what to add in a school captain speech

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How to Write a Better Captain Speech

Table of Contents

Are you feeling nervous about your upcoming class captain speech? Don’t worry; you’re not alone!

Writing a class captain speech can be daunting and nerve-wracking. It’s a significant opportunity to share your passion for the role and show everyone why you are the right person for the job.

But don’t let fear stop you from being successful — with some planning and preparation, writing an excellent class captain speech is easy! Keep reading to learn how to write a class captain speech .

Who Is a Class Captain?

A class captain is a leader in their classroom who promotes positive behavior, encourages classmates to follow school rules. A class captain acts as a role model.

They are also responsible for encouraging collaboration among students and helping to build community spirit. As the class captain, you should be prepared to act as an ambassador for your classroom on special occasions or during school events.

Characteristics of a Class Captain

Being a class captain is an important role and requires certain qualities. A great class captain should:

• Show enthusiasm and excitement for the job.
• Be well-prepared to take on the responsibilities of the role.
• Have strong communication skills, including public speaking.
• Be able to resolve conflicts between students or with teachers in a mature manner.
• Inspire other students to be their best by setting an example of hard work and dedication.

Structure of a Class Captain Speech

• Introduction – Introduce yourself and share why you are the right person for the job.
• Strengths – Highlight the strengths that make you an ideal class captain and how these will benefit the classroom.
• Goals – Explain what you plan to achieve as a class captain, such as improving student morale or increasing participation in school activities.
• Conclusion – Summarize your message with a call to action, encouraging other students to support you in becoming their class leader.

How to Write a Class Captain Speech

Step 1: Start by Introducing Yourself

Your introduction is critical because it sets the tone and helps people understand who you are. Start by introducing yourself to your classmates, letting them know what year of school you’re in. Add any other relevant information that might help give context to your speech.

Step 2: Outline Your Strengths and Abilities.

Now that you’ve introduced yourself, it’s time to explain why you are the right person for the job. Share with them your strengths and qualities that make you a great class captain. Things like having strong communication skills or being organized and reliable.

Step 3: Explain What Goals You Plan to Achieve As Class Captain

You should also talk about the goals and objectives you plan to accomplish during your tenure as class captain. These include increasing student participation in school events or improving classroom morale. Talk about how you will go about achieving these goals and how they will benefit the classroom environment.

Step 4: Conclude With a Call to Action.

Finally, wrap up your speech with a call to action, encouraging your fellow students to support you in becoming their class captain. Ask them for their vote and remind them of the positive changes you plan to bring about as a leader.

Guideline for a Class Captain Speech

1. be prepared.

Before you start writing your class captain speech, it’s essential to do some research and learn more about what the role entails. This will help you outline the goals and objectives you plan to achieve as a leader.

2. Use Language Appropriately

Keeping the language of your speech simple is essential for connecting with your audience. Avoid using jargon or overly complex words, and stick to examples that everyone in the classroom can relate to.

3. Keep It Short & Sweet

People have short attention spans, so keep your class captain’s speech concise and to the point. Aim for up to two minutes in length, but be bold and take longer if you need to.

4. Make It Personal

Your speech should be about your goals for the role, so make sure it reflects your personality and passions. This is an excellent opportunity to show everyone why you are the perfect class captain!

5. Practice

Once you’ve written your speech, practice delivering it out loud several times until you feel comfortable with the content and delivery. This will help reduce anxiety or nervousness when it comes time to deliver it in front of your classmates.

Sample of a Class Captain Speech

Good morning everyone! My name is John, and I’m running for class captain this year.

I’m the right person for the job because I have strong communication skills and a passion for helping others. As class captain, my goal will be to create a positive learning environment in our classroom where everyone feels respected and supported.

To accomplish this, I will work closely with teachers to ensure that all students follow school rules and behave appropriately. I will also strive to promote collaboration among classmates by organizing activities and encouraging teamwork. Finally, I’ll work hard to increase student participation in school events, so everyone can get involved and have fun together! With your support, we can make this a fantastic year.

So please, join me in making our classroom a better place by voting for me as your class captain! Thank you.

Writing a class captain speech doesn’t have to be challenging or scary. With some planning and preparation, you can create an inspiring speech that will get your classmates excited about being part of the team .

That said, remember to introduce yourself, outline your strengths and abilities. Also, don’t forget to spell out your goals as a leader. Finally, conclude with a compelling call-to-action.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Writing an Effective Year 12 School Captain Speech: A Guide to Winning the Election

Unlock the Secrets to Crafting a Winning School Captain Speech

Introduction: The role of a school captain is not just about holding a prestigious title; it’s about being a leader and making a positive impact on your school community. One crucial aspect of the election process is delivering an effective speech that captivates your audience and convinces them to vote for you. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the strategies and techniques to write and deliver an impactful Year 12 School Captain speech that will help you win the election and make a difference in your school.

Understanding the Role of a School Captain: Leadership and Responsibilities

Gain a clear understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Year 12 School Captain. Explore the qualities and attributes that make an effective leader and how they translate into your speech.

Researching and Analyzing Your Audience: Knowing Your School Community

Learn the importance of understanding your audience and tailoring your speech to resonate with them. Conduct research to gather insights about your school community’s values, concerns, and aspirations.

Crafting a Powerful Opening: Grabbing Attention from the Start

Discover techniques to create a memorable opening that captures the attention of your audience. Explore storytelling, thought-provoking statements, or inspiring quotes to establish a strong connection.

Developing a Clear Structure: Organizing Your Speech Effectively

Learn how to structure your speech to convey your message coherently. Explore the use of introduction, body, and conclusion to ensure a logical flow and make your points compelling.

Showcasing Your Qualities and Accomplishments: Building Credibility

Highlight your strengths, experiences, and accomplishments to establish credibility and demonstrate your suitability for the role of School Captain. Use anecdotes, examples, or testimonials to support your claims.

Addressing Key Issues and Concerns: Connecting with Your Audience

Identify and address the issues and concerns that matter to your school community. Show empathy, propose solutions, and share your vision for a better school environment.

Sharing Your Future Plans: Inspiring Action and Change

Articulate your vision and goals for the school. Outline specific initiatives, events, or improvements you intend to implement if elected as School Captain. Inspire your audience to take action and join your cause.

Utilizing Language Techniques: Persuasion and Emotional Appeal

Explore rhetorical devices, such as metaphors, parallelism, or rhetorical questions, to enhance the persuasive impact of your speech. Use emotional appeal to connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Practicing Effective Delivery: Confidence and Authenticity

Discover strategies to enhance your delivery skills , including vocal variety, body language, and eye contact. Practice your speech to ensure confidence and authenticity in your delivery.

Closing with a Memorable Conclusion: Leave a Lasting Impression

Craft a powerful and inspiring conclusion that summarizes your main points and leaves a lasting impression. Use a call to action or an uplifting message to motivate your audience to vote for you.

FAQs – How to Write a Winning Year 12 School Captain Speech?

1: how long should a school captain speech be.

Aim for a speech duration of around 3-5 minutes to effectively convey your message without losing your audience’s attention.

2: Should I include personal anecdotes in my speech?

Personal anecdotes can be impactful and help create a connection with your audience. However, ensure they are relevant to your message and add value to your overall speech.

3: How can I engage the audience during my speech?

Engage your audience through eye contact, inviting them to participate, or incorporating interactive elements, such as asking rhetorical questions or involving them in a brief activity.

4: Is it necessary to memorize my entire speech?

While memorization can provide a sense of confidence, it is important to maintain a balance between memorization and spontaneity. Memorize key points and practice enough to ensure a smooth delivery.

5: How can I handle nervousness before and during my speech?

Prepare thoroughly, practice regularly, and visualize yourself delivering a successful speech. Deep breathing exercises and positive self-talk can also help manage nervousness.

6: Should I mention other candidates in my speech?

Avoid directly criticizing or mentioning other candidates. Focus on presenting your unique qualities, ideas, and plans to stand out as the best candidate.

7: How can I make my speech memorable?

Use storytelling, vivid imagery, or powerful quotes to make your speech memorable . Aim to inspire, uplift, and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Here are a few examples of a school captain speech:

Example 1: “Dear fellow students, teachers, and staff, today I stand before you as a candidate for the position of School Captain. I believe that our school is more than just a place of learning; it is a community that fosters growth, friendship, and opportunity. If elected, I promise to be a dedicated and approachable leader who will listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to address them. Together, we can create a school environment that encourages inclusivity, excellence, and personal development. Let us embrace our differences and celebrate our achievements, for united we can make our school truly exceptional.”   Example 2: “Respected principal, teachers, and my fellow students, I am honored to be standing here as a candidate for the role of School Captain. Our school is not just a building; it is a place where dreams are nurtured and futures are shaped. If entrusted with the responsibility, I will strive to be a beacon of inspiration and encouragement for all students. I will work closely with our teachers and staff to ensure that each one of us has the support and resources we need to excel academically and personally. Let us embark on a journey of growth, unity, and achievement, making our school a shining example of excellence.   Example 3: “Dear everyone, today I am humbled to stand before you as a candidate for the position of School Captain. Our school is more than just classrooms and textbooks; it is a vibrant community that thrives on enthusiasm and participation. If chosen as your leader, I will promote a culture of involvement, where every student’s voice is heard and valued. Together, we can organize exciting events, foster a sense of belonging, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Let us come together as a united front, supporting and inspiring one another to reach new heights. Vote for me, and together, we’ll make our school experience truly unforgettable.”

Key Points:

• Understand the role of a School Captain and the qualities of an effective leader.
• Research your audience and tailor your speech to their values and concerns.
• Craft a powerful opening , organize your speech effectively, and showcase your qualities.
• Address key issues and propose solutions while sharing your future plans.
• Utilize language techniques, practice effective delivery, and close with a memorable conclusion.

Bio: The author, an experienced public speaker and advocate of youth leadership, shares valuable insights in “Writing an Effective Year 12 School Captain Speech: A Guide to Winning the Election.” With a passion for empowering students, the author provides practical tips and strategies to help aspiring School Captains create impactful speeches and make a positive impact on their school community.

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• Effective Public Speaking Techniques for School Leadership Roles.
• The Role of Empathy in School Captain Speeches: Building Connections.
• Comparing Speech Styles: Inspirational vs. Informative School Captain Speeches.
• Overcoming Stage Fright: Tips for Confident School Captain Speech Delivery.
• Balancing Confidence and Humility in School Captain Speeches.
• Analyzing Past Successful School Captain Speeches: What Made Them Stand Out?
• Speech Content vs. Delivery: Striking the Right Balance for Impactful Speeches
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Answer ( 1 )

In this guide, we’ll give you everything you need to know about writing a winning speech for the school captain election. First, we’ll show you some example speeches from past winners and finalists to give you an idea of what a successful speech might look like. Then we’ll talk about how to craft your own outline and where to find inspiration for topics in your own life. Finally, we’ll cover some tips for how best to deliver your speech if it all goes well with writing it!

