introduction speech for competition

Pageant Introduction Lines With Examples and Ideas

Making a strong first impression at a pageant is crucial. Your introduction line sets the stage for who you are and what you bring to the competition. In this post, we will share examples of attention-grabbing yet classy opening statements from past pageant winners. It also offers tips on how to craft your own unique introduction that highlights your personality, achievements, and why you’re the ideal candidate. With the right delivery, these lines will make you unforgettable from the moment you step on stage.

Best Pageant Introduction Lines

Crafting the perfect pageant introduction line is about blending your unique personality with a memorable statement that resonates with the judges and audience. Here are some examples of effective pageant introduction lines, categorized by the tone and style they convey:

1. Elegant and Formal Pageant Introductions Lines

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Representing the vibrant culture and majestic landscapes of [Your State/Country], I am [Your Name].”
“With pride in my heart and dreams in my eyes, I am [Your Name], hailing from the historic [Your City or State].”
“Enthralled by the arts and the rich heritage of my homeland, I am [Your Name], proudly representing the grace of [Your City or State].”
“Embodying the spirit and traditions of [Your City or State], my name is [Your Name], your ambassador of culture and community.”

2. Fun and Witty Introductions Lines

“From the state where the tea is sweet and the accents are sweeter, I’m [Your Name] from [Your State]!”
“They say you can take the girl out of [Place], but not [Place] out of the girl. Testing that theory, I’m [Your Name]!”
“Calling from the land where [Local Quirk or Joke], I am [Your Name], ready to add a splash of [Your State] spirit to this evening!”
“If life gives you lemons, you find someone with tequila and salt! Bringing that zest tonight, I’m [Your Name] from [Your State].”

3. Personal and Engaging Lines

“A bookworm and aspiring scientist who believes in the power of education and espresso, I am [Your Name] from [Your City or State].”
“Passionate about making a difference and powered by too much coffee, I am [Your Name], representing [Your State or Region].”
“A dancer at heart and an activist by choice, I come to you as [Your Name] from the spirited streets of [Your City or State].”
“Blending passion for social change with a love for the arts, I am [Your Name], eager to represent [Your State] tonight.”

4. Bold and Impactful Pageant Introduction Lines

“Determined to leave a mark as bold as the mountains of [Your State], I am [Your Name], your contestant from [Location].”
“Here to break barriers and build bridges, I am [Your Name], proudly representing [Your City or State].”
“From advocating for the environment to breaking the glass ceiling, I am [Your Name], standing strong with [Your City or State].”
“Leading with courage and serving with pride, my name is [Your Name], and I am here from [Your City or State] to make a difference.”

5. Inspiring and Aspirational Introduction Lines

“Championing change and empowering the next generation, I am [Your Name] from the beautiful [Your City or State].”
“Aspiring to inspire before I expire, I am [Your Name], joining you tonight from [Location].”
“Dreaming big and aiming high, I am [Your Name] from [Your City or State], dedicated to turning visions into reality.”
“Striving to leave a legacy of love and leadership, I am [Your Name], proudly wearing the sash of [Your City or State] tonight.”

Creative Ideas for Standout Pageant Introductions

Creating a standout introduction for a pageant can set the tone for your performance and leave a lasting impression on the judges and audience. Here are some creative ideas to make your pageant introduction memorable:

1. Play with Vibrancy and Variety

Excite the judges with enlivened self-descriptions. A lively depiction, instead of standard affirmations, gives your introduction an edge. Instead of saying, “I am from Location,” stimulate their curious side with, “Location, a haven of diverse culture and breathtaking landscapes, is my home.”

2. Showcase Hometown Pride

Show your connection to your hometown or country. An example: “As a native of Location, I carry the spirit of its resilient people”. This shows a strong sense of identity.

3. Cook up a Personal Tagline

Introduce a catchy tagline, one that summarizes your unique traits. “Committed to compassion, determined to succeed,” for instance, paints a picture of a determined and kind-hearted person. Choose qualities that align with the pageant’s values.

4. Offer Fascinating Glimpses

Toss in an interesting fact about yourself. It could be an uncommon hobby, an extraordinary ability, or a remarkable achievement. For example, “In my pursuit of Pageant Subject passion, I’ve risen as a national chess champion”. This adds curiosity and encourages the judges to learn more about you.

5. Use a Prop

While props should be used sparingly and wisely, a small, meaningful prop can enhance your introduction. For example, holding a book if you’re an avid reader or a small musical instrument if you’re a musician adds a visual element that reinforces your spoken words.

