how to start speech in english in school

How to start a speech for students (Ultimate opening lines)

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking , Speech Topics , Speech Writing

Schools and their love for speeches is an affair we are all quite aware of. Now if you are looking to move beyond the mundane way of delivering speeches in school and are in search of some amazing speech openings for students, you are at the right place!

Speeches are the most common form of public speaking that is encouraged in schools . Be it for a competition, assignment, presentation, or even as a punishment (oops), speeches are everywhere in a student’s life.  

To get a quick idea on speech opening lines for students , don’t forget to check out our video on 3 speech opening lines for students!

But before we dive into understanding how to go about your speeches, it is important to first understand why educational institutes focus so much on speeches or public speaking in general that they begin introducing us to speeches as early as primary sections.

Why is speech encouraged in Primary school?

It is a common practice to give the students a little idea about giving speeches as early as primary school. Part of the reason is that these are the foundational years and form as a stepping stone for the students to get a little more used to public speaking as they move to higher classes .

A couple of ways students in primary schools may be asked to give speeches would be to introduce themselves or at competitions like fancy dress competitions.

What is the use of speech in high school?

In high school, as students gain more understanding about the world at large and develop their opinions, giving speeches is encouraged in school to help them navigate their thoughts to their peers. Further, speeches as a form of public speaking also help build the student’s soft skills .

A few ways giving speeches in high school can help in developing their soft skills are:

1. critical thinking.

Speeches aren’t about blurting out your ideas or opinions, rather it requires you to research and find evidence to back your point of view, or to think critically to deliver a speech that effectively reaches the other students.

2. Problem-solving

Speeches could be framed around a popular or controversial issue that the student wishes to provide their insight into. This would encourage them to come up with solutions. Apart from that, even coming up with a speech can be a task sometimes, and overcoming those challenges too can be counted in as a way of problem-solving

3. Time-management

With a huge number of students in high school, speeches are almost always time-bound. This also means that the students have to structure their speeches in a way that fits the time given, further inculcating time management skills in them.

4. Active listening

Speeches are not only about delivering or conveying your ideas or findings but also about listening carefully to what others have to say in terms of questions that may ask.

Why is speech required at college?

Speeches in college have an entirely different goal than the one that schools have.

In college, it isn’t always mandatory to give speeches or to participate in public speaking. However, a few reasons why giving speeches or public speaking is encouraged in colleges is because:

• It helps in developing communication and public speaking skills that can be very beneficial to their professional life later.
• Speeches may also be a way to meet new people and make new connections.
• It improves the student’s leadership skills. How? We have all heard how a good speaker carries with him or her the potential to influence and lead the crowd, and that is how practicing public speaking in college helps improve a student’s leadership skills.

When can students be asked to give a speech?

As we just discussed that the purpose of giving speeches changes as we progress in our school. However, there are a couple of situations where mostly all students are expected to present their speech. And they are:

Classroom/section speeches

Classroom or section speeches are the ones you give in front of your classmates or people from your age group. Generally, the presentation of assignments and competitions comes under this category.

Graduation Speech

Students may also be expected to present a graduation speech . However, the big difference here is that not everyone gets the opportunity to present a graduation speech or commencement address as it is known.

What type of speech is a graduation speech? Or what type of speech is a commencement speech?

Graduation speeches or commencement speeches are parting speeches wherein the focus is on reflecting on the good times in the institute and motivating others for their bright future ahead. Depending on the purpose as selected by the speaker, these speeches could be persuasive, informative, or entertaining in nature . 

How to start a speech as a student 

Giving speeches as a student, even if you have been doing it for the past few years can still end up being a little challenging.  But rather than giving you tons of tips on things you can focus on while coming up with your speech or speech openings for students, we have got one ultimate tip . If you follow that, you should ideally be able to reach your audience more effectively.

Ultimate tip when writing speeches or speech openings for students

Write how you speak, not how you write.

When I came across this tip, I was surprised too. Because is indeed true that we write very differently when we have to show the speech to someone in written form but if asked honestly, do we speak in such a highly polished, extra professional vocabulary?

The idea is not to write the speech or speech opening riddled with slang but rather in a way that you’d feel comfortable listening to and understanding easily had you been the listener.

So in short, prepare the speech with the listener in mind, not the reader .

What is a good opening line for a speech?

Most opening lines for speech in school begin with a good morning.  We usually follow it with greetings or addressing the audience and the guests.

Wondering how you greet everyone in a speech?

Here is a list of ways you can begin with a simple good morning:

• Good morning everyone presents here today. I’m delighted to present my views and understanding on a very delicate yet overlooked topic; Gender sensitization in the workplace.
• Good afternoon esteemed members of the jury, my friends and peers, and everyone present in the room today.
• Good morning to the faculty, the non-teaching staff, and the class of 2022!!

Now it is a good practice to begin your speech with your usual greetings. However, in this blog, we are trying to look beyond the usual.

It doesn’t mean that you will not be saying good morning or your basic greetings; the only difference is that you’ll not be opening your speech with it but addressing these basic formalities later in the speech.

How do you start a speech without saying good morning?

There are a couple of ways you can start a speech without saying good morning. Here are some of the ways we will take a look at in this blog:

• “Imagine” scenario
• “What if” scenario
• Rhetorical questions
• Statistics and figures
• Powerful statements

Quotes are phrases or things spoken by someone influential . Quotes as speech openings for students can not only help them go beyond the widely popular way of beginning any speech but will also help them establish credibility right in the very beginning!

Now if you have ever wondered,

How to start your speech with a quote?

Here are a couple of examples of using quotes as speech openings for students:

Lon Watters had said that “A school is a building with four walls, with tomorrow inside.” And it would be wrong if I said that I didn’t agree with every bit of what he said. As we come to an end of our journey with this school that has provided us with tons of opportunities to learn, grow, interact and make memories we sure will cherish forever…

“If you don’t have a plan for your life, somebody else does.” This is a quote given by Michael Hyatt and isn’t it something we have all been experiencing all these years of growing up as our parents or guardians make plans for us right from the way we dress to the school we go to and sometimes even the careers we choose. Good morning everyone, I am Myra, a student of XYZ school standing here to voice my opinion on “Factors that influence your career decisions.”

 2. “Imagine” Scenario

This happens to be a personal favorite of mine when it comes to speech openings for students. A very simple yet beautiful way to engage your audience right at the beginning of your speech while at the same time allowing them to relate to what you’ll be saying next is what the image” scenarios are all about.

Before we begin, I’d like you to take a moment and imagine walking through a trail. You see the lush greens and pretty sky above you, the most dynamic clouds following everyone you go. Try sniffing the smell of wet soil and a hint of flowery fragrance as you walk towards the edge of the hill expecting to take a glimpse of the utter beauty that these hours of walking would lead you to, but you find something else. You see something that sends chills down your spine. There are some strange men performing rituals right in the very heart of these dense greens. You wonder what it is all about until it hits you; you have just uncovered a cult.

For the next example, I’d like you to take a look at the video below and check for yourself how wonderfully the speaker (although not a student) has made use of the “imagine” scenario to share his tragic experience with his audience.

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.

3. “What If” Scenario

What if I told you that the best speech openings for students are actually the ones wherein they come up with an opening that best represents their style and comfort at delivering speeches, be it with a joke or a story?

Do you see what I did there?

That is an example of a “what if” scenario. It is similar to the imagination scenario we discussed above but the only difference here is that “what if” speech openings for students focus on providing an alternative idea to the audience while the imagined scenarios provide the audience an opportunity to relate to the speaker.

4. Rhetorical question

Rhetorical questions are questions the speaker includes in his/her/their speech that doesn’t necessarily require the audience to come up with an answer but are posed to get the audience thinking on the same.

Using rhetorical questions as speech openings for students can work wonders especially when you are looking for either a very quick speech opening or have very little time to deliver the speech.

An example of using rhetorical questions for speech opening is given below:

Talking about the new policy that makes it illegal to check the gender of the child before birth, do you think that it will curb the issue of female foeticide? Or will it simply take the activity underground?

The art of silence is phenomenal. Opening your speech in silence can help enhance your speech in two ways.

First, it will give the audience some time to settle in , post which you can expect to grab their dedicated attention. And secondly, silence would give you some time to understand the room and calm your pre-stage anxiousness .

6. Statistics and figures

Want to begin your speech on a hard-hitting and eye-opening note?

Show the numbers, the figures, and any statistics that serve your purpose for giving the speech.

It is very common to overlook the seriousness of any situation when you aren’t aware of the real extent of its seriousness. But when we have numbers in front of us, there is no more room for being in denial.

Examples of using Statistics or figures as speech openings for students

• According to the 2019 WWF report , on average, we consume about 1,769 microplastic particles every week. 1769 microplastic particles every single week, can you imagine that?
• 3.2 million teenagers between the age of 12-17 were depressed in the US as of 2017. Now you can only assume the number has increased over the past 5 years.

7. Powerful  Statements

Powerful statements are statements that try to break any common ideologies held by the public. Another example of a powerful statement is stating a fact or idea that isn’t openly spoken .

The video below is one such example of how the speaker tries to break a perception generally held by the people.

How often have we been told to include stories in our speech?

Almost every time isn’t it? So here we are to bombard you yet again by saying that stories are extremely fun and engaging forms of speech openings for students.

You can either share your experience or someone else’s story.

You can also refer to a Recent Conversation by starting your speech with something like “Just the other day as I was walking out of my Philosophy lecture, I asked Mr.Dee about his philosophy on life, and what he said was so eye-opening that I could not wait to share with all of you.”

An adorable example of how to begin a speech with a story is given below to help you get a clearer idea.

Examples of speech openings for students

Speech opening lines for public speaking competitions.

When it comes to public speaking competitions like elocutions, speech competitions, or even presentations, it is almost always recommended to begin with self-introduction . The reason is quite simple; there is a high chance that your audience might not know you .

But if you don’t want to begin with a self-introduction, you can start by using any of the alternatives we discussed earlier. Click here to go back and take another peek at it.

Speech Opening Lines for Self-introductions

Speech openings for self-introductions need to be simple, to the point yet descriptive.

Wait a minute? Wasn’t I contradicting myself in that line?

Yes, but that is how opening lines for self-introductions would ideally work. As people expect you to talk about yourself in depth in the rest of your speech, your opening lines would just be a teaser about yourself.

2 most important things to add in your self-introduction opening lines for students

• What do you do?

Other things that you can talk about in these opening lines include:

• Where are you from?
• What is your goal?
• What does your organization do?
• A little bit about your family

Examples of opening lines for students

Good morning, I am Reini. I recently graduated from BMU college and have since been working as a Design intern at Desgynopedia. 

Hello and good evening everyone. I am Nicole and this is my team, Alina, Tim, Harold, and Noman. We are in our senior year majoring in Organizational psychology. Today we would like to talk about the 5 main Psychological factors that impact any organization’s overall performance.

Hey, I am Nizan. I am a nerd for Political Science and Greek Philosophy and am currently majoring in the same. My love for the subjects is also the reason why I am here to present a topic I found very intriguing “The injustice behind socrates’ death.”

Funny speech opening lines for students

If you are giving a speech for a competition, one of the most fun ways of opening your speech could be to say “Good morning to the faculty, my friends, and (look at the opponents) others.”

Other funny opening line examples:

• I almost bunked school today until I realized that this speech carries marks and I sure don’t want to be in a class with our juniors. Just imagine! Who could do that?
• Hello and good morning to everyone, except the ones who are well prepared for their speeches today.
• Hello everyone, I’m excited to present my speech on XYZ’s topic today. I mean come on, what could be better than waking up at 7 am on a Monday morning to give a speech?
• Today I’ll be talking about XYZ because I was told to!