School captain speech examples

In this article, we’ll look at the speeches that won school captain elections. We’ll also give you some tips on how to write your own winning speech for a school captain election.

We’ve got two examples of speeches that were given by students who went on to win their school captain elections: one from an Australian high school student and another from an American middle school student. Both speeches are very good because they have all the elements of a great speech–they’re funny, they have interesting facts and stories in them (which keeps people engaged), and both speakers talk about things that relate directly back to themselves or their peers (so they make it easy for listeners).

School captain speech topic ideas

Here are some ideas for school captain speech topics:

• The importance of school spirit.
• Why it’s important to give back to the community.
• How you plan on making your school better by becoming a leader and role model for others.

How to write a great school captain speech outline

To write a great speech outline, you need to follow these three steps:

• Start with a hook. You want to grab your audience’s attention right away. This can be done by using an interesting fact or statistic that relates to the topic of your speech, or by telling a story that illustrates what you’re going to talk about later on in the speech. If possible, try not to use any quotes from movies or other sources unless it’s absolutely necessary for illustrating your point (and even then, only use them sparingly).
• Use strong openings and closings when writing out your speech outline–and make sure both are relevant! Don’t forget about these two sections because they are just as important as any other part of writing an effective school captain election speech outline; if nothing else comes across strongly enough for voters during these sections then there won’t be much left worth remembering later on down in middle parts like introduction paragraph(s), body paragraphs(s) etcetera…

How to write a winning school captain speech

• Use the right tone
• Use the right body language
• Use the right content and style of speech
• Deliver your speech effectively

A winning school captain speech can help you win the election.

A good school captain speech can help you win the election. If you’re running for school captain and want to give an impressive speech that will make everyone remember you, then this article is for you!

To write a great school captain speech outline:

• Think about your audience. What do they want from their new leader? What are their hopes and dreams for the future of the school? How can they see themselves reflected in your words?
• Have a clear message. Make sure that everything in your talk ties back into what makes YOU special – why should people vote for YOU instead of anyone else who wants this job too (and there will almost certainly be other candidates). Don’t try too hard though; keep it simple!

With the help of these school captain speech examples, you can write a great speech that will help you win your election. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to write from scratch and there are plenty of resources available online. Just make sure that whatever you do use is original and doesn’t copy anyone else’s work!

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Speech Guidelines for a School Captain Candidate Plus an Example

Being the school captain is among the things that many students strive to attain in school. Whilst some are fortunate to become leaders in their respective schools, others disappear into oblivion with their hopes forever shattered. One of the factors that separates winners from other candidates is the whole concept of speech making and delivery.

And when I’m talking about speech, I’m not talking about words just put together for the sole reason of announcing your candidature. These are very cleverly selected words that will arouse the students’ desire to elect you as their representative. It is true that when you fail to plan, you plan to fail. This maxim is also true in speeches. A speech that does not go through the guidelines explained below will not have the desired outcome.

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Speech Writing Guidelines for a School Captain

1. let your message be brief and precise.

Avoid using many filler words to make the speech long. With a long speech, you will obviously loose the attention of the audience. The speech should be short and content rich. It should be straight to the point. You should hit the nail while it is hot- the nail in this case refers to the first few minutes that the audience is attentive. Hit them with that punch line that will leave you glued to their minds. You should keep your explanations minimal and if you can do it without explanations, the better.

2. Simplicity is genius

As albert Einstein rightly put it, “If you can’t explain it simply, then you don’t understand it well enough.” The beauty of using simple language is that you reach a wide scope of students. Using complex and complicated jargon will isolate the audience and the message will not reach its intended destination.

Furthermore, you do not want your fellow students to think you are above them. If they cannot understand you, how will they trust you to deliver their grievances to the authorities above? While a technical jargon showcases your mastery of the language and may open for you unlimited opportunities in the future, at this point in time it would be advisable to speak in a language that befits a school setting. Do not forget that you will also be communicating to pupils of the lower grade. Do not overlook their votes, they are equally as important as other votes.

3. Content should be organized in point form.

The speech should be broken down into parts to make it more orderly and precise. The organization of the speech will be explained better in the outline section later in the article. Ensure that each paragraph has its own point. Each paragraph must begin with a topic sentence, followed by few supporting lines and these supporting sentences must be related to the topic sentence. The paragraphs should however be brief. Try not to go very deep into the topic at hand.

4. Exhibit qualities of a leader.

Whether you are delivering it before a congregation or just putting it on paper, there must be some level of authority that the people listening or reading can feel. Nobody wants to be represented by a coward. Naturally, people are conditioned to follow a courageous leader, who has authority and leads by example. Apart from that, kindly be as honest as possible in your speech. Do not promise things you cannot deliver. Mistrust is one deep pit you cannot salvage yourself from.

5. Use the first person.

This is quite obvious always use the first voice when referring to yourself and in second person when referring to the students or audience. It creates a form of bond between you and the students when you refer to them directly. Also, always use active voice, as it is more authoritative and direct. Passive voice is least effective when you call people into action. For instance, when you say, “We will beat them,” sounds more authoritative than saying, “They will be beaten by us.”

Planning is an integral part of a speech. An outline gives you the format or rather, a rough draft of what your speech should look like. Here is the basic format of a speech:

Introduction

Remember first impressions always last. The contents of your introduction and how you present it will either make you or break you. This is an important part of your speech, as this is the part which will either win the audience’s attention or lose it. The length of the introduction should be no more than 10% of the whole speech. So, if your speech is to last 5 minutes, then your introduction should take like 40 to 45 seconds. Here, you should provide your greetings, introduce yourself and state your purpose.

The body is the bulk of the speech, making 80% of it. What you intend to do when elected the school captain should falls within this segment. Each point should be kept in separate paragraphs and should be accompanied by few sentences shading more light on each one of them. You should however be brief and avoid going into too much details. This will bore the audience and will make the speech too long. The body should follow this format:

1 st  Paragraph

• Topic sentence 1
• 3-4 sentences supporting topic 1

2 nd  Paragraph

• Topic sentence 2
• 3-4 sentences supporting topic 2

3 rd  Paragraph

• Topic sentence 3
• 3-4 sentences supporting topic 3

This part should only be 10% of the speech. Your conclusive remarks are just as important as any other part of the speech. It would be absurd to give a mind blowing presentation and then have a lackluster ending. One of the best way of wrapping things up is by use of a famous quote with a few additional remarks or you may give thanks to all the people who have supported you to where you are. You may also opt to quickly summarize all your points, whichever way you choose it, when done correctly they are both equally effective.

Essay Sample for a School Captain

Dear students, teachers and the *insert school* community at large, good afternoon. It is yet again that time of the year that we have to exercise our individual rights to select the rightful leaders to represent us. I come at your presence, not as a leader but rather as a servant who will put your interests first before mine.

I have spent all my learning years in this school and I’m very aware of all the challenges that students go through. Each year, I have witnessed recurring issues that threaten the pillars of our institution, which are peace, love and unity. I’m here to put an end to that. Your humble servant speaking is *insert your Names*, sixth grade and I’m running for this year’s School Captain.

I have a confession to make. The idea of vying for the School Captain position was first initiated to me in the fourth grade by *insert teacher’s name*, who saw the leadership qualities in me. Mr./Mrs. *teacher*’s sentiments are also shared by other teachers and students, who have privately confided in me about my natural ability to inspire and mobilize people.

I would like to publicly thank them, because they are the spark that ignited this fire in me. My decision to vie for this position is a way of me giving back to this wonderful school. All the years I have spent in this here have been nothing, but good and memorable. Everyone in this school, including teachers and my fellow students have been wonderful and if I was to go back in time, I would still do it again here.

Coming from a very religious background, my parents taught me the importance of humility. That is the reason why I’m naturally humble, friendly and approachable. I believe all people are born equal and I give each person the respect he/she deserves. As most of you are aware, I have worked hand in hand with the outgoing School Captain to ensure that this institution is always running smoothly.

I would like to personally call upon you to come in large numbers during the voting period and continue what I already started with my predecessor. It does not matter who wins. The most important thing is that the process has to be free and fair. Let the voice of the people be heard, because injustice here is a threat to justice everywhere.

Lastly, I would like thank my parents, friends, teachers, students and everyone, who took part in molding me to become the person I am. If it were not for you, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I would also like to thank everyone who showed up to this function today. You sacrificed your precious time to come and lend us your ears. A great day is indeed seen in the morning. All the people that participated in this democratic practice are surely destined for greatness. They are the people who will bring good change to this wonderful nation in the future. Vote wisely, vote with your hearts. May God bless you. Thank you.

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Qualities & Skills for Being a School Captain

The Organizational Structure of a School District

A school captain is a focal point for student concerns and for staff to pass on information to the school. He may be democratically elected, so he needs to have a high profile and be a trustworthy person. An effective leader has a long list of qualities and skills he needs, but a school captain may learn these along the way to improve his impact on the school.

Leadership is an essential quality for an elected person. The students must trust him to be both capable and stand for their concerns. The captain must also be able to lead a student council or committee, and keep order when the group dissents with each other. Part of leadership is being able to take decisive action when all the information is in, and sometimes this means that the captain is unpopular with some of the other students, so he must be able to handle criticism well and use the criticism to improve future decision-making if it is relevant. Student morale is another aspect of leadership, so the captain should be able to rally some enthusiasm for projects to keep them on track.

Communication

A school captain is a student representative, and as such, is an intermediary between the staff that runs the school and the kids that attend the school. He needs to be able to listen to the concerns and desires of the students, and be able to pass on this information to the staff in a clear and reasonable manner. He must then be able to listen to the staff and relay their position to the students to keep them up to date. He also requires decent public-speaking skills, as he may have to address assemblies or events. Chaperoning visitors to the school may be another job responsibility, so he should have good interpersonal skills, and be able to converse easily with both students and adults.

Organization

School captains need to be extremely organized. The role requires a captain to punctually attend all necessary meetings. She may also have to organize groups in hosting events such as fairs to get the school involved, or hold fundraising events to raise money for a particular activity. To take on this responsibility effectively, she has to keep abreast of all necessary tasks, delegate the tasks if required and also keep herself informed of any developments.

