How to Start a Speech for Kids: 15 Engaging Opening Techniques
The first few seconds of a speech can make a big difference. They give the audience a reason to listen and help the speaker settle into the topic. But for many children – starting is often the hardest part.
A child may know exactly what they want to say – but still struggle with the first sentence. Should they begin with “Good morning, everyone”? Ask a question? Share a surprising fact? Or tell a short story?
The good news is that – there is no single correct way to begin a speech. A strong opening depends on “the topic, the audience and the message a child wants to share.”
In this guide – we explore 15 engaging ways to start a speech for kids, along with simple examples they can adapt for school assemblies, classroom presentations, speech competitions and other speaking activities.
What Makes a Good Speech Opening for Kids?
A good speech opening is a short introduction that catches the audience’s attention & gives listeners an idea of – what the speaker is going to discuss.
It doesn’t need complicated vocabulary or dramatic lines. It needs to feel – relevant, interesting and natural.
A strong opening usually does three things –
- Gets attention: It gives the audience a reason to listen.
- Introduces the topic: It helps listeners understand what the speech is about.
- Creates interest: It makes people curious about what comes next.
For example, if a child is giving a speech about saving water – they could begin with:
“Have you ever turned on a tap and wondered how much water we waste without even noticing?”
This is more engaging than simply saying – “Today I am going to speak about saving water.” Both introductions are acceptable, but the question gives the audience something to think about.
15 Engaging Ways to Start a Speech for Kids
Here are 15 techniques children can use to make their speech introductions more interesting. Each one works a little differently – so children can choose the approach that feels comfortable for them.
1. Start with an Interesting Question
A question is one of the easiest ways to involve an audience. It encourages listeners to think about the topic – instead of simply waiting for the speaker to continue.
The question doesn’t always need an answer from the audience. Sometimes, asking it is enough to make people curious.
Example – Topic: Importance of Reading
“Have you ever travelled to another country without leaving your room? A good book can take you there!”
When to use it: When the topic is familiar to the audience and you want them to connect it with their own experiences.
2. Share a Surprising Fact
People naturally pay attention to information they didn’t expect. A relevant fact can make an excellent opening – especially when a child is speaking about “science, nature, technology, health or the environment.”
Choose a fact – that is accurate, easy to understand and directly connected to the speech.
Example – Topic: The Human Brain
“Your brain is working – even when you are sleeping. It helps you dream, remember things and prepare for another day. Isn’t that amazing?”
When to use it: For informative speeches, science presentations and topics – where an interesting discovery can set the scene.
Tip: Always check facts before using them. An impressive sounding statement isn’t useful – if it isn’t true.
3. Begin with a Short Story
A short story can make a speech feel personal & relatable. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate tale. A small incident from school, home or everyday life – is often enough.
The story should lead naturally to the main topic.
Example – Topic: Helping Others
“Last week, I saw a new student sitting alone during lunch. I wasn’t sure whether I should talk to him – but I decided to walk over and say hello. That small conversation taught me something important – about kindness.”
When to use it: When the topic involves values, friendship, courage, kindness, confidence or personal experiences.
4. Use a Powerful Quote
A meaningful quotation can introduce an idea – in a memorable way. Children can choose a quote from a well known personality, author, scientist or leader.
The important thing is to understand – what the quote means & explain how it connects to the topic.
Example – Topic: Education
“Nelson Mandela once said – ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ These words remind us that learning can open doors & create opportunities.”
When to use it: For speeches about education, leadership, determination, success, equality or personal growth.
Tip: Mention the correct speaker and use the exact quotation. If you cannot verify the wording or source – it is better to choose another opening.
5. Paint a Picture with Your Words
Invite the audience to imagine a situation. This technique helps listeners picture an idea – rather than simply hear an explanation.
Start with phrases – such as “Imagine this…” or “Close your eyes and picture…”
Example – Topic: A World Without Trees
“Imagine waking up one morning and seeing no trees outside your window. No birds sitting on branches, no shade on a hot afternoon and no green spaces to enjoy. Wouldn’t the world feel different?”
When to use it: For speeches about the environment, future technology, dreams, travel, social issues or imaginary situations.
6. Begin with a Bold Statement
A bold statement is a clear, confident sentence – that makes the audience pause and think.