Best Speech Opening Lines by students

1. chase dahl.

In one of the funniest speech opening lines by students, Chase Dahl opens up by saying “You know I have never understood how imagining the audience naked was supposed to make you less nervous. Honestly, I’m just uncomfortable right now.”

2. Kyle Martin (The King’s Academy)

Yet another Valedictorian speech that has caught our eye is the one given by Kyle Martin. The reason we would suggest you take a look into the opening lines of his speech is so that you can take notes on how beautifully he has described the efforts taken by every department of the institute as he tries to thank them for their efforts.

Presentation Opening Lines

Presentation speeches are a little different compared to your usual speeches and the major reason for that is because now you have access to visuals or your PPT.

Besides some of the ways already discussed above, you can begin the presentation by pointing out a particular slide. You can show your audience a graph, table, pictures, or any other creative and eye-catching ideas that can also turn out to be an amazing presentation opening.

How to start a presentation speech example for students

A few common ways you can open your speech are:

• Hello everyone, I am Miya. I would first like to thank you all for your time.
• For those who don’t know me, my name is Nazia, and if you do know me, hello again!
• Good afternoon to all you wonderful people present here. I am Ryan and as you can see on screen, today I’ll be speaking on “The hazards of drinking from plastic bottles.”

For more examples of opening lines check out 50 Speech Opening Lines .

You might also like to know:

How to start a speech for the student council.

Speeches for student council are usually persuasive. They are your pitch to convince your fellow students to vote for you and help you get the position you are looking for.

So ideally, you should start by addressing everyone in the room . Then make a point to introduce yourself. Once you have introduced yourself, remind the audience why you are speaking which means let them know the position you are campaigning for. Bring up at least 1-2 issues that the students are most concerned about and tell them how if elected you’ll provide solutions to their issues.

Try to end it on a high note and don’t forget to add your campaign slogan .

You can also begin by stating your campaign slogan .

Yet another way to begin your speech for the student council is by challenging your opponent’s point of view or campaign . However, this would work only f you have a better strategy or solutions to the issues raised by your opponents.

Lastly, do something that no one expects from you . Let me share a story here to help you understand this point better. During one of the student council speeches, one candidate asked the audience to stand up, move a step in the front then go back to their seats and settle down. Following this, she said, “My parents told me if I could move the audience, I’d win.” And so she did win!

What is a speech class?

A speech class in high school or college is usually a short course or 1-semester course wherein the student is expected to improve on their public speaking skills along with critical thinking and active listening skills.

It essentially enhances their oral communication skills.

This also reminds me to introduce you to our courses that help enhance your public speaking and communication skills. If you are interested, head to Frantically Speaking .

But if your appetite for learning more about opening speeches isn’t satiated yet, we suggest you go check out our Video on the Powerful speech opening lines.

To Conclude

There are tons of ways to get creative with speech openings for students. From saying a simple good morning to adding stories, quotes, statistics, rhetorical questions, and even silence!

Get creative with your speech openings. As we always say, there are no right or wrong ways of public speaking as such, only a way that suits perfectly for you is the one that is right for you.

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How to write a good speech in 7 steps

By:  Susan Dugdale  

- an easily followed format for writing a great speech

Did you know writing a speech doesn't have be an anxious, nail biting experience?

Unsure? Don't be.

You may have lived with the idea you were never good with words for a long time. Or perhaps giving speeches at school brought you out in cold sweats.

However learning how to write a speech is relatively straight forward when you learn to write out loud.

And that's the journey I am offering to take you on: step by step.

To learn quickly, go slow

Take all the time you need. This speech format has 7 steps, each building on the next.

Walk, rather than run, your way through all of them. Don't be tempted to rush. Familiarize yourself with the ideas. Try them out.

I know there are well-advertised short cuts and promises of 'write a speech in 5 minutes'. However in reality they only truly work for somebody who already has the basic foundations of speech writing in place.

The foundation of good speech writing 

These steps are the backbone of sound speech preparation. Learn and follow them well at the outset and yes, given more experience and practice you could probably flick something together quickly. Like any skill, the more it's used, the easier it gets.

In the meantime...

Step 1: Begin with a speech overview or outline

Are you in a hurry? Without time to read a whole page? Grab ... The Quick How to Write a Speech Checklist And come back to get the details later.

• WHO you are writing your speech for (your target audience)
• WHY you are preparing this speech. What's the main purpose of your speech? Is it to inform or tell your audience about something? To teach them a new skill or demonstrate something? To persuade or to entertain? (See 4 types of speeches: informative, demonstrative, persuasive and special occasion or entertaining for more.) What do you want them to think, feel or do as a result of listening the speech?
• WHAT your speech is going to be about (its topic) - You'll want to have thought through your main points and have ranked them in order of importance. And have sorted the supporting research you need to make those points effectively.
• HOW much time you have for your speech eg. 3 minutes, 5 minutes... The amount of time you've been allocated dictates how much content you need. If you're unsure check this page: how many words per minute in a speech: a quick reference guide . You'll find estimates of the number of words required for 1 - 10 minute speeches by slow, medium and fast talkers.

Use an outline

The best way to make sure you deliver a perfect speech is to start by carefully completing a speech outline covering the essentials: WHO, WHY, WHAT and HOW.

Beginning to write without thinking your speech through is a bit like heading off on a journey not knowing why you're traveling or where you're going to end up. You can find yourself lost in a deep, dark, murky muddle of ideas very quickly!

Pulling together a speech overview or outline is a much safer option. It's the map you'll follow to get where you want to go.

Get a blank speech outline template to complete

Click the link to find out a whole lot more about preparing a speech outline . ☺ You'll also find a free printable blank speech outline template.  I recommend using it!

Understanding speech construction

Before you begin to write, using your completed outline as a guide, let's briefly look at what you're aiming to prepare.

• an opening or introduction
• the body where the bulk of the information is given
• and an ending (or summary).

Imagine your speech as a sandwich

If you think of a speech as a sandwich you'll get the idea.

The opening and ending are the slices of bread holding the filling (the major points or the body of your speech) together.

You can build yourself a simple sandwich with one filling (one big idea) or you could go gourmet and add up to three or, even five. The choice is yours.

But whatever you choose to serve, as a good cook, you need to consider who is going to eat it! And that's your audience.

So let's find out who they are before we do anything else. 

Step 2: Know who you are talking to

Understanding your audience.

Did you know a  good speech is never written from the speaker's point of view?  ( If you need to know more about why check out this page on  building rapport .)

Begin with the most important idea/point on your outline.

Consider HOW you can explain (show, tell) that to your audience in the most effective way for them to easily understand it.   

Writing from the audience's point of view

To help you write from an audience point of view, it's a good idea to identify either a real person or the type of person who is most likely to be listening to you.

Make sure you select someone who represents the "majority" of the people who will be in your audience. That is they are neither struggling to comprehend you at the bottom of your scale or light-years ahead at the top.

Now imagine they are sitting next to you eagerly waiting to hear what you're going to say. Give them a name, for example, Joe, to help make them real.

Ask yourself

• How do I need to tailor my information to meet Joe's needs? For example, do you tell personal stories to illustrate your main points? Absolutely! Yes. This is a very powerful technique. (Click storytelling in speeches to find out more.)
• What type or level of language is right for Joe as well as my topic? For example if I use jargon (activity, industry or profession specific vocabulary) will it be understood?

Step 3: Writing as you speak

Writing oral language.

Write down what you want to say about your first main point as if you were talking directly to Joe.

If it helps, say it all out loud before you write it down and/or record it.

Use the information below as a guide

(Click to download The Characteristics of Spoken Language  as a pdf.) 

You do not have to write absolutely everything you're going to say down * but you do need to write down, or outline, the sequence of ideas to ensure they are logical and easily followed.

Remember too, to explain or illustrate your point with examples from your research. 

( * Tip: If this is your first speech the safety net of having everything written down could be just what you need. It's easier to recover from a patch of jitters when you have a word by word manuscript than if you have either none, or a bare outline. Your call!)

Step 4: Checking tone and language

The focus of this step is re-working what you've done in Step 2 and 3.

You identified who you were talking to (Step 2) and in Step 3, wrote up your first main point.  Is it right? Have you made yourself clear?  Check it.

How well you complete this step depends on how well you understand the needs of the people who are going to listen to your speech.

Please do not assume because you know what you're talking about the person (Joe) you've chosen to represent your audience will too. Joe is not a mind-reader!

How to check what you've prepared

• Check the "tone" of your language . Is it right for the occasion, subject matter and your audience?
• Check the length of your sentences. You need short sentences. If they're too long or complicated you risk losing your listeners.

Check for jargon too. These are industry, activity or group exclusive words.

For instance take the phrase: authentic learning . This comes from teaching and refers to connecting lessons to the daily life of students. Authentic learning is learning that is relevant and meaningful for students. If you're not a teacher you may not understand the phrase.

The use of any vocabulary requiring insider knowledge needs to be thought through from the audience perspective. Jargon can close people out.

• Read what you've written out loud. If it flows naturally, in a logical manner, continue the process with your next main idea. If it doesn't, rework.

We use whole sentences and part ones, and we mix them up with asides or appeals e.g. "Did you get that? Of course you did. Right...Let's move it along. I was saying ..."

Click for more about the differences between spoken and written language .

And now repeat the process

Repeat this process for the remainder of your main ideas.

Because you've done the first one carefully, the rest should follow fairly easily.

Step 5: Use transitions

Providing links or transitions between main ideas.

Between each of your main ideas you need to provide a bridge or pathway for your audience. The clearer the pathway or bridge, the easier it is for them to make the transition from one idea to the next.

If your speech contains more than three main ideas and each is building on the last, then consider using a "catch-up" or summary as part of your transitions.

Is your speech being evaluated? Find out exactly what aspects you're being assessed on using this standard speech evaluation form

Link/transition examples

A link can be as simple as:

"We've explored one scenario for the ending of Block Buster 111, but let's consider another. This time..."

What follows this transition is the introduction of Main Idea Two.

Here's a summarizing link/transition example:

"We've ended Blockbuster 111 four ways so far. In the first, everybody died. In the second, everybody died BUT their ghosts remained to haunt the area. In the third, one villain died. His partner reformed and after a fight-out with the hero, they both strode off into the sunset, friends forever. In the fourth, the hero dies in a major battle but is reborn sometime in the future.

And now what about one more? What if nobody died? The fifth possibility..."

Go back through your main ideas checking the links. Remember Joe as you go. Try each transition or link out loud and really listen to yourself. Is it obvious? Easily followed?

Keep them if they are clear and concise.

For more about transitions (with examples) see Andrew Dlugan's excellent article, Speech Transitions: Magical words and Phrases .

Step 6: The end of your speech

The ideal ending is highly memorable . You want it to live on in the minds of your listeners long after your speech is finished. Often it combines a call to action with a summary of major points.

Example speech endings

Example 1: The desired outcome of a speech persuading people to vote for you in an upcoming election is that they get out there on voting day and do so. You can help that outcome along by calling them to register their support by signing a prepared pledge statement as they leave.

"We're agreed we want change. You can help us give it to you by signing this pledge statement as you leave. Be part of the change you want to see!

Example 2: The desired outcome is increased sales figures. The call to action is made urgent with the introduction of time specific incentives.

"You have three weeks from the time you leave this hall to make that dream family holiday in New Zealand yours. Can you do it? Will you do it? The kids will love it. Your wife will love it. Do it now!"