Students of the school may be content with the school as it is, and in this case, the school captain need not attempt to make any drastic changes. However, whether the captain faces a tough challenge or a happy student body, he may be able to improve the students' well-being and enjoyment of the school day. He can make small innovations such by introducing better canteen seating areas or changing rules that forbid personal music players at lunch time, for example.

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Jillian O'Keeffe has been a freelance writer since 2009. Her work appears in regional Irish newspapers including "The Connacht Tribune" and the "Sentinel." O'Keeffe has a Master of Arts in journalism from the National University of Ireland, Galway and a Bachelor of Science in microbiology from University College Cork.

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How to Make a Good Speech for School

Last Updated: February 26, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,264,393 times.

A good speech in school will earn you the admiration of your teachers and peers alike. You probably won't deliver the kind of speech you hear in the movies, but that's a good thing: people will enjoy your original take much more. From getting an idea to conquering stage fright, here are the steps to take if you want to make your final speech a memorable, exciting success.

Sample Speeches

Writing the Speech

• If you're not sure which theme to choose, write down or summarize a few stories and statements you could include in your speech. Pick the ones you like best and see if there's a unifying theme to tie them together.
• See What to Do and What Not to Do for more advice on themes.

• Don't interrupt one point with a clause, or section set aside by commas or parentheses. Instead of saying "Our tennis and basketball teams, which we all know won the regional championships two years ago, need increased funding to compete," say "Our tennis and basketball teams both won the regional championships two years ago. Now we need to increase their funding to compete with other schools."
• You can reference your school's slang once or twice to get a laugh, but don't overdo it, especially if there are parents in the audience.

• Find a broad message that your whole audience can connect to their own life, but still deals with a specific idea. For instance: "Become an even better version of the hero who inspired you." (But don't steal your "original" idea from this website!)
• Your stories can be specific incidents in your life or from history, but you should connect them to a more general idea. For instance, you could tell a story about your sibling's hospital visit, then go on to talk about overcoming fear and hardship in general.
• If you like what you're writing but it doesn't fit the theme you had planned, it's fine to adjust your topic or switch it entirely. Switch back and forth between writing stories and brainstorming a theme if you keep getting stuck.

• Surprise your audience by diving right into a tough story. "When I was ten years old, I lost my father."
• Make your audience laugh by telling a joke, especially one that everyone in the room will get. "Hello everyone. Let's have a round of applause for the guy who installed air conditioning."
• Start with a grand, thought-provoking statement. "Our galaxy contains billions of earth-like planets, and we're only just beginning to discover them."
• Most likely, someone else will introduce you, and many of your classmates know you already. Unless you're asked specifically to introduce yourself, you can get right to the good stuff.

• To use an example from earlier, if your theme is "Become an even better version of the hero who inspired you," you could begin your speech with two or three sentence about your hero, then say "You all have heroes who inspire you, but you don't have to just follow them. You can become even greater than the people you look up to."

• Include phrases such as "Now I'd like to talk about..." and "But we should also remember..." when moving on to your next idea.

• Build up to a big ending, then crack a joke to wrap up a funny speech. "And I know when you walk to the ballot box tomorrow, you'll be ready to do the right thing. Protect the interests of yourself and your school by washing your hands afterward. Do you know how many people touch that thing?"
• If you're giving a commencement speech, leave people feeling excited or awed about the future. This is a big moment and you have the power to help them realize it. "Years from now, you will be the father or mother your kid looks up to. The writer who changes the way we think. The inventor who creates new ways to live. Come up to the stage and start becoming heroes!"

• Have a teacher, family member, or trusted friend check it over for grammar mistakes and offer feedback. Spelling isn't as important, since you'll be speaking out loud.

• If your topic involves a lot of numbers, plan to write them on the board so your audience can remember them

• Your notes are there to remind you what to say next and of important facts. "Move on to bear wrestling story (guy's name is Paul Bunyan)" is the level of detail you need.

Practicing and Delivering the Speech

• Practice giving your speech in as situation as similar to your actual speech as possible.
• In general, you should stay fairly still while giving a speech. Small hand gestures and occasionally moving to a new spot are fine, especially if they help you feel and appear confident

• If you speech is too long, you absolutely need to cut some material out of it or shorten the longer stories or ideas. If you're giving a commencement speech, aim for a 10 or 15 minute maximum. An election speech should be no more than a few minutes, and your teacher should be able to tell you the time limit for a class assignment speech.

• If you can't stop rushing, work out how long you should spend on each section and write the number of minutes at the top of each index card or paragraph. Practice near a clock so you can check whether you're on pace.

• Use slightly different words each time once you have the main ideas down. Try not to get caught up on exact memorization; using a new phrase to communicate the written idea makes your speech sound more natural.

• Practice varying your facial expression if your face looks fixed and mechanical.
• Try to vary the tone of your voice as well. Don't make it sound like you're reciting every word from memory; pretend you're speaking in ordinary conversation.

• Try to make eye contact with different members of your audience throughout the speech. Don't stare at any one person for too long.
• Resist the temptation to hide by standing near a corner or large object.
• Don't fidget, tap your foot, or make other nervous gestures. Try slowly walking back and forth across the stage to get rid of your nervous energy.

• Dressing nicely will increase your confidence and gain respect and attention from your audience.

What to Do and What Not to Do

• Memories your class shares and personal memories that many people will connect to, such as your first day at the school.
• Overcoming obstacles. Talk about how your classmates overcame problems related to academics, finances, and health, and how proud everyone is that they're standing here.
• The diversity of your classmates and celebrating the rich variety of experiences, personalities, and interests at your school. Describe some of the many ways people will go on to do good in the world.

• Address your audience directly. Ask them questions to get them thinking, although you shouldn't expect an answer.
• Use groups of three. The human brain loves repetition, and especially trios. Start three sentences with the same phrase, speaking louder each sentence.
• Use emotive language. Try to provoke a strong emotional response in your audience, not present a list of facts to them.

• Don't tell stories that only a few friends will understand. Even references that your whole class will get should be used sparingly if there are parents in the room as well.

• Go change the world!
• Today is not the last day of your education, but the first.
• The future belongs to you.
• If elected, I will be the voice of the students.
• It's time for change!

• If you're giving a high school commencement speech, remember that not everyone in your class will be attending college. Don't joke about your education letting you avoid a "bad" profession; chances are good there's a parent who has that job out in the audience.=

Common Questions: Tips for Writing & Rehearsing a Speech

How do you start a speech for school?

Start by introducing yourself and thanking the audience. You can kick off the speech with a relevant “what if” question that gets the audience thinking and expand on it. Or try starting with a strong statement or quote related to your topic, then follow it up with an impactful question to answer in your speech. [14] X Research source

Where do I start when I'm writing a speech?

Start by sitting down and brainstorming to get your creative juices flowing. What is the focus of your speech? Who is your audience? Why is your speech important? Once you have some notes down, start refining your ideas until you get to one main point or theme that you’ll base your speech on. [15] X Research source

What parts should I include in a speech to make it the most effective?

Create a speech that has a clear introduction for your main point or thesis statement. Then, include and expand on 2-3 main points to make up the body of your speech. To conclude, summarize and restate your thesis to include your key points, and then make your closing statement. [16] X Research source

How do I get better at giving a speech I've written?

Read the speech out loud several times to get a feel for it. Record or take video of yourself giving the speech to find any weak spots and adjust anything that feels awkward or choppy. Ask friends or family to watch you rehearse and give you honest feedback. Then, just keep practicing until you've nailed it. [17] X Research source

• Look at everyone in the audience, not just one person. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Make sure you don't offend or embarrass your audience. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Before you start, pick a spot on the wall to focus on. Throughout the speech, keep looking at that spot after each sentence. This shows to your audience and teacher that you can make eye contact! Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Things You'll Need

• Writing tool
• Index cards

You Might Also Like

• ↑ [v161163_b01].12 November 2019.
• ↑ https://finley-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/f/finley-h/localcontent/how_to_write_a_speech.pdf
• ↑ https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/articles/for-the-novice-six-simple-steps-to-writing-a-fantastic-speech
• ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-introductions
• ↑ [v161163_b01]. 12 November 2019.
• ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zv7fqp3/articles/z4w96v4
• ↑ https://classroom.synonym.com/write-good-speech-school-4859.html
• ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-delivery
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-start-off-a-speech
• ↑ https://open.maricopa.edu/com225/chapter/selecting-a-topic-brainstorming-your-ideas/
• ↑ https://www.amherst.edu/academiclife/support/writingcenter/public-speaking/resources-for-public-speaking/speech-structure
• ↑ https://open.maricopa.edu/com225/chapter/practicing-your-speech/

About This Article

To make a good speech for school, choose a theme or topic to focus your speech on so it's easier to write. When you're writing your speech, stick with simple language so your audience understands and doesn't get bored. Also, try to start your speech with a joke, story, or shocking fact that will immediately grab their attention. Remember to talk directly to your audience by asking rhetorical questions and making references they'll understand. End your speech with something memorable, like an inspirational quote or a call to action. To learn more about how to practice and memorize your speech before you present it, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Funny Student Council Speech Ideas to Help Everyone Relate to You

Give them a speech they'll never forget. These ideas can help you get started with a funny, creative speech perfect for the student council role you want.

Michele is a writer who has been published both locally and internationally.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Megan's contributed both writing and research to a myriad of associations including academic publications, cultural institutions, non-fiction works, and experimental collaborative projects.

When you've got hundreds of kids staring you down, bright lights in your face, and the worst case of jitters the school stage's felt in weeks, take a breath. You can always rely on the funny student council speech you've worked so hard on crafting to perfection to get you through.

So many people can be naturally funny without trying too hard, so if you just relax and let your natural humor shine through in your student council speech, you'll do great. But if you've glued your pinky to the backspace trying to write yours, let us help you with these tips and ideas. 

Funny Student Council Speech Intros for Specific Roles 

When you're running for a student council position, all you've got is your words. So, you need to write a speech that students will remember long after you've graduated. After you've pitched around some  speech ideas for your student council role , it's time to put pen to paper (or fingers to the keys). And what's the best way to get an audience on your side? With laughter, of course. 

• Student Council Speech Ideas & Tips to Help You Win
• Tips for a Winning Student Council Speech for Treasurer
• Student Council Speech Ideas & Tips to Help You Win

Funny President Speech Intro Example 

The other candidates are going to come up here and tell you all the reasons why you should vote for them. I'm going to give you only one reason why you should vote for me. I've got the face of an angel.

Think about it, every time I ask for your concerns, give a speech, or land an interview in the school paper, you're going to have to look at my face. If you want to make this year and school politics Instagram-worthy, consider just whose face you want to stare at every day, mine or theirs.

