telling a story is a popular way to open a speech because it can quickly build that all-important human connection with your audience. If you have a message that’s personal, or if you’re trying to influence your audience to make a change, a story is a great place to start.

Why is it so important to tell your story? 3 storytelling secrets for public speaking

Research the best speech opening lines before you start

Creating the best introduction for your speech

We hope these examples of great opening lines demonstrate that you don’t have to conform to the ‘safe’ introductions we’re all used to hearing at corporate conferences. In fact, at Ginger, we dare our speakers to rip up the ‘rulebook’, to be courageous, and to take a different approach to setting the scene. You can find even more tips in our free guide, The 10 best ways to start your talk . We’d love to hear your thoughts on these and other examples of great opening lines – so please share your ideas in the comments below.

Beyond introductions

Of course, it’s all very well creating a captivating introduction, but you don’t want the rest of your talk to fall off a cliff edge after you’ve built it up so spectacularly. Maintaining the audience’s attention for the rest of your speech is just as important. We’ve developed the TED-style Talk Guidebook to help you through the process of writing a brilliant speech. Whether you’re crafting a short talk or a keynote, it will help you create a speech that’s as good as a TED talk – so you can wow your audience from the first word to the final thank you. If you’d like to get hands-on support with becoming a better public speaker, then take a look at our training courses. There’s something for every level, from nervous beginners to becoming a leading speaker on the world stage. We’d love to welcome you along.

UK based? Here’s some courses that you might enjoy:

Presentation Skills and Essentials
Leadership and Communications
TED Talk Presentations

Ginger Leadership Communications

This showcase of inspiring female speakers is part of Ginger’s work with game changing leaders.

Games, topic printables & more
The 4 main speech types
Example speeches
Commemorative
Declamation
Demonstration
Informative
Introduction
Student Council
Speech topics
Poems to read aloud
How to write a speech
Using props/visual aids
Acute anxiety help
Breathing exercises
Letting go - free e-course
Using self-hypnosis
Delivery overview
4 modes of delivery
How to make cue cards
How to read a speech
9 vocal aspects
Vocal variety
Diction/articulation
Pronunciation
Speaking rate
How to use pauses
Eye contact
Body language
Voice image
Voice health
Public speaking activities and games
Blogging Aloud
About me/contact
Speech examples
Welcome speech

How to write a welcome speech in 3 steps

With a printable welcome speech planner, outline and a sample welcome speech

By: Susan Dugdale

So, you've been asked to give a short welcome speech for an event. Congratulations! And now you want to be doubly sure you get it right. The right content. The right tone. Plus, the right length!

You'll find everything here you need to do that easily, from start to finish.

Jump in. You are just three steps away from a completed welcome speech. Shall we start?

The fastest and best way to get your speech done is to:

skim read this page to get an overview of the speech writing process, ( the welcome speech template and the planner you're going to use), to read the example welcome speech , and to find out more about the function of a welcome speech and the importance of its tone .
then download, print and complete the welcome speech planner .
and lastly, use the notes you made in the planner to write your welcome speech . To help with that, you can download and print the outline of my example welcome speech to use. Edit, and add your information to make the speech your own.

Return to Top

The welcome speech template

To be effective your welcome speech needs to meet expected, as well as any specific, requirements dictated by the occasion.

The 6 standard welcome speech content ingredients

A woman with a cookbook reading a welcome speech recipe. Plus, a list of ingredients.

There are six common or standard content items in a good welcome speech.

Greetings to welcome everyone and thanking them for coming along.
Acknowledgement of special guests, if there are any.
An introduction of the event itself and a brief overview of special highlights the audience will want to know about.
Any important housekeeping information, for instance: where the bathrooms are, where lunch will be served and when...
An introduction for the next speaker, if there is one.
Thanking everyone for coming once more and then concluding having made everybody feel at ease, eagerly anticipating what is to come.

Numbers 1, 3, and 6 are basic essentials you cannot do without. Numbers 2, 4 and 5 may, or may not, be applicable. Pick what you need from them to fit your occasion.

Short sample welcome speech for a conference

Now let's put all six ingredients into an example of a short welcome speech to open a conference that you can adapt for your own speech.

* (This speech is pure fiction! I made it up to show you how it's done. You'll see its tone is formal rather than informal to fit the occasion. I don't think there is a group called Parents United. However, there are others with a similar mission: 10 Inspiring Organizations that Promote Literacy and Education .)

Example welcome speech - "Readers by Right"

"Sue-Ellen Thomas, Jim Smith, Jane Brown and all of our guests, good morning!

My name is April Molloy, and it's my privilege and great pleasure on behalf of Parents United to welcome you all here today.

We are delighted to have you with us to participate and share in this special occasion, our 5th annual Children's Day Conference. Thank you for coming. That many of you have willingly traveled long distances to be here serves as a reminder to us all just how important our work is.

Quote extract: We want all children, regardless of race, creed or circumstance to achieve their full potential.

Parents United is committed to actively raising the quality of life for every child. We want all children, regardless of race, creed or circumstance to achieve their full potential. Our task is to make it possible. Our mission is to provide practical, step by step assistance.

This year our theme is literacy. We've named the day 'Readers by Right'.

Thanks to the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are aware of 'rights' in many spheres, including education. Article 26 declared it should be compulsory and free for children.

That goal is as pertinent today as it was then. And it's a goal I know we all share - the full development of every child. As a body, Parents United recognizes good reading skills established in childhood as the foundation of fulfilling, and ongoing education.

Quote extract: Jim and Jane bring their passion and knowledge of how to reach those in our communities who are frequently overlooked or bypassed.

We are honored to have Sue-Ellen Thomas, Jim Smith and Jane Brown with us today. All three are esteemed specialists in teaching young children to read.

Sue-Ellen has worked for a long time with educational authorities to establish programs putting in place necessary pre-reading skills. Her hard work needs no introduction. The results speak for themselves.

Jim and Jane bring their passion, and knowledge of how to reach those in our communities who are frequently overlooked or bypassed. Their work among disadvantaged English-as-a-second-language families has bridged gaps that were deep dark chasms.

Prepare yourself to be challenged, excited and inspired.

And before I handover to Lesley Watts, our coordinator for 'Readers by Right', who will outline the day's various events, I want to say once more on behalf of the Parents United organizing committee, welcome. It's wonderful to see so many of you here."

Get your welcome speech started

To shortcut wondering, "Should I say this?" or "Maybe I should say that?" and "Then again there's also ...", I have a very simple solution for you.

Get yourself a printable welcome speech planner

Illustration of an audience listening intently with text overlay saying: Click to download a welcome speech planner

Download and print my special greeting address planner .

It covers ALL the necessary ingredients that go into preparing a successful welcome speech. It's simple to use and easily filled out. Once it's done, writing your speech will be a lot less hassle as you'll have the core content ready to work with.

Writing your welcome speech

Tips to help you get your speech right.

When you're entering information into your speech planner:

ensure you've got all the names of individuals or special guests you need to mention specifically and, that you know how to pronounce each of them. Also check that you know and use their preferred pronouns: them/they, she/her, he/him...
double check the remarks you're going to make about them, or anything else, are factually correct.

Use your introduction of your guests/or the event, as a "teaser" for what is going to come. It will help create anticipation in the audience. Don't ruin it by giving too much away! Just enough to tempt and no more.

Keep it brief. One to two minutes is generally sufficient.

(The word count of my sample welcome speech is 357. It will take approximately 2 minutes to say .)

Use the S-S-S formula for success: Short, Simple and Sincere. Your listeners will appreciate it.

Infographic: SSS speech formula: simple, short and sincere

Get a printable welcome speech outline

If you would like to use and adapt the structure I used in my sample speech as the foundation for your welcome speech, click the link to download the printable: welcome speech outline .

Then edit; delete, amend and add, until you are done.

Illustration of an audience listening intently with text overlay saying: Click to download a welcome speech outline

Get a hand with vocabulary

If you're stuck for words, here's a large selection of adaptable welcoming phrases with example s entences. Reading through them could help you to find exactly what you want.

What does a good welcome speech do?

An effective welcome speech has three important functions. It:

signals the official beginning of an event . It says to the audience, hush, sit down, stop talking and listen. What you came for is starting!
sets the tone for the occasion through the choice of language used . For example, using light-hearted and informal words to welcome guests to a dear friend's birthday party may be completely appropriate. However, the same type of language to welcome family and friends to a memorial service is unlikely to be. In that setting, people generally expect a more solemn and formal word choice. They could be deeply offended and think the use of casual language is disrespectful. Understanding and getting tone right is a key element in the overall success of your welcome speech.
unites the audience . It draws everyone together in the common purpose at the heart of the occasion. For example, at a birthday party, the welcome speech invites everyone to join in celebrating the person whose birthday it is. The welcome speech opening a specialist conference will affirm its principal purpose: the coming together of people with mutual interests to meet and share new knowledge. Or if a welcome speech is given to newcomers in a workplace, club or educational setting, its purpose is to give an introductory overview of how things work to help them feel more at ease in their new situation - to help them develop a sense of belonging.