How to figure out the right call to action

A clue for working out what the most appropriate call to action might be, is to go back to your original purpose for giving the speech.

• Was it to motivate or inspire?
• Was it to persuade to a particular point of view?
• Was it to share specialist information?
• Was it to celebrate a person, a place, time or event?

Ask yourself what you want people to do as a result of having listened to your speech.

For more about ending speeches

Visit this page for more about how to end a speech effectively . You'll find two additional types of speech endings with examples.

Write and test

Write your ending and test it out loud. Try it out on a friend, or two. Is it good? Does it work?

Step 7: The introduction

Once you've got the filling (main ideas) the linking and the ending in place, it's time to focus on the introduction.

The introduction comes last as it's the most important part of your speech. This is the bit that either has people sitting up alert or slumped and waiting for you to end. It's the tone setter!

What makes a great speech opening?

Ideally you want an opening that makes listening to you the only thing the 'Joes' in the audience want to do.

You want them to forget they're hungry or that their chair is hard or that their bills need paying.

The way to do that is to capture their interest straight away. You do this with a "hook".

Hooks to catch your audience's attention

Hooks come in as many forms as there are speeches and audiences. Your task is work out what specific hook is needed to catch your audience.

Go back to the purpose. Why are you giving this speech?

Once you have your answer, consider your call to action. What do you want the audience to do, and, or take away, as a result of listening to you?

Next think about the imaginary or real person you wrote for when you were focusing on your main ideas.

Choosing the best hook

• Is it humor?
• Would shock tactics work?
• Is it a rhetorical question?
• Is it formality or informality?
• Is it an outline or overview of what you're going to cover, including the call to action?
• Or is it a mix of all these elements?

A hook example

Here's an example from a fictional political speech. The speaker is lobbying for votes. His audience are predominately workers whose future's are not secure.

"How's your imagination this morning? Good? (Pause for response from audience) Great, I'm glad. Because we're going to put it to work starting right now.

I want you to see your future. What does it look like? Are you happy? Is everything as you want it to be? No? Let's change that. We could do it. And we could do it today.

At the end of this speech you're going to be given the opportunity to change your world, for a better one ...

No, I'm not a magician. Or a simpleton with big ideas and precious little commonsense. I'm an ordinary man, just like you. And I have a plan to share!"

And then our speaker is off into his main points supported by examples. The end, which he has already foreshadowed in his opening, is the call to vote for him.

Prepare several hooks

Experiment with several openings until you've found the one that serves your audience, your subject matter and your purpose best.

For many more examples of speech openings go to: how to write a speech introduction . You'll find 12 of the very best ways to start a speech.

That completes the initial seven steps towards writing your speech. If you've followed them all the way through, congratulations, you now have the text of your speech!

Although you might have the words, you're still a couple of steps away from being ready to deliver them. Both of them are essential if you want the very best outcome possible. They are below. Please take them.

Step 8: Checking content and timing

This step pulls everything together.

Check once, check twice, check three times & then once more!

Go through your speech really carefully.

On the first read through check you've got your main points in their correct order with supporting material, plus an effective introduction and ending.

On the second read through check the linking passages or transitions making sure they are clear and easily followed.

On the third reading check your sentence structure, language use and tone.

Double, triple check the timing

Now go though once more.

This time read it aloud slowly and time yourself.

If it's too long for the time allowance you've been given make the necessary cuts.

Start by looking at your examples rather than the main ideas themselves. If you've used several examples to illustrate one principal idea, cut the least important out.

Also look to see if you've repeated yourself unnecessarily or, gone off track. If it's not relevant, cut it.

Repeat the process, condensing until your speech fits the required length, preferably coming in just under your time limit.

You can also find out how approximately long it will take you to say the words you have by using this very handy words to minutes converter . It's an excellent tool, one I frequently use. While it can't give you a precise time, it does provide a reasonable estimate.

Step 9: Rehearsing your speech

And NOW you are finished with writing the speech, and are ready for REHEARSAL .

Please don't be tempted to skip this step. It is not an extra thrown in for good measure. It's essential.

The "not-so-secret" secret of successful speeches combines good writing with practice, practice and then, practicing some more.

Go to how to practice public speaking and you'll find rehearsal techniques and suggestions to boost your speech delivery from ordinary to extraordinary.

The Quick How to Write a Speech Checklist

Before you begin writing you need:.

• Your speech OUTLINE with your main ideas ranked in the order you're going to present them. (If you haven't done one complete this 4 step sample speech outline . It will make the writing process much easier.)
• Your RESEARCH
• You also need to know WHO you're speaking to, the PURPOSE of the speech and HOW long you're speaking for

The basic format

• the body where you present your main ideas

Split your time allowance so that you spend approximately 70% on the body and 15% each on the introduction and ending.

How to write the speech

• Write your main ideas out incorporating your examples and research
• Link them together making sure each flows in a smooth, logical progression
• Write your ending, summarizing your main ideas briefly and end with a call for action
• Write your introduction considering the 'hook' you're going to use to get your audience listening
• An often quoted saying to explain the process is: Tell them what you're going to tell them (Introduction) Tell them (Body of your speech - the main ideas plus examples) Tell them what you told them (The ending)

TEST before presenting. Read aloud several times to check the flow of material, the suitability of language and the timing.

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• 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.

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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 .

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How to Give a Speech in Front of Your Class

Last Updated: February 22, 2024 References

Researching

Giving the speech, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Deb DiSandro . Deb DiSandro is the Owner of Speak Up On Purpose, an organization dedicated to improving and teaching public speaking. Deb has over 30 years of experience as a national speaker and has presented at the Erma Bombeck Writer’s Conference and the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. She was awarded the National Speakers Association Member of the Year 2007 and has been published in Writer's Digest, Daily Herald, Women's Day, and Better Homes & Gardens. This article has been viewed 499,910 times.

Giving a speech in front of your class can be nerve racking. However, as long as you choose a topic you are passionate about and practice your speech beforehand, you can eliminate those jitters! As you give your speech, speak at a normal pace and enunciate your words. Look at your audience members as if you are having a conversation. Remember that they want you to succeed as much as you want to succeed.

• If you are passionate about the environment, then write about environmental issues, or write about the impact of technology on medicine, if that is what you are passionate about.
• Make sure your topic fits the parameters of the assignment.
• Choosing a topic you are passionate about will make writing, rehearsing, and giving your speech much easier.

• If the websites are all saying the same thing about your topic, the information should be valid and reliable. If they are not, then keep researching your topic until you find consistent information.

• Check the publication dates for the books you reference. Always use the newest version of a book possible, as it will have the most up-to-date studies and research.

• Additionally, take note of any opposing opinions. This way you can briefly address and rebut them in your speech.
• Save the links to your Internet sources in a Word document so you can refer back to them at a later time if you need to.

• For example, if you are writing about plastic pollution in the ocean, break your speech up into causes, effects, and solutions.
• If you are writing about the effect of globalization, organize your speech around the positive and negative effects of globalization.

• For example, if you are giving a speech about the effects of plastic pollution on the ocean, start with a fact that most people believe about plastics in the ocean. Then, share something that will shatter that belief. Anything shocking, odd, or absurd will grab your audience.
• If you are giving a speech about the effects of global population growth, open up your speech with an interesting fact like, "If all the people in the world stood in a line, the line would be long enough to reach Mars."

• Use 3 to 4 hours to memorize a 20 to 30 minute speech.
• Memorizing your speech in front of the mirror will help you observe your movements and vocalizations so that you can incorporate the ones you like into your final presentation.

• For example, write down the beginning of a sentence, a statistic, an important fact, or a word that will jog your memory.

• Show your audience that you are excited about your speech by smiling before you begin, as well as throughout the speech.

• Also remember to pause and take a breath throughout your speech, especially if you feel like you are talking to fast. Pause at the end of sentences, or pause after saying an important point.

• For example, if you ask a rhetorical question, emphasize the last part of the question, or the word "you" to get your point across.
• Also emphasize main ideas, and the beginning of a new paragraph or section of your speech.

• Think of your speech as a series of conversations with different members in the audience.
• If you find yourself getting nervous looking at people, try looking a little above their heads, instead. This way, you're still looking out, but you can focus on what you're saying instead of on other people's expressions.

• Remember, while a few seconds may seem forever to you, it is only a few seconds to your audience.
• If you really feel like you're taking too long to collect yourself, tell your audience, "I really want to get my facts straight, so I'm going to read this part verbatim," and refer to your script.
• Once you've finished, thank your audience, pause for any applause if appropriate, then take your seat.

• Relax yourself beforehand by doing breathing exercises. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Get rid of nervous energy by running or walking the morning before you give your speech. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you can, practice your speech in the classroom or space where you will be giving it. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ http://www.write-out-loud.com/howtoresearch.html
• ↑ http://www.school-for-champions.com/grades/speak_to_your_class_with_confidence.htm#.Wc1nP62ZO8o
• ↑ http://wittcom.com/how-to-give-a-speech/
• ↑ http://esl.fis.edu/learners/advice/speech.htm

About This Article

Giving a speech in front of your class might seem nerve-wracking, but if you rehearse plenty ahead of time, you’ll do great! Write out a script for your speech so you include everything you want to say. Once it’s written out, take a couple of hours to memorize it. Try reading it in front of a mirror or in front of a friend so you get used to saying it out loud. It’s also helpful to make a few notecards to help you remember your speech. You don’t have to write out the whole thing, just the main points that will help jog your memory. When it’s time for your speech, stand straight with your arms relaxed at your sides, which will make you seem more confident and relaxed. Pause and take a few deep breaths before you begin. Then, start speaking. Focus on projecting your voice and speaking at a normal pace so everyone can understand you clearly. For more advice, like how to research for your speech, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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16 Public Speaking Tips for Students

Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of The Anxiety Workbook and founder of the website About Social Anxiety. She has a Master's degree in clinical psychology.

Aron Janssen, MD is board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry and is the vice chair of child and adolescent psychiatry Northwestern University.

Public speaking tips for students aim to reduce anxiety that can interfere with giving presentations or speeches in class. These tips can also be helpful for those with social anxiety disorder (SAD)   who have difficulty speaking in front of a group or telling a story among friends.

Public Speaking Tips

If you have SAD and need to give a speech  in elementary school, high school, college, or university, it helps to be as prepared as possible . Beyond preparation, however, there are strategies that you can use to reduce anxiety and fight the urge to stay home with a fake illness.

Even great speakers practice their speeches beforehand. Practice out loud with a recording device or video camera and then watch yourself to see how you can improve. If you are feeling brave, practice in front of a friend or family member and ask for feedback.

• Talk about what you know : If possible, choose a topic for your speech or presentation that you know a lot about and love. Your passion for the topic will be felt by the audience, and you will feel less anxious knowing that you have a lot of experience to draw from when other students ask you questions.
• Concentrate on your message : When you focus on the task at hand, anxiety is less likely to get out of control. Concentrate on the main message of your speech or presentation and make it your goal to deliver that message to the other students in your class.
• Grab the audience's attention : Most of your fellow classmates will pay attention for at least the first 20 seconds; grab their attention during those early moments. Start with an interesting fact or a story that relates to your topic.
• Have one main message : Focus on one central theme and your classmates will learn more. Tie different parts of your talk to the main theme to support your overall message. Trying to cover too much ground can leave other students feeling overwhelmed.

Tell Stories

Stories catch the attention of other students and deliver a message in a more meaningful way than facts and figures. Whenever possible, use a story to illustrate a point in your talk.

