“Your speech needs to have an attention-grabbing opening. If you don’t grab your audience’s attention within the first 30 seconds of your speech, they’re going to tune out of your presentation” (Akash Karia, The Art of Public Speaking: The Complete Bundle, Kindle Loc. 230).


When you stand up in front of students, you only have a few seconds to get their attention. What can you say that will draw them in? If you don’t pull them in at the beginning, you might not have another chance. Here are a few ideas that are sure to get your students listening from the start.

20 Opening Lines for Your Next Sermon

• I wish you could have been there…
• I’ll never forget the first time…
• It was one of the most exciting days of my life…
• It was the scariest moment of my life…
• It wasn’t what I expected…
• What would the world be like without…
• If I were to ask you…
• Who would’ve thought that…
• It was just another day…
• It never ceases to amaze me…
• Would it surprise you to know…
• You have a great responsibility…
• Just like you, I was taught to believe…
• Imagine…
• Let’s go back to…
• The year was…
• Everything fell into place when…
• As I was growing up, my dad/mom always said…
• You know what it’s like when…
• How often have you experienced…

Your Move

Don’t bore your students by starting with a predictable opening line. Draw them in at the beginning with one of these lines. Which one will you use this week?

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Trevor Hamaker

Trevor Hamaker (DMin, McAfee School of Theology) is an author, adjunct professor, and youth ministry coach. He helps youth pastors see their potential, develop their skills, and reach their goals.

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