Getting the tone right for an event

What is tone.

Tone is the combined impact of the words chosen to express something, with how they are structured and, delivered. All three elements come together to create tone * .

Get tone wrong, and your welcome speech is a disaster.

Get it right, and it's a triumph!

(Yes, that's hyperbole but I'm sure you get the idea. ☺)

* Tone - a mood, quality or feeling

How to choose the right words

The beginning of getting tone right is to think about your audience and the event itself. Your goal is to unite and bring them together in the main purpose at the core of the occasion. What type of language will do that most appropriately and easily?

Infographic illustrating the principal differences between formal and informal language to create tone

To answer that question, think about the common interest everybody shares - the principal reason behind them getting together. It will help guide your language choice.

Is it a fun event like a birthday party for close friends and family? If so, then informal language is likely to be the most apt.

You might hear something along the lines of: "Well, here we all are! The big day has finally arrived. Jean-Marie is 50! Half a century! How on earth did that happen?"

If it's a remembrance service for someone who has recently died, the language you're likely to hear is more formal.

For example: "Friends, family, colleagues, thank you for joining us today to celebrate and give thanks for our dear Jean-Marie. Your presence is gratefully appreciated."

What is appropriate? What is expected? Do spend some time thinking tone through. Misunderstanding and getting it wrong can be very embarrassing for everyone. If in doubt, ask someone whose opinion you trust.

Related helpful pages

Help rehearsing your welcome speech.

Get step by step instructions on how to rehearse including how to make and use cue cards.

Image: Young man rehearsing his welcome speech.

And please do rehearse. It makes a huge difference! You'll sound, and look better. Taking the time to rehearse shows respect for yourself, the audience and the event. Truly.

Help to manage pre-speech jitters

Label: 14 ways to manage public speaking fear.

Nervous? If you're shaking in your boots at the thought of having to speak in front of an audience, click overcoming public speaking fear for assistance. Take your time. The page has 14 tried and tested suggestions to consider.

Help with other types of welcome speeches

Or perhaps you need welcome to the family speeches or a church welcome speech sample ? Click the links to find easily adaptable examples.

speaking out loud

Subscribe for FREE weekly alerts about what's new For more see speaking out loud

Susan Dugdale - write-out-loud.com - Contact

Top 10 popular pages

Demonstration speech topics
Impromptu speech topic cards
Thank you quotes
Impromptu public speaking topics
Farewell speeches
Phrases for welcome speeches
Student council speeches
Free sample eulogies

From fear to fun in 28 ways

A complete one stop resource to scuttle fear in the best of all possible ways - with laughter.

Public speaking games ebook cover - write-out-loud.com

Useful pages

Search this site
About me & Contact
Free e-course
Privacy policy

Designed and built by Clickstream Designs

How to Host an Introductory Meeting: Tips & Examples

Serra Ardem

An efficient introductory meeting is a seed, which will eventually bloom into successful interactions and partnerships. It will help people feel comfortable, emphasize open communication, and create a positive environment for future gatherings.

In this blog, we will:

Explain what an introductory meeting is and its different types
Highlight the benefits of introductory meetings
Share a step-by-step guide on how to host successful introductory meetings
Provide an introductory meeting agenda template and email example

Let’s get started.

What is an introductory meeting?

An introductory meeting is the initial formal gathering between individuals or parties, typically to set the foundation for future interactions. Whether personal or professional, it’s the first step to build a connection.

Close up of two women in jackets shaking hands.

5 Types of Introductory Meetings

Introductory meetings come in different forms. Here are 5 main types, each with its own specific goals and considerations.

Introduction of New Team Member

Goal: Welcome and integrate the new member, introduce them to the team and the company culture.

Considerations: Prepare introductions, team bios, and an agenda that highlights company values and expectations.

Client Meeting

Goal: Explore a potential partnership, discuss client needs, and determine if your services are a good fit.

Considerations: Research the client’s business, prepare a tailored presentation, and be ready to answer questions about your expertise.

Investor Meeting

Goal: Secure funding for your business idea by presenting a compelling pitch.

Considerations: Be prepared to answer tough questions, and emphasize the potential for return on investment.

A man watching a woman giving a virtual presentation from his laptop.

Goal: Showcase the features and benefits of your product or service to a potential customer.

Considerations: Tailor your demo to the specific needs of the customer, highlight the value proposition , and be prepared to answer questions about pricing and implementation.

Introduction as a New Manager

Goal: Establish a connection with your new team and outline your leadership style.

Considerations: Share your vision for the team and create an open communication channel.

Benefits of an Introductory Meeting

Introductory meetings offer a range of benefits that can lay the foundation for success in future collaboration efforts. Let’s take a look at them.

Build relationships: An introductory meeting allows people to get to know each other, helping create a sense of trust. By sharing stories and interests, people can feel more comfortable working together.
Align goals: Introductory meetings clarify objectives and what’s expected of each person. This will get everyone on the same page from the start and avoid misunderstandings later on.
Improve communication: The key to effective collaboration is to feel comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas. Introductory meetings can set the tone for open communication by providing a space for participants to express themselves.
Make everyone feel welcome: An introductory meeting can break the ice, which is especially important for new team members. Having a casual and welcoming atmosphere can put everyone at ease.
Uncover hidden opportunities: Introductory meetings can sometimes spark unexpected ideas. By bringing diverse perspectives together, you might discover innovative solutions that weren’t initially considered.

How to Host an Introductory Meeting

Now let’s move on to how you can host a successful introductory meeting, whether you’re going to introduce a new team member, yourself as a new manager, or your business to a potential customer. Feel free to embrace these actionable tips to make the most of this crucial initial step.

Before the Meeting

Identify your objective. Are you introducing a new team member, presenting yourself as a new manager, or showcasing your business? Defining your goal is the first step in ensuring that the meeting is focused and productive.
Research the attendees. Take a few minutes to learn more about key participants, particularly if it’s a client meeting. Knowing their potential interests can help personalize your introductions and discussions.
Craft and share the meeting agenda. Allocate specific time slots for introductions and outline key topics to be covered. Send the agenda so people can come prepared with relevant questions and talking points.
Prepare the meeting space. For in-person meetings, make sure the room is set up appropriately for the number of attendees. For virtual meetings, double-check your video and audio connection to avoid technical issues during the meeting.
Practice makes perfect. Rehearsing your introductions and presentations can significantly boost your confidence and delivery. This will also allow you to refine your talking points, and anticipate any potential questions.

An office with a wooden table and leather orange chair around it.

During the Meeting

Make a strong start. Introduce yourself with a confident tone, and briefly share your role. If introducing a new team member, warmly welcome and encourage them to share their background and expertise.
Follow the agenda. Use it as a guide to keep the discussion focused and ensure all planned topics are covered within the allocated time. Don’t dominate the conversation, and allow attendees to ask questions.
Incorporate activities. Depending on the meeting purpose and size, you can have an icebreaker session , poll, or breakout room discussion. This will keep attendees engaged and foster participation.
Use visuals. Tailor them to your audience’s level of understanding, and avoid complex elements that can overshadow your message. For larger groups, consider utilizing audience response systems or online whiteboards where attendees can contribute directly to the visuals.
End with clarity. Before concluding, summarize the main points discussed and any key decisions made. Highlight next steps, including action items with their owners and deadlines.

A laptop screen showing a virtual meeting with multiple participants.

After the Meeting

Send a “thank you” email . You can go a step further by mentioning something specific you appreciated. For example, you can say “I especially enjoyed hearing your insights on [topic].”
Seek feedback. If it’s a particularly important introductory meeting, you can consider sending a short survey to attendees. This will demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and can provide insights for future meetings.
Stay connected. You can add participants to your professional network (like LinkedIn) depending on the context of the meeting and your comfort level. However, respect boundaries and don’t bombard contacts with messages.
Maintain momentum. If the introductory meeting was the first step in an ongoing collaboration, schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss progress. That way you can address questions and keep the project moving forward.
Share the meeting transcript and notes. While a transcript can capture the exact flow of the conversation, a meeting summary can provide a more concise overview of the key points. You can offer both to cater to different preferences.

Tip: You can easily get a meeting transcript with Maestra’s AI Meeting Transcript Generator . All you have to do is upload your meeting recording, and you will receive a polished and accurate transcript within seconds. Feel free to edit your document with the built-in text editor, and export it in the format you prefer. Also, Maestra comes with Zoom integration that allows users to effortlessly upload and transcribe Zoom meetings.

The steps for transcribing an introductory meeting with Maestra's AI Transcript Generator.

