good morning in speech in english

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How To Say Good Morning In A Speech?

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! Imagine waking up to a bright, new day, the sun gently kissing your face, and the world awaiting your presence. As you step into the realm of public speaking, it is crucial to begin your speech on a positive and engaging note. And what better way to do so than by mastering the art of saying “good morning” in English? This seemingly simple greeting holds immense power, as it sets the tone for the rest of your speech, connecting you with your audience from the very beginning.

In today’s fast-paced world, where communication is increasingly digitized, the impact of face-to-face interaction should never be underestimated. By incorporating a warm and genuine “good morning” into your speech, you create an instant connection with your audience, making them feel valued and acknowledged. Moreover, this simple gesture demonstrates your respect, professionalism, and a willingness to engage on a personal level. So, whether you’re addressing a small group or a large gathering, the art of saying “good morning” can be a powerful tool in capturing your audience’s attention and leaving a lasting impression. Join me on this journey as we delve into the nuances of saying “good morning” in a speech, unlocking the secrets to a captivating and impactful delivery.

Good morning is a warm and friendly greeting to start the day. In a speech, you can begin by saying “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen” to address the audience. This simple gesture sets a positive tone and shows respect. Remember to speak clearly and confidently, and use appropriate body language to engage your audience. Starting off with a cheerful greeting helps create a welcoming atmosphere and captures the attention of your listeners.

Table of Contents

How to Say Good Morning in a Speech

In a speech, it is important to start off on the right note and make a positive impression on your audience. One way to do this is by greeting them with a warm and friendly “good morning.” Saying good morning in a speech not only sets a friendly tone but also helps to establish a connection with your audience. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of how to say good morning in a speech, ensuring that you deliver a memorable and engaging opening.

Step 1: Understand the Audience

Before you begin your speech, it is essential to understand your audience. Consider the context of the event and the demographics of the attendees. This knowledge will help you tailor your greeting to be relevant and relatable. For example, if you are speaking at a professional conference, your greeting may be more formal compared to addressing a group of students at a college orientation. Understanding your audience will allow you to choose the appropriate level of formality and tone for your good morning greeting.

Step 2: Choose the Right Words

When saying good morning in a speech, the choice of words is crucial. You want to convey warmth, positivity, and enthusiasm. Consider using words such as “bright,” “wonderful,” or “delightful” to add an uplifting touch to your greeting. You can also include a short sentence or phrase that reflects the theme or purpose of your speech. For example, if you are speaking about the importance of teamwork, you could say, “Good morning, fellow collaborators! Let’s embark on this journey of discovery together.” By selecting the right words, you can create a memorable and impactful opening to your speech.

Step 3: Delivery and Body Language

Once you have chosen the right words, it is essential to pay attention to your delivery and body language. Stand tall, make eye contact, and speak with confidence. Your tone should be friendly and inviting, reflecting the warmth of your greeting. Smile genuinely as you say good morning, and use gestures that convey openness and connection. Remember, your body language and delivery are just as important as the words you choose. They help to create a positive and engaging atmosphere for your audience.

Step 4: Practice and Rehearse

To ensure a smooth and confident delivery of your good morning greeting, practice and rehearse your speech. Stand in front of a mirror or record yourself to observe your body language and facial expressions. Pay attention to your tone, pitch, and pace of speech. Practice until you feel comfortable and natural with your greeting. Rehearsing will help you build confidence and ensure that your good morning greeting sets the right tone for your speech.

Step 5: Adapt to the Situation

Lastly, be prepared to adapt your good morning greeting to the situation. If there are unexpected changes or developments, you may need to modify your greeting accordingly. Flexibility is key in public speaking, and being able to adapt will help you maintain a connection with your audience. Stay alert and responsive to the atmosphere of the event, and make any necessary adjustments to your greeting to ensure it remains appropriate and impactful.

By following these steps, you can confidently say good morning in a speech and create a positive and engaging start to your presentation. Remember to understand your audience, choose the right words, pay attention to delivery and body language, practice and rehearse, and adapt to the situation. With these tips in mind, you are ready to greet your audience with a warm and memorable good morning in your next speech.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we will discuss how to say good morning in a speech. Saying good morning is a common way to greet people and show politeness. Whether you are giving a speech in a formal or informal setting, it is important to know the appropriate way to greet your audience. Below are some frequently asked questions about this topic.

Q: How do you say good morning in a speech?

When giving a speech, it is polite to start by greeting your audience. To say good morning in a speech, you can begin by saying “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen” or “Good morning, everyone.” This simple greeting shows respect and sets a positive tone for your speech. It is important to speak clearly and confidently when delivering your greeting, as it will help establish a connection with your audience.