Hilarious Vice President Speech Opener

My competitors have come up here and given you a laundry list of reasons why they should be elected VP, so I'll keep things short. I'm the brains behind this operation, and I'll marionette puppet our president better than Ratatouille and his little rat hands ever could. Whatever you want, I'll work those strings to make it happen. 

Silly Secretary Speech Intro

Your student council secretary really needs to love words. I love words so much that I'll only eat Alpha-Bits for breakfast. And what's more, I'll only eat the cereal letters I can use to make a word. So, say there's a "T," "Q," and "R" left in the bowl; I can't bring myself to swallow them.

I love pencils so much that I fail every automatically graded exam because I can't bring myself to damage the pencil by using it. I love writing so much that I've got a physical therapist on speed dial for my carpal tunnel. 

Comical Treasurer Speech Opener

If time is money, we're all going to be very rich after this speech. I'm not sure who's responsible for the exchange rate, but I hope it's a good one. As treasurer, I take money lingo just as seriously as I do sticking to our budget, and unlike Al Capone, I won't bust our operation with faulty books and tax fraud. 

• How to Make Life After High School Worth All the Hard Work

Funny Student Council Speech Intros That'll Win Everyone Over 

One of the biggest tips for writing a speech is to connect with your audience on their level. Your classmates will probably respond well to fun and humor, so give your speech a dose of comedy and break the ice with a funny intro.

• Mr. Smith, our beloved math teacher, told us all that we'd use trigonometry one day. I think he's an awesome teacher and I really want him to be right. So, my entire speech will cover things that are opposite and adjacent to the issues of our school, and that will lead me on a tangent.
• When you hear the words "Student Council," you probably envision a bunch of old, bald, white guys sitting around wearing suits with ties and talking about all the problems students cause in the world. Today, to help me get through my stage fright, I'm asking you to imagine me as one of those guys. Preferably, I hope you picture Will Farrel as Mattel's CEO. 
• Today, I'm here to taco 'bout something serious and I've been trying to figure out how to get your vote. You might think school rules and student privileges are nacho business, but you'd be wrong. I won't try to get jalapeño business or get saucy, and I certainly won't burrito around the bush. If you want this year to feel like a fiesta, vote for me for President. In queso you still haven't figured it out, I'm the best woman for the job.
• Everyone, let's take a moment of silence. [Pause]. Thank you for joining me in that moment of silence for the competition that I'm going to slaughter at the ballot box this week. 
• (Pointing phone at the crowd) [High School Name] STUDENT BODY! Let's make some noise for my lovely competition — they've worked so hard — and give yourselves a round of applause for appointing someone as awesome as me to your student council. (Puts phone away.) So I'd like to thank my mother who, without her, I wouldn't be here today, and my father of course, because there's part of him in here too...(dramatic pause). OH, oh sorry everybody, those were my acceptance speech cards. Let me just pull out the right ones here.

Creative Ways to Sprinkle Some Humor into Your Speech 

Speech starters aren't the only places you can toss in a little funny line or two. There are a ton of ways you can incorporate humor into your student council speech to break the ice, grab everyone's attention, or stand out from the crowd. These are just a few of them: 

Poke a Little Good-Natured Fun at a Staff Member

There's nothing teens find funnier than cleverly making fun of their teachers and principals. Just be sure to only poke fun at the ones you know will take the joke well, and keep it good-natured and lighthearted. 

End an Info-Heavy Section With a Witty One-Liner

As a teen, you know kids have short attention spans (curse you TikTok), so you'll start to lose them after a while. Keep their attention by ending any information-heavy section with a funny one-liner. It's hard to stay snoozing when you're laughing. 

It's totally ok to use jokes in a student council speech, but remember the goal of using jokes and humor is to connect with your peers, so make sure they're things that everyone will actually find funny and not anything that could be hurtful or upsetting.

Don't Rush the Delivery

If you've got a line you just know is going to make everyone laugh, don't pull the wind from its sails by speeding through it. People tend to talk faster the longer they're presenting, so make sure your joke lands by pulling back and easing into the delivery. 

Add Something Funny or Unexpected to a Serious Sentence

If you're listing some of the genuine things you bring to the table for your desired student council position, grab everyone's attention by throwing a funny one on at the end. 

Tell a True Funny Story From Your Childhood

Talking about something funny that really happened to you, especially if it's related to the student council role you want in some way, can be a creative and memorable way to stand out. For example, the lemonade stand disaster you had as a kid might just make you a shoo-in for treasurer. After all, you learned from your mistakes. 

End the Speech With a Joke or Funny Slogan 

You can also use a joke or a funny slogan at the end of your student council speech to help make it memorable. A funny, relatable slogan that helps people remember you could have a positive impact when it comes time to vote. 

• School Jokes for Kids of All Ages

Hook 'Em With Humor for a Winning Speech 

The secret for how to win a high school election isn't stuffing the ballot box or teen comedy movie-ing your way to making the competition drop out. Instead, it's about being memorable and connecting with your peers. A funny opening line or hilarious closing one will not only capture their attention, but it'll have them thinking about you when they step up to that ballot box. 

• Arts & Humanities
• Communications

School Captain Speech

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Why do you want to be a school captain? 7 Sample Answers Included

Serving as a school captain is an excellent leadership opportunity and the perfect way to make a lasting impact on your school. But when it comes time for an interview, you will likely be asked, “Why do you want to be a school captain?”. In this article, we will guide you through preparing your answer and crafting an effective response showcasing your unique skills and motivations.

This article aims to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively communicate why you are the right candidate for the position of school captain. Whether you are a student who aspires to be a school captain or someone interested in learning about leadership and public speaking, this article is for you.

Table of Contents

How to prepare for answering “Why do you want to be a school captain?”

Before answering the question, “Why do you want to be a school captain?” it is important to take some time to prepare. This will ensure that you are ready to give a confident and compelling answer that showcases your unique skills and motivations.

Research about the school and its values:

To start, take some time to research the school and its values. Learn about its history, mission, and goals, and consider how you can align your personal goals with the school. This will help you tailor your answer to the school’s specific needs.

Consider personal experiences and motivations:

Think about your own experiences and motivations for wanting to be a school captain. What inspired you to pursue this position? What personal qualities and skills do you possess that make you well-suited for the role?

Identify your unique skills and strengths:

Consider your unique skills and strengths and how they can contribute to your success as a school captain. Whether you can communicate effectively, your leadership skills, or your passion for making a difference, highlight these qualities in your answer.

How to answer “Why do you want to be a school captain?”

Once you have a clear understanding of the question and have taken the time to prepare, it’s time to craft your answer. Your answer should be clear and concise and showcase your passion and qualifications for the role of school captain.

Start with a strong opening:

Begin your answer with a strong opening that immediately captures the interviewer’s attention. This could be a personal story, a statement of purpose, or a specific experience that highlights your qualifications for the role.

Tailor your answer to the school:

Your answer should be tailored to the specific needs of the school. Consider the school’s values and goals, and show how your goals align with theirs.

Talk about your school involvement and passions:

Being passionate about something gives people purpose—it drives them forward and can also help them stay focused when other obstacles get in their way. Think about which aspects of your school life have been meaningful for you. Are there any activities or clubs that have sparked your interest? Any classes that motivate you? Are any causes or issues related to student life that matters deeply to you? If so, explain why they matter to you and how being a school captain would provide the perfect platform for taking action and making progress on these matters.

Highlight your unique skills and experiences:

Make sure to highlight your unique skills and experiences that make you well-suited for the role of school captain. Whether you can communicate effectively, your leadership skills, or your passion for making a difference, be sure to showcase these qualities in your answer.

Your answer should reflect your qualities as a leader:

When answering this question, you must focus on yourself rather than talking about how much of an improvement the school needs or how much better things would be if someone else were in charge. Instead, focus on expressing what qualities you can bring to the position and why those qualities make you well-suited for the job. For example, if you are organized, detail-oriented, and great at problem-solving, explain how these qualities would help you take the initiative or resolve any issues that may arise during your term as school captain.

Discuss your goals as school captain:

If accepted into the role of school captain, what goals would you set out to accomplish? Think carefully about what legacy you want to leave behind when your term ends. Do you want students at your school to feel more connected? Do you want everyone at the institution—teachers included—to feel supported by each other? These are just some examples of achievable goals that could come from being a successful leader in such a role. Describing these goals can also show the committee evaluating candidates who understand what a school captain requires and have concrete ideas about moving forward with this responsibility.

End with a strong conclusion:

End your answer with a strong conclusion reiterating your passion for the role and your commitment to leadership. This could be a statement of purpose, a vision for your future as a school captain, or a call to action.

7 sample answers: “Why do you want to be a school captain?”:

• “Ever since I was young, I’ve been drawn to leadership roles. As a school captain, I can not only serve as a role model for my peers but also have the opportunity to impact our school community positively. I have strong communication skills and a passion for bringing people together, which make me well-suited for the role of school captain.
• “I have a deep love for our school and its values, and I believe that I can help to further those values and make a positive difference in the lives of my classmates. I am a strong leader with a proven track record of bringing people together to achieve a common goal. I am eager to use these skills to serve as a positive influence and help to build a stronger, more inclusive school community.”
• “The power of community has always inspired me, and as a school captain, I can help to create a sense of belonging and unity among my classmates. I have excellent interpersonal skills and a deep commitment to serving others, which make me well-suited for the role of school captain. I am eager to use my skills and experiences to help create a more positive and supportive school environment for everyone.”
• “I have a passion for helping others and making a positive impact, and as a school captain, I can use these skills to make a difference in the lives of my classmates. I have strong organizational skills and a proven track record of leading successful projects and initiatives. I am eager to bring these skills to the role of school captain, and I am confident that I can help to create a better and more inclusive school community.”
• “I have a strong commitment to excellence, and as a school captain, I can help to raise the bar and push our school to new heights. I have excellent leadership skills and am well-known for my ability to inspire and motivate others. I am eager to use these skills to positively influence and help create a more successful and dynamic school community.”
• “I have always been drawn to leadership roles, and I believe that as a school captain, I can help to make an on our school community. I have excellent communication skills and a passion for serving others, which make me well-suited for the role of school captain. I am eager to use my skills and experiences to help create a more positive and supportive school environment for everyone.”
• “I am deeply committed to the success and well-being of our school, and as a school captain, I can help to create a more positive and inclusive environment for everyone. I have excellent organizational skills and a proven track record of bringing people together to achieve a common goal. I am eager to use these skills to serve as a positive influence and help to build a stronger, more united school community.”
• “I have been a highly involved student at my school since I started in grade nine. I have dedicated myself to being a part of the school community, whether it be through participating in extra-curricular activities or volunteering my time and energy. Being a school captain would allow me to make a real impact on the lives of my peers and make our school an even better place. I want to use this position to lead by example and ensure everyone feels included and represented.”