Introductory Meeting Agenda Template

Let’s assume you’re going to introduce a new team member to your colleagues. The following agenda template can help you conduct an effective introductory meeting while offering a smooth transition for the new member.

Meeting title: Welcome to the Team! Meet [New Team Member’s Name]

Meeting date and time: [Date] – [Time]

Meeting location: Physical location or online meeting link

List of meeting participants:

Your name and title
New team member’s name and title
List of participants and their titles

Meeting objectives:

Welcoming [New Team Member’s Name] to the team
Introduce team members and explain team dynamics
Address any questions

Meeting agenda:

Welcome & Introductions

Each attendee will introduce themselves to welcome [New Team Member’s Name] to the team.

About [New Team Member’s Name]

[New team member’s name] will share their professional background, experience, and optionally their interests outside of work.

Team Overview & Dynamics

We will briefly explain the purpose of our team, our overall goals, team dynamics, and communication methods.

Questions & Discussion

Open floor for the questions from both [New Team Member’s Name] and existing team members.

Next Steps & Support

We will outline any onboarding plans for [New Team Member’s Name] and who they can reach out to for support.

Meeting Close

We will summarize key takeaways.

*You can add extra agenda items based on your specific needs.

*You can add time slots to each agenda item.

*Consider incorporating an icebreaker activity or a team-building exercise to lighten the mood and promote interaction.

6 people around a table chatting and laughing during a meeting.

Introductory Meeting Email Example

What about the invitation email you will send prior to the meeting? Feel free to use the template below to announce the introduction of your new team member.

Subject line: Meet Our Newest Team Member, [New Team Member’s Name]! (Welcome & Info Session)

Hi everyone,

Join us in welcoming [New Team Member’s Name] to the team on [Date] at [Time].

Meeting location: [Online meeting link] or [Physical location]

We’ll get acquainted with introductions, hear from [New Team Member’s Name] about their background, get a team overview, and have time for questions. You can find the detailed meeting agenda attached.

See you there and let’s give [New Team Member’s Name] a warm welcome!

[Your name]

[Your title]

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i say in an introductory meeting.

A good introductory meeting strikes a balance between informing and engaging participants. If you’re introducing yourself, you can share a bit about your background, experience, and why you’re excited to be involved. If you’re introducing someone else, you can highlight their role and why they’re present. You can practice beforehand to deliver your introduction smoothly.

What questions can I ask in an introductory meeting?

Remember to tailor your questions to the specific situation. For example, if you’re introducing your business to a potential client, you can ask about their current pain points or desired outcomes. Those introducing a new team member can ask them what they’re looking forward to in their new role, or how they can be supported during this transition.

How do you title an introductory meeting?

An effective introductory meeting title is clear, concise, and informative. You can simply state the purpose of the meeting: Introduction to [Your Company Name] , or focus on the value you bring: [Your Company Name] – How We Can Help You With [Their Need]. For informal team meetings, you can use a more casual tone and say: Meet the New Team Member – [Name] .

How do you start an introductory meeting with a potential client?

Start with a warm greeting and a quick introduction of yourself. Thank them for their time and express your enthusiasm for meeting with them. Don’t jump into the sales pitch; first ask questions to uncover their goals and challenges. Then, focus on how your services or experience can solve their specific problems.

How do you prepare for an introductory meeting for a job?

First, research the company and meeting attendees. Prepare a short introduction highlighting your skills and have questions for them. Don’t forget to dress appropriately, and project confidence during the meeting for a positive first impression.

This blog covered what an introductory meeting is as well as its benefits and different types. Most importantly, it shared actionable tips on how to run a successful introductory meeting, and provided an agenda template and email sample for implementation.

These meetings are now more important than ever in the age of technology and remote work. They have the power to bridge the physical gap and build trust, which are crucial for collaboration. By adopting the tips and templates outlined in this blog, you can ensure your introductory meeting blossoms into a long-lasting partnership.

About Serra Ardem

Serra Ardem is a freelance writer and editor based in Istanbul. For the last 8 years, she has been collaborating with brands and businesses to tell their unique story and develop their verbal identity.

Theater-Based Techniques
Dr. Gary Genard
What Our Clients Say
Client List
Dr. Genard in the Media
Leadership Communication
Fearless Speaking
Voice and Speech Improvement
Presentation Coaching
Speaking Virtually
Presentation Skills
Executive Speech Coaching
The Benefits of Deep Breathing
How to Calm Your Nerves Before Speaking
Leadership Skills: The 5 Essential Speaking Techniques
5 Ways to Captivate an Audience
The Body Language Rules: 12 Ways to be a More Powerful Speaker
4 Characteristics of an Influential Speaker
6 Skills Building Exercises for Effective Body Language
7 Tips for Overcoming Audience Resistance
5 Rules for Succeeding with PowerPoint
Great Speaking? – It's About Performance Over Content!
5 Key Tools of Vocal Dynamics
5 Secrets of Powerful Body Language
10 Ways to Stay Fully Focused when Speaking
25 Words or Phrases to Avoid in Speeches and Presentations
6 Rules of Effective Public Speaking
7 Key Components of Successful Presentations
12 Easy Ways to Achieve Presence and Charisma
6 Skills Building Exercises Video

Gary Genard's

Speak for success.

"Be a voice not an echo." - Albert Einstein

How to Start a Speech — 12 Foolproof Ways to Grab Your Audience!

Want to move audiences? Develop a powerful opening! Here is how to start a speech, including 12 foolproof ways to grab audiences in public speaking.

Let's talk about how to start a speech. When it comes to persuading, inspiring, or influencing an audience, your opening is by far the most important moment in your performance.

So how do you begin a presentation in ways that will get an audience on your side and start you on the road to speaking memorably?

Learn this skill and 101 tips and tricks for more successful speaking in my Public Speaking Handbook, How to Give a Speech . Also available as an Amazon bestseller!

Dr. Gary Genard's Amazon best seller for business speeches, How to Give a Speech.

Let's imagine that you're finally pitching to that audience of decision makers. It's the high-stakes opportunity you've been waiting for, and you've put together a killer presentation. There's just one problem: how do you start the thing off with a bang? Remember, anyone can give an ordinary presentation. It's your job to stand out from the crowd for career success.

Your Opening Sets the Tone of Your Presentation

You probably already know you need to begin with power and purpose. You're just not sure how . . . or for that matter, exactly why.

The answer is that, when it comes to influencing listeners in speeches and presentations, two concepts explain why your beginning and ending need to be particularly strong. I'll discuss both concepts here, then provide some powerful tools for your opening gambit: your speech Introduction .

Ready to set your audience on fire?

This article is available as a free PDF . Click here to download "How to Start a Speech - 12 Foolproof Ways to Grab Your Audience!" Learn and practice starting out powerfully!

Your Introduction and Conclusion Need to Be Strong

The two concepts concerning why you need to start and end strongly, are primacy and recency . Primacy states that people remember most vividly what they hear at the beginning of a speech. Recency says those same people will strongly recall what you say at the end. In terms of public speaking, this translates into your introduction and conclusion. And you really do need to start early. Here's how to create an opening your audience will remember .

In more practical terms, there are three specific reasons why your introduction needs to be engaging and interesting immediately :

(1) Audiences make judgments about you and your message in the first minute. After that point, you'll be able to change those opinions about as easily as you can change a hamster into a ham sandwich. So here's how to be strong in the first 60 seconds of your speech .

(2) Your opening sets the entire tone of your presentation (including whether you'll be interesting or not).

(3) This is when you introduce your message and tell the audience why they should listen.

Sound like a tall order? It isn't, if you use the seven key components of successful presentations . Your audience needs to be both fully engaged and predisposed favorably toward you and your message. Neither will happen unless you can grab their attention, so they're onboard when you spin your verbal magic. Keep reading to learn how that's done.

Ready to boost your influence with stakeholders? Grab your copy of my book, Speak for Leadership . Learn an executive speech coach's secrets! Get it today here or on Amazon .

Using Creativity in Business Presentations

Achieving the objective of a 'grabbing' opening takes thought, a bit of imagination, and yes, a little creativity. The good news is that since you know your topic well and you're psyched up for the big game (it's an audience of decision-makers, remember?), you should be well positioned to succeed.

Primacy won't have much of a chance to operate, though, if you use what I call the 'Today, I'm going to talk about . . .' opening. This is boring! Be on the lookout instead for something that will pique the interest of your listeners, and perhaps surprise them. And here's something else you absolutely need to know: 20 ways to connect with an audience for lasting influence .

A few minutes of focused thinking should be all you need to know how to come up with an effective opening. And remember to avoid that I call introducing your introduction. That sounds like this: 'Let me start out with a story . . .', or, 'I heard a very funny joke the other day . . . ' Or even the inexplicable 'Before I begin . . . ' since you've already begun!

Just tell us the story, the joke, or the in-the-know reference that will delight your listeners. But if you signal your effect beforehand, you water down its potency and its power to surprise.

