introductory speech

USAGE SUMMARY

"introductory speech" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it in a sentence such as: "The speaker began his address with an introductory speech about the importance of volunteerism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Murray did not appear in character, or anything close, in a brief introductory speech.

The New York Times

Chapters 5 11 contain an introductory speech by Moses, largely hortatory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The character, whom Ms. Govind described in an introductory speech as "strong-spirited," locked out her lover with multiple bolts.

The New York Times - Arts

Karl Lagerfeld, who presented an award to Haider Ackermann, made an introductory speech that lasted less than a minute.

The New York Times

"If you feel like dancing," Mr. Ford said in his introductory speech, "just get up and dance".

The New York Times - Arts

In my introductory speech I referred to her as the greatest Dame since Arthur Askey, Nat Jackley and Les Dawson.

The Guardian - Books

Yet at the book-signing party, it was Elgeba who gave the introductory speech, praising his friend's intellectual daring and intelligence.

The New York Times - Magazine

A gentleman dressed in a suit came to the stage and, in an introductory speech that ran some twenty minutes, declared the Castiles "greater than the Beatles".

The New Yorker

When Jacques, in his introductory speech, hails "the sanctity of surfaces, the value of veneer," he might be stating this production's credo.

The New York Times

At a crowded house gathering in Manchester on Sunday, Booker delivered an introductory speech stressing themes of unity, while making brief mention of health care and climate change.

The Washington Post

In an introductory speech at the midnight reception in Birmingham, he said: "Anybody who believes this will have a marked effect on obesity needs to challenge that perception..

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When delivering an "introductory speech", clearly state the purpose of the event or the topic at hand to set the stage for the audience.

Common error

Avoid making the "introductory speech" too long or detailed. Keep it concise and engaging to capture the audience's attention without overshadowing the main speaker or event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "introductory speech" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of speech that serves as an introduction. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, such as events, conferences, and ceremonies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "introductory speech" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a speech that introduces an event, topic, or speaker. As supported by Ludwig, its purpose is to set the stage and engage the audience. It is frequently found in news, business, and academic contexts, maintaining a neutral register. For alternative phrasing, consider "opening remarks" or "preliminary address". When delivering an introductory speech, keep it concise and engaging to capture the audience's attention effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opening remarks

Focuses on the initial comments made at the beginning.

preliminary address

Highlights the preparatory nature of the speech.

initial statement

Emphasizes a formal declaration made at the start.

opening statement

Commonly used in legal or formal contexts for an initial declaration.

preface

Implies a preliminary explanation or introduction.

lead-in speech

Highlights the speech's role in setting the stage for what follows.

introductory presentation

Emphasizes the informative and presentational aspect of the introduction.

beginning address

A straightforward alternative emphasizing the start of the address.

inaugural address

Typically refers to a formal speech marking the beginning of a term or position.

keynote address

Suggests a central or important speech setting the tone for an event.

FAQs

How can I effectively start an "introductory speech"?

Begin with a hook, such as a relevant quote or a brief anecdote, to grab the audience's attention. Then, clearly state the purpose of the speech and introduce the main speaker or topic.

What are some alternatives to "introductory speech"?

You can use alternatives like "opening remarks", "preliminary address", or "initial statement" depending on the context.

What should I include in an "introductory speech"?

Include a brief overview of the topic, the speaker's background or credentials (if introducing someone), and the significance of the event or presentation. Keep it concise and engaging.

How long should an "introductory speech" be?

Aim for a brief and impactful "introductory speech", typically lasting no more than 3-5 minutes. This helps maintain the audience's attention and sets a positive tone for the main event.