It should be strong enough to create interest – but it must still be relevant and defensible. Avoid making extreme claims just to shock people.
Example – Topic: Importance of Time
“Time is something we spend every day – but we can never earn it back.”
When to use it: When a child wants to communicate a clear message about responsibility, discipline, habits or an important issue.
7. Use a Little Humour
A light-hearted opening can help children connect with their audience. It also makes the speaker seem more relaxed.
The humour should be appropriate for the setting. A simple observation or gentle joke is usually better than – a complicated punchline.
Example – Topic: Healthy Eating
“My mother says I should eat more vegetables. I used to think broccoli was just a tiny tree on my plate. Now I know it has a much bigger job to do!”
When to use it: For informal classroom speeches, school events and familiar everyday topics.
Tip: If the audience doesn’t laugh – don’t worry. Smile and continue with the speech.
8. Ask the Audience to Raise Their Hands
This is a simple way to turn a speech into a shared experience. Asking for a show of hands gives listeners – a small role and helps the speaker connect with the room.
Example – Topic: Screen Time
“How many of you use a mobile phone, tablet or computer every day? Please raise your hands. I think most of us do! But have we ever wondered how much time we spend looking at screens?”
When to use it: For classroom presentations, school assemblies and speeches about everyday habits or shared experiences.
Tip: Give the audience a moment to respond – before continuing.
9. Begin with a Personal Experience
A personal experience helps a child – speak with authenticity. It doesn’t need to be an extraordinary achievement. A small moment that changed their thinking – can be just as meaningful.
Example – Topic: Overcoming Fear
“I still remember the first time I stood in front of my class to speak. My hands were shaking, and I forgot the first line. But I took a breath and started again. Today, I want to talk about – why trying matters more than being perfect.”
When to use it: For speeches about confidence, challenges, learning, friendship, sports or personal development.
10. Use a Short Dialogue
A conversation can make the opening feel lively and natural. Children can present a brief exchange between two people – or recreate a conversation they have heard.
Keep it short – so the audience doesn’t lose sight of the main topic.
Example – Topic: Importance of Saving Money
“Friend 1: Why are you saving your pocket money?
Friend 2: Because I want to buy a bicycle.
Friend 1: Why not spend it on chocolates today?
Friend 2: Because I want something that will make me happy for much longer!”
“That little conversation shows – why saving money can help us achieve bigger goals.”
When to use it: For speeches about money habits, friendship, choices, teamwork and everyday situations.
11. Start with a Mystery
A mystery creates curiosity – because the audience wants to discover what happens next. Begin with a clue, an unusual situation or a question that makes “listeners think.”
Don’t reveal the answer immediately. Give the audience a reason – to stay interested.
Example – Topic: The Importance of Bees
“They are small, they can fly, and they don’t make honey for us alone. Yet, without them – many of the foods we enjoy could become harder to grow. Who am I talking about? Bees!”
When to use it: For nature, science, history, inventions and discovery based topics.
12. Use a Comparison
Comparisons help audiences understand an idea – by connecting it with something familiar.
A child can compare two situations, objects or ways of thinking – to make the message clearer.
Example – Topic: Teamwork
“One pencil can draw a line, but a whole box of colours can create a beautiful picture. That’s a little like teamwork. Each person brings something different, and together we can do more.”
When to use it: For speeches about teamwork, friendship, unity, leadership, education and cooperation.
13. Share a Problem That Needs Solving
Start with a problem the audience can recognise. Then introduce the topic – as something that can help solve it.
This approach gives the speech a clear purpose from the beginning.
Example – Topic: Plastic Pollution
“Every day – we use plastic bags, bottles and wrappers. But where do they go after we throw them away? Some end up in rivers, oceans and landfills. Today – I want to talk about what we can do to reduce plastic waste.”
When to use it: For environmental issues, social awareness, health, school improvement and persuasive speeches.
14. Use a Short Riddle
A riddle is a playful way to start a speech. It makes the audience think and can be particularly effective – with younger listeners.
Choose a riddle that connects directly to the subject. Otherwise – it may feel like an unrelated game.
Example – Topic: Books
“I have pages but I am not a notebook. I have stories but I cannot speak. I can take you to different worlds without moving. What am I?”
“Yes, I am a book! Today – let’s explore why reading is such a wonderful habit.”
When to use it: For younger children, school assemblies and light-hearted educational presentations.