So how can you be completely focused and on your game?

12 Powerful Ways to Start a Speech or Presentation

As a springboard to launching your presentation with verve and originality, here are a dozen rhetorical devices you can use. Each of them is an effective 'speech hook that you can use to start any speech or presentation:

Startling statement
Personal anecdote or experience
Expert opinion
Sound effect
Physical object or demonstration
Testimony or success story

You could literally think of dozens more from your own experience or that of your audience. Remember, the best grabbers engage an audience immediately, both intellectually and emotionally. Interestingly, these same devices can be used to conclude in a way that keeps your audience thinking about what you said. It's all part of my six rules for effective public speaking .

Coming up with an exciting grabber and clincher involves some work on your part. But the rewards if you're successful more than justify the effort.

Famous Speech Openings

How about a few examples? Here are four great openings that illustrate some of the grabbers listed above:

Jesus , Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." — Startling statement.

Bill Clinton , 1993 speech in Memphis to ministers (after having heard himself introduced as "Bishop Clinton"): "You know, in the last ten months, I've been called a lot of things, but nobody's called me a bishop yet. When I was about nine years old, my beloved and now departed grandmother, who was a very wise woman, looked at me and she said, 'You know, I believe you could be a preacher if you were just a little better boy.'" — Humor

Jane Fonda in her TED Talk "Life's Third Act": "There have been many revolutions over the last century, but perhaps none as significant as the longevity revolution. We are living on average today 34 years longer than our great-grandparents did. Think about that: that's an entire second adult lifetime that's been added to our lifespan." — Statistic.

Steve Jobs , 2005 Commencement Address at Stanford University: "Truth be told, I never graduated from college, and this is the closest I've ever gotten to a college graduation. Today, I want to tell you three stories from my life. That's it, no big deal—just three stories. The first story is about connecting the dots. I dropped out of Reed College after the first six months, but then stayed around as a drop-in for another eighteen months or so before I really quit. So why'd I drop out? It started before I was born." — Story, with a seamless transition into his speech.

Like historical mysteries? — Discover my Dr. William Scarlet Mystery Series!

A haunted young artist. A trail of bodies. What is terrorizing London? Scotland Yard surgeon and psychic Dr. William Scarlet pursues a serial killer in Red Season ! Also on Amazon .

You should follow me on Twitter here .

Gary Genard is an actor, author, and expert in public speaking and overcoming speaking fear. His company, The Genard Method offers live 1:1 Zoom executive coaching and corporate group training worldwide. He was named for nine consecutive years as One of the World’s Top 30 Communication Professionals , and also named as One of America's Top 5 Speech Coaches . He is the author of the Amazon Best-Sellers How to Give a Speech and Speak for Leadership: An Executive Speech Coach's Secrets for Developing Leadership Presence . His book, Fearless Speaking , was named in 2019 as "One of the 100 Best Confidence Books of All Time." He is also the author of the Dr. William Scarlet Mysteries . Contact Gary here.

Tags: leadership skills , public speaking training , public speaking , business presentations , public speaking tips , Speaking for Leadership , Public Speaking Techniques , how to start a speech , how to give a speech , speech introduction , how to persuade an audience , how to open a speech , speech coach , speech coaching , public speaking for leadership , presentations , The Genard Method , Dr. Gary Genard , CEO , speak for leadership , public speaking training company , executive coaching , keynote speaker training , how to start a presentation , motivational speaker training , TEDx speaker training , public speaking coaching , speech hooks , speech training , speech expert , online public speaking training , executive coach , public speaking books , leadership books , books on leadership , leadership expert , leadership authors , executive speech coaching , speech for leadership , public speaking for doctors , public speaking for lawyers , public speaking for engineers , public speaking for IT professionals , public speaking for data scientists , public speaking for scientists , public speaking for business , how to win friends and influence people , public speaking for business executives , talk like TED , Red Season , Dr. William Scarlet Mysteries

Subscribe to Email Updates

Subscribe to the blog, follow gary genard.

Training Techniques

Main Office - Boston

[email protected] 617-993-3410

Executive Presentation Skills
Rehearsal & Preparation
Group Presentation Skills

How to Lead Introductions in Business Meetings

Source: Tim Cordell on Cartoonstock.com

Many years ago I was asked to represent my company on a national committee. I had to fly from Portland, Oregon to Washington D.C. for the meeting, find my way around the city wearing an actual business suit and heels, then walk into this room and make a good impression.

I was prepared for the content of the meeting – I knew my stuff – but I was far from comfortable. The 30 or so other members of the committee came from Microsoft, the Department of Defense, and a host of big organizations; I worked for a 20-person web software vendor no one had ever heard of. Most of the committee members were much older than I was, and there were very few women.

Soon enough, the gavel pounded and the chair began the meeting. After a brief greeting, he said:

“Go around the room and tell the group a bit about yourself, starting with Don here.”

Tell them about me? What am I supposed to say in this room of dour-looking, experienced people?

I knew that if I wanted any shot of making an impact in the meeting, the other people in the room had to take me seriously, and this introduction was my chance to make that oh-so-important good first impression. But what could I say that would impress this room? I felt like I was at an awful interview, and I began to sweat.

In this case, I needn’t have sweated the introductions (or my blouse) so much. Don stood up and calmly stated his name and the organization he represented, then sat back down. Simple. As it went around the room, each person followed this short pattern, and I began to relax.

My name and where I work? That’s it? Those are questions I can answer easily! Why hadn’t the chair been clearer about what he wanted people to say?

Poor leadership creates undue anxiety

Introductions in meetings are meant to help people get comfortable speaking together. It’s a meeting after all, which means it only works well if those in attendance talk to each other. That’s hard to do when you don’t know someone’s name or you’ve been put on the defensive by an inappropriate question.

For many people, those first minutes of a meeting will always be nerve-wracking. How the meeting leader handles those opening minutes can make a huge difference in the effectiveness of the conversation that follows.

For that committee meeting, I spent the first 15 minutes unclenching from the adrenaline overdose and had no idea what they talked about. In an online setting, if you lose someone’s attention like that for 15 minutes, they’ve missed half the meeting!

How should that committee chair have started the introductions, then?

Let’s start with some basics.

The Cardinal Rules of Leading Business Meeting Introductions

Rule 1: make sure everyone gets introduced..

If someone is important enough to be invited, they must be introduced. Business introductions make sure the people in the meeting know who they’re talking to. They provide critical context for the discussion, giving everyone a sense for the range of perspectives and experience in the room. With an online meeting, having everyone introduce themselves also reveals any issues with audio or language differences.

This goes for latecomers and other people who walk into the room, too. While you shouldn’t interrupt someone to introduce a new attendee, make sure use the next pause to quickly do so. If you’re on a conference call and the CEO walks into the room behind you, the people on the other side of the phone deserve to know that the audience just changed.

Rule 2: Provide clear direction.

Tell people specifically what you want them to share with the group, and provide an example by introducing yourself first. This was the big mistake in the committee meeting I attended; the leader left it up to the group to figure out how to introduce themselves. For someone new to the group and inexperienced like me, he might as well have pointed my way shouting “Dance, monkey, dance!”

Not sure what you should ask? You’ll find example questions below.

After explaining what you want to hear, cover the order in which people should speak. For online meetings, go top-to-bottom through the attendee list.

Rule 3: Keep it safe.

If you give clear instructions and provide an example by introducing yourself first, you’ll have a great start on alleviating anyone’s anxiety.

To further ensure you don’t inadvertently shut someone down:

Never ask people to share potentially sensitive information in a business setting. Stay clear of topics that get too personal; not everyone has happy childhood memories, and lots of adults just don’t have a favorite band or ice cream flavor any more. If you must delve into the personal, save it for your team-building exercises and off-sites.
Don’t ask questions that make people feel they have to justify their right to be in the meeting. You may need to understand the skills and expertise of the people present, but there are ways you can find this out without making someone feel like they’re being interviewed.

This doesn’t mean you have to keep introductions terse (Name & rank, attendee!) or boring (How’s the weather there, Steve?). Instead, craft an introduction question based on rule #4.

Rule 4: Make introductions relevant to the meeting.

Context (not content) is key. The best introductions will help everyone understand how each participant relates specifically to the situation at hand.

Are they there just to listen, or do they have an agenda of their own? Are they an expert in subject, or is this all completely new? Will they be in charge of decisions, or expected to carry them out?

Include at least one question in your introductions that ties directly to the goal of the meeting and reveals some of this context.

The Basic Business Introduction Questions

For business and professional meetings, introductions should always include:

Each person’s first and last name

Then, context, context, context!

The company or department they represent This is their business context.

Current location (for remote attendees) This is their personal context; important for understanding time zone concerns, possible connection issues, and background noise.

Why they’re at the meeting This is their meeting context.