Furthermore, you can also add a warm smile and maintain eye contact while saying good morning in a speech. These non-verbal cues can enhance your message and make your audience feel welcome and engaged. Remember, the way you greet your audience can set the stage for a successful speech.

Q: Is it necessary to say good morning in a speech?

While saying good morning in a speech is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. Starting your speech with a polite greeting shows professionalism and respect towards your audience. It creates a positive atmosphere and helps to establish a connection with your listeners. By acknowledging the time of day and greeting your audience, you are demonstrating that you value their presence and are grateful for their attention.

Moreover, saying good morning in a speech can also help to break the ice and make your audience more receptive to your message. It sets a friendly tone and can help to put both the speaker and the listeners at ease. Overall, including a greeting like good morning in your speech is a simple yet effective way to make a positive impression on your audience.

Q: Can I use a different greeting instead of saying good morning in a speech?

Yes, you can use a different greeting instead of saying good morning in a speech, depending on the context and the audience. For example, if you are giving a speech in the evening, you can say “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen” or “Good evening, everyone” to greet your audience. Similarly, if you are speaking to a specific group, you can tailor your greeting accordingly.

However, it is important to be mindful of the occasion and the cultural norms. Make sure your greeting is appropriate and respectful. It is always a good idea to research and understand the cultural customs of your audience before delivering a speech. By doing so, you can ensure that your greeting is well-received and aligns with the expectations of your listeners.

Q: Are there any alternatives to saying good morning in a speech?

Yes, there are alternative ways to greet your audience in a speech besides saying good morning. Instead of using a specific time of day, you can start your speech with a general greeting such as “Hello, everyone” or “Greetings, ladies and gentlemen.” These greetings are neutral and can be used in any setting, regardless of the time of day.

Additionally, you can also choose to acknowledge the occasion or the purpose of your speech in your greeting. For example, if you are speaking at a conference, you can say “Welcome, esteemed guests” or “Thank you for joining us today.” These greetings not only show politeness but also demonstrate that you are aware of the context and the importance of the event.

Q: Should I say good morning to individual audience members in a speech?

While it may not be practical to say good morning to each individual audience member in a speech, you can still acknowledge them collectively. Instead of addressing individuals directly, you can use a general greeting that includes everyone, such as “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen” or “Good morning, everyone.” This way, you are still showing respect and acknowledging the presence of your audience as a whole.

However, if you are speaking in a smaller, more intimate setting, such as a workshop or a seminar, you may have the opportunity to greet individual participants. In such cases, you can make eye contact with each person and say a brief good morning or hello as you make your way around the room. This personal touch can help to create a sense of connection and make your audience feel valued.

How to Start a Speech THE RIGHT WAY #shorts

As English speakers, we have a multitude of options to convey our greetings effectively. Whether you opt for a traditional “good morning” or explore more creative alternatives like “bright and sunny greetings” or “a hearty hello,” the key lies in delivering your words with sincerity and enthusiasm. So, the next time you find yourself standing before an audience, take a moment to consider the impact of your opening greeting. Harness the power of a well-crafted good morning to captivate your listeners and pave the way for a successful and memorable speech.

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How to Say Good Morning Before Starting a Speech: Formal and Informal Ways

In any public speaking engagement, it is important to establish a friendly and welcoming atmosphere right from the start. One effective way to do this is by greeting your audience with a warm and sincere “good morning” before diving into your speech. The way you say “good morning” can vary depending on the level of formality and the regional context. In this guide, we will discuss both formal and informal ways to say “good morning” before starting your speech, providing tips and examples to help you make a positive and memorable impression.

Formal Ways to Say Good Morning:

When addressing a formal audience, such as in a business setting or during a professional conference, it is crucial to use appropriate language and maintain a respectful tone. Let’s explore some formal ways to say “good morning” before starting your speech:

1. The Classic Greeting:

A simple yet effective way to start your speech is by using the classic greeting: “Ladies and gentlemen, good morning”. This formal and inclusive approach acknowledges the presence of both men and women in the audience, setting a professional tone for your speech.

2. Honorable Guests:

If you have distinguished guests or dignitaries in the audience, it is important to acknowledge them directly. You can say something like, “Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, a very good morning to all of you.” This shows your respect and sets a courteous tone for your speech.

3. Acknowledge the Organization:

When speaking at events organized by specific entities, such as companies or institutions, you can acknowledge the organization in your greeting. For example, “Good morning, esteemed members of [Organization Name], ladies and gentlemen.” This not only establishes a formal tone but also shows your appreciation for the opportunity to speak before them.

Informal Ways to Say Good Morning:

Informal speeches, such as those in social settings or when addressing a friendly audience, allow for a more relaxed and casual approach. Here are some informal ways to say “good morning” before starting your speech:

1. Start with a Greeting:

To create a more friendly atmosphere, you can simply start your speech with a friendly “Good morning, everyone!” or “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen!” This sets a positive tone and creates a connection with your audience right from the beginning.