6. Tell a Quick Story

Begin with a brief, engaging story that encapsulates something essential about you. For example, “When I was seven, I planted 20 trees with my grandmother, and today, I’m an environmental science student advocating for sustainable development.”

7. Quote a Role Model

Start with a quote that resonates with your life philosophy or career goals, especially if it’s from someone influential in your field or someone you admire. Follow the quote with why it’s meaningful to you and how it relates to your pageant platform.

Real-Life Pageant Introduction Examples

Here are some real-life pageant introduction examples that showcase different approaches:

Example 1: Humor and Passion (Miss USA 2019)

Contestant: Cheslie Kryst (North Carolina)
Introduction: “Hello! I’m Cheslie Kryst, and I’m from Asheville, North Carolina. Now, some people might think that my greatest accomplishment is wearing this fabulous gown, but actually, I’m a licensed attorney who wakes up every day to fight for social justice. And when I’m not in the courtroom, I’m rocking my sewing machine because justice should be served with good fashion.”
Humor: She uses a relatable joke about the pageant and her gown.
Passion: She transitions to highlight her professional background in social justice.
Uniqueness: Briefly mentions her hobby of sewing, showcasing a well-rounded personality.

Example 2: Storytelling and Purpose (Miss Universe 2018)

Contestant: Catriona Gray (Philippines)
Introduction: “Magandang gabi (Good evening)! I am Catriona Gray, Miss Philippines. As a Filipino, I have witnessed the strength of my people in the face of adversity. Typhoon Haiyan may have devastated our land, but it empowered our spirit. That’s why I founded the ‘Paraiso’ charity, which rebuilds schools for children displaced by natural disasters. Because education is not just a right, it’s our chance to rise again, and together, we can build a paradise.”
Storytelling: She shares a personal story about the Philippines’ resilience after a natural disaster.
Purpose: She connects the story to her charity work focused on education.
Impact: She emphasizes the importance of education and leaves a message of hope.

Example 3: Unique Skill and Cause (Miss America 2020)

Contestant: Camille Schlitter (Iowa)
Introduction: “I’m Camille Schlitter from Clive, Iowa, and while I may not be the tallest or the twirliest girl out there, I can code my way out of any situation! As a computer scientist, I created an app to help people with speech disabilities communicate more effectively. Because everyone deserves to have their voice heard.”
Unique Skill: Highlights her background in computer science showcasing an unexpected talent.
Cause: Connects her skillset to an app that helps people with speech disabilities.
Inclusivity: Ends with a powerful message of inclusivity.

How to Differentiate Yourself During Pageant Introduction?

Differentiating yourself during a pageant introduction and capturing the attention of judges is crucial for making a memorable impact. Here are strategies to stand out:

1. Craft a Unique Introduction Line

Your opening line is your first chance to grab attention. Aim for a mix of sincerity and uniqueness that reflects your personality. Avoid clichés and consider incorporating an interesting fact about your background, a brief mention of your passions, or an achievement that sets you apart.

2. Focus on Delivery

How you deliver your introduction is just as important as what you say. Speak with confidence and maintain a steady, clear voice. Practice your pacing, tone, and intonation to add depth to your words. Eye contact is key; engaging directly with the judges and audience shows confidence and presence.

3. Dress to Impress

Your appearance should reflect the tone of your introduction. Choose an outfit that complements your personality and the message you want to convey. Whether it’s elegant, bold, or innovative, ensure it’s polished and makes you feel confident.

4. Use Body Language

Your body language speaks volumes. Stand tall, smile genuinely, and use gestures sparingly to emphasize key points. These visual cues can reinforce your words and make your introduction more dynamic.

5. Be Authentic

Judges can tell when contestants are not being themselves. Authenticity resonates more than a rehearsed script. Share something genuine about yourself that can form a connection with the judges and audience.

6. Prepare a Memorable Closing

Your closing is as crucial as your opening. End with a brief, catchy phrase or a call-back to your opening line that reinforces your key message. This helps ensure the judges remember you long after you’ve left the stage.

7. Rehearse, But Be Flexible

While practicing is essential, also be ready to adapt. Being overly rehearsed can come off as robotic. Adapt your tone and body language to the mood of the event and the reactions of the audience and judges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key components of a standout pageant introduction.

In a standout pageant introduction, incorporate vibrant self-descriptions, hometown pride, personal taglines, and intriguing facts. Use these elements to engage and impress the judges, while showcasing your individual values and character.

How can real-life examples assist in crafting pageant introductions?