To get at this last one, you might ask:

What’s the most important thing you want to get out of this meeting?
What are you hoping to learn here today?
What prompted you to be here today?
What excites you most about the work we’re doing here?
What skills can you contribute to the team that may not be obvious to the rest of us?

Related: The Essential Project Kickoff Meeting Agenda

When you have more time: Introduction Activities

Most introductions run like an icebreaker’s disapproving neighbor. They’re in the same general area, but definitely living different lifestyles.

These activities dip their toes into the team-building waters, bringing a little more game-feel to the meeting, while still keeping it all very professional.

Gifts and Hooks

We’ve talked about this one before , and bring it up here again because this is the best example we know of a non-fluffy, clearly useful introductory game for working teams.

In Gifts and Hooks, the leader explains that team members bring gifts to the table (their skills, knowledge, etc.), but they also need hooks — things the person needs in order to remain fully engaged. Team members write down both their gifts and their hooks, then go around the room to share them.

You can get a detailed description of Gifts and Hooks by Michael Wilkinson on the IIF site.

Alliteration Alleviates Anonymity

To increase the energy in a group and help stir the creative juices, Denise Grissom Bradford suggests asking people to introduce themselves using an alliteration (i.e. Dancing Denise from Duluth or Jolly John joins jauntily).

With the right group, and especially as a start for brainstorming or other creative meetings, this approach is fun without pushing the goofy too far out of bounds. And, since one of your goals is to help people learn each other’s names, alliteration definitely makes members memorable.

Other variations: Limericks! Haiku!

Questions from the group

Instead of coming up with the questions yourself, ask the group what they want to know about each other. This works best if you go over the meeting purpose first, and provide an example.

If you’re meeting online, ask people to type their questions into chat, or put them on cards if you’re face-to-face. Remind everyone that the questions shouldn’t be embarrassing or difficult to answer.

Then, go around the room and ask each person to state their name and answer one or two of the questions posed by the group.

Related: 5 Icebreakers for Distributed Team Meetings

Final tip: You don’t need to start with introductions

Introductions usually come near the beginning of the meeting, but they shouldn’t always come first.

For most meetings, you’re better off starting by confirming the meeting purpose and goals. Welcome everyone, clarify why you’re meeting and what the team is meant to accomplish, and THEN go through introductions.

Starting with the meeting purpose FIRST establishes the all-important context for the introductions that follow.

Introverts, newbies, and meeting-avoiders:

What other tips would you give meeting leaders to help make introductions go more smoothly for you? Let us know in the comments here or on Twitter , #bettermeetings.

Categories: leadership & facilitation tips & techniques

Elise Keith

Contact Form

6 Reasons Most Efforts to Fix a Bad Meeting Culture Fail and How You Can Beat the Odds

The Leader’s Guide for Making Decisions in Meetings

Use These 5 Meeting Types to Improve Your Communication with Freelancers

Training for Individuals & Teams

The Effective Facilitator
Secrets to Facilitating Strategy
Virtual Meetings Courses
Facilitator Certification Prep
Advanced Facilitation Skills
From Management to Leadership
The Seven Separators of Facilitation Excellence
Advanced Strategies for Virtual Engagement
Strategies for Managing Business Relationships
Facilitating Masterful Meetings
Mastering Hybrid Meetings
The Facilitative Consultant
The Engaging Trainer
From Classroom to Virtual
On-Demand Learning
Explore All Training
Meeting Facilitation
Strategic Planning

Register for Courses

Shop products.

Effective Facilitation Techniques to Start a Meeting as a Host

Starting a meeting effectively is just the beginning of the process of facilitating an effective meeting. Effective facilitation techniques include:

Start the meeting on time.
Your opening words (IEEI).
Confirm the agenda.
Review the ground rules.
Review the parking boards.
Make introductions if needed.
Encourage participation.
Stay on track.
Summarize and follow up.

The start can take as little as five minutes and as long as forty-five minutes or more depending on the size of the group, the length of the meeting, and the steps you use. You should adjust the list as appropriate for the meetings you lead.

How to Start a Meeting Effectively: Going Deeper into I.E.E.I.

Let’s go deeper into each part of the I.E.E.I. framework to help you understand how to use it effectively.

Start by informing the participants of the purpose of the meeting and the product to be produced. This can be done by using words such as:

“The purpose of this meeting is…When we are done, we will walk away with…”

Using these words informs everyone of why you’re there (the purpose) and what you’ll have when you’re done (the product). This helps get everyone on the same page.

Related: Video, 5 Reasons to take The Effective Facilitator.

The excite segment is the most overlooked part of the I.E.E.I. framework. It answers the question, “Why should I care?” Without the excite, you may have people in the room, but are they really at the table?

To excite your participants, make statements that answer the question for them, “What’s in it for me?” Using words like “you” or “your” at least four times in the excite portion of the I.E.E.I. can help ensure you do this well. Compare these two sample openings to see which one does a better job of exciting:

Excite Sample I

Good morning, it’s a pleasure to be here this morning.
Let me start by reviewing why we are here.
The purpose of this meeting is to fix our hiring process. When we are done we will have three things: a diagram that shows how the new hiring process will work, a list of benefits of the new process, and a step-by-step plan for getting this new process implemented.
What is exciting about this? If we are successful, we will walk away with a new hiring process that will help our organization get the right people hired and get them hired quickly.

Excite Sample II

What is exciting about this? Today you may have people on your staff who don’t have the skills or the attitude you need. As a result, you are having to work much harder to make up for what they aren’t doing. This is your opportunity to put strategies in place to ensure that you get the people you need to get the work done.

The second sample is by far the better excite statement. It does a better job of describing the benefits to the person. But did you notice one other thing? Count the number of times the words “you” or “your” show up in the excite statements.

A key secret to getting people excited about participating in a meeting is to explain what is in it for them. And you can help ensure you do this well by including the words “you” or “your” at least four times in the excite portion of the IEEI.

The goal in empowering participants is to ensure that they are clear on the power they have while in the meeting. When people feel empowered, they tend to be less hesitant to participate in discussion and more willing to offer their thoughts and ideas.

Below are three samples of empowering. Often a single, focused, empowering statement is adequate. Other times you may find that multiple statements are needed to empower a group that is used to being told what to do.

Empower Examples

You all were hand-picked by your managers to serve on this hiring process task force because they felt you had the understanding of what is needed and the vision to create something much better than we currently have.
The organization is looking to each of you to bring the ideas and the focus that will create a much better higher process.
While we are not the final decision makers, the Leadership Team is looking to this team to create a recommendation with the justification needed to bring our hiring process to the next level and beyond.

Related: Sign-up for Our Next Webinar on Facilitation.

The involvement step is designed to engage the participants early and often. The earlier they are involved, the more willing they will be to participate throughout the meeting. This step is accomplished by asking a relevant question that is directly tied to the meeting’s purpose.

The involvement question should be thought-provoking and open-ended. The question should also be one that allows participants to share their thoughts and ideas on the topic without feeling threatened or judged. The goal is to create an open and honest environment where everyone can contribute and feel heard.

Examples of good involvement questions include:

What are your thoughts on our current hiring process? How have you seen hiring processes work effectively in other organizations? What do you think are the biggest challenges we face in improving our hiring process?

Involve Examples

Think about the meeting purpose.
If we are going to accomplish this purpose, there are probably specific topics that you know we need to cover, specific issues that we have to address, or maybe specific ideas that we should discuss.
Let’s build the list. If we are going to be successful today, what topics do we need to talk about?
Let’s assume this meeting was highly successful.
Think about the things that resulted, the outcomes that occurred, and the things that would make you say, “This was a great meeting.”
Let’s build the list. Given our purpose and products, what are the outcomes you personally would like to see come out of today’s meeting?
It has been several days since we were all together. Let’s start with each person giving a quick one-minute check-in.
We were last together on [date]. Since that time, there probably have been one or more significant events that have occurred in your personal or professional life.
Consider the major events that have occurred and pick one that was significant for you. Let’s go around the room. What is a significant event that has happened to you since we were last together?

Learning how to start a meeting effectively is critical to its success. By using the IEEI framework, you can ensure that participants understand why they are there and what they are expected to accomplish. By starting with a strong opening, you can excite and empower participants to engage in the meeting and contribute their thoughts and ideas. Finally, involving participants early and often will help create an environment that encourages collaboration and results in a more successful meeting overall.

Remember, starting a meeting off on the right foot takes practice. By incorporating these tips and techniques, you can become a more effective facilitator and ensure that your meetings are more productive, engaging, and successful.

Looking for more techniques on facilitating meetings?

Learn more about our flagship course, The Effective Facilitator!