15. Begin with a Call to Action
A call to action invites the audience to “do something, think differently or make a small change.”
It is particularly useful – when the speech aims to persuade or inspire.
Example – Topic: Keeping Our School Clean
“Look around your classroom. What if every student picked up one piece of litter before leaving today? It may seem like a small action – but imagine what we could achieve if everyone did it.”
When to use it: For speeches about cleanliness, healthy habits, environmental protection, kindness & positive change.
How to Choose the Right Speech Opening
Not every opening technique works for every topic. A funny introduction – may suit a speech about healthy eating, but it may not be the best choice for a serious topic about pollution or equality.
Children should first understand what they want the audience to think, feel or learn. Then they can choose an opening that supports that purpose.
Here is a quick guide –
Speech topic or purpose | Opening technique to try |
Environmental awareness | Surprising fact, imagination or problem |
Friendship and kindness | Personal story or short dialogue |
Science and technology | Interesting fact or mystery |
Confidence and success | Personal experience or powerful statement |
Healthy habits | Humour or audience question |
Education and reading | Quote, riddle or imagination |
Teamwork and leadership | Comparison or personal story |
Persuasive speech | Bold statement or call to action |
A useful exercise is to ask children to try two different openings for the same topic. They can then decide which one sounds more natural and makes the message clearer.
How to Turn a Speech Opening into a Complete Introduction
An engaging first line is a good start – but the audience also needs to know where the speech is going.
Children can use this simple three part structure –
1. The hook: Begin with a question, fact, story, quote or another attention-grabbing technique.
2. The connection: Explain how the opening relates to the subject.
3. The introduction: Tell the audience what the speech will discuss.
For example, consider a speech on the importance of exercise.
- Hook: “Have you ever noticed – how much better you feel after playing outside?”
- Connection: “Moving our bodies helps us stay active, healthy & energetic.”
- Introduction: “Today, I am going to talk about – why exercise should be part of our daily routine.”
This structure gives children a clear beginning – without making the introduction too long.
Common Mistakes Kids Should Avoid When Starting a Speech
Children sometimes spend so much time trying to create an impressive opening – that they forget to make it understandable. A few simple mistakes are worth watching out for.
1. Starting with a Long Introduction
The opening should create interest – not explain the entire speech. One or two strong sentences are often enough – before introducing the topic.
2. Memorising Complicated Lines
Children may choose words they don’t normally use because they sound impressive. But if they struggle to say or explain those words – the opening can feel unnatural.
Encourage them to use language they understand and would comfortably speak aloud.
3. Using an Unrelated Joke or Story
An opening may be funny or entertaining – but it still needs to connect with the main subject. Otherwise – the audience may remember the joke but miss the message.
4. Speaking Too Quickly
Nervous speakers often rush through their first few sentences. A short pause before the opening and a steady speaking pace – can make a noticeable difference.
5. Looking Only at the Notes
Notes can help children remember their ideas – but reading every word makes it harder to connect with the audience. Practise the opening enough times – that the child can look up and speak naturally.
Simple Practice Activities to Help Kids Start a Speech Confidently
Knowing different techniques is useful – but children become more comfortable with practice. These activities can be done at home or in the classroom without special equipment.
Activity 1: One Topic, Three Openings
Give your child a familiar topic – such as “My Favourite Sport”.
Ask them to create three different introductions –
- One starting with a question.
- One starting with a personal experience.
- One starting with a surprising statement.
Discuss which one sounds most interesting and why.
Activity 2: The 30 Second Opening Challenge
Choose a topic and give your child a little time to think. Ask them to begin a speech and speak for 30 seconds.
The aim isn’t to deliver a perfect introduction. It is to “practise starting without waiting for the perfect words.”
Activity 3: Pick a Random Object
Place a few everyday objects on a table – such as a water bottle, pencil, book or toy.
Ask your child – to pick one and create a speech opening about it.
For example – a water bottle could lead to a speech about saving water, healthy habits or reducing plastic waste.
Activity 4: Record and Listen
Ask your child to record two different openings – for the same topic.
When listening back, encourage them to notice:
- Was the first sentence clear?
- Did the opening connect with the topic?
- Was the voice easy to hear?
- Did the speaker sound natural?
Avoid focusing only on mistakes. Help your child identify – one thing they did well & one thing they can improve next time.