2. Use Humor:

If the situation allows, you can add a bit of humor to your greeting. For example, “Rise and shine! Good morning, fabulous people!” This light-hearted approach can instantly put your audience at ease and grab their attention.

3. Relate to the Theme:

If your speech is related to a specific theme or occasion, you can incorporate it into your greeting. For instance, if you’re speaking at a conference about innovation, you could say, “Good morning, fellow innovators!” By relating the greeting to the topic of your speech, you create a sense of camaraderie and show your audience that you are immersed in their interests.

Tips for Saying Good Morning Before Your Speech:

Here are some additional tips to enhance your “good morning” greeting before starting your speech:

1. Eye Contact:

Make sure to establish eye contact with your audience as you say “good morning”. This creates a personal connection and makes your greeting more genuine.

2. Project Confidence:

When delivering your greeting, speak in a clear and confident voice. This sets the tone for your speech and instills confidence in your audience.

A warm smile can go a long way in making your audience feel welcome and comfortable. Show your enthusiasm and positivity through your facial expressions.

Example Greeting: “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! It’s a pleasure to be here with all of you today. I hope you’re as excited as I am to delve into the fascinating world of [Speech Topic].”

Starting your speech with a friendly and warm “good morning” allows you to create a positive and engaging atmosphere right from the beginning. Whether your speech is formal or informal, it is important to tailor your greeting to the context and audience. Use the examples and tips provided in this guide to craft a memorable and welcoming introduction that sets the stage for a successful speech. Remember, the key to a great greeting is to be sincere, confident, and inclusive.

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

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking , Speech Writing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Ric Elias

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Barack Obama

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

3. Seth MacFarlane

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

How to use humour to open your speech?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Mohammed Qahtani

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

5. Darren Tay

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

How to use props to begin your speech?

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

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

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

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

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

6. Simon Sinek

Opening: “How do you explain when things don’t go as we assume? Or better, how do you explain when others are able to achieve things that seem to defy all of the assumptions?”

7. Julian Treasure

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

How to use questions to open a speech?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Aaron Beverley

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

How to use silence for speech openings?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Dan Pink

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

10. Kelly McGonigal

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. Tim Urban

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

12. Scott Dinsmore

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

How to use storytelling as a speech opening?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. Larry Smith

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

14. Jane McGonigal

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

How to use provocative statements to start your speech?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. Ramona J Smith

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It will make your speech opening that much more impactful.

Related article: 5 Body Language Tips to Command the Stage

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Final Words

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

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

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

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

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

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

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15 Ways to Start a Speech + Bonus Tips

You have heard the saying “First impressions are lasting; you never get a second chance to create a good first impression.”

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 ). The introduction is basically the formal greetings for speeches, so let’s be sure to get this right to really hook the audience.

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 By 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 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.

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 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

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

For example, you might say something like:

“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 top 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 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 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 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 ask a question requiring a show of hands.

Try something like this:

“This is a great time to be alive and in business in America. By the way how many people here are self-employed?”

Raise your hand to indicate what you want people to do. I have used this line, and after a number of hands go up, I then say to someone who raised their hand in the front, “How many people here are really self-employed?”

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

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.”

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.”

14) Make a Strong Statement, Then Ask a Question

You can start by making a strong 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 Story

You can start your talk with a story. Some of the most powerful words grab the complete attention of the audience are, “Once upon a time…”

From infancy and early childhood, people love stories of any kind. When you start off with the words, “Once upon a time…” you tell the audience that a story is coming. People immediately settle down, become quiet, and lean forward like kids around a campfire.

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 to the rest of the story.

The story technique is very effective.

In fact, its 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 speech 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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90 Ways to Say “Good Morning” in English: Wake Up and Greet!

By: Author VanESL

Posted on Last updated: October 25, 2023

Sharing is caring!

Good Morning! Greetings play an important role in communication and can set the tone for a conversation or interaction. In English, there are numerous ways to say “Good morning” each with its own level of formality and familiarity.

When to use “Good morning”

“Good Morning” is a traditional and polite greeting that is commonly used in English-speaking countries. It is typically used as a way to greet people in the morning, from sunrise until around midday.

It is an appropriate greeting for many different settings, including:

• Workplace or business meetings
• School or educational settings
• Social gatherings with friends or family
• Running into someone on the street or in a public place

It is important to keep in mind that “Good Morning” is a formal greeting and may not be suitable for more casual settings or relationships. In such cases, more informal greetings such as “Hi” or “Hello” may be more appropriate.