Check out dates for The Effective Facilitator

Onsite Training
Open Enrollment
Virtual Facilitation & Training
Privacy Policy

Host a Public Class

Introduction to Speech Communication

(0 reviews)

Sarah E. Hollingsworth, Oklahoma State University

Megan Linsenmeyer, Oklahoma State University

Terrisa Elwood, Oklahoma State University

Sasha Hanrahan, Oklahoma State University

Mary Walker, Oklahoma State University

Kathryn Weinland, Oklahoma State University

ISBN 13: 9781957983059

Publisher: Oklahoma State University

Language: English

Formats Available

Conditions of use.

Accessibility Statement
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1: Why Public Speaking Matters Today
Public Speaking in the Twenty-First Century
Why is Public Speaking Important?
The Process of Public Speaking
Chapter 2: Building Confidence
What is Communication Apprehension?
Classifying Communication Apprehension
Learning Confidence
Chapter 3: Delivery
The Importance of Delivery
Methods of Speech Delivery
Preparing for Your Delivery
Practicing your Delivery
What to do When Delivering Your Speech
Public Speaking Online
Chapter 4: Ethics
The Ethics Pyramid
Ethics in Public Speaking
Free Speech
Chapter 5: Audience Analysis
What is Audience Analysis?
Why Conduct an Audience Analysis?
Three Types of Audience Analysis
Conducting Audience Analysis
Using Your Audience Analysis
Chapter 6: Culture and Communication
Foundations of Culture and Identity
Exploring Specific Cultural Identities
Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Communication Competence
Chapter 7: Organizing and Outlining
Why is Organizing and Outlining Important?
The Topic, General Purpose, Specific Purpose, and Thesis
Organizational Patterns of Arrangement
Outlining Your Speech
Chapter 8: Researching Your Speech
Library Resources
What is Research?
Developing a Research Strategy
Citing Sources
Chapter 9: Supporting Ideas and Building Arguments
Crafting Supporting Ideas
Using Research as Support
Exploring Types of Support
Using Support and Creating Arguments
Chapter 10: Introductions and Conclusions
Introductions
Conclusions
Chapter 11: The Importance of Listening
Importance of Listening
Listening vs. Hearing
Listening Styles
Why Listening is Difficult
Stages of Listening
Listening Critically
Chapter 12: Language
What Language Is and Does
Standards for Language in Public
Using Effective Language in Public Speaking
Chapter 13: Presentation Aids
What Are Presentation Aids
Functions of Presentation Aids
Types of Presentation Aids
Using Presentation Slides
Low-Tech Presentation Aids
Chapter 14: Informative Speaking
What is an Informative Speech
Types of Informative Speeches
Guidelines for Selecting an Informative Speech Topic
Guidelines for Preparing an Informative Speech
Giving Informative Speeches in Groups
Sample Informative Speech Outline
Chapter 15: Understanding Small Group Communication
Communicating in Small Groups
Understanding Small Groups
Small Group Development
Small Group Dynamics
Chapter 16: Small Groups & Decision Making
Leadership, Roles, and Problem Solving in Groups
Leadership and Small Group Communication
Group Member Roles
Problem Solving and Decision Making in Groups
Chapter 17: Persuasive Speaking
Why Persuade?
A Definition of Persuasion
Why is Persuasion Hard?
Traditional Views of Persuasion
Theories of Persuasive Communication
Constructing a Persuasive Speech
Sample Persuasive Speech Outline
Chapter 18: Special Occasion Speaking
Understanding Special Occasion Speaking
Types of Special Occasion Speeches
Special Occasion Language
Special Occasion Delivery
Sample Special Occasion Speech Script
Links by Chapter

Ancillary Material

About the book.

Introduction to Speech Communication is used to support teaching, learning and research for SPCH 2713 at Oklahoma State University (OSU). In addition to inclusion of original work authored by the editors to meet the needs of their course at OSU, the editors adapted portions of Exploring Public Speaking: 4th Edition, Stand Up, Speak Out, and Fundamentals of Public Speaking. Please see the Acknowledgements chapter for full citations. We at Oklahoma State University Libraries acknowledge our gratitude for the expertise and generosity of the scholars at Affordable Learning Georgia, College of the Canyons, the Open Education Network and elsewhere for creating and sharing customizable versions of their work. This book also includes an audio version funded by Women for OSU, as well as updated images enabled by a grant from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

About the Contributors

Sarah E. Hollingsworth , Oklahoma State University

Megan Linsenmeyer , Oklahoma State University

Terrisa Elwood , Oklahoma State University

Sasha Hanrahan , Oklahoma State University

Mary Walker , Oklahoma State University

Kathryn Weinland , Oklahoma State University

Contribute to this Page

Search Please fill out this field.
Manage Your Subscription
Give a Gift Subscription
Newsletters
Sweepstakes
Politics & Government News

Trump, Biden and Harris Make Rare Joint Appearance at 9/11 Memorial Hours After Presidential Debate

Trump and Harris shook hands at the memorial site in New York City on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The two were formally introduced on the debate stage in Philadelphia the night before

President Joe Biden , Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump made a rare appearance together as they marked the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The group visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York City on Wednesday, Sept. 11, where two hijacked planes brought down the World Trade Center’s twin towers. They were also joined at the remembrance ceremony by Trump's running mate, J.D. Vance , and loved ones and politicians.

Michael M. Santiago/Getty

Former N.Y.C. Mayor Michael Bloomberg , who assumed office in the months that followed the devastation, stood in between the Democratic and Republican leaders.

Michael M. Santiago/Getty

Trump, 78, and Harris, 59, greeted one another at the memorial, shaking hands for the second time in 12 hours. The political opponents only met in person for the first time on Tuesday night at their tense first presidential debate in Philadelphia.

Biden, Harris and Trump have additional stops planned on Wednesday, at other sites where hijacked planes crashed in 2001. The attacks killed nearly 3,000 people.

Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, sweepstakes, and more!

Lala Kent Reveals Photos of Daughter Ocean Reacting to Meeting Baby Sosa: "Love at First Sight"

The Vanderpump Rules mom is showing off the hilarious photos from her daughter's first meeting with her new baby sister.

Lala Kent and her 3-year-old daughter, Ocean Kent Emmett , could not be happier about baby Sosa's arrival.

How to Watch

Watch Vanderpump Rules on Peacock and the Bravo app .

The Vanderpump Rules cast member gave birth to her second child , a daughter named Sosa Kent, on September 3. In the days since then, Lala has been sharing more and more about the baby and how in love she is with the newborn as well as how her family is adjusting to the new arrival. Her first child definitely also seems to be falling for the baby, too.

Lala took to her Instagram Story on Tuesday, September 10, where she shared "Ocean's selfies after meeting Sosa" that her little girl took with her phone. In the hilarious photos, Ocean can be seen up close and personal staring into the camera, closing her eyes, and giving her most adorable smile in one very funny photo.

The little girl could not look any more excited to meet her little sister and get her hands on her mom's phone. And we're sure there are more photos and sweet moments like these to come from Lala and her new family of three.

Ocean appears in Lala Kent's Instagram Story.

Lala Kent of Vanderpump Rules posts her daughter Ocean on her Instagram story.

Lala Kent Shares Details on Postpartum Life After Welcoming Sosa

Lala Kent of Vanderpump Rules writes about her daughters on her Instagram story.

Lala Kent of Vanderpump Rules posts about her daughters on her Instagram Story.

Lala also took to her Instagram Story after posting the photos, where she penned a statement about how the family has been adjusting to their newest addition. "For real though, Ocean is absolutely obsessed with Sosa," she wrote.

"We are all over the moon about the newest addition to our pod," she continued. "I can't wait to share all the moments of this new chapter and blessing in our lives."

In the meantime, Lala has been embracing the postpartum period, watching Bravo and cuddling with her new addition. "I've been enjoying every second," she wrote in the Story. "Lots of skin to skin, lots of boobie time, lots of staring & thanking God."

Here’s what you may have missed on Bravo:

Lala Kent Gives Birth to Baby Number 2: "Welcome Into The World"

Lala Kent Explains Why Baby Number 2's Birthday Is So Serendipitous: "I Just Feel Like..."

Lala Kent Provides a New Look at Her Incredible Backyard Pool

Lala Kent predicts the dynamic between her two daughters

Lala kent shares the first photo of her daughter, sosa kent: see the snapshot.

In case the photos above weren't enough proof, Lala's oldest daughter is a bit of a wild one. But, she believes that Sosa will balance her older sister out. During a September 4 episode of her podcast, Give Them Lala , the new mom of two predicted her new daughter's personality.

"Ocean is very like, she is here for a good time," she explained. "Baby S is giving me money making moves in the womb. She's a go-er, a wheeler, a dealer, you can tell she is just all over the place. And I can just tell she has that type of mentality."

"So I have one kid who is like, 'I want to live in a box and do artistic dancing and paint' and then I'm gonna have another one who is like, 'Ocean, you need to get a job and pay these bills.' Like, I just see that happening," she concluded.

