"Let me thank the people of France for being such perfect hosts," she said in opening her speech on Tuesday.

Lincoln opened his speech by first indicating that he would not touch on "those matters of administration about which there is no special anxiety or excitement."

He even opened his speech with a joke for reporters, saying, "I want to begin this morning with a discussion of my favorite books."

Mr. Pataki opened his 65-minute speech by naming several people he wanted to thank.

Senator Lieberman opened his speech by saying "I am your brother Joseph."

The Foreign Secretary opened his speech by referring to the monumental events that now surround us.

In opening his speech, he said: "As economic and investment professionals, you've all come to appreciate how easy it is to make a forecast these days.

In opening your speech, you referred to the European Union project, which you defined as an association of welfare states.

The sign and others like it were nothing more than props for Mr. Clinton to mention as he opened his speech.

The president opened his speech seeking a common ground between Muslims and the United States.