Being a school captain is a great responsibility and a fantastic opportunity to impact your school community positively. Answering the question, “Why do you want to be a school captain?” is an important part of the process, as it allows you to showcase your passion, skills, and qualifications for the role.

By taking the time to understand the question, preparing your answer, and crafting a clear and compelling response, you can deliver a confident and inspiring answer that will set you apart and help you to achieve your goal of becoming a school captain.

Always be yourself and let your passion and commitment to leadership shine through in your answer. Good luck!

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Speech for School Captain Election

Winning an election is a tedious task. Only those can uderstand it who have ever fought elections in their life; be it at the school level, college level, organisational level or at the national level. In order to win the votes the candidates must be able to put their qualities properly in front of the voters. It can be done through delivering a genuine and strong speech. Here comes a sample speech for school captain election that can help you win that school captain post and see your dream coming true.

Good Morning to all my respected teachers and friends. It’s my pleasure to stand here and contest for the post of school captain. I have a dream today. It is that our school will enter the top 10 schools’ list in the coming years and I know it is not impossible. Do you agree with me?

I have been studying in this school since my nursery class. Now I am in class 10th. You can count that it has been more than a decade now. So, I can feel the pulse of my school. I know that you people have great potential. I know resources are ample but the motivation, the enthusiasm are lacking.

So, I would try to put my team’s efforts in the right direction which is to make sure that every student is notified of the competitions, quizzes and other activities going on at intra-school and inter-school levels. A few students can’t change the destiny of a school, that’s why 100 per cent student participation is a must.

You can always share your concerns with me. I am always open to criticism also and ready to improve. So please lend me your precious advice. I believe that I have the experience to fit in this role.

To turn my dream into reality I need your vote and support to choose me for the post of school captain. I am sure that would use your due diligence and elect the right person as school captain.

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15 Powerful Speech Opening Lines (And How to Create Your Own)

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking , Speech Writing

Powerful speech opening lines set the tone and mood of your speech. It’s what grips the audience to want to know more about the rest of your talk.

The first few seconds are critical. It’s when you have maximum attention of the audience. And you must capitalize on that!

Instead of starting off with something plain and obvious such as a ‘Thank you’ or ‘Good Morning’, there’s so much more you can do for a powerful speech opening (here’s a great article we wrote a while ago on how you should NOT start your speech ).

To help you with this, I’ve compiled some of my favourite openings from various speakers. These speakers have gone on to deliver TED talks , win international Toastmaster competitions or are just noteworthy people who have mastered the art of communication.

After each speaker’s opening line, I have added how you can include their style of opening into your own speech. Understanding how these great speakers do it will certainly give you an idea to create your own speech opening line which will grip the audience from the outset!

Alright! Let’s dive into the 15 powerful speech openings…

Note: Want to take your communications skills to the next level? Book a complimentary consultation with one of our expert communication coaches. We’ll look under the hood of your hurdles and pick two to three growth opportunities so you can speak with impact!

1. Ric Elias

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

How to use the power of imagination to open your speech?

Putting your audience in a state of imagination can work extremely well to captivate them for the remainder of your talk.

It really helps to bring your audience in a certain mood that preps them for what’s about to come next. Speakers have used this with high effectiveness by transporting their audience into an imaginary land to help prove their point.

When Ric Elias opened his speech, the detail he used (3000 ft, sound of the engine going clack-clack-clack) made me feel that I too was in the plane. He was trying to make the audience experience what he was feeling – and, at least in my opinion, he did.

When using the imagination opening for speeches, the key is – detail. While we want the audience to wander into imagination, we want them to wander off to the image that we want to create for them. So, detail out your scenario if you’re going to use this technique.

Make your audience feel like they too are in the same circumstance as you were when you were in that particular situation.

2. Barack Obama

Opening: “You can’t say it, but you know it’s true.”

3. Seth MacFarlane

Opening: “There’s nowhere I would rather be on a day like this than around all this electoral equipment.” (It was raining)

How to use humour to open your speech?

When you use humour in a manner that suits your personality, it can set you up for a great speech. Why? Because getting a laugh in the first 30 seconds or so is a great way to quickly get the audience to like you.

And when they like you, they are much more likely to listen to and believe in your ideas.

Obama effortlessly uses his opening line to entice laughter among the audience. He brilliantly used the setting (the context of Trump becoming President) and said a line that completely matched his style of speaking.

Saying a joke without really saying a joke and getting people to laugh requires you to be completely comfortable in your own skin. And that’s not easy for many people (me being one of them).

If the joke doesn’t land as expected, it could lead to a rocky start.

Keep in mind the following when attempting to deliver a funny introduction:

• Know your audience: Make sure your audience gets the context of the joke (if it’s an inside joke among the members you’re speaking to, that’s even better!). You can read this article we wrote where we give you tips on how you can actually get to know your audience better to ensure maximum impact with your speech openings
• The joke should suit your natural personality. Don’t make it look forced or it won’t elicit the desired response
• Test the opening out on a few people who match your real audience. Analyze their response and tweak the joke accordingly if necessary
• Starting your speech with humour means your setting the tone of your speech. It would make sense to have a few more jokes sprinkled around the rest of the speech as well as the audience might be expecting the same from you

4. Mohammed Qahtani

Opening: Puts a cigarette on his lips, lights a lighter, stops just before lighting the cigarette. Looks at audience, “What?”

5. Darren Tay

Opening: Puts a white pair of briefs over his pants.

How to use props to begin your speech?

The reason props work so well in a talk is because in most cases the audience is not expecting anything more than just talking. So when a speaker pulls out an object that is unusual, everyone’s attention goes right to it.

It makes you wonder why that prop is being used in this particular speech.

The key word here is unusual . To grip the audience’s attention at the beginning of the speech, the prop being used should be something that the audience would never expect. Otherwise, it just becomes something that is common. And common = boring!

What Mohammed Qahtani and Darren Tay did superbly well in their talks was that they used props that nobody expected them to.

By pulling out a cigarette and lighter or a white pair of underwear, the audience can’t help but be gripped by what the speaker is about to do next. And that makes for a powerful speech opening.

6. Simon Sinek

Opening: “How do you explain when things don’t go as we assume? Or better, how do you explain when others are able to achieve things that seem to defy all of the assumptions?”

7. Julian Treasure

Opening: “The human voice. It’s the instrument we all play. It’s the most powerful sound in the world. Probably the only one that can start a war or say “I love you.” And yet many people have the experience that when they speak people don’t listen to them. Why is that? How can we speak powerfully to make change in the world?”

How to use questions to open a speech?

I use this method often. Starting off with a question is the simplest way to start your speech in a manner that immediately engages the audience.

But we should keep our questions compelling as opposed to something that is fairly obvious.

I’ve heard many speakers start their speeches with questions like “How many of us want to be successful?”

No one is going to say ‘no’ to that and frankly, I just feel silly raising my hand at such questions.

Simon Sinek and Jullian Treasure used questions in a manner that really made the audience think and make them curious to find out what the answer to that question is.

What Jullian Treasure did even better was the use of a few statements which built up to his question. This made the question even more compelling and set the theme for what the rest of his talk would be about.

So think of what question you can ask in your speech that will:

• Set the theme for the remainder of your speech
• Not be something that is fairly obvious
• Be compelling enough so that the audience will actually want to know what the answer to that question will be

8. Aaron Beverley

Opening: Long pause (after an absurdly long introduction of a 57-word speech title). “Be honest. You enjoyed that, didn’t you?”

How to use silence for speech openings?

The reason this speech opening stands out is because of the fact that the title itself is 57 words long. The audience was already hilariously intrigued by what was going to come next.

But what’s so gripping here is the way Aaron holds the crowd’s suspense by…doing nothing. For about 10 to 12 seconds he did nothing but stand and look at the audience. Everyone quietened down. He then broke this silence by a humorous remark that brought the audience laughing down again.

When going on to open your speech, besides focusing on building a killer opening sentence, how about just being silent?

It’s important to keep in mind that the point of having a strong opening is so that the audience’s attention is all on you and are intrigued enough to want to listen to the rest of your speech.

Silence is a great way to do that. When you get on the stage, just pause for a few seconds (about 3 to 5 seconds) and just look at the crowd. Let the audience and yourself settle in to the fact that the spotlight is now on you.

I can’t put my finger on it, but there is something about starting the speech off with a pure pause that just makes the beginning so much more powerful. It adds credibility to you as a speaker as well, making you look more comfortable and confident on stage. 

If you want to know more about the power of pausing in public speaking , check out this post we wrote. It will give you a deeper insight into the importance of pausing and how you can harness it for your own speeches. You can also check out this video to know more about Pausing for Public Speaking:

9. Dan Pink

Opening: “I need to make a confession at the outset here. Little over 20 years ago, I did something that I regret. Something that I’m not particularly proud of. Something that in many ways I wish no one would ever know but that here I feel kind of obliged to reveal.”

10. Kelly McGonigal

Opening: “I have a confession to make. But first I want you to make a little confession to me.”

How to use a build-up to open your speech?

When there are so many amazing ways to start a speech and grip an audience from the outset, why would you ever choose to begin your speech with a ‘Good morning?’.

That’s what I love about build-ups. They set the mood for something awesome that’s about to come in that the audience will feel like they just have to know about.

Instead of starting a speech as it is, see if you can add some build-up to your beginning itself. For instance, in Kelly McGonigal’s speech, she could have started off with the question of stress itself (which she eventually moves on to in her speech). It’s not a bad way to start the speech.

But by adding the statement of “I have a confession to make” and then not revealing the confession for a little bit, the audience is gripped to know what she’s about to do next and find out what indeed is her confession.

11. Tim Urban

Opening: “So in college, I was a government major. Which means that I had to write a lot of papers. Now when a normal student writes a paper, they might spread the work out a little like this.”

12. Scott Dinsmore

Opening: “8 years ago, I got the worst career advice of my life.”

How to use storytelling as a speech opening?

“The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller.” Steve Jobs

Storytelling is the foundation of good speeches. Starting your speech with a story is a great way to grip the audience’s attention. It makes them yearn to want to know how the rest of the story is going to pan out.

Tim Urban starts off his speech with a story dating back to his college days. His use of slides is masterful and something we all can learn from. But while his story sounds simple, it does the job of intriguing the audience to want to know more.

As soon as I heard the opening lines, I thought to myself “If normal students write their paper in a certain manner, how does Tim write his papers?”

Combine such a simple yet intriguing opening with comedic slides, and you’ve got yourself a pretty gripping speech.