Being prepared to speak in public can also be important if you have social anxiety disorder. Feeling confident and prepared to give your speech may help lessen your feelings of anxiety. Some of the things that you can do to prepare include:

• Visit the room : If you have access to the classroom where you will be speaking outside of class hours, take the time to visit in advance and get used to standing at the front of the room. Make arrangements for any audio-visual equipment and practice standing in the exact spot where you will deliver your speech.
• Rack up experience : Volunteer to speak in front of your class as often as possible. Be the first one to raise your hand when a question is asked. Your confidence will grow with every public speaking experience.
• Observe other speakers : Take the time to watch other speakers who are good at what they do. Practice imitating their style and confidence.
• Organize your talk : Every speech should have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Structure your talk so that the other students know what to expect.

Manage Your Anxiety

Taking steps to deal with your feelings of anxiety can also make public speaking easier. Some of the things that you can do:

• Tell someone about your anxiety : If you are speaking in front of a high school or college class, meet with your teacher or professor and describe your public speaking fears . If you're in elementary or high school, share your fears with your parents, a teacher, or a guidance counselor. Sometimes sharing how you feel can make it easier to overcome stage fright.
• Visualize confidence : Visualize yourself confidently delivering your speech. Imagine feeling free of anxiety and engaging the students in your class. Although this may seem like a stretch for you now, visualization is a powerful tool for changing the way that you feel. Elite athletes use this strategy to improve performance in competitions.
• Find a friendly face : If you are feeling anxious, find one of your friends in class (or someone who seems friendly) and imagine that you are speaking only to that person.

Press Play for Advice on Finding Courage

Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares a strategy to help you find courage when you need it the most.

Follow Now : Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts

Maintain Perspective

Remember that other students are on your side. Think about a time when you have been an audience member and the student delivering the speech or presentation was noticeably nervous. Did you think less of that student? More likely, you felt sympathetic and wanted to make that person more comfortable by smiling or nodding.

Remember—other students generally want you to succeed and feel comfortable. If for some reason the audience is not on your side or you experience bullying or social exclusion, be sure to discuss this with a parent, teacher, or guidance counselor.

Be Confident

Sometimes just knowing what makes a good speech can help you feel more confident. Focus on some of the following elements and practice them before you have to speak in public.

• Develop your own style : In addition to imitating good speakers, work on developing your own personal style as a public speaker. Integrate your own personality into your speaking style and you will feel more comfortable in front of the class. Telling personal stories that tie into your theme are a great way to let other students get to know you better.
• Avoid filler words : Words such as "basically", "well", and "um" don't add anything to your speech. Practice being silent when you feel the urge to use one of these words.
• Vary your tone, volume, and speed : Interesting speakers vary the pitch (high versus low), volume (loud versus soft), and speed (fast versus slow) of their words. Doing so keeps your classmates interested and engaged in what you say.
• Make the audience laugh : Laughter is a great way to relax both you and the other students in your class, and telling jokes can be a great icebreaker at the beginning of a speech. Practice the timing and delivery of your jokes beforehand and ask a friend for feedback. Be sure that they are appropriate for your class before you begin.
• Smile : If all else fails, smile. Your fellow classmates will perceive you like a warm speaker and be more receptive to what you have to say.

Don't Apologize

If you make a mistake, don't offer apologies. Chances are that your classmates didn't notice anyway. Unless you need to correct a fact or figure, there is no point dwelling on errors that probably only you noticed.

If you make a mistake because your hands or shaking, or something similar, try to make light of the situation by saying something like, "I wasn't this nervous when I woke up this morning!" This can help to break the tension of the moment.

A Word From Verywell

It's natural to feel frightened the first time you have to speak in front of your class. However, if you fear continues, interferes with your daily life and keeps you awake at night, it may be helpful to see someone about your anxiety.

Try talking to a parent, teacher, or counselor about how you have been feeling. If that doesn't get you anywhere, ask to make an appointment with your doctor. Severe public speaking anxiety is a true disorder that can improve with treatment .

Spence SH, Rapee RM. The etiology of social anxiety disorder: An evidence-based model . Behav Res Ther. 2016;86:50-67. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2016.06.007

By Arlin Cuncic, MA Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of The Anxiety Workbook and founder of the website About Social Anxiety. She has a Master's degree in clinical psychology.

• Our Mission

4 Strategies for Developing Confident Student Speakers

Consistent support and low-stakes opportunities to practice go a long way to help students overcome the challenges of speaking in front of a group.

I belted out the opening line to Marc Antony’s funeral speech from The Tragedy of Julius Caesar , leaping up the stairs to the stage in my school’s auditorium. Thirteen ninth-grade students dressed in togas sat in the front rows, mouths agape, as they witnessed their goofy teacher unexpectedly launch into the 35-line monologue they had all just beautifully performed. 

Confession: I was nervous walking onto that stage—I sometimes get uncomfortable in the (literal) spotlight. To normalize feelings of anxiety during a performance, I revealed those emotions to my class afterward. 

Public speaking is hard, and it can be extremely daunting for our most introverted students ; however, with modeling and practice, I believe that teachers can cultivate confident speakers.

Strategy 1: Provide Direct Instruction

A poster inspired by Erik Palmer’s work on public speaking ( PVLEGS : Poise, Voice, Life, Eye Contact, Gestures, Speed) hangs in the back of my classroom. Well before we launch into a study of the funeral orations from Caesar , I explicitly teach those skills. I demonstrate for students appropriate eye contact—the speaker locks eyes briefly with individual audience members and scans the room as she speaks, establishing a connection with her audience. The speaker might also speed up his voice for a certain effect or raise his arms to command the attention of his audience.

Strategy 2: Provide Public Speaking Models

After we spend a class closely reading and analyzing the two funeral orations by Marc Antony and Brutus, I play clips of the speeches from the two film adaptations. We watch the performances and think about PVLEGS: Which speaking moves does each actor utilize in his performance? Which actor delivers the stronger performance and why? After we watch and students share their observations with partners, we discuss and debate the merits of each performance. 

When my classes work on memorizing and performing the monologues, I ask them to study the models and even borrow some of the actors’ techniques. They consider: Do I want to take an angrier approach to the Antony speech like Marlon Brando? Should I adopt a regretful tone like Jason Robards’ Brutus? This type of close viewing could be applied to any speaking performance. On a related note, I also hope that I serve as a public speaking model for my students as I stand in front of my English classes daily.

Strategy 3: Acknowledge and Coach through Anxiety

I remember stumbling through my senior research presentation in high school, well before the advent of interactive whiteboards and Google Slides. I’m vulnerable with my students about my former public speaking struggles. I want them to know that they’re not alone, and through practice and repetition, their self-doubt and fear can transform from an eardrum-rupturing siren into a quiet background hum.

I give a few bits of advice to nervous speakers as they prepare for any public speaking activity. First, I urge them to “practice, practice, practice!” If they know their stuff, they’ll be much more confident on game day. I also find that most students who report feeling very nervous while speaking don’t always appear nervous to others. Sharing this anecdotal evidence with them helps students tune out their inner critics and feel more calm. I also find lots of opportunities to confer with reluctant speakers and give them plenty of encouragement. This fosters stronger connections with my students and boosts their confidence. 

Strategy 4: Provide Lots of Low-Stakes Speaking Opportunities 

My Caesar unit usually takes place in the second semester, when students have had plenty of low-stakes speaking opportunities. In almost every class, I ask students to turn and talk to their partners to share a sentence from a quickwrite or to check in on their current drafts. Earlier in the year, I coach them on how to effectively talk to their partners, and the process quickly becomes routine. An effective technique to get all students speaking, even if it’s a quick response, is the whip-around. Teacher Marcus Luther asks a question with a short, one-word answer. He then goes around the room and has each student answer aloud, followed by a debrief with partners or groups. 

My favorite low-stakes speaking activity is the Pop-Up Debate , which teacher Dave Stuart Jr. invented and has been writing about for years. In this activity, the class is presented with a question, and they spend 10 minutes writing an answer to it. After that, the debate begins, and students simply “pop-up” at their desks to enter into the conversation. In my experience, this activity can transform a usually quiet class into an engaged one. Secondary students love to argue, even about literature! 

Flexibility, Support, and Incentives Develop Strong Speakers 

In many ways, the memorized funeral oration is the most high-stakes speaking task my ninth-grade honors students participate in throughout the year. I give a grade for this assessment, but to take the focus off of grades and to place that focus on improvement instead, I provide students with a few crutches to lean on. 

First, if students forget a line, a friend acts as a prompter in the pit with the text ready. Students can also revise the performance if they choose to. I tell students that they can redo the performance if it doesn’t go as planned. At the end of the class, if time allows, a handful of students always choose to give it another shot. I find that this also takes the pressure off. I think of it like a writing assignment; students can always revise a paper to improve it. Finally, I give them extra credit for wearing togas, which adds to the fun of the special day.

In a recent article in The Atlantic , “ End the Phone-Based Childhood Now ,” author Jonathan Haidt reports that Gen Z students are more anxious, shy, and risk-averse than the children of the past, which he attributes to social media and the introduction of the smartphone. Risk-taking, Haidt argues, “promote[s] competence, maturity, and mental health.” Public speaking, a type of risk-taking, can be very frightening for some of our students, but if teachers provide them with speaking opportunities each day, month, and school year, perhaps we can help mold them into confident, healthy young adults who venture into the world as strong public speakers. 

Thank you to my former department chair, Janet Matthews, for the Julius Caesar performance activity.

SpeakUp resources

Starting a presentation in english: methods and examples.

• By Jake Pool

If you’re going to make it in the professional world, most likely you’ll have to give a presentation in English at some point. No reason to get nervous!

Most of the work involved lies in the introduction. You may or may not need an English presentation PPT file, your topic, audience, or time limit may vary, but a strong opening is a must no matter what! Everything that follows can build from the opening outline you present to your audience.

Let’s look at some guidelines for starting a presentation in English. If you can master this part, you’ll never have to worry about the rest!

Opening in a Presentation in English

While it’s important to have your entire presentation organized and outlined, planning and organization are especially important in the introduction. This is what will guide you through a clear and concise beginning. Let’s look at how to start a presentation with well-organized thoughts .

Introduction Outline

• Introduce yourself and welcome everyone.
• State the purpose of your presentation
• Give a short overview of the presentation

As we say, it’s as easy as 1-2-3. (No need for a more detailed English presentation script!) Let’s examine the first step.

1. Introduce Yourself & Welcome Everyone

The self-introduction is your opportunity to make a good first impression. Be sure to open with a warm welcome and use language that is familiar and natural. Based on your audience, there are a few different expressions you can use to start your presentation.

If you’re presenting to coworkers who may already know you:

• Hello, [name] here. I would like to thank you all for your time. As you may know, I [describe what you do/your job title] I look forward to discussing [topic] today.
• Good morning/afternoon/evening everyone. Thank you for being here. For those who don’t know me, my name is [name], and for those who know me, hello again.

If you’re presenting to people you’ve never met:

• Hello everyone, it’s nice to meet you all. My name is [name] and I am the [job/title].
• Hello. Welcome to [event]. My name is [name] and I am the [job/title]. I’m glad you’re all here.

There are certainly more ways to make an introduction. However, it’s generally best to follow this format:

• Start with a polite welcome and state your name.
• Follow with your job title and/or the reason you’re qualified to speak on the topic being discussed.

2. State the Purpose of Your Presentation

Now that your audience knows who you are and your qualifications, you can state the purpose of your presentation. This is where you clarify to your audience what you’ll be talking about.

So, ask yourself, “ What do I want my audience to get from this presentation? ”

• Do you want your audience to be informed?
• Do you need something from your audience?
• Do you want them to purchase a product?
• Do you want them to do something for the community or your company?