Who is the father of Lala Kent's baby?

Lala welcomed Sosa through Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and has been open about the process of choosing a sperm donor in order to welcome her second child. Ocean is her daughter from a previous relationship.

You can hear more about her journey in the clip above.

Vanderpump Rules

Kids And Families
Ocean Kent Emmett

Kyle RIchards Reveals Portia's Dream College and Major

Alexia Umansky and Mauricio Umansky attend The Hollywood Reporter Los Angeles Power Broker Awards

Why Mauricio Umansky Is "Lucky" To Have This Special Coworker

Kyle Richards and Farrah Brittany posing next to each other.

Get The Details on Kyle Richards' Two New Tattoos

Paul Kemsley standing in front of a step and repeat.

PK on What He "Taught" Son Jagger That He Just "Gets"

Rebecca Minkoff and Gavin Bellour smiling together at a dining table.

Who is Rebecca Minkoff's Husband, Gavin Bellour? (PHOTOS)

Farrah Brittany standing at the David Yuman store in Beverly Hills

Who Is Kyle Richards' Daughter, Farrah?

Paris Hilton and Phoenix Barron smiling together in a living room.

Paris Hilton Doesn't Want Her Kids to Be Famous

Jennifer Aydin smiling with her family inside their home.

Jennifer Aydin Shares a New Look at Her Family

Antonia Gorga wears a blue strapless dress with her dad Joe Gorga on the water

Joe Gorga Is Emotional About Antonia Leaving for College

Rachel Zoe and Roger Berman posing together in front of a step and repeat.

Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman Are Getting A Divorce

Lala Kent wearing a sheer top and a black blazer at Sutton Stracke's fashion event

Lala Shares the First Photo of Her Baby Girl Sosa Kent

Gizelle Bryant, Grace Bryant, Adore Bryant, and Angel Bryant pose together.

Where Gizelle's Daughters Go to College and Their Majors

Vpr S11 Web Dynamiclead Desktop 1920x1080 1

Latest Videos

Sandoval Reveals the Shocking Increase in His Bills Once Ariana Madix Is Taken Off the Home Loan

Katie Maloney Says Having Sex with Men "Feels Like Charity"

Lisa Vanderpump Says Tom Sandoval "Deserves a Good Kick in the Ass"

Katie Ginella Thinks Heather Dubrow Treats Her Like She's "Disposable"

Bronwyn Newport's Home Is As Colorful As Her Wardrobe

Have Any Wheel of Fortune Contestants Hit on Vanna White?

Vanna White Looks Back at Her Most Memorable Fashions

Ryan Seacrest Discusses How Shahs of Sunset Came to Be

Ryan Seacrest Says He’d Compete on Dancing with the Stars

Vanna White Chats About Hosting Wheel of Fortune in Pat Sajak’s Place

Aesha Scott and Carrie O’Neill Think Ellie Is "Overstepping"

Iain Maclean Is Thriving as a Tour Guide

Gael Cameron Questions If Her Feeling for Nathan Are "Real"

Nathan Gallagher Shades Iain Maclean: "The Man Was Well-Rested"

Gael Cameron Reveals the Moment She Felt "Expendable"

Recommended for you.

Bravo Fan Fest Is Heading to Miami in November

Josh Flagg, Tracy Tutor and Josh Altman together in front of a purple and orange sky and the LA cityscape.

Where Did the MDLLA Cast Go to College?

Two Black tee shirts and a glass with funny quotes on a blue yellow and pink background

The Best Real Housewives Quotes: "Name 'Em" & More

[Speech] Economic Activity, Prices, and Monetary Policy in Japan Speech at a Meeting with Local Leaders in Ishikawa

TAKATA Hajime Member of the Policy Board September 5, 2024

Full Text [PDF 547KB]

Public Safety
Indiana Politics
Investigations
Season for Sharing

Trump said Harris was at a 'sorority party.' Indy speaking engagement wasn't a party

Donald Trump cited Vice President Kamala Harris’s recent visit to Indianapolis as an indication that “she hates Israel” during the presidential debate Tuesday .

The former U.S. president said that Harris skipped the address of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu because “she was at a sorority party of hers.”

“She wouldn't even meet with Netanyahu when he went to Congress to make a very important speech. She refused to be there because she was at a sorority party of hers. She wanted to go to the sorority party,” he said. “She hates Israel.”

Netanyahu made a speech to a joint session of the US Congress on July 24.

Kamala Harris visits Indianapolis: Presidential candidate calls out Project 2025, rallies Black women in Indy

Why was Kamala Harris in Indianapolis?

It’s typical for vice presidents typically to preside over sessions involving world leaders, but Harris was in Indianapolis at that time to speak at the Zeta Phi Beta Soriority Inc. national convention. It was an engagement scheduled before the Israeli leader announced his visit to Washington and before President Joe Biden announced he would drop his re-election bid and back Harris for president.

What is Zeta Phi Beta?

Zeta Phi Beta is a social service organization in 1920, among the largest historically Black Greek-lettered fraternities and sororities. Its July 23-28 convention at the Indiana Convention Center drew about 6,000 people.

During its convention, the 104-year-old Zeta Phi Beta worked on programs and initiatives to promote education, decrease health disparities and raise awareness around important issues facing women. The meeting amplified social, health and economic justice.

Harris did meet with Netanyahu in Washington the day after his address to Congress.

Speaking engagement was not a 'sorority party'

Trump was mistaken about the Zeta conference, called the Grand Boule, being “her sorority party.”

Kamala Harris is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, another historically Black sorority. She’d addressed that organization’s national convention in Dallas two weeks before the Zeta meeting.

Both Zeta Phi Beta and Alpha Kappa Alpha are members of the Divine Nine , and prioritize community service.

Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at [email protected] or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X: @cherylvjackson .

IMAGES

FREE 51+ Introduction Speech Samples & Template in PDF, Word
FREE 51+ Introduction Speech Samples & Template in PDF, Word
FREE 51+ Introduction Speech Samples & Template in PDF, Word
FREE 36+ Introduction Speech Samples in PDF
FREE 51+ Introduction Speech Samples & Template in PDF, Word
FREE 36+ Introduction Speech Samples in PDF

VIDEO

Successful Meetings in English: Lesson 3. Starting a meeting
സ്വാഗത പ്രസംഗം, Welcome Speech, Welcome Address, ഇനി ആർക്കും പേടി കൂടാതെ ചെയ്യാം, Anu Koshy Talks
English Meetings: A Step-by-Step Guide to Successful Leadership
How to start a conversation and introduce yourself at conferences
Kick off Meeting Part 1: Introduction
Public Speaking Tip: How to Start a Speech