Scott Dismore’s statement has a similar impact. However, just a side note, Scott Dismore actually started his speech with “Wow, what an honour.”

I would advise to not start your talk with something such as that. It’s way too common and does not do the job an opening must, which is to grip your audience and set the tone for what’s coming.

13. Larry Smith

Opening: “I want to discuss with you this afternoon why you’re going to fail to have a great career.”

14. Jane McGonigal

Opening: “You will live 7.5 minutes longer than you would have otherwise, just because you watched this talk.”

How to use provocative statements to start your speech?

Making a provocative statement creates a keen desire among the audience to want to know more about what you have to say. It immediately brings everyone into attention.

Larry Smith did just that by making his opening statement surprising, lightly humorous, and above all – fearful. These elements lead to an opening statement which creates so much curiosity among the audience that they need to know how your speech pans out.

This one time, I remember seeing a speaker start a speech with, “Last week, my best friend committed suicide.” The entire crowd was gripped. Everyone could feel the tension in the room.

They were just waiting for the speaker to continue to know where this speech will go.

That’s what a hard-hitting statement does, it intrigues your audience so much that they can’t wait to hear more! Just a tip, if you do start off with a provocative, hard-hitting statement, make sure you pause for a moment after saying it.

Silence after an impactful statement will allow your message to really sink in with the audience.

Related article: 5 Ways to Grab Your Audience’s Attention When You’re Losing it!

15. Ramona J Smith

Opening: In a boxing stance, “Life would sometimes feel like a fight. The punches, jabs and hooks will come in the form of challenges, obstacles and failures. Yet if you stay in the ring and learn from those past fights, at the end of each round, you’ll be still standing.”

How to use your full body to grip the audience at the beginning of your speech?

In a talk, the audience is expecting you to do just that – talk. But when you enter the stage and start putting your full body into use in a way that the audience does not expect, it grabs their attention.

Body language is critical when it comes to public speaking. Hand gestures, stage movement, facial expressions are all things that need to be paid attention to while you’re speaking on stage. But that’s not I’m talking about here.

Here, I’m referring to a unique use of the body that grips the audience, like how Ramona did. By using her body to get into a boxing stance, imitating punches, jabs and hooks with her arms while talking – that’s what got the audience’s attention.

The reason I say this is so powerful is because if you take Ramona’s speech and remove the body usage from her opening, the entire magic of the opening falls flat.

While the content is definitely strong, without those movements, she would not have captured the audience’s attention as beautifully as she did with the use of her body.

So if you have a speech opening that seems slightly dull, see if you can add some body movement to it.

If your speech starts with a story of someone running, actually act out the running. If your speech starts with a story of someone reading, actually act out the reading.

It will make your speech opening that much more impactful.

Related article: 5 Body Language Tips to Command the Stage

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Final Words

So there it is! 15 speech openings from some of my favourite speeches. Hopefully, these will act as a guide for you to create your own opening which is super impactful and sets you off on the path to becoming a powerful public speaker!

But remember, while a speech opening is super important, it’s just part of an overall structure.

If you’re serious about not just creating a great speech opening but to improve your public speaking at an overall level, I would highly recommend you to check out this course: Acumen Presents: Chris Anderson on Public Speaking on Udemy. Not only does it have specific lectures on starting and ending a speech, but it also offers an in-depth guide into all the nuances of public speaking. 

Being the founder of TED Talks, Chris Anderson provides numerous examples of the best TED speakers to give us a very practical way of overcoming stage fear and delivering a speech that people will remember. His course has helped me personally and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to learn public speaking. 

No one is ever “done” learning public speaking. It’s a continuous process and you can always get better. Keep learning, keep conquering and keep being awesome!

Lastly, if you want to know how you should NOT open your speech, we’ve got a video for you:

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Speech on Sports Captain

A sports captain plays a key role in leading a team to victory. They’re the ones who inspire, motivate, and guide their teammates on and off the field.

Being a sports captain isn’t just about wearing a special armband. It’s about showing courage, making tough decisions, and setting an example for others.

1-minute Speech on Sports Captain

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good day to you all. Today, I stand before you to deliver a speech on a role that’s crucial in the sporting world – the Sports Captain. A sports captain is not just a title, it’s a responsibility, a duty, and a personification of commitment and teamwork.

A sports captain is the backbone of a team. They hold the baton of leadership, organizing, and uniting the team. They are tasked to bring out the best in each player, ensuring everyone is working harmoniously towards a shared goal. They liaise between the coach and the players, ensuring that the strategies are understood and executed properly.

Being a sports captain is not just about talent in a particular sport. It’s also about exhibiting strong leadership skills, showing respect towards teammates and opponents alike, demonstrating a high level of discipline, and the ability to motivate and inspire others.

A sports captain is also a role model, setting an example both on and off the field. They have to maintain a fine balance of competitiveness and sportsmanship, as they represent not only themselves but also their team and their school or organization. It is their ethical behavior and positive attitude that sets the tone for the rest of the team.

In conclusion, being a sports captain is both an honor and a challenge. It requires an individual to transcend personal glory for the betterment of the team. So let’s appreciate the hard work and dedication of our sports captains, and support them as they guide our teams to victory.

2-minute Speech on Sports Captain

Good morning to all. Today, I am honoured to stand before you and speak on the topic of ‘Sports Captain’. A sports captain is not just a title, it is a responsibility, an honour, and a platform to inspire. A sports captain leads their team not just on the field but off the field as well, instilling discipline, promoting teamwork and embodying sportsmanship.

A sports captain is expected to lead by example. This does not merely mean scoring the highest runs or goals but demonstrating a high level of commitment, dedication, and respect for the game. As a sports captain, one should be the first to arrive and the last to leave, always ready to put in the extra effort to improve oneself and the team. They ought to be an epitome of discipline, punctuality and physical fitness.

However, a good sports captain knows that leadership extends beyond personal performance. They understand the importance of teamwork and unity. They know how to motivate their team members, encourage them during their lows, and celebrate their achievements. They must possess the ability to bring together individuals with different temperaments, strengths and weaknesses, and mould them into a cohesive unit. They must foster an environment of trust and respect, where every team member feels valued.

Furthermore, a sports captain must embody sportsmanship. Winning is important, but a great sports captain understands that it is not everything. They should appreciate the spirit of the game, respect their opponents, accept defeat graciously, and celebrate victory humbly. They set a standard for their teammates to follow, ensuring that the game is played in its truest spirit.

Being a sports captain also means being a role model. Younger players look up to the captain for guidance and inspiration. They observe the captain’s behaviour, actions, and attitude towards the game. Therefore, a sports captain must be mindful of this influence and strive to set a positive example, both on and off the field.

In conclusion, a sports captain is a leader, a team player, a sportsman, and a role model. Stepping into this role requires a perfect blend of talent, leadership skills, and a deep-rooted love for the game. Being a sports captain is a rewarding experience, offering opportunities to learn, grow, and inspire. It is a role that requires commitment and dedication, but the rewards are equally great.

Remember, a team is only as strong as its weakest link, and a good sports captain ensures that every link in the chain is strong. So, let us applaud the spirit of sportsmanship and celebrate the role of a sports captain in shaping a team. Thank you for your attention.

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100 Public-Speaking Jokes to Add Humor to Your Next Speech

So, if you are looking to add humor to your presentation, one of the best ways is to insert self-deprecating humor in the form of funny stories. A good story from your own personal experience will be easier to insert into your speech. The story will also create more of a shared experience with your audience. For details about how to use stories to add humor to your speech , click here.

With that being said, though, sometimes, you just need to get a quick laugh out of your audience. And good jokes can be a great way to lighten the mood. We’ve organized the post into four categories of public-speaking jokes.

100 Public Speaking Jokes to Add Humor to Your Next Speech.

• Public-Speaking Jokes .
• One-Liners about Public Speaking and Presenting .
• Funny Public Speaking Quotes .
• Dad Jokes that You Can Use as Presentation Icebreakers .

Public-Speaking Jokes for Your Next Presentation to Add a Little Fun.

Between you and I, telling jokes in front of an audience is pretty risky. But sometimes, just getting the audience to laugh right from the start can lighten the mood. Here are a few jokes about public speaking that you can use when you are public speaking.

Jokes about Being Nervous and the Fear of Public Speaking

• Why did the public speaker hire a pitching coach? Because he needed to improve his delivery!
• I used to think I was afraid of public speaking, but just now, I realized I was actually afraid of audiences.
• A public speaker asked the audience, “How many of you are afraid of public speaking?” About half the audience raised their hands. The speaker replied, “Don’t worry, I used to be too. In fact, there was a 50/50 chance that I’d canceled today’s talk!”
• My wife was nervous about public speaking. So, I told her she should embrace her mistake to add a little humor to her delivery. She gave me a hug. Then she laughed.
• Public speaking tip: Imagine the audience naked. But not if you’re giving a eulogy.

Funny Jokes about Presentation Challenges.

Okay, funny may be a little overexaggerated, but corny can work too. Here are a few jokes about challenges that can come up in a presentation.

• Why did the PowerPoint presentation go to therapy? It had too many issues with transitions.
• I was going to tell a time-traveling joke during my speech, but you didn’t like it.
• I asked the librarian if there were any books on how to overcome the fear of public speaking. She whispered, “They’re in the self-help section, but you might have to speak up to find them.”
• I used to be a baker before I became a public speaker. I kneaded the dough, and now I need the audience!
• Why did the public speaker become a gardener? Because he knew how to plant ideas and watch them grow!

These Jokes Are about Audience Interaction.

• I asked the audience if anyone had experience with public speaking. A cricket in the corner started chirping.
• The best way to become a confident public speaker is to imagine the audience in their underwear. Unless you’re speaking at a nudist colony.
• I told my wife I was going to give a speech on procrastination. She said, “Maybe next time.”
• How do you make a tissue dance during a speech? You put a little boogie in it!
• Why did the extroverted computer become a public speaker? Because it had great social networking skills!

Public Speaking Jokes about Presentation Themes.

These funny (or corny) jokes are about the process of public speaking. You can easily use one of these if you start with… “Before I actually start my presentation…” then add the joke.

• I asked my friend if he had any advice for public speaking. He said, “Yes, just imagine the audience is full of cats. They don’t care what you’re saying, but they’ll pay attention if you have treats.”
• How do you organize a fantastic space-themed presentation? You planet!
• Why did the public speaker bring a ladder to the presentation? To reach new heights in communication!
• My friend tried to give a speech on patience, but the audience left before he finished. It seems they didn’t have the patience for it.
• Why did the microphone apply for a job in public speaking? Because it wanted to be heard at work!

A Few Random Public Speaking Jokes (Use with Caution.)