With your goal in mind, you can create the next couple of lines of your presentation. Below are some examples of how to start.

• Let me share with you…
• I’d like to introduce you to [product or service]
• Today I want to discuss…
• I want to breakdown for you [topic]
• Let’s discuss…
• Today I will present the results of my research on [topic]
• By the end of this presentation, you’ll understand [topic]
• My goal is to explain…
• As you know, we’ll be talking about…

When talking about the purpose of your presentation, stick to your goals. You purpose statement should be only one to three sentences. That way, you can give your audience a clear sense of purpose that sets them up for the rest of the presentation.

3. A Short Overview of the Presentation

The final step in starting your presentation is to give a short outline of what you’ll be presenting. People like a map of what to expect from a presentation.

It helps them organize their thoughts and gives a sense of order. Also, it lets the audience know why they’re listening to you. This is what you’ll use to grab their attention, and help them stay focused throughout the presentation.

Here are some examples of how you can outline your presentation:

• Today, I’m going to cover… Then we’ll talk about… Lastly, I’ll close on…
• We’re going to be covering some key information you need to know, including…
• My aim with this presentation is to get you to… To do that we’ll be talking about…
• I’ve divided my presentation into [number] sections… [List the sections]
• Over the next [length of your presentation] I’m going to discuss…

That’s it! It’s as simple as 1-2-3. If you have a fear of public speaking or are not confident about presenting to a group of people, follow these three steps. It’s a simple structure that can get you off to a good start. With that in mind, there are other ways to bring your introduction to the next level too! Read on for bonus tips on how to really engage your audience, beyond the basics.

For a Strong Presentation in English, Engage your Audience

Presentations aren’t everyone’s strongest ability, and that’s OK. If you’re newer to presenting in English, the steps above are the basics to getting started. Once you’re more comfortable with presenting, though, you can go a step further with some extra tricks that can really wow your audience.

Mastering the skill of engaging an audience will take experience. Fortunately, there are many famous speakers out there you can model for capturing attention. Also, there are some common techniques that English-speakers use to gain an audience’s attention.

*How and when you use these techniques in your introduction is at your discretion, as long as you cover the 3 steps of the introduction outline that we discussed earlier.*

Do or say something shocking.

The purpose of shocking your audience is to immediately engage them. You can make a loud noise and somehow relate the noise to your presentation. Or, you can say, “ Did you know that… ” and follow with a shocking story or statistic. Either way, the objective is to create surprise to draw their attention.

Tell a story

Telling a story related to your presentation is a great way to get the audience listening to you.

You can start by saying, “ On my way to [location] the other day… ” or “ On my way here, I was reminded of… ” and then follow with a story. A good story can make your presentation memorable.

Ask your audience to take part

Sometimes a good introduction that captures attention will involve asking for help from the audience. You can ask the audience to play a quick game or solve a puzzle that’s related to your presentation. Also, you could engage the audience with a group exercise. This is a great way to get people involved in your presentation.

There are many more ways to engage the audience, so get creative and see what you can think up! Here are some resources that will help you get started.

Also, if you want to get better at public speaking (and help your English speaking too!), a great organization to know about is the Toastmasters . The organization is dedicated to helping you be a better speaker, and there are many local groups in America. They offer free lessons and events to help you master your English speaking, and also offer additional help to paying members.

The Takeaway

A presentation in English? No problem, as long as your introduction sets you up for success . Admittedly, this can be easier said than done. Native speakers and non-native speakers alike sometimes struggle with getting a good start on their English presentation. But the advice above can help you get the confidence you need to lay a good foundation for your next speech !

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How to start a speech with power and confidence

It’s that horrible moment! You’ve just been called to stage, your audience is silent, waiting for you to open your mouth and now it’s your turn. But what do you say? How do you start a speech with power and confidence, rather than the usual “Erm… thanks very much for inviting me here…”

The simple truth is… your audience will judge you from the very first line of your speech . It may sound harsh but it’s very true. So it’s a good idea to start your speech with certainty and confidence, to quickly build a connection with the audience so they are eager to hear what you have to say next.   There are many different ways to start your speech but it’s not just about the words you use. Creating a strong first impression is about more than your opening lines.  

• Prepare to be yourself! 
• First words count
• Telling your story
• Trying different approaches
• Reconnecting with yourself

1. Starting a speech: Prepare to be yourself! 

Before you start to write your speech, think about your natural style and how you want people to feel. Give yourself time to consider:

• What qualities would you like to display as a speaker?
• What benefit would you like to give to your audience?

This will help you choose an authentic way to start your speech and will guide the rest of your talk in a direction that stays true to your individual personality and purpose. But that doesn’t mean playing it safe and being predictable. You can step out of your comfort zone – in fact, we positively encourage our speakers to be fearless – but that’s about stretching your true self rather than trying to be someone you’re not.

2. Starting a speech: First words count

And now onto  what  you’re going to say. First off, avoid starting a speech with lines like:

• Thank you so much, it’s a pleasure to be here
• I’m sorry, this isn’t going to take very long
• I was only asked last week/yesterday/10 minutes ago to do this speech
• A funny thing happened to me whilst trying to find the venue…
• Thanks for coming

This is your moment to shine, so shine from the get-go. To start a speech with power, find something  unique,   engaging  and  memorable  to say. And make sure it’s a line that you’re 100% comfortable with, so your talk flies rather than sags from the beginning.

Here are some ideas from some of our favourite speech beginnings:

You might start your speech with a  provocative question  –

• “How do you explain why some people are able to achieve things that seem impossible?”  – Simon Sinek, TEDx Talk
• “What do I know that would cause me, a reticent, Midwestern scientist, to get myself arrested in front of the White House protesting? And what would you do if you knew what I know?”  – James Hansen, TED Talk

An  amazing or shocking fact  –

• “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.”  – Jamie Oliver, TED Talk
• “I’m talking to you about the worst form of human rights violation, the third-largest organized crime, a $10 billion industry. I’m talking to you about modern-day slavery.”   – Sunitha Krishnan, TED Talk

A  joke –

• “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.”  – Ken Robinson, TED Talk
• “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.”  – Pamela Mayer, TED Talk

By  evoking an image  –

• “Imagine, if you will — a gift. I’d like for you to picture it in your mind. It’s not too big — about the size of a golf ball.”  -Stacey Kramer TED Talk
• “Imagine a big explosion as you climb through 3,000 ft. Imagine a plane full of smoke. Imagine an engine going clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack. It sounds scary. Well I had a unique seat that day. I was sitting in 1D.”  – Ric Elias, TED Talk

All of these speech beginnings get the audience  connected and ready to listen . And a great opening line allows you to settle into your speech so that you can shine.

It feels a little scary cutting to the chase rather than dwelling on niceties. But you will have far more impact if you draw people into your talk immediately. And the audience will have heard the same bland introductions over and over again, so you’re actually doing them a favour by getting straight to the point!

3. Starting a speech: Telling your story

Start a speech with a compelling introduction to a story is a powerful way to begin. Even the driest of subjects can be brought to life through storytelling . Think about what drives you to do what you do. Has there been a pivotal moment in your life or career that led you to this moment? Did someone tell you that you’d never be able to do what you are doing now? Or can you paint a picture of a person you’ve helped, or want to help – what does that look like?   Stories can immediately connect you with your audience and set the tone for the whole talk. And people are far more likely to listen to, remember and share your speech if it’s rooted in a strong story, rather than stuffed with facts and theory.

4. Starting a speech: Trying different approaches

Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few different ways to begin your speech, it’s time to try them out. It’s a bit like choosing a new item of clothing – it might look good on the hanger but it’s not until you try it on that you know whether it’s the right fit for you. By saying the opening lines out loud, you’ll get a feel for which ones are right for you.

Having said that, it’s important to challenge yourself to do something different, which may feel a little uncomfortable at first. One of the best ways to find out how your speech is likely to go down with the audience is to get independent, expert advice. The opportunity to explore and experiment with different styles in a safe environment is a huge benefit to our clients at Ginger. Our experienced coaches provide affirming feedback to help people understand and develop their strengths while challenging them to be even more ambitious with their speaking. If you feel like you are playing it a bit safe, then have a look at our  training options  so we can help you speak with more impact.

5. Starting a speech: Reconnecting with yourself

As it gets closer to the big day when you are going to deliver your talk, you can spend all the time in the world worrying about speaking. Am I wearing the right clothing? Do I have all my stuff here? What will the audience think of me? What if I forget what I’m going to say? It’s really common to find yourself in a whirl of endless questions which only serve to build your nerves.   Many people describe public speaking as an ‘out-of-body’ experience, where they become so disconnected with themselves and the audience that they are unaware of what they are doing and can’t remember a thing about it afterwards.   But the best speakers are fully present in the moment. According to Ginger coach  Liz Balmford :  “We can’t say for sure that they’re ‘relishing’ it, but perhaps one of the things that makes them compelling is their surrender to the moment, being fully present in their story and their message. I believe it’s this presence that makes them believable, that captivates us and makes us want to follow them.”    To start a speech with power and confidence, it is vital that you reconnect with yourself before you get up to speak. That means spending a few moments getting back to yourself by finding a method to quieten the nerves and break the distance between yourself and your speaking. You might like to head outside for a few moments or even go to the loo; or find a place that is a little bit quiet and do a short breathing exercise. Focus in on your breath as well as your intentions for your speaking.   Doing this allows you to be grounded and will help you to start your speech as yourself, rather than starting from a place of panic or self-doubt.   Many people find it helpful to start this reconnection much earlier than the few minutes before their talk – for example, starting the day with meditation or mindfulness, taking a walk in nature, or going for a run. Whatever helps you to minimise distractions and worries.

Putting it all together

So, starting a speech is not as much about what you say as you might think. In fact, the key thing about starting a speech is to get yourself in the right state. If you show your confidence, your audience will have confidence in you too. But you don’t have to start ‘all-guns-blazing’.

The biggest cause of nerves in public speaking is that most of us try to be someone we’re not; so to get started with confidence, begin by  being yourself . If the kapow, kapow approach just isn’t your style, then don’t start your speech like that. Find a different way to start that’s powerful for you. Permission to be authentic.

The key to starting a speech with power and confidence involves knowing what you’re good at and doing more of that; pushing yourself to try different ways to start your speech; telling your story; getting feedback on what works from the audience’s perspective; and staying connected with yourself as you step forward to do your talk. If you bring these elements together, you’ll captivate your audience as soon as you start speaking.

As the wise Maya Angelou said:

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

If you’d like to find out more about how you can get your talk off to a strong start, you can download our free guide:  The 10 best ways to start your talk . And if you’d like to maximise your public speaking impact, take a look at our  classes page  for a range of training options.   Learn to speak with Power and Confidence. Here’s a selection of courses that will help you develop your sills as a confident public speaker: 

Pubilc Speaking Essentials 

Leadership Communications

TED Style Presentation Training

Ginger Leadership Communications

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

Speech-writing tips for high school students

by Daniella Dautrich | May 29, 2017 | High school , Teaching Homeschool Writing

Speech-writing Tips for Students

Speech writing offers a rare chance for students to impact an audience in lasting, meaningful ways. Through this kind of written and oral communication, they can learn to convey truth in a world with where morals are blurred and virtues are disappearing. Thus, speech writers combine narrative, descriptive, explanatory, and persuasive skills, arranging a composition to make both logical and emotional appeals . After all, rhetoric (the art of persuasion) should engage the whole person, not just the mind or heart.

