I think it is important to begin with a statement in your speech that grabs the attention of the audience. I try to make my opening line 15 words or less.
Charles R. SwindollLearning more truth is a poor and cheap substitute for stopping and putting into action the truth already learned
Charles R. SwindollIf our perfect Lord is gracious enough to take our worst, and ugliest, our most boring, our least successful, and forgive them, burying them in the depths of the sea, then it's high time we give each other a break.
Charles R. Swindoll