These last few public speaking jokes are a little more tricky. You’d want to save these only for the right type of crowd.

• I used to be afraid of public speaking, but then I realized it’s just talking in front of people. Now I’m terrified of public listening.
• What’s a public speaker’s favorite kind of fish? The articulate!
• I told my friend I was giving a speech about a famous chicken. He asked, “Is it poultry in motion?”
• I was going to make a joke about public speaking, but I figured it would be better in front of a live audience.
• Why did the scarecrow become a great public speaker? He was outstanding in his field!

Remember, just adding a joke or two to a speech won’t win over every audience. For help becoming a confident and effective presenter, we invite you to attend one of our 2-Day Fearless Presentations ® Classes . Click here for details.

Here Are a Few Public Speaking One-Liners to Get Your Audience Laughing.

You’ll have a much easier time just adding a funny one-liner every now and then. When you tell a joke, you typically have to get your audience to respond. And, in some cases, the audience will finish your joke.

So a well-placed one-liner will often get you a quick chuckle without as much risk. Here are a few that we organized into five different categories.

These One-Liners Are Related to Audience Interaction (Or Audience Reactions.)

• “I’m not saying I’m a great public speaker, but I did once get a standing ovation… because I tripped over the microphone cord.”
• “I asked my audience if they had any questions after my speech. One person raised their hand and asked, ‘When does the torture end?'”
• “Public speaking is easy. It’s like riding a bike. Except the bike is on fire, you’re on fire, everything is on fire, and you’re in hell.”
• “I used to be afraid of public speaking until I realized every audience is just a bunch of people hoping you don’t notice them.”
• “I gave a speech on procrastination. The audience is still waiting for the punchline.”

Here Are a Few about Speech Techniques and Styles.

• “I asked the audience if they knew the definition of a will. Apparently, ‘a dead giveaway’ wasn’t the right answer.”
• “I don’t have a fear of public speaking; I have a fear of public not listening.”
• “Why don’t public speakers ever get lost? Because they always find their way to the lectern.”
• “I used to be a mime, but I couldn’t stay silent about it. Now I’m a public speaker.”
• “I told the audience I’d be speaking off the cuff. Turns out, my cuff was more interesting than my speech.”

That’s Ironic! One Liners about Humor and Irony in Speech

• “I used to be a public speaker at a mime convention. Needless to say, my speeches were a big hit.”
• “I asked the audience if they could define irony. They said, ‘Sure, it’s like goldy and bronzy, but made of iron.'”
• “Public speaking is a lot like a roller coaster. It’s terrifying, and I always feel like I’m going to lose my lunch.”
• “I used to be a motivational speaker, but then I lost my train of thought. Now I’m just a ‘meh’-tivational speaker.”
• “Why did the public speaker bring a ladder to the speech? To reach the high points, of course!”

These One-Liners Are about Speech Topics and Delivery.

• “I told the audience I’m going to talk about time travel. They’re still waiting for my future self to arrive.”
• “I tried to give a speech on humility, but everyone said I was the best at it.”
• “Why did the public speaker get an award? Because he was outstanding in his field of expertise – corn farming.”
• “I asked the crowd if they liked my tie. They said, ‘It’s not the tie, it’s what you’re saying that’s knot working.'”
• “I tried to make a speech about sleep, but I dozed off during my own presentation.”

Funny One-Liners Related to the Challenges of Public Speaking.

• “I asked the audience for silence during my speech. Apparently, their laughter didn’t get the memo.”
• (If your audience won’t give you feedback.) “Dialogue is like a parachute – it only works when it’s open.”
• (If you happen to break wind because of nervousness.) “I’m not a nervous public speaker. I just have a very expressive colon.”
• “I told my wife I’m writing a book on public speaking. She told me to speak louder.”
• “Why did the PowerPoint file go to therapy? It had too many issues with transitions.”

Funny Motivational Quotes Related to Public Speaking.

A really good way to add humor to any speech is to insert a funny quote from a famous person. These funny motivational quotes are very easy to insert. In fact, you can add them to your speech introduction right at the start. That will lighten the tension in the room and get your audience laughing.

Here are a few that always hit home!

Funny Quotes About Preparation and Delivery of Speech.

• “The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public.” – George Jessel
• “It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.” – Mark Twain
• “Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
• “A good speech should be like a woman’s skirt; long enough to cover the subject and short enough to create interest.” – Winston Churchill
• “The best way to sound like you know what you’re talking about is to know what you’re talking about.” – Author Unknown

Quotes Related to Adding Humor to Your Speech.

If you are looking for a famous quote specifically about adding humor to a speech, try one of these.

• “The first time I spoke in the West, the agents and organizers looked at me and said, ‘Oh, my God, she’s funny.’ And I thought, ‘Oh, my God, I’ve been funny all my life, but I never knew it.'” – Maya Angelou
• “If you can’t make it good, at least make it look good.” – Bill Gates
• “I have as much authority as the Pope. I just don’t have as many people who believe it.” – George Carlin
• “The trouble with talking too fast is you may say something you haven’t thought of yet.” – Ann Landers
• “I used to be a good communicator, but then I realized I was talking to myself.” – Author Unknown

Here Are a Few Quotes About Creativity and Writing.

• “I’m writing a book. I’ve got the page numbers done.” – Steven Wright
• “I used to play piano by ear, but now I use my hands.” – Steven Wright
• “I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” – Douglas Adams
• “I don’t need time. What I need is a deadline.” – Duke Ellington
• “I can’t understand why I flunked American history. When I was a kid, my father took me to all the historic spots. Every time I refused to get out of the car.” – W.C. Fields

The Funny Quotes Can Help You Make Your Point Better.

Like the last group, these funny quotes aren’t about public speaking. But you will likely be able to use them if you are delivering an informative speech.

• “The only thing to do with good advice is to pass it on. It is never of any use to oneself.” – Oscar Wilde
• “I have never been in a situation where having a sense of humor and a giving spirit didn’t lead to a better result.” – Ed Catmull
• “The best way to convince a fool that he is wrong is to let him have his way.” – Josh Billings
• “I like to talk about my obsession with food. I love to eat. I’m not a ‘foodie,’ but I do love to eat.” – Miranda Kerr
• “I failed public speaking in college the first time and made a ‘D’ in the second class. It was horrible.” – John Grisham

These Last Funny Quotes Didn’t Fit the Other Categories. (LOL!)

These last quotes didn’t really fit in any of the other categories. But they are pretty funny. If you can find a way to insert them into your speech, you’re sure to get a laugh or two.

• “It’s hard to be serious when you’re surrounded by balloons.” – Jerry Seinfeld
• “I have six locks on my door, all in a row. When I go out, I lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three.” – Elayne Boosler
• “The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.” – Willie Nelson
• “I used to be a heavy gambler. But now I just make mental bets. That’s how I lost my mind.” – Steve Allen

Dad Jokes that You Can Use as Presentation Icebreakers.

Years ago, I taught a leadership class for his team. And at the start of every session, he stood up in front of the group and told a corny Dad joke. The jokes were cringy. But whether the audience laughed or turned up their nose, they all smiled. Over the next few years, I noticed that Ron’s employee turnover was almost zero. It was unheard of in his industry.

It turns out that his team absolutely loved him. He made a tough job much more fun to come to. So, I changed my tune about Dad jokes. Here are a few that you can use to start your next speech or meeting.

Food Public Speaking Jokes

• What do you call fake spaghetti? An impasta.
• Did you hear about the cheese factory explosion? There was nothing left but de-brie.
• What do you call a fish wearing a crown? A kingfish.
• Why did the chicken go to the seance? To talk to the other side.
• What did the grape say when it got stepped on? Nothing, it just let out a little wine.

Science and Technology Jokes.

• Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything.
• I told my computer I needed a break, and now it won’t stop sending me vacation ads.
• Did you hear about the guy who invented Lifesavers? He made a mint.
• How does a penguin build its house? Igloos it together!
• What did one wall say to the other wall? I’ll meet you at the corner!

Academic Jokes for a Presentation.

• Why did the math book look sad? Because it had too many problems.
• Did you hear about the mathematician who’s afraid of negative numbers? He’ll stop at nothing to avoid them.
• What do you call a factory that makes good products? A satisfactory.
• I only know 25 letters of the alphabet. I don’t know y.
• I used to have a job at a calendar factory, but I got fired because I took a couple of days off.

Spooky Jokes

• Why did the skeleton go to the seance? To talk to the other side.
• Why don’t skeletons fight each other? They don’t have the guts.
• What did the big flower say to the little flower? “Hi, bud!”
• I went to buy some camouflage pants, but I couldn’t find any.
• What did one hat say to the other hat? Stay here, I’m going on ahead.

Miscellaneous Jokes

• I only know how to make holy water. I boil the hell out of it.
• Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants? In case he got a hole in one.
• Why did the bicycle fall over? It was two-tired.
• What did the janitor say when he jumped out of the closet? Supplies!
• What did the snowman with a six-pack say? An abdominal snowman!

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin more confident than ever inauguration speech; plot to 'kill Zelenskyy' stopped

Vladimir Putin has been officially sworn in as Russian president for a new six-year term, although many Western nations did not attend. The ruler seems more confident than ever. Elsewhere, Ukraine says it has foiled a plot to kidnap and kill President Zelenskyy.

Tuesday 7 May 2024 17:59, UK

• Putin sworn in again as president | Claims Russia would work with West
• 'We elect our president': Kremlin defends 'purely democratic' Russia
• Ivor Bennett analysis: Painted as a modern-day Tsar, Putin seems more confident than ever
• Plot to 'kidnap and kill Zelenskyy' stopped, Ukraine says
• Many nations boycott Putin's inauguration ceremony
• Putin has 85% approval rating - here's why
• Big picture : What you need to know as a new week begins
• Your questions answered: Why can't Ukraine destroy key Crimean bridge?
• Live reporting by Lauren Russell  and Ollie Cooper

We're pausing our live coverage of the war in Ukraine for the time being - thanks for tuning in.

Before you go, here is a recap of today's developments.

• Vladimir Putin was officially sworn in again as Russian president, marking the start of his fifth term in office;
• During his inaugural speech, Mr Putin said he is willing to work with the West, but it is down to them to cooperate with Russia;
• Two people have been arrested after Ukraine's intelligence agency foiled a plot to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelenskyy;
• The widow of former Putin critic Alexei Navalny criticised Mr Putin on the day of his inauguration calling him a murderer and a liar.

By Ivor Bennett , Moscow correspondent

Held inside the throne room of the Tsars, the ceremony felt almost like a coronation rather than an inauguration.

And that was part of the point. The symbolism was key.