Even if your kids will never enroll in a speech and debate club, encourage them to present an original speech in a group setting such as a class, family gathering, or graduation party. These speech-writing tips for students should help them get started!

The Prewriting Stage

When you write a speech, the prewriting stage represents about a third of the entire process.

• Choose a topic you feel strongly about. If you don’t care about the subject matter, neither will your audience.
• Evaluate your potential audience. Will you speak to a mixed group of teenagers or to a room of retirees? What are their values and interests? What kinds of music and cultural references will they relate to?
• Understand your purpose. Are you writing a speech to entertain, inform, or persuade? If you intend to persuade, are you trying to reach a like-minded or neutral audience or an openly hostile group?
• Research and brainstorm. Start gathering your facts and examples, and make a list of possible talking points.

The Writing Stage

Writing the first draft should consume about 20% of your time as a speech writer.

• Develop a “hook.” You need to capture the audience’s attention at the beginning of the speech and motivate them to keep listening. A humorous story or a startling statistic may serve this purpose, depending on the type of speech you’re writing.
• Construct a thesis . Your speech should present a clear message, with each sub-point logically leading to the final conclusion.
• Build a relationship with the audience . Establish your credibility as a speaker by demonstrating your connection to the topic. Did a hobby, a favorite author, or a family experience lead you to choose this subject?
• Organize your ideas . Offer a preview of what’s to come in the introduction, and be sure you follow those points in order.
• Finish with a strong conclusion . When you reach the end of your speech, restate your thesis and tie everything back to your introduction.

The Editing Stage

The editing stage requires another third of your time as a speech writer. As you revise, check for these items:

• Grammar . Poor writing could cause an audience to stop taking you seriously , even if your main message is solid.
• Style. In the writing stage, you focused on substance (what to say); now you can focus on style (how to say it). Without resorting to overdone “ purple prose ,” you can practice writing techniques such as parallelism , repetition, alliteration, and series or lists.
• Time. Read your speech out loud. It shouldn’t take longer than 20 minutes.
• Sound. When you read the speech aloud, do you stumble over unnatural words and phrases? Perhaps you need to rewrite with more direct, simple language. Is your flow of thoughts easy to understand? Is your vocabulary appropriate to the audience’s age and education?
• Appeal to the senses. Your speech should engage the imagination—not put people to sleep! Do you use figurative language to help the audience visualize concepts? Include a descriptive passage to help them hear, feel, and touch your topic. Try to include narratives that people will identify with. You don’t need too many details… just enough to make the stories ring true and help you explain your persuasive points or morals.
• Organization. You can arrange your speech chronologically, topically, by comparison/contrast, or in some other way. Just be sure you’re consistent.
• Politeness . Have you used appropriate language throughout? Have you written with respect for yourself and others? The best speeches display compassion and empathy, rather than tear others down.

The Pre-Performance Stage

Once you’ve written and revised your speech, it’s time to practice! Try to memorize it, and watch your speed so you don’t speak too quickly. Practice in front of a mirror so you remember to move naturally, incorporating hand/arm gestures and facial expressions. Experiment with volume, high and low pitch, and pauses (take notes about what works and what doesn’t.)

Finally, have confidence ! Stage fright is part of life, but the greatest performers have learned that passion and honesty set the speaker—and the audience—at ease every time.

Daniella Dautrich studied classical rhetoric at a liberal arts college in Hillsdale, Michigan.

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How To Start a Speech In School Competition

by Gordana S | Nov 11, 2020 | Skills & Career | 0 comments

Table of Contents

How To Start a Speech in a School Competition and Other Presentation Hacks

In all that mental tumult, you should not forget that a school speech competition is a unique opportunity to practice your public speaking—and you can’t take that for granted.

Public speaking is only one among many soft skills you should practice if you want to thrive in any career path you choose to follow.

If you are like the majority of people, you find it hard to hone your public speaking skills because you cannot get over stage fright .

Here are some ideas for how to start your speech so that you capture your listeners’ attention from the onset and remain confident in yourself during the rest of your speech. You will also find tips to overcome your stage fright once and for all.

Credit: Frank Busch

Is There One Best Way To Start a Speech in School?

Hooking a reader with an intriguing opening sentence is one of the most well-known writing strategies professional authors use to get people to continue reading their work. 

The same philosophy applies to speech deliveries. You want to grab the attention of your audience right from the start so that they don’t tune out that easily. In short, how you begin your speech will affect whether your classmates end up listening to the entire presentation or not.

Is there one best way to start a speech in a school then? Definitely not! 

There are countless ways writers can hook their readers—and the same is true for your speech. You can use a variety of different strategies to capture the attention of your peers and amaze your teacher as soon as you open your mouth to speak.

Credit: Skitterphoto

Here are some suggestions you can try:

• Make eye contact with your audience
• Start from the conclusion
• Recite a quote or a poetry verse
• Open up and say something about yourself
• Use a narrative tool to start your speech
• Make a joke or two
• Say something not widely known
• Engage your audience with a thought-provoking question
• Use visualization as a tool to introduce your topic
• Reference something from pop culture
• Introduce your name only if you have to

Eye Contact

Body language is as powerful a communication tool as any words you can come up with. You should recognize this and use it to your advantage during your presentation.

Especially in the beginning, if you want to own the room, your presence must be strong. Making eye contact with your peers and your teacher is a guaranteed way to accomplish just that. A good idea is to:

• Be silent for a couple of moments
• Look your listeners in the eye
• Start with your opener

When you come up to the stage or stand in front of your classmates, the worst thing you can do is start blabbering instantly. Letting the room fall into silence is a good strategy to have your listeners prepare themselves for an amazing speech, and it allows you to establish a good rapport by looking as many people in the room as you can in the eye. Only then can you start your speech confidently, since you have already got the eyes of the entire room on you. 

Conclusion First Method

To have a successful presentation, you will probably need to relate original ideas or viewpoints to your listeners. Instead of saving your conclusions for the end of your speech, why not start with at least one aspect of them? You can say something like:

“As I was researching this topic, I found that _________, which contradicts all our established viewpoints. Now, let me convince you the same by telling you how I came to this conclusion.”

By revealing an interesting piece of information or expressing a novel idea or opinion, your listeners will want to hear how you came to it. 

Begin With a Quote or a Famous Poetry Verse

A famous quote, poetry verse, or even a short passage from a book puts a great spin on the opening of your speech. Usually, your listeners will recognize you’re citing someone else and will want to hear how the intriguing line connects to your topic.

Whatever your speech is about, you can surely find a quote or a verse to introduce it.

Reveal Something About Yourself

One foolproof method to start your speech originally is to make the first couple of sentences personal.

You can share something from your childhood or reveal a personality trait you know your classmates don’t know about. Even though it may sound like that has nothing to do with talking about your actual topic, you are bound to find a way to make a connection with just a little bit of thinking and introspection.  

Narration as a Tool

If you can’t find a way to introduce your topic by talking about yourself, you can still employ narration as a method and tell another person’s story. 

There is plenty of inspiration to be found in history. Start from the era in which the concepts you are going to deliver a speech on were first introduced to the world. Search for fun facts about people that are related to the subject matter or some intriguing historical events and tell a story. Your audience will immediately settle into the listening mode and be enthralled by it until you’re finished talking.

Everyone Loves a Good Joke

If humor is your forte, use it to draw your listeners in from the start of your presentation. A good joke does wonders with putting the spotlight on you. Even the members of the audience who might not have been paying attention right away will be alerted by other people laughing in the room and will tune in from there on.

You might think you cannot crack a good joke, so you can pick any other method from the list instead. You should still try and think of putting some humor in the parts of your presentation here and there. While you’re structuring your speech, something amusing is bound to come up. 

Surprise Your Audience

“Did you know that” is an amazing way to start your speech and have everyone in the room captivated from the get-go. During your research, you have certainly come across some interesting or shocking facts that are not widely known. By throwing them at your listeners, you get the element of surprise you want at the beginning of your presentation.

Your classmates will know right away you will talk of something interesting, and that will make them put their phones aside, quit chatting with each other, and divert their attention to you.

Pose an Intriguing Question

Not quite different from starting your speech with a lesser-known fact, posing a question directly to your listeners will help you harness their attention. Your question can be a real or rhetorical one, depending on your topic and your ideas. A real question is great because it helps you build rapport with your listeners right away and actively include them in your speech.

Visualization as a Tool To Start Your Speech

This method is similar to the story-telling one, only instead of merely relating something to your listeners, you’re making them visualize a scenario. Introduce a narrative related to the concepts or problems you’re exploring in your speech and make your classmates interact with the topic by having them imagine that narrative.

By having your listeners visualize a scenario, you will not only draw them into the subject of your speech but also grab their attention from the very beginning and keep it during the rest of your presentation.

Use Elements of Pop Culture

Who says your school competition speech can’t include references to popular culture? If you’re not big on poetry or looking up quotes you can use at the start of your speech, why not make a reference to a famous movie or a song?

You’ll achieve the best effect if you bring up a celebrity or entertainment piece you know your classmates are familiar with. You can also think of a joke while you’re at it and combine the two great methods to start your speech and have all eyes and ears on you.

Should You Say Your Name?

If you want to make sure you have an innovative opening to your speech, you should avoid starting with your name or a dry introduction. Plus, your teacher and your classmates already know who you are, so this part may be particularly unnecessary in a school presentation.

Perhaps you feel introducing yourself will make your presentation more professional or win you extra points with your teacher. In that case, you can say your name after you’ve already begun your speech with any of the previously listed methods.

Whichever method suits your topic or speaking style best, you need to make sure you don’t have a dry introduction—the last thing you want is for the start of your speech to sound too generic or rehearsed. The ideas presented above can do wonders in eliminating the chances of that happening during your school competition speech.

What Are Public Speaking Skills?

Credit: Teemu Paananen

Many skills fall under the broad category of public speaking skills. Some of those are:

• Writing skills you employ to draft your speech
• Time management
• PowerPoint skills
• Speaking fluency
• Proper body language

All these are a part of your presentation, and you need to practice them to achieve proficiency in public speaking. You should pay special attention to three persuasion techniques you have to know if you want to give a successful speech. They are:

To understand what each of these is and how it is relevant for public speaking, check out the table below:

Why Do Public Skills Matter?

You need to know what public skills consist of and practice them because you will need to use them throughout your life.

Besides getting a high grade or winning a school competition, public skills are important for your:

• Job prospects
• Work performance
• Personal relationships

Here’s how strong public skills help you in each of the listed areas of your life:

What About Stage Fright?

Credit: Matthew Henry

Experiencing performance anxiety before delivering your speech can be a serious problem. The most important thing to note here is that you are not alone. Many students and even professionals deal with stage fright all the time.

The excellent news is that you can do something about it. Here are the conscious steps you can take to overcome your fear of public speaking:

• Acknowledge your fear and make peace with it
• Raise your hand in class and speak whenever you can
• Deliver your speech to your friends or family members first
• Practice exercises to calm yourself

Coming to Terms With Your Fear

Maybe you don’t fear public speaking exactly, but you still probably experience some dose of anxiety before it’s your turn to deliver a speech. In either case, you need to acknowledge how you feel and be fine with it.

When you have come to terms with your anxiety, it makes your fear far less powerful. It helps to know that you are not alone in this and that all your classmates have to deal with it too. If you make a mistake during your presentation out of nervousness, forgive yourself, and just move on.

Perhaps you will not overcome your fear overnight, but as soon as you’re ready to accept it, the journey towards becoming a pro at public speaking begins.