Formal ways to say “Good morning”

• “Good morning, how are you today?”
• “Good morning, it’s a pleasure to see you.”
• “Morning, how can I assist you today?”
• “Good morning, may I have your attention please?”
• “Morning, it’s a great day, isn’t it?”
• “Good morning, how may I help you?”
• “Good morning, how are things going?”
• “Morning, it’s always a pleasure to see you.”
• “Good morning, have a great day ahead.”
• “Morning, have a wonderful day.”

Informal ways to say “Good morning”

List of informal ways to say “good morning”.

• “Hey”
• “Hi”
• “Morning”
• “ What’s up? “
• “Good day”
• “Howdy”
• “Yo”
• “How’s it going?”
• “How’s your day so far?”
• “Top of the morning to you”

These greetings are more informal and suitable for casual settings or closer relationships, where a more relaxed approach is appropriate.

Friendly ways to say “Good morning”

Friendly greetings are a way to acknowledge the other person, start a conversation, and convey a sense of positivity, warmth, and ease.

Friendly ways to say “Good morning” to someone on the street or in a public place

• “Hello”
• “Good morning!”
• “How are you doing?”
• “What’s up?”
• “Greetings”
• “Nice to see you.”

Friendly ways to say “Good morning” to someone in the family

• “Morning!”
• “Hey there!”
• “Hi!”
• “Howdy!”
• “Top of the morning to you!”
• “Good day!”
• “Hey, good morning!”
• “Morning sunshine!”
• “Rise and shine!”

Idiomatic ways to say “Good morning”

Idiomatic greetings are expressions that are commonly used in a culture or language, often conveying a specific meaning or tone beyond just acknowledging the time of day:

• “Rise and shine”
• “Morning, sunshine”
• “Howdy, partner”
• “G’day”
• “What’s cookin’ good lookin’?”
• “Mornin’ lovely”
• “Morning glory”
• “Good vibes this morning”
• “Bright and early, huh?”

Idiomatic greetings can add a touch of humor, personality, or informality to your greeting and can be used in various settings, such as with friends or in a casual work environment.

Professional ways to say “Good morning”

Professional ways to greet someone in the workplace.

Professional greetings are expressions used in a work setting, usually with coworkers, superiors, or business associates:

• “Good morning”
• “ Greetings “
• “Good to see you”
• “Nice to meet you”
• “ How are you? “
• “How are things?”
• “How’s your day going?”
• “What’s new?”

Professional ways to greet someone in the meeting

• “How are you doing today?”
• “It’s nice to see you.”
• “How have you been?”
• “Welcome!”
• “Hi! How are you?”
• “Good to see you again.”
• “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
• “How have you been doing?”

Professional ways to greet someone in the school or educational settings

• “Good morning [Name].”
• “Welcome, [Name].”
• “It’s a pleasure to see you, [Name].”
• “How are you today, [Name]?”
• “Greetings, [Name]. How may I assist you?”
• “Hello [Name], it’s good to see you.”
• “Nice to meet you, [Name].”
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6 Ways to Start a Speech (That Aren’t “Good Morning”)

We’ve all been at a speech with this typical beginning:

“Hello; good morning!”

“How’s everyone doing today?”

“Hi, everyone, thanks for coming!” 

Did you know that people decide whether they like you or not in the first seven seconds ? With that in mind, think of an opening that can really pack a punch, like the following 6 ways to start your speech:

• Tell a personal story.

A personal story about your topic will grab the audience’s attention. People will relate to an honest story about why you’re there instead of an announcement about what you’re going to discuss.

• Share a shocking statistic.

Sharing a statistic that your audience most likely doesn’t know can get them interested in your speech. Of course, make sure your speech surrounds how to solve this problem or delves into the reason behind the statistic.

• Ask a question.

There are many ways to use this technique. You could ask a rhetorical question that gets your audience thinking. Or, pose a question, then ask the audience members to raise their hands if it applies to them. And you might simply ask a question that you’ll inevitably answer during your speech.

• Quote a powerful person.

If you can find a quote from a well-known person who knows your topic, use it to your advantage. Start by quoting him or her, and then detail how this quote relates to your overall speech.

• Tell the audience to imagine.

Start your presentation by suggesting that your audience imagine a scenario that relates to your topic. For example, “Imagine you knew you were going to die in a year: What things would you want to do before then?” This scenario can help get your audience in the right mindset for your speech.

• Refer to a historical event.

This event could be in the 1800s or could have occurred last year. For example, if your speech is on success, you could talk about a company or person who didn’t think they were going to succeed but ended up being extremely successful.ge

There are many more ways you could start a speech, so get creative! Grabbing your audience’s attention is only the first step to forging a connection with them. Learn more about giving a powerful speech on our blog , or sign up for our next Leadership Presentation and Image program .

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