You know how often I speak and write about the critical importance of a strong speech opening.

The first words your audience hears don’t just begin your message; they set the tone, command attention, and signal your confidence. In short, the opening arouses interest in the subject and the speaker.

This is true whether you’re addressing a conference, leading a sales meeting, or standing on the world stage in a political arena.

The Political Trap: Protocol Over Power

Yes, political speeches come with their own rules and expectations. I understand that protocol often requires recognizing dignitaries, thanking the host, and following formalities. After all, the political stage is also a diplomatic one.

However, I believe this: You can honor protocol and still open with power.

Some of the most memorable lines in political speeches; those that move minds, shape history, or inspire action, are too often buried halfway through the script. By the time the speaker gets to them, attention has already wandered.

Let’s not waste the audience’s freshest attention span on “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.” Let’s use it to make an impression that sticks.

The Opportunity to Engage

The openings I’m about to share came from Vital Speech of the Day, a brilliant resource shared with members of the Professional Speechwriters Association. These speeches were written with the help of professional speechwriters. In most cases, they were delivered from teleprompters—crafted to sound conversational and seamless. However, even professionally written content often fails to captivate from the very first moment.

Here are a few actual openings and suggestions I believe would strengthen them:

1 Original:

“Thank you, John, and good evening, [State] Democrats! Many of you don’t know that when I was elected in…”

Fripp Suggestion:

Why not open with a vivid scene or surprising fact?

“In my first campaign, I knocked on more than 2,000 doors across this state. One woman asked if I’d ever held elected office. I told her, ‘Not yet.’ She said, ‘Good. You’re still honest.’”

OR an amusing personal story

“When I was a very young man, I told my parents, ‘One day I am going to be Governor of our state.’ And to their credit, they did not snicker!”

2 Original:

“Thank you for inviting me today. Monetary policy is more effective when the public understands what we are doing and why.”

Fripp Suggestion:

Start by humanizing the abstract.

“You probably don’t wake up every day and think about monetary policy. I do, and I am confident that after I’m done, you might want to tomorrow. ”

3 Original:

“Hello. Good to see everybody. How are we doing? Well, it’s an amazing privilege to be here in…”

Fripp Suggestion:

Give the audience a sense of pride in their home.

“What a vibrant city this is. Did you know it ranks #1 nationally for small business growth? I’m not surprised; you can feel the energy everywhere.”

4 Original:

“Thank you for the introduction. I am looking forward to our conversation, Professor…”

Fripp Suggestion:

Begin by honoring the intellect of the audience.

“Perhaps you agree, there’s nothing more stimulating than a friendly debate with someone you admire.”

Why This Matters

These aren’t throwaway lines. These are the lines that determine whether the audience leans in or tunes out. A compelling opening hooks attention, evokes curiosity, and builds emotional connection, even when discussing topics like interest rates or infrastructure.

Do you agree that these openings would have been stronger with a short story, an interesting statistic, or a relevant personal connection before the thank-you? Or do you believe the protocol-driven approach serves its purpose?

Either way, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s continue to applaud speeches that not only inform but also inspire.

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