Getting Used to the Sound of Your Own Voice

Whenever you have the chance to speak up in a large group of people—do it! Your classes are a perfect opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and participate in discussions. If you get used to other people listening to you, doing a presentation will look less scary.

Practicing Your Speech in Advance

A great way to minimize your fear before a speech is to prepare for it thoroughly and in advance.

If you have social anxiety that is making public speaking seem like a monster, you will probably have an issue delivering your speech to your friends or family members too. It is precisely because of that that you should practice with the people you know and trust. The practice will make for a perfect opportunity to let go of your fear.

Soothing Yourself With Exercises

Conquering fears and practicing a positive mindset takes time and conscious effort. You have already seen that delivering a speech in a school competition is not the only time in your life you’ll need to address a large number of people. For this reason, you should incorporate exercises that make you practice calmness into your daily routine. You can try:

• Visualization
• Positive affirmations

Do High Schools Teach Public Speaking Properly?

Since public speaking skills are so crucial for any young professional to possess, you’d think high schools would incorporate it more into the mainstream curriculum.

Some school activities certainly make students create slideshows and do presentations, but how well are the students equipped to do the same in their future jobs?

To be able to grow your confidence, you need to engage with the subject you’re being taught all the time. If you want to be an excellent public speaker, start by mastering the skills needed for giving a stellar speech in a school competition. 

If you believe that it’s time to reinvent high schools , you are welcome to share your ideas with us, and we’ll publish your words on our blog.

Let’s rethink education together!

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Speech Opening Lines for Students - Express Gratitude to Your Audience

Thank the audience for coming and the announcer for introducing you.

At the beginning of your speech, thanking the announcer for introducing you and the audience for attending can be quite beneficial since it forges an immediate bond with the audience.

For example | “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak about the topic.”

Name a well-known individual

A further powerful method to begin a speech is to relate what you are about to say to something that a well-known individual did. Individuals are drawn to famous people; therefore, telling a story that incorporates anything notable people said or did is likely to engage your audience.

For example | “Dr. Kalam believed that education must be imparted with love”.

Express gratitude to your audience.

You can improve your audience's perception of you and get them to pay closer attention to what you have to say by telling them that it is an honour for you to speak in front of them and how much you respect them.

For example | “Thank you for the time and attention you have given to me.”

If the quote is relevant to the topic of the speech, quotations from renowned people can make great speech openers. Quotes lend the discourse some sense of authority.

For example | APJ Abdul Kalam Azad said “Dream is not something that you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep”.

Use of statistical facts

When one begins a speech with a statistical fact, it gives the appearance that they have done thorough study and have reliable knowledge. Additionally, employing statistical data contributes to the speech being more memorable and less boring.

For example | According to the Census of India, Kerala has the highest literacy rate i.e.89.8 while Bihar has the lowest literacy rate i.e. 38.5 in India.

Make your message relevant to current events

By connecting the central issue of your speech with a well-known recent occurrence, you can capture the interest of your audience. It's more probable that they will be interested in what you say because newsworthy stories tend to draw people in. However, it should be generally uncontroversial, which will likely be well-received by most of the audience.

Connect your message to past occurrences

Similarly, you can grab listeners' attention by relating your message to a well-known historical figure or event. As it links your speech to the person or occasion you are referencing, this might increase the credibility of your speech.

Construct a hypothetical scenario.

The audience will be forced to engage their imagination and follow your thought process throughout the speech if you begin with a "what if" question closely related to the main issue.

For example | “What if there are no plants left on the earth? What does the Earth look like? Will there be anyone alive on earth?”

Make a compelling remark, then ask a question.

A strong opening line that relates to the topic of your speech can get the audience's attention, and ending with a question can prompt them to consider an answer because they are prone to do so when asked a question. After you have made them think about an answer to your question, there is a higher chance that they will listen to what you have to say.

For example | “Who wouldn't want to reside on a fascinating island?”

Draw on experience.

People are drawn to familiar information, so opening with a phrase they can identify with can improve the likelihood that they will pay attention to the rest of what you have to say.

For example | “5 years ago, I was going to Agra, and on the way, I saw a child who was working at a dhaba.”

Ask audience to imagine

One of the skills of successful storytelling is asking the audience to picture a certain scenario. By assisting the speaker in visualising the speech's substance, it also builds anticipation for what the speaker will say throughout the speech.

For Example | “Imagine that you work hard and maintain a strict schedule, and as a result, you achieve well in school…….” The audience will be able to picture and relate to the speech's context with the aid of this statement.

Draw on your personal assets.

The most excellent way to begin a speech is in a way that naturally flows from you. You should incorporate humour in your opening if you have it. A well-presented fact or statistic may be the best place to start if accuracy is one of your most vital attributes.

Be concise and to the point.

Starting with the speech's main point without making any introductions can be pretty effective when done confidently. The likelihood that this approach will have a favourable impact on the audience will increase with a firm tone and persuasive body language.

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• Speech Writing /

Speech On Mother’s Day in English for School Students

• Updated on  
• May 13, 2024

Speech on Mother’s Day: A mother plays a dozen roles. Her contributions to the family and society are invaluable. The mother acts as his child’s first guiding light, teacher, and best friend. But do we appreciate her efforts in our daily lives? Does her affection for and care for the family receive enough recognition? Today, on the occasion of Mother’s Day , this speech highlights the dedication and sacrifices that mothers make along their journey of motherhood.

2-Minutes Speech on Mother’s Day

Also Read: Short Speech on Technology for School Students

10 Ways  to Wish Your Mother on Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day, wish your mother a Happy Mother’s Day and bring a smile to her face.

• May your smile brighten every day, just as you brighten ours. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!
• Today, you deserve to know how blessed and thankful I am to have a mother like you. You are the best, Maa. Happy Mother’s Day.
• Thank you for always having my back and supporting me, even at the most difficult times. Happy Mother’s Day, You deserve to be spoiled.
• Thank you for guiding and teaching me about the important things in life; today it is you! Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.
• You are my best friend and mother, and the most precious gift I have. Happy Mother’s Day, my best.
• Thank you for bringing me into this world and for always seeing the best in me. Happy Mother’s Day, Ma!
• To the person who has done the most for me in this world: Today is a special day for a special person like you. Happy Mother’s Day.
• Thank you for being a source of strength, guidance, and happiness for this family. Our world is brighter with you in it. Happy Mother’s Day!
• Happy Mother’s Day, to the best mom! We don’t say it enough, but we truly appreciate what you do for us every day. You are the glue that ties our family together.
• May your Mother’s Day be as joyous as you made my childhood. Happy Mother’s Day, Ma!

Also Read: Speech on How to Tackle Bullying in School

Ans: Mother’s Day is celebrated to honor both the mother and motherhood in society. It is a way to acknowledge and appreciate all mothers’ unconditional love and sacrifices.

Ans: Mother’s Day is observed on different days around the world, but mainly around March or May. In India, it is celebrated on the second Sunday of May

Ans: Mothers serve many roles in their families, including caregivers, nurturers, mentors, teachers, and best friends. Her affection and loyalty to all her relatives earn them the well-deserved title of family pillars.

Popular English Speech Topics

For more information on such interesting speech topics for your school, visit our speech writing page and follow Leverage Edu .

Bhumika Sharma

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School assembly guide [20 May 2024]: Thought for the Day, news headlines, speech & more

School assembly news headlines, thought for the day: students, get ready for 20th may morning school assembly here are the latest national, international, and sports news headlines and thought for the day. plus, find inspiration with speeches and an anchoring script to ensure a memorable assembly experience..

New Delhi: School assembly is a continuous routine followed by all schools since ages. It is a time when the entire school community assembles at an appropriate place to affirm school’s identity and aspirations. It is the best forum to inspire and motivate students. It serves as a platform to develop self confidence, acquiring knowledge and information, creativity and a esthetic sense among students. The school assemblies are conducted to bring students together, share information, celebrate achievements, and foster a sense of community. These gatherings inform and educate students about important events going on in and around the world that should not be missed.

Here are some important headlines for your 20th May morning assembly. News from national, international, and sports have been covered in this article, so there’s no need to worry about last-minute news gathering.

Thought for the day in English for school assembly

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” – Albert Einstein

Word of the day for school assembly

Sequester – To isolate or set apart from others.

Hindi thought for school assembly

“Kuch karne ki chaah ho to khud hi raasta banta hai, haar raasta band ho jaaye to hausla hi raasta dikha deta hai.”- Rajendra Prasad Meaning: If there is a will to do something, then the way itself is created. Even if every path is closed, courage itself shows the way.

News headlines for school assembly

National news for school assembly.

• In an election rally in Jamshedpur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lashed out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, claiming that no industrialist will make any investment in the Congress-ruled state the way Mr. Gandhi is attacking the industrialists.
• Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of beginning ‘Operation Jhaadu’ to ensure that the Aam Aadmi Party doesn’t grow big and become a challenge for the ruling party.
• National Conference leader Omar Abdullah condemned the twin terror attacks in the Shopian and Anantnag districts of Jammu and Kashmir that left a BJP worker dead and a tourist couple from Rajasthan injured.
• The Supreme Court will hear the petition challenging the enactment of three new laws that seek to overhaul India’s penal codes, claiming that they suffer from many “defects and discrepancies,” on May 20.

International news for school assembly

• The Embassy of India in the Central Asian state of Kyrgyz Republic has advised Indian students to stay indoors amidst reports of mob attacks against students from Pakistan.
• An Israeli airstrike killed 20 people in central Gaza, mostly women and children, and fighting raged across the north as Israel’s leaders aired divisions over who should govern Gaza after the war, now in its eighth month. The Palestinian official news agency Wafa reported that several children were among those wounded after the airstrike.
• Heavy rains in Afghanistan have triggered flash floods, raising the death toll to 47 in the country’s north following weeks of devastating torrents that had already left hundreds dead and missing, according to officials.
• Ukraine and Russia exchanged drone attacks: Russia reported some 60 drones and several missiles shot down over its territory, with Ukraine in turn saying it destroyed over 30 Russian drones.
• Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that trade ties between Islamabad and New Delhi have remained suspended since 2019 due to the imposition of heavy duties by India on imports from Pakistan after the Pulwama attack.

Sports news for school assembly

• India’s star men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty continued their dream run as they secured the Thailand Open Super 500 title by outwitting Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi of China in the finals.
• India skipper Rohit Sharma lashed out at the IPL broadcasters for breaching cricketers’ privacy by recording their conversations with friends and colleagues at training and on match days and then telecasting the contents.
• Punjab Kings elected to bat against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL match.
• La Liga club Sevilla confirmed coach Quique Sanchez Flores will leave the club at the end of the season.

Beautiful Anchoring script for school assembly

Good Morning Respected Principal, Teachers, and My Dear Friends. I am [Your Name], your host for today’s morning assembly. Bright and early, with hopes high and spirits soaring, let us begin this day with an atmosphere of learning, warmth, and camaraderie.

Before we proceed, let’s create a serene ambiance by closing our eyes for a moment of silence— a moment to seek blessings and guidance for the day.

(My dear co-host, [Co-host’s Name], will lead us into prayer or meditation, as per school protocol.)

Thank you, [Co-host’s Name]. Prayer, indeed, is the key to the morning and the bolt of the evening that bestows peace and fortitude.

Now, let’s pledge to uphold the spirit of our institution, its values, and the pursuit of knowledge. [Co-host’s Name], please lead us in reciting our school pledge.

Thank you, [Co-host’s Name]. Our school pledge is a potent reminder of our commitment and our duty as students.

With great respect and pride, let’s move on to the significant part of our assembly – The National Anthem. I request you all to stand upright and sing along with pride in your hearts and respect in your souls.