Andreyevsky Hall, where Vladimir Putin took the oath of office, is dripping with gold. 

It oozes power. 

I think this was an attempt to paint him as a modern-day Tsar, who is the rightful ruler of Russia.

The other aim was to add the stamp of electoral legitimacy to his leadership, and his policies. 

The Kremlin’s chief spokesman Dmitry Peskov told me beforehand that this was just part of the "democratic" political process (see our 13.35 post).

The speech was typical Putin - talking up Russia's greatness, blaming the West for Moscow's isolation and doubling down on his current path of conflict abroad and a crackdown at home.

He said he ranks the safety of the Russian people "above all else".  

Translation - we're in this for the long haul. 

But whose fault is Russia’s status as a global pariah? 

Not ours, he said. 

This was all part of the Kremlin's narrative to portray the West as the aggressor, and Russia as the victim.

What might concern people both at home and abroad was the tone of the speech.

For example, he gave a thinly veiled warning that protest will not be tolerated, saying it’s important "not to forget the tragic price of internal turmoil", adding that Russia must be "absolutely resistant" to it.

And the last line: "We will overcome all obstacles and bring all our plans to life."

Vladimir Putin seems more confident than ever.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said Europe needs to spend "big money" in order to prevent other powers in the world from "raising a hand against it". 

Speaking at a conference in the Polish city of Katowice, Mr Tusk called on European countries to take joint action to increase spending on defence by at least €100bn (£85bn).

"Europe must be prepared in the next dozen or so months and the entire next five years for a situation in which no power in the world will dare raise a hand against it," he said.

"Big money will move the war away from Europe's borders for a long time, perhaps permanently."

He also repeated the idea of building a common European air defence system - saying Europe has "more initiatives than real actions". 

Due to the war in Ukraine, Poland is strengthening its defence capabilities, allocating over 4% of its GDP.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, agreed Europe must spend more on defence and declared that if she remains in office for another term she will propose new defence projects.

A Russian national has been sanctioned in the UK, US and Australia for his alleged role as the creator of the most prolific ramsomware group in the world. 

The sanctions target Dmitry Khoroshev who has been identified as one of the leaders of LockBit, the ransomware group responsible for extorting over $1bn from thousands of victims globally. 

In the US, Khoroshev has been charged with 26 counts of allegedly developing and administering a malicious cyber scheme.

The UK's foreign office said the LockBit group was behind attacks on over 200 UK businesses and major public server providers and 25% of all global ransomware attacks. 

Pro-Russian Chechen forces are baring the brunt of the frontlines in Ukraine and training Russian troops behind the scenes, the UK's Ministry of Defence says.

Around 9,000 personnel are currently serving within the Pro-Russian Chechen forces in Ukraine, which has been pushed back onto the frontline since the withdrawal of Russia's private military company, Wagner, the MoD said in its daily intelligence update. 

At the start of the Ukraine war in 2022, Chechen forces became known as "TikTok troops" for their presence on social media.

But, they have since provided personnel and given training to Russians at The Special Forces University in Gudermes, Chechnya. 

The MoD said troops receive up to 10 days' training at the so-called university. 

Chechnya has historically always supported Russia's military action in Ukraine.

Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of using banned toxins on the battlefield. 

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which is in The Hague, said that all accusations were "insufficiently substantiated".

But it added: "The situation remains volatile and extremely concerning regarding the possible re-emergence of use of toxic chemicals as weapons." 

Neither side has asked the OPCW to investigate the alleged use of chemical weapons.

Last week, Russia denied allegations from the US that it had used the choking agent chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops and utilised riot control agents "as a method of warfare".

Under the Chemical Weapons Convention, any toxic chemical used with the purpose of causing harm or death is considered a chemical weapon.

We've been covering the fifth inauguration of Vladimir Putin as Russian president.

The ceremony took place in Moscow's Grand Kremlin Palace, and our correspondent Ivor Bennett was there to experience the entire event.

He also interviewed Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov about the state of democracy in Russia and the lack of opposition during the presidential election back in March.

Bennett asked Mr Peskov: "Western leaders and Western governments believe that Vladimir Putin has turned Russia into a dictatorship, why do you think that’s not the case?"

Mr Peskov replied: "This is not the case.

"It's just propaganda, it's rough propaganda, nothing else."

He went on to say Russia was "purely democratic", adding: "We choose our power. We elect our power. We elect our president. We vote for the president or don’t want to vote for the president.

"And we insist that we have the right to do it the way we want to do it.

"And we don’t want a third country to interfere in our choices, in our preferences."

Pressed on whether the lack of opposition to Vladimir Putin in Russia was democratic, Mr Peskov said: "But there is opposition inside the country, of course the conditions are much tougher here because we are in war conditions."

Mr Peskov used the word "war" twice in the interview - typically, the Kremlin refers to its invasion of Ukraine as a "special military operation" - a term he also used once.

Ivor Bennett then asked if it was even more important for the public to have the right to speak out in wartime.

"No, to the contrary. It needs tougher measures to ensure the victory, to ensure that we reach our goals," Mr Peskov replied.

Asked whether this was democratic, Mr Peskov insisted: "It is, it is."

He added that the Western media in Europe and the US exists in the "same circumstances".

Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside The Hague's Peace Palace in The Netherlands to protest the inauguration of President Vladimir Putin. 

The protesters, many of whom had travelled from Germany, carried a giant carnival float that showed a caricature of the Russian leader with blood on his hands in a striped prison uniform.

They also held Ukrainian flags and placards saying: "Putin to The Hague" - which is the home of the International Court of Justice.

Dina Musina, who works for a Berlin-based charity that supports Russian prisoners, said they need to "raise awareness about Putin's crimes internationally".

A plot to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been uncovered by Ukraine's state security service (SBU).

The SBU claimed two agents who were posing as Ukrainian state guard servicemen were tasked by Moscow to figure out a way to capture Mr Zelenskyy and later kill him. 

They also planned to kill other high-ranking Ukrainian officials, the SBU said in a statement on Telegram . 

Head of the SBU, Vasyl Malyuk, described the plot as a "gift to Putin before the inauguration".

The SBU said two suspects have been detained after an investigation gradually documented their alleged criminal actions.

Ukrainian claims that plots to kill Mr Zelenskyy are not new. 

The president said in 2022 there had been at least 10 attempts to assassinate him since the start of the war.

The widow of former Putin critic Alexei Navalny has criticised President Vladimir Putin on the day of his fifth inauguration as Russian leader. 

In a video posted on YouTube shortly before the ceremony took place in Moscow, Yulia Navalnaya called Mr Putin a liar, a thief and a murderer. 

She added that the war in Ukraine is "bloody and senseless" and no one wants it apart from the Russian leader.

"Huge sums of money are stolen from all of us every day to fund bombings of peaceful cities, riot police beating people with batons, propagandists spreading lies. And also for [the elite's] own palaces, yachts and private jets," she said.

"And as long as this continues, we can't stop the fight."

Having been exiled from Russia, Ms Navalnaya has vowed to continue the work of her late husband, who died in an Arctic penal colony on 16 February. 

She has accused Mr Putin of having him killed, an accusation which the Kremlin has always denied.

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Mike Johnson Columbia University visit met with boos and heckling from protestors

House Speaker Mike Johnson arrived on the campus of Columbia University on Wednesday armed with a stern message for school administrators and protesters after days of anti-war demonstrations, arrests and campus closures at colleges across the country.

Johnson, R-La., described instances of antisemitism on college campuses, called for the resignation of the university president and warned that students perpetrating violence should be arrested.

His lecture was met with boos from nearby protesters and chants of “We can’t hear you!”

“Enjoy your free speech,” Johnson shot back.

In his remarks on campus, Johnson shamed students and faculty involved in the protests, as well as administrators for not doing enough to prevent them.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

“It's detestable. As Columbia has allowed these lawless agitators and radicals to take over, the virus of antisemitism has spread across other campus,” Johnson told the crowd. “Anti-Israel encampments are popping up in universities all across this country. The madness has to stop.”

Students at Columbia University have pledged to continue protesting in an encampment they set up last week until the university agrees to a complete divestment from Israel. Protesters have demanded divestment from a student-exchange program and the university's campus in Tel Aviv.

More: Ukraine, Israel aid package heads to Biden as Congress caps monthslong struggle

The contentious protests led to the arrest and suspension of more than 100 students from Columbia University and Barnard College last week − including U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar's daughter, Isra Hirsi.

As Johnson finished, he turned things over to Republican Rep. Virgnia Foxx (R-NC), the Chair of the House Committee on Education, who said Columbia University is "in a free fall.”

“As Speaker of the House, I am committing today that the Congress will not be silent as Jewish students are expected to run for their lives and stay home from their classes hiding in fear,” Johnson said. “We have passed a number of statutes to address this matter and we call upon the U.S. Senate to act upon our legislation.” 

Some Columbia University leaders said they were open to negotiating with protesters, but students from a group called Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine said they are not currently interested.

In a statement Tuesday, the group alleged that university negotiators threatened to call the National Guard and NYPD if they "do not acquiesce to their demands."

In a campus update Tuesday, Shafik said the university is working to identify and discipline protesters who violated its policies against discrimination and harassment.

"The right to protest is essential and protected at Columbia, but harassment and discrimination is antithetical to our values and an affront to our commitment to be a community of mutual respect and kindness," Shafik said in the statement.

The protests have fueled an ongoing national debate about Jewish students' safety after a documented rise in antisemitism on college campuses following Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel and Israel's military response .

More: Harvard, Stanford and MIT get an 'F' from ADL on antisemitism report card

"Amid anti-Israel protests, Jewish students at Columbia University don't feel safe," Johnson said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Let's be clear: these are not peaceful protests, these are antisemitic mobs."

According to a spokesperson from the Speaker’s office, Johnson wanted to speak to students at Columbia because he felt New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has not done enough to protect them.

“Hochul and other officials in New York have completely failed in their duty to protect Jewish students and combat the rise of antisemitism in their party,” Athina Lawson said in a statement. “We wish it weren’t necessary.”

House Republicans Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY), Mike Lawler (R-NY), and Nicole Mallotakis (R-NY) joined Johnson and Foxx at the campus Wednesday.

"Together, we're going to send a message that Shafik's failure to secure campus for her Jewish students is unacceptable. She MUST resign," D’Esposito said in a post ahead of their visit.

More: Columbia University president fends off questions that took down her Ivy League peers

Their visit comes two days after House Democrats Dan Goldman (D-NY), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Kathy Manning (D-NC), and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) met with administrators and Jewish students on campus Monday.

Rachel Barber is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY, focusing on politics and education. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, as @rachelbarber_