opening remarks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opening remarks" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the initial comments or statements made at the beginning of a speech, presentation, or meeting. Example: "The conference began with opening remarks from the keynote speaker, who set the tone for the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Opening remarks.

Harvard University

That concludes my opening remarks.

Stanford University

faculty, will present opening remarks.

Columbia University

Here are Kavanaugh's opening remarks.

The Washington Post

Opening remarks by Chancellor Carol T. Christ.

University of California, Berkeley

Opening remarks by Ed Wasserman, Dean, Graduate School of Journalism.

University of California, Berkeley

Opening Remarks at the Securities Regulation Institute, Washington, DC (Jan 22 , 2018.

Columbia University

Opening remarks by Cornell University President David J. Skorton.

Cornell University

Biden delivers opening remarks at the White House Build America Investment Initiative Roundtable.

The Washington Post

Ramadan seemed wrong-footed in those opening remarks.

The New Yorker

The men exchanged opening remarks at a conference table.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When preparing "opening remarks", clearly define the purpose and desired outcome of your speech or presentation to ensure a focused and impactful start.

Common error

Don't start with a bland acknowledgement like "Good morning, everyone." Instead, capture attention immediately with a relevant anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a startling statistic to make your "opening remarks" more engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opening remarks" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It is used to denote the initial statements or comments made at the beginning of a speech, presentation, or meeting, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

39%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opening remarks" is a very common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the initial statements made at the start of an event, speech, or presentation. Ludwig examples show it is prevalent in news, academic, and business contexts. When crafting "opening remarks", it's crucial to be engaging and avoid generic acknowledgements. Consider alternatives like "preliminary comments" or "introductory speech" for variety. Ludwig confirms that the phrase serves to introduce, set the tone, and acknowledge participants.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning statements

A straightforward alternative, suitable for various situations.

preliminary comments

Highlights the initial nature of the remarks, suitable for less formal settings.

introductory speech

Focuses on the speech aspect, implying a more formal and prepared delivery.

initial address

Implies a direct communication to an audience, often in a formal context.

lead-in

A more informal term for introducing a topic or discussion.

starting words

Emphasizes the act of initiating a conversation or presentation.

preface

Suggests a written introduction or preliminary explanation.

commencement address

Specifically refers to a speech given at a graduation or similar ceremony.

foreword

Typically used for introductions in written works, like books.

preamble

Often refers to an introductory and explanatory statement in a formal document.

FAQs

How can I effectively start my "opening remarks"?

Begin with a captivating hook, such as a relevant quote, a startling statistic, or a brief anecdote, to immediately grab the audience's attention and set the tone for your presentation.

What's the difference between "opening remarks" and a keynote speech?

"Opening remarks" are typically brief and introductory, setting the stage for an event or presentation. A keynote speech is usually longer and more substantive, offering a central message or theme.

What should I include in my "opening remarks"?

Your "opening remarks" should briefly introduce the topic, state the purpose of the event or presentation, acknowledge key participants, and outline the agenda. Consider using alternatives like "preliminary comments" or "introductory speech".

Are "opening remarks" always necessary?

While not always strictly necessary, "opening remarks" are generally beneficial for providing context, setting expectations, and establishing a positive atmosphere at the beginning of an event or presentation. They provide "initial address" to the audience.