Post the anthem, let’s sit back down and attentively listen to the thought for the day, presented by [Student’s Name]. The valuable knowledge imparted through these words often gives us the motivation and guidance we need.

(Proceed with sharing ‘The Thought of The Day’)

Thank you, [Student’s Name], for sharing such inspiring words. A thought to ponder and incorporate into our lives indeed!

Now, we have our newsreaders, [Names], who are ready to update us with the latest happenings around the world.

(Proceed with the ‘News Headlines’ section)

Thank you for the news updates!

Now for an insight into the school’s upcoming events, let’s turn towards [Name] who will take us through the school bulletin.

(Proceed with the ‘School Bulletin’ section)

With this, we conclude today’s morning assembly. As we disperse, let us hold onto the thought for the day, incorporate it into our actions, and always aim to ascend the road of righteousness and knowledge.

Thank you, and have a wonderful day ahead!

Speech for school assembly

Good morning, everyone!

Today, as we gather here for our morning assembly, let us take a moment to appreciate the gift of a new day filled with endless possibilities.

In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. But amidst the chaos, let us not forget the importance of kindness, empathy, and gratitude.

Let’s make a conscious effort to be kind to one another, to lend a helping hand to those in need, and to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives, big or small.

Remember, a simple act of kindness can brighten someone’s day and make a world of difference.

So, as we go about our day, let’s strive to spread positivity, uplift each other, and make our school community a place where everyone feels valued and appreciated.

Thank you, and let’s make today great!

Topics for speech in school assembly

1. The Importance of Kindness in Daily Life 2. Overcoming Challenges: The Power of Resilience 3. The Benefits of Reading Books 4. Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in Our School Community 5. Making a Difference Through Volunteer Work 6. Developing Effective Study Habits for Academic Success 7. The Impact of Technology on Education 8. Environmental Conservation: Our Responsibility Towards the Planet 9. Mental Health Awareness and Well-being Tips for Students 10. Setting and Achieving Goals: Keys to Personal Growth 11. The Role of Sports and Physical Activity in a Student’s Life 12. Understanding and Respecting Different Cultures and Traditions 13. Promoting Cyber Safety and Responsible Internet Usage 14. Exploring Careers: Finding Your Passion and Pursuing Your Dreams 15. The Importance of Time Management Skills for Students 16. Building Confidence and Self-esteem in Teenagers 17. Effective Communication: Essential Skill for Success 18. Preventing Bullying and Creating a Positive School Environment 19. The Significance of Healthy Eating Habits and Physical Fitness 20. Financial Literacy: Managing Money Wisely as a Student 21. Cultivating Leadership Qualities Among Students

Use these news headlines to deliver in your 19th May school assembly and to inform and inspire your students about current events happening around the world. By exploring these headlines, we can transform the school assembly into an interactive experience.

Local News | Oldest alumnus of oldest free public high…

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Local news | rafael devers breaks red sox record with homer in 6th consecutive game, local news | oldest alumnus of oldest free public high school in the us reaches 107.

Green’s family lived in Baltimore at the time, but he was sent to Boston for a shot at a better school and less racism, according to his daughter Myra Green. The family chose English High School for its teaching staff’s reputation and athletic opportunities in sports including baseball, football and diving.

Green graduated in the class of 1934, 90 years ago.

English High School was founded as the “English Classical School” in 1821 as the first public high school in the U.S., according to the English High School Association . The school opened at corner of Derne St. and Temple St. on Beacon Hill, and 101 male pupils passed an admission test to get in.

By the time Green enrolled, EHS had moved around the city several times and landed in the South End, the association documented. The building, shared by Boston Latin School until 1921, was made to take in over 2,000 students. The school still only took male students.

After his graduation, Green moved again and so did EHS. The school bounced to Avenue Louis Pasteur in Fenway in 1954 and finally to its current home in Jamaica Plain in 1989.

In the 1940s, Green worked as a mailman before being drafted into World War II and later the Korean War, the association said in a release. He married and spent 50 years with his late wife.

Green retired from the postal service in 1972, the release said, and started up new jobs as a property owner and freelance wedding photographer in Baltimore. Since he’s turned 100, the EHS alumnus has thrown out the first pitch at a Baltimore Orioles game, been on a segment of “Good Morning America” and taken part in the “Veterans Honor Flight” in Washington.

Green keeps going with a mix of bowling, crosswords, reading the paper and lots of fruit, his daughter said.

The English High School Association noted that those who know him would say “Arthur has exemplified EHS’s 203 year-old principles of ‘Honor, Achievement and Service’ that underlie an EHS education.”

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NFL responds to Chiefs kicker's controversial commencement speech

T he NFL has responded to Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker 's controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College, where he urged women to be homemakers and railed against Pride Month. The league said in a statement to CBS News that it doesn't hold his views. 

"Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity," said Jonathan Beane, the senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer at the NFL. "His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger."

The organization's response comes after backlash over the three-time Super Bowl champion's remarks. In a 20-minute address last weekend at the Catholic liberal arts school, he took aim at Pride Month, women in the workforce, President Biden and abortion. 

Butker, who has made his conservative Catholic beliefs well known, began his address by attacking what he called "dangerous gender ideologies" in an apparent reference to Pride month, which has been celebrated in June since the Stonewall riots in 1969.

In a different part of this speech, he said, "Things like abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia, as well as a growing support for degenerative cultural values in media all stem from the pervasiveness of disorder." He also condemned the president for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and for his pro-abortion stance, despite being Catholic himself. 

He later addressed the women in the audience, suggesting that their "most important title" should be that of "homemaker."

"I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you," Butker said. "Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world. I can tell you that my beautiful wife Isabelle would be the first to say her life truly started when she started living her vocation as a wife and as a mother."

The kicker also quoted Taylor Swift's song "Bejeweled" while criticizing the Catholic church and its clergy for being "overly familiar" with their parishioners. 

"As my teammate's girlfriend says, 'familiarity breeds contempt,'" Butker said, referencing  Travis Kelce .

Butker received criticism from many online, including former Kansas City commissioner Justice Horn. "Harrison Butker doesn't represent Kansas City nor has he ever. Kansas City has always been a place that welcomes, affirms, and embraces our LGBTQ+ community members," Horn said on social media. 

The Los Angeles Chargers also mocked Butker in their schedule release video , showing him cooking in a kitchen and causing a fire as a Sims character. 

A petition on Change.org has been circulating calling for the dismissal of Butker. It's collected more than 95,000 signatures so far. 

The AI Classroom Hype Is All Wrong, Some Educators Say

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Many educators who have used generative artificial intelligence tools in their work have called the emerging technology a “game changer.”

Some say it’s been especially helpful in reducing the time it takes to do planning or administrative work , such as creating schedules, crafting lesson plans, and writing letters of recommendation for students. Teachers say they work an average of 57 hours a week , but less than half of that time is spent teaching.

“I think the use of AI has streamlined many aspects of teaching and has saved much prep time for teachers,” said a high school fine arts teacher in California in an open-ended response to an EdWeek Research Center survey conducted in March and April.

But amid all the encouragement to try the technology, there are plenty of educators who haven’t tried AI tools and don’t plan to start . These educators are more skeptical of the technology and don’t believe it should be used in K-12.

In open-ended responses to the EdWeek Research Center survey, educators shared their reasoning:

It could degrade critical thinking skills

   ai is not as wonderful as you all make it out to be. how do we expect our next generation to learn to think if all we teach them is how to use ai.

— District-level administrator, Ohio

   AI is driving a wedge between critical thinking and imagination.

— High school foreign language teacher, New Jersey

   AI are machines. They have been trained using stolen data. Students should be learning, questioning, problem-solving, and doing their own work. Teachers should as well. I do not believe AI can ethically be used.

— High school English teacher, Louisiana

   Students should not use AI until they have demonstrated some level of mastery on a subject. Students should not even use a calculator until they can do arithmetic calculations without tools. Problem solving starts in the mind, not on a keypad.

— High school math teacher, Texas

   AI and use of computers in the classroom has diminished everyone's ability to think, learn and reason. It's too easy to punch in a subject and get an immediate answer, which may or may not be correct. How many times have we heard "the computer model says this or that," so therefore that's the end of the discussion. Now I hear AI says this or that. Machines do not and can never have the capabilities of the human mind and the human experience. They can never have the ability to reason. They can never have the ability to rely on "gut instinct," which is correct most of the time. They can never have the ability to say "something just isn't right here." All they can do is look at the data that is fed into them and go from there. And that data is totally dependent on the character of the human or humans feeding it into them.

— District-level administrator, Texas

   I feel AI is used less as a resource and more as a crutch. I was shaken when I found out how many yearbook groups have used AI to write their entire yearbook and make the theme and set the ladder and put it together. We don't like students using AI because it's considered "plagiarism" but yet some teachers use it for everything. I don't mind AI as a brainstorming tool but when you give AI the ability to do all your work is when I have issues with it.

— Middle school teacher, Missouri

The human touch is better

   i have never used ai for anything in my job. i would think we still have to follow through with the actual teaching. ai can't do what i do.

— High school math teacher, Michigan

   While AI is the future, it's more important that teachers know their subject matter, and AI should only be used as a supplement to the teacher's scope of knowledge. To use it beyond that is ineffective as the presentation of the knowledge will be presented with less passion and clarity.

— Middle school physical education teacher, Virginia

   While I believe AI is here to stay, I do not believe that it should be used to simply replace the human aspect of the learning experience. If AI is used by instructors or teachers heavily, then the computer is essentially doing the teachers' jobs for them and the teacher is simply the middle person who repeats what the computer tells them.

— High school career-technical education teacher, Missouri

   AI concerns me in that educators need to know their "stuff" before blindly having AI create lessons, etc., to administer in class. I have tried AI and caught multiple errors in its creation. If I had used what AI created, I would have considered myself unethical in teaching students through that lesson because it contained many errors.

— District-level administrator, Alabama

   Utilizing AI to develop assessments is impersonal. If the general scientific community can acknowledge that generative AI utilizes biased information to create material, why would we rely on these tools to create unbiased assessments?

— High school social studies teacher, Montana

The K-12 system isn’t prepared

   i think that ai is a very dangerous phenomenon for learning and education. it seems like it is thrust upon us and unleashed without adequate preparation to handle the consequences for learning and teaching. i think this should be the number one topic for governments and academic institutions to address immediately..

— High school foreign language teacher, Pennsylvania

   I fear AI is yet another trend that education professionals are running headlong into without sufficient forethought and planning.

— Elementary fine arts teacher, Virginia

   I have never used AI and never will. I think it gives fuel to a fire that we won't be able to control.

— Elementary teacher, North Carolina

Concerns about how it affects their jobs

   last year, i spent a lot of time talking with english teaching colleagues about how to tackle the new problem of ai generated student work. we researched apps to check for plagiarism and ai produced writing and didn't find a good source to help us. this new issue is requiring teachers to rethink the types of assignments we give and the ways we ask students to produce writing in class so we can ensure they are producing original works. it's frustrating and time consuming..

— High school English teacher, Minnesota

   Artificial Intelligence will render my job unnecessary within five years. My students use Grammarly and ChatGPT to write their essays, and they even use it to email their teachers. Commercials show corporations praising their staff for using it to email each other. If humans no longer need to learn how to communicate well in writing—if AI does it for us—then what I have been teaching students for decades is no longer needed. What's more, my students already realize this and are showing it in their attitudes and efforts in writing class.

— Middle school English teacher, Massachusetts

Data analysis for this article was provided by the EdWeek Research Center. Learn more about the center’s work.

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