How do you start a speech, an essay, a comment, a tweet?

Praise.

The easiest way is to praise the audience, whether it is in writing or in a speech.

• 
  
  Thank you so much for that comment, I could not agree more! You are so right!
  
• 
  I am so glad to see so many eager upturned faces this morning. I am so glad that there are so very many good people in Peckham!
  
• 
  First of all our hearts go out to the bereaved families here today. I want to promise you that you are in all our hearts and, yes, our prayers too.
  

Praise the audience and they will like you!

Examination technique:

Qu: “Examine the role of the Exchequer in the reign of Henry VIII.”

Let the examiner know that you like the question - and therefore the people who set it.

• Ans: “This fascinating question has been asked by a number of people. For example...”
  
• or
  
• Ans: “The Exchequer is perhaps the most important part of Henry VIII's settlement. Why is this?...”
  

Tweet: 

You do Tweets. I do not do them. President Trump does them. But I believe there are one or two – just one or two – nice people out there who say nice things aren't there? Aren't there?