The Opening Speech

Think back to the last event you attended. Did the opening speech ignite the room—setting the tone for something unforgettable? Or did it feel like a box-ticking exercise, something you endured while waiting for the real event to start?

A killer opening speech isn’t just a polite welcome. It’s an attention-grabber, an energy boost, and a scene-setter all rolled into one. Whether you’re launching a product, leading a conference, or firing up a team, those first words don’t just introduce the event—they define it.

So, what separates a speech that commands the room from one that fades into the background?

Let’s break it down.

1. It Sets the Emotional Tone

A great event doesn’t just inform—it makes people feel something. Whether it’s excitement, inspiration, urgency, or unity, the opening speech should tap into that emotional core immediately.

? Example: At Apple’s product launches, the first few moments don’t bombard the audience with specs. Instead, they start with a story, a challenge, or a vision—something that emotionally hooks the audience before diving into details.

2. It Creates Instant Engagement

A bad opening speech sounds like this:"Welcome, thank you for coming, we appreciate your time, let’s get started…"

By that point, the audience has already checked out.

A great opening speech grabs attention from the first sentence.

A bold statement

A powerful question

A surprising fact

A short, impactful story

? Example: Malala Yousafzai’s United Nations Speech (2013) "One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.”

Malala didn’t start with a long thank-you or a dry introduction. Instead, she delivered a powerful, short statement that immediately framed her message. In just a few words, she set the emotional tone, engaged the audience, and made it clear why her speech mattered.

3. It Connects the Audience to the Event’s Purpose

The best opening speeches don’t just welcome people—they remind them why they’re here.

What’s the big idea behind the event?

Why does it matter?

How does it affect the audience?

The goal is to create buy-in—to make people feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves.

? Example: “Today, you’re not just attendees. You’re part of a conversation that will shape the future of our industry.”

4. It Builds Anticipation for What’s Coming

An opening speech is like a movie trailer—it should tease the most exciting parts of what’s ahead without giving too much away.

Instead of listing every speaker and topic (boring), highlight:

The biggest questions that will be answered

The most exciting themes that will be explored

The impact the event could have

? Example: “By the end of today, you’ll have heard from pioneers who are redefining technology, disrupting industries, and shaping the future of business. But first, let’s talk about why this moment—right now—is different from any other in history.”

Common Mistakes That Kill an Opening Speech

?? Too long. Keep it tight. Five minutes can feel like a lifetime if the speaker isn’t engaging.

?? Too generic. If it sounds like it could have been copied from any other event, it’s forgettable.

?? Too formal. Even at high-level conferences, stiff, robotic speeches kill energy. Speak to the audience, not at them.

?? No energy. The audience will only be as excited as the speaker. If the opener lacks passion, expect a slow start to the event.

Final Thought: The Speech That Starts Everything

An event is only as strong as its opening. A killer opening speech:

? Sets the mood

? Engages the audience

? Creates a sense of purpose

? Builds anticipation

Get it right, and the audience leans in. Get it wrong, and the event has an uphill battle from the start.

Need an unforgettable opening speech for your event?

At TYPE we craft high-impact speeches that set the tone, captivate audiences, and make moments matter. Let’s talk.