Real-life pageant introductions can serve as a guide for crafting your own original, captivating introductions. Studying them helps you understand how contestants blend aspects like hometown pride, self-descriptions, personal taglines and intriguing facts to create memorable and effective introductions.

Why is showcasing individuality important in pageants?

Showcasing individuality in pageants helps you to stand out amongst the contestants. Displaying your unique character, values, and personality allows you to leave a lasting impression on the judges and the audience.

Can personal taglines be effective in pageant introductions?

Yes, personal taglines can be very effective. A creative, well-crafted tagline can help encapsulate your individuality, values and goals, hence making your introduction more impactful and memorable.

I’m Ellis Philip, a writer who loves fashion. I often write for beauty magazines, sharing my thoughts on how fashion can make women feel powerful. Traveling is my passion, as it lets me discover new beauty products and trends. I enjoy bringing these finds into my writing, hoping to inspire others.

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Great opening lines to a speech get us curious and can set the direction for a powerful talk. In those first few seconds you have the chance to gain your audience’s attention, earn their trust, and persuade them you are someone worth listening to. The best introductions to speeches are a mile away from the standard welcomes and thank yous that set the snoozometer to max. Get it right, and those initial words can captivate the crowd from the off, creating a connection with every individual in the room. But how do you go about opening your speech with something different and memorable? A great place to start is looking at examples of introductions to successful speeches to see what you can learn from them. To show you what we mean, we’ve picked some of our favourite opening lines from TED talks, home to some of the best conference speeches in the world. From funny stories to hard-hitting introductions, TED talks show the art of the possible when it comes to getting your speech off to a kick-ass start. Have a go at guessing the speaker, or the focus of the rest of their talk (hint…we give you the answers later on).

Do you want to improve your public speaking? Why not view our Public Speaking Courses !

Guess the Speech: Five of the best speech opening lines

Speech A: Good morning. How are you? It’s been great, hasn’t it? I’ve been blown away by the whole thing. In fact, I’m leaving.

Speech B: For a long time, there was me, and my body. Me was composed of stories, of cravings, of strivings, of desires of the future. Me was trying not to be an outcome of my violent past, but the separation that had already occurred between me and my body was a pretty significant outcome. Me was always trying to become something, somebody. Me only existed in the trying. My body was often in the way.

Speech C: Sadly, in the next 18 minutes when I do our chat, four Americans that are alive will be dead from the food that they eat.

Speech D: Okay, now I don’t want to alarm anybody in this room, but it’s just come to my attention that the person to your right is a liar. (Laughter) Also, the person to your left is a liar. Also the person sitting in your very seats is a liar. We’re all liars. What I’m going to do today is I’m going to show you what the research says about why we’re all liars, how you can become a liespotter and why you might want to go the extra mile and go from liespotting to truth seeking, and ultimately to trust building.

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

Giving a good introduction to a speech is key

Answers: Who delivered these great opening lines?

These examples pack a punch for very different reasons. There’s absolutely no chance of the audience zoning out when the speaker goes straight in with such a powerful start. So, who gave these speeches, and why are the introductions so good? Time for the big reveal….

A: Sir Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity

Deceptively simple, the opening lines for this speech set the tone for what has become the most viewed TED talk of all (currently nearly 57 million views). Far from being just ‘throat clearing’, Sir Ken’s funny introduction cleverly paves the way for a talk that will gently but profoundly show us a new way of looking at education. It’s as if we are at a dinner party, being hosted by Sir Ken – he makes us feel comfortable, interested and open all at once. We are not being lectured to (which is always a possibility when education is the subject matter of choice), we want to learn and hear more. Very skilful indeed.

Ginger tip: funny introductions

Using humour in your introduction can be a great way to get your speech off to a flying start – but only if you do it in a way that feels natural. This example shows how you can make people laugh without telling a joke. It’s about finding your own funny and feeling totally comfortable with what you’re saying. If it feels a bit forced to you, it definitely will to your audience. You don’t have to make people roll around on the floor laughing, but light-hearted and amusing anecdotes can add energy and engagement to your talk – which is especially needed if you’re in the dreaded after-lunch slot . Remember, when you open your speech with something funny, you are setting the tone for the rest of your talk – so you’ll need to pepper humour throughout.

Extra Ginger nuggets

How to write a funny speech Funny inspiring speakers talks

B: Eve Ensler: Suddenly, my body

As you’d expect from a the writer of the Vagina Monologues, the start of this speech opening was profound, stark in its honesty and inviting. We empathize and want to know more. Unfortunately this speech suffered from a common affliction that writers face; in getting focused on the precise words of the speech (in this instance, Eve Ensler read her speech), we can get disconnected from the full power of the material. Whilst the words were powerful, we would have enjoyed the rest of this speech more if Eve had given herself permission to find the right words in the moment, rather than needing to be perfectly scripted.