Activity 5: Speak to a Small Audience
Invite family members to listen to a short speech. Let your child try a different opening each time.
Gradually – they can practise in front of more people. This helps them get used to speaking while others are listening.
For more ideas – explore public speaking activities for kids at home.
How Parents Can Help Children Become Better at Public Speaking
Parents play an important role in helping children develop speaking confidence. You don’t need to turn every conversation into a formal lesson. Everyday opportunities – are often the best place to begin.
Here are a few practical ways to support your child –
- Listen without interrupting: Let children finish their thoughts – even if they take a little time to find the right words.
- Ask open ended questions: Questions such as “What did you enjoy about your day?” encourage children to explain their ideas.
- Let them express their own opinions: Children should feel comfortable sharing thoughts that may be different from yours.
- Encourage practice, not perfection: A forgotten sentence or a small mistake is part of learning.
- Give specific feedback: Instead of saying only “Good job”, mention what worked, such as a clear opening, an interesting question or a confident voice.
- Create small speaking opportunities: Ask your child to explain a game, describe a book or share something they learnt.
Most importantly – avoid comparing your child’s speaking ability with that of another child. Confidence develops at different speeds.
How Public Speaking Classes Help Kids Develop Better Speaking Skills
Practising at home is a great starting point. However – children may also benefit from structured opportunities to develop their communication and public speaking skills.
A well designed public speaking programme can help children work on:
- Organising ideas and presenting them in a clear sequence.
- Choosing suitable speech openings and introductions.
- Speaking with better voice clarity, pace and expression.
- Using appropriate gestures and body language.
- Listening to others and responding thoughtfully.
- Building confidence through guided speaking practice and feedback.
At LearnifyU – the Public Speaking for Kids programme focuses on helping children become more confident and effective communicators through structured learning and practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Speech for Kids
There isn’t – one best opening for every speech. A child can begin with an interesting question, a short story, a surprising fact, a relevant quote or a bold statement. The best choice is one – that connects naturally with the topic and makes the audience interested.
Children can begin with “a question, an interesting fact, a short story or an invitation to imagine something.” For example – instead of saying “Good morning, everyone. Today I will speak about friendship”, they could ask, “Have you ever had a friend who made a difficult day feel better?”
They can still greet the audience after the opening – if the occasion calls for it.
For most short school speeches – an introduction of around 20–40 seconds is a useful starting point. The exact length depends on the total speech time and the topic. The introduction should be long enough to create interest – but short enough to leave time for the main message.
Start with familiar topics and small audiences. Practise the first two or three sentences at home – then try speaking in front of family members or a few friends. Gradually increase the audience size as the child becomes more comfortable. Avoid forcing a child to perform – before they feel ready.
Children should practise their opening so they feel prepared – but they don’t need to memorise every word. Understanding the main idea and remembering the sequence of thoughts – often helps them sound more natural. They can use short cue cards if needed.
More Questions Parents and Teachers Ask About Speech Openings
Good first sentences include questions, interesting observations and short statements connected to the topic. For example, “What would our school look like if every student helped keep it clean?” – is a useful opening for a speech about cleanliness.
A child can use a short question, a surprising but accurate fact, a relatable story or an invitation to imagine a situation. Speaking clearly and pausing briefly after the opening also helps the audience follow along.
Yes. Questions are effective because they encourage listeners to think about the subject. The question should be easy to understand and relevant to the main message. A child can then connect the question to the speech topic.
Children should avoid long explanations, unrelated jokes, difficult words they don’t understand and facts they haven’t checked. They should also avoid making the opening so complicated that it becomes difficult to deliver confidently.
Teachers can give students one topic and ask them to write different openings using – questions, stories, facts, quotations and bold statements. Students can practise each version aloud, compare the results and discuss which introduction best suits the audience and purpose.
A Strong Speech Begins with a Thought, Not Just a Sentence
Starting a speech doesn’t have to be stressful. Sometimes – the most effective opening is a simple question. At other times – a short personal story or an interesting fact can make all the difference.
The key is to help children –– understand their topic, think about their audience and choose words they can deliver comfortably.
Encourage your child to experiment with different opening techniques. Let them make mistakes, try again & gradually find their own speaking style. With regular practice and the right guidance – those first few nervous sentences can become the beginning of a confident speech.
