opening monologue
/ˈoʊpənɪŋ ˈmɑːnəlɔːɡ/
Meaning
An opening monologue is a long speech delivered by a single actor or host at the very beginning of a play, show, or late-night television broadcast. It sets the tone, introduces the main themes, or delivers topical jokes to warm up the audience. It is designed to capture the audience's attention right from the start.
Examples
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The late-night host's opening monologue was packed with hilarious political jokes.
The late-night host's opening monologue was packed with hilarious political jokes.
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Her character delivers a dramatic opening monologue that immediately hooks the audience.
Her character delivers a dramatic opening monologue that immediately hooks the audience.
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I missed the opening monologue because I was stuck in traffic on the way to the theater.
I missed the opening monologue because I was stuck in traffic on the way to the theater.
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Writing a funny opening monologue for the award show is a massive challenge.
Writing a funny opening monologue for the award show is a massive challenge.
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The play begins with an emotional opening monologue about the protagonist's childhood.
The play begins with an emotional opening monologue about the protagonist's childhood.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The host gave a funny opening dialogue by himself.
✓ The host gave a funny opening monologue by himself.
A dialogue requires two or more people speaking, whereas a monologue is spoken by only one person.
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✗ The actor forgot his opening monologue lines in the middle of the second act.
✓ The actor forgot his monologue lines in the middle of the second act.
An 'opening' monologue must happen at the very beginning of the show, not in the middle of the second act.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The comedian started the award ceremony with a sharp, ten-minute ___.
💡 A solo speech at the start of a show.
Show answer
opening monologue
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In the play's ___, the main character explains the backstory of the family feud.
💡 The speech that begins the performance.
Show answer
opening monologue