Ginger tip: going unscripted

You want it to be perfect. You’re worried about forgetting something vital. You’re scared of doing it wrong. These are common and perfectly understandable reasons why people opt to script their speech and read it word for word. But rather than delivering a foot-perfect performance, you’re more likely to lose the vital connection with the audience. Not to mention risking plunging yourself into the dreaded ‘I’m sorry I’ve lost my place’ scenario. More than anything, people want you to be human and to speak from the heart. It takes confidence to ditch your notes, but with some simple techniques, you can prepare and remember your speech in a way that allows you to deliver a clear, compelling and authentic talk.

How to start a speech with power and confidence How to remember a speech without notes

C: Jamie Oliver’s TED Wish: Teach every child about food

This is one of our favourite ever TED talks, and it doesn’t pull its punches from the very first line. Jamie Oliver manages to balance preparation (statistics, stories, well-developed ideas) with heart in his TED talk. This speech opening line both makes our jaws drop to the ground in shock at such a statistic and opens our hearts to the human side of the story. Powerful stuff.

Ginger tip: punchy facts

Opening your speech with a hard-hitting fact can quickly add credibility to your talk and demonstrate the scale of an issue. It’s best to keep statistics simple and make them as relevant to the audience as possible, so it feels memorable rather than dry. Resist the urge to stuff the rest of the speech with stats. Try to stick to a few powerful facts and bring them to life with real examples.

Extra Ginger nuggets:

The key to presenting data…is not to present data How to make a powerful point with your speech

D: Pamela Meyer: How to spot a liar

We love talks that balance humour and connect us to the subject matter in hand – and Pamela Meyer does this perfectly in her TED talk opening line. By bringing a challenge straight to us, in our very seats, Pamela engages us and makes sure the talk is about ‘me’ the audience member. We’re laughing and ready to listen. Great job.

Ginger tip: setting up a problem

Setting up a problem at the start of your speech immediately creates a reason for listening and a direction for your talk. And if you involve the audience in the problem, it’s even more powerful. It doesn’t have to be something completely new, in fact telling us what we already know and explaining why that’s a problem can be a really engaging way to start. Depending on the subject matter, you can frame the problem in different ways – from serious to humorous. And it gives a natural structure to the rest of your talk as you explore how to solve the issue.

The best way to engage your audience Five methods to master audience interaction

E: Ric Elias: 3 things I learned while my plane crashed

Wow, what an opening! Who wouldn’t want to know more? Ric Elias showed here how powerful it is to jump straight into a story, with no fussing around with thank yous and throat clearing. Unfortunately after the winning start, the rest of the talk lacked some of the gusto and drama of its opening lines. What can we learn from this? Start with power, but make sure you structure your talk to include a journey that will continue to keep us involved all the way through.

Ginger tip: start with a story

Stories are one of the most effective ways to inspire others. We’re hard wired to connect with stories and your experience of the world is one of the most valuable speaking tools that you possess. Telling a story is a popular way to open a speech because it can quickly build that all-important human connection with your audience. If you have a message that’s personal, or if you’re trying to influence your audience to make a change, a story is a great place to start.

Why is it so important to tell your story? 3 storytelling secrets for public speaking

Research the best speech opening lines before you start

Creating the best introduction for your speech

We hope these examples of great opening lines demonstrate that you don’t have to conform to the ‘safe’ introductions we’re all used to hearing at corporate conferences. In fact, at Ginger, we dare our speakers to rip up the ‘rulebook’, to be courageous, and to take a different approach to setting the scene. You can find even more tips in our free guide, The 10 best ways to start your talk . We’d love to hear your thoughts on these and other examples of great opening lines – so please share your ideas in the comments below.

Beyond introductions

Of course, it’s all very well creating a captivating introduction, but you don’t want the rest of your talk to fall off a cliff edge after you’ve built it up so spectacularly. Maintaining the audience’s attention for the rest of your speech is just as important. We’ve developed the TED-style Talk Guidebook to help you through the process of writing a brilliant speech. Whether you’re crafting a short talk or a keynote, it will help you create a speech that’s as good as a TED talk – so you can wow your audience from the first word to the final thank you. If you’d like to get hands-on support with becoming a better public speaker, then take a look at our training courses. There’s something for every level, from nervous beginners to becoming a leading speaker on the world stage. We’d love to welcome you along.

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