COMMENTS

Meeting Introduction Examples: The Power of First Impressions
Some examples of meeting ground rules are: State your name before you begin speaking. Stay 100% focused during the meeting by avoiding incoming emails, direct messages, and text messages. Never interrupt the individual who is speaking or sharing a point. Come prepared with action items to discuss with the team.
38 Top Opening and Closing Remarks for Meetings
Opening and closing remarks for meetings are statements that introduce and wrap up workplace get-togethers. The purpose of these remarks is to set the tone of the subject matter and summarize topics covered during the meeting. Examples of opening and closing remarks for meetings include quick welcomes to attendees, announcements explaining the ...
How to Introduce Yourself in a Meeting: 8 Tips + Examples
9 Ask if anyone has questions. To give your new team the chance to get to know you better, close your introduction by providing space for questions. If time in the meeting is short, you can always encourage questions by email or a one-on-one after the meeting.
15 Powerful Speech Opening Lines (And How to Create Your Own)
Analyze their response and tweak the joke accordingly if necessary. Starting your speech with humour means your setting the tone of your speech. It would make sense to have a few more jokes sprinkled around the rest of the speech as well as the audience might be expecting the same from you. 4.
Welcome Speech for Meeting
Always make sure that all details needed are within your reach or that you already have them down as notes. 2. Write a Short Draft of Your Speech. Draft it out. It may sound as simple as that, and it really is, but to make a good welcome speech, one must at least learn to draft out what you need to say.
How to Smoothly Start a Meeting as a Chair
Start With a Quick Introduction. Open a meeting or a conference call by greeting everyone, and introducing yourself. Example: Hello everybody, and thanks for joining. I'm Michelle Carter, project manager at Antiveo, and I'll be chairing the meeting today. ... The goal is clear communication, not fast speech. Thanks for reminding us of that ...
How to Start a Speech: 7 Tips and Examples for a Captivating Opening
4. Make them laugh. Injecting a little humor into your opening line puts everyone at ease and makes your speech more memorable. Just make sure your joke is relevant and doesn't offend your audience. Example: "They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but if the doctor is cute, forget the fruit!". 5.
How to Start a Speech: The Best Ways to Capture Your Audience
1) Thank the Organizers and Audience. You can start by thanking the audience for coming and thanking the organization for inviting you to speak. Refer to the person who introduced you or to one or more of the senior people in the organization in the audience. This compliments them, makes them feel proud and happy about your presence, and ...
The Right Way to Start a Meeting
The Right Way to Start a Meeting. by. Liane Davey. March 02, 2017. We all know there's a price to pay for a making bad first impression: A limp handshake conveys low confidence; a wrinkled suit ...
Opening a Meeting
Hello, everyone. Thank you for coming today. I think we'll begin now. First I'd like to welcome you all. Thank you all for coming at such short notice. I really appreciate you all for attending today. We have a lot to cover today, so we really should begin. Sample Welcome: Pierre: I think we'll begin now.
How to Write an Introduction Speech: 7 Easy Steps & Examples
Networking Events: When meeting new people in professional or social settings, an effective introduction speech can help you make a memorable first impression. Formal Gatherings: From weddings to conferences, introductions set the tone for the event and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
How to Run Introductory Meetings (+ Practical Examples)
Opening Remarks (5 Minutes) Greet participants. Summarize the meeting's purpose and establishing basic guidelines. Introduce Yourself (20 Minutes) Take time to introduce yourself, sharing your name, role in the organization, and a brief professional background.
Introductory Meetings: 7 Tips to Host One Effectively
5 Provide an opportunity for questions. In your introductory meeting, people might want to know more about how you'll be working together, the expectations you have as a manager, your team's overall purpose, and more. Adding a section for questions in the agenda ahead of time will help people come prepared with their top questions.
7 ways for opening a speech! The perfect speech introduction
Requirements for the ideal introduction for your speech. Know the outcome of your speech; Know your audience members; The goal of an ideal introduction to your speech; Giving a speech: seven perfect speech introductions. 1. He who asks, leads - starting with a question; 2. Start your speech with a quote; 3. Inspire your audience with ...
Five of the Best Speech Opening Lines
Deceptively simple, the opening lines for this speech set the tone for what has become the most viewed TED talk of all (currently nearly 57 million views). Far from being just 'throat clearing', Sir Ken's funny introduction cleverly paves the way for a talk that will gently but profoundly show us a new way of looking at education.
How to write a welcome speech in 3 steps (with sample speech)
There are six common or standard content items in a good welcome speech. These are: Greetings to welcome everyone and thanking them for coming along. Acknowledgement of special guests, if there are any. An introduction of the event itself and a brief overview of special highlights the audience will want to know about.
How to Host an Introductory Meeting: Tips & Examples
Craft and share the meeting agenda. Allocate specific time slots for introductions and outline key topics to be covered. Send the agenda so people can come prepared with relevant questions and talking points. Prepare the meeting space. For in-person meetings, make sure the room is set up appropriately for the number of attendees.
26 Ways To Start a Speech and Capture People's Attention
Here are 26 different techniques for beginning your speech: 1. Use a quote. One method of starting a speech and gaining the audience's attention is to use a famous or relatable quote. This approach can give your audience context for your topic and connect it to something they recognize. For instance, if you plan to give a speech on a political ...
How to Start a Speech
After that point, you'll be able to change those opinions about as easily as you can change a hamster into a ham sandwich. So here's how to be strong in the first 60 seconds of your speech. (2) Your opening sets the entire tone of your presentation (including whether you'll be interesting or not). (3) This is when you introduce your message and ...
How to Lead Introductions in Business Meetings
Rule 1: Make sure everyone gets introduced. If someone is important enough to be invited, they must be introduced. Business introductions make sure the people in the meeting know who they're talking to. They provide critical context for the discussion, giving everyone a sense for the range of perspectives and experience in the room.
What is the Best Way to Start a Meeting?
Make introductions if needed: If there are new participants, take a moment to introduce them to the group. Encourage participation: Make sure everyone has a chance to speak and share their thoughts. Encourage active listening and respectful communication. Stay on track: Keep the meeting focused and moving forward.
9 Introduction Speech Ideas for a Successful Presentation
5. Keep it brief and simple. It's usually a good idea to keep your introductory speech brief and simple so listeners can remember what you say more easily and stay focused on your presentation. Try to use language familiar to your audience, and offer brief explanations of jargon that may be unfamiliar to them.
Sample Welcome Speech for a Corporate Event
annual group meeting and we are proud to be able to host it today here at this wonderful place with all of you. Before we get started, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of you who generously helped us make this event come together to become a success. (Include the names of the individuals you wish to thank here) We couldn ...
Introduction to Speech Communication
Introduction to Speech Communication is used to support teaching, learning and research for SPCH 2713 at Oklahoma State University (OSU). In addition to inclusion of original work authored by the editors to meet the needs of their course at OSU, the editors adapted portions of Exploring Public Speaking: 4th Edition, Stand Up, Speak Out, and Fundamentals of Public Speaking. Please see the ...
Trump and Harris Shake Hands During Rare Joint Appearance at 9/11
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump greet one another at the 9/11 Memorial on Sept. 11, 2024. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Trump, 78, and Harris, 59, greeted one another at the memorial, shaking hands for ...
Lala Kent Reveals Photos of Daughter Ocean Reacting to Meeting Baby
Lala Kent shared the first photos of her 3-year-old daughter, Ocean, meeting her new baby sister, Sosa. Read on to see the cute pics.
Harris and Trump shake hands at New York 9/11 remembrance ...
President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance are commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks on Wednesday, appearing to put ...
Speech by Board Member TAKATA in Ishikawa (Economic ...
Speeches 2024> Speech by Board Member TAKATA in Ishikawa (Economic Activity, Prices, and Monetary Policy in Japan) [Speech] Economic Activity, Prices, and Monetary Policy in Japan Speech at a Meeting with Local Leaders in Ishikawa
Kamala Harris' 'Sorority party' in Indianapolis: About the visit
The meeting amplified social, health and economic justice. Harris did meet with Netanyahu in Washington the day after his address to Congress. Speaking engagement was not a 'sorority party'

38 Top Opening and Closing Remarks for Meetings

Short opening remarks for a meeting

Opening remarks for a virtual meeting

Chairman opening remarks in a meeting

Opening remarks for a seminar

Sample closing remarks for a meeting

Sample closing remarks for an event

Simple closing remarks

Book wildly fun team building events with expert hosts

FAQ: Opening and closing remarks for meetings

What are opening and closing remarks for meetings?

Why are good opening and closing remarks important?

What are some good opening statements for meetings?

How do you create good closing remarks for meetings?

Leave a Reply Cancel

Get our free team building tool box

15 Powerful Speech Opening Lines (And How to Create Your Own)

1. Ric Elias

How to use the power of imagination to open your speech?

2. Barack Obama

3. Seth MacFarlane

How to use humour to open your speech?

4. Mohammed Qahtani

5. Darren Tay

How to use props to begin your speech?

6. Simon Sinek

7. Julian Treasure

How to use questions to open a speech?

8. Aaron Beverley

How to use silence for speech openings?

9. Dan Pink

10. Kelly McGonigal

How to use a build-up to open your speech?

11. Tim Urban

12. Scott Dinsmore

How to use storytelling as a speech opening?

13. Larry Smith

14. Jane McGonigal

How to use provocative statements to start your speech?

15. Ramona J Smith

How to use your full body to grip the audience at the beginning of your speech?

Level up your public speaking in 15 minutes!

Final Words

Enroll in our transformative 1:1 Coaching Program

Go From Passive to Assertive with These 6 Top Tips

Feeling Nervous? Congratulations, You Care

How to Brag Like a Pro as a Speaker

Get our latest tips and tricks in your inbox always

Welcome Speech for Meeting

10+ Welcome Speech for Meeting Examples

2. Welcome Chairman’s Speech for Meeting

3. Welcome Speech for Manager Meeting

4. Welcome & Introduction Speech for Meeting

5. Welcome Speech for University Meeting

6. Welcome Speech for Remote Meeting

7. Welcome Speech for Event Meeting

8. Welcome Speech for Shareholders Meeting

9. Welcome Speech for Meeting in PDF

10. Welcome & Opening Speech for Meeting

11. Welcome Speech for Bank Meeting

What Is a Welcome Speech for a Meeting?

How to Write a Welcome Speech for Meeting?

1. Remember to Take All Details into Account

2. Write a Short Draft of Your Speech

3. Use Simple Words When Writing the Speech

4. Practice Pronouncing the Names of the Guests

5. Revise If There Are Any Issues with It

What is a welcome speech for meeting?

How do you write a good welcome speech for meeting?

What should not be in a welcome speech?

How to smoothly start a meeting (when you’re in charge)

More good stuff...

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Business English lessons & tips

Most recent episodes

ENGLISH PROGRAMS

CONTACT INFO

How to Start a Speech: 7 Tips and Examples for a Captivating Opening

1. Choosing the Right Opening Line

2. Using a Personal Story