opening speech
First words spoken
An opening speech is a speech delivered at the start of an event, trial, or formal gathering to set the stage for what follows.
A lawyer's opening speech outlines their case before presenting evidence.
At conferences or ceremonies, opening speeches welcome attendees and establish themes: The president's opening speech set an optimistic tone for the summit.
Expression of welcome
- salutationExpression of goodwill
- hospitalityGenerous treatment of guests
- receptionAct of receiving guests
- icebreakerTension-easing social activity
warmth · cordiality · introduction · acknowledgment · preamble · remarks · audience · engagement
Preliminary section or presentation
- prologueIntroductory literary section
- preludeIntroductory piece or event
- preamblePreliminary statement before content
- prefaceIntroductory book section
overture · exordium · proem · kickoff · outset · launch · onset · threshold
Speak to formally
- keynoteCentral theme or speech
- orationFormal public speech
- commencementAct of starting
- convocationFormal ceremonial gathering
inaugural · proclamation · declaration · discourse · allocution · benediction · invocation · valedictory
Conveyance of goods
- oratoryFormal eloquent discourse
- rhetoricArt of persuasive language
- eloquencePersuasive verbal grace
- articulationClear vocal expression
public speaking · diction · enunciation · projection · cadence · persuasion · communication · teleprompter
Formal binding promise
- swearing-inOfficial oath-taking ceremony
- presidentElected leader of nation
- inaugural addressLeader's first formal oration
- mandateFormal authoritative directive
vision · administration · governance · transition · investiture · installation · induction · new era
Gradual accumulation over time
- expectationBelief about future outcomes
- excitementState of eager enthusiasm
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
foreshadowing · preview · promise · revelation · curiosity · eagerness · enthusiasm · momentum
greeting
Expression of welcome
- salutationExpression of goodwill
- hospitalityGenerous treatment of guests
- receptionAct of receiving guests
icebreaker · warmth · cordiality · introduction · acknowledgment · preamble · remarks · audience · engagement · invitation
introduction
Preliminary section or presentation
- prologueIntroductory literary section
- preludeIntroductory piece or event
- preamblePreliminary statement before content
preface · overture · exordium · proem · kickoff · outset · launch · onset · threshold · commencement
address
Speak to formally
- keynoteCentral theme or speech
- orationFormal public speech
- commencementAct of starting
convocation · inaugural · proclamation · declaration · discourse · allocution · benediction · invocation · valedictory · salutatory
delivery
Conveyance of goods
articulation · public speaking · diction · enunciation · projection · cadence · persuasion · communication · teleprompter · microphone
oath
Formal binding promise
- swearing-inOfficial oath-taking ceremony
- presidentElected leader of nation
- inaugural addressLeader's first formal oration
mandate · vision · administration · governance · transition · investiture · installation · induction · new era · platform
buildup
Gradual accumulation over time
- expectationBelief about future outcomes
- excitementState of eager enthusiasm
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
countdown · foreshadowing · preview · promise · revelation · curiosity · eagerness · enthusiasm · momentum · tension
opening speechclosing remarks
Final statements concluding presentation
farewell speech · final remarks · valedictory address · sign-off · parting words
opening speechconclusion
End or deduction
summary · valedictory · eulogy · wrap-up · summation
speech, opening, openly, opened, opens, opener, reopen, unopened, speeches