kāichǎngbái: 开场白 - Opening Remarks, Introduction, Preamble

• Keywords: 开场白, kaichangbai, Chinese opening remarks, how to start a speech in Chinese, introduction in Chinese, Chinese presentation opening, Chinese public speaking, preamble, overture
• Summary: Learn the meaning and use of 开场白 (kāichǎngbái), the essential Chinese term for “opening remarks” or an “introduction.” This guide breaks down its cultural significance in setting a respectful tone, provides practical examples for speeches and presentations, and explains how to deliver a powerful and appropriate introduction in any formal Chinese setting.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): kāichǎngbái
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: N/A (but a common and essential term for intermediate to advanced learners)
• Concise Definition: The introductory part of a speech, performance, article, or conversation that sets the scene.
• In a Nutshell: 开场白 (kāichǎngbái) is the “curtain-raiser” of communication. It's more than just a “hello”; it's a structured opening designed to grab the audience's attention, establish the purpose of the event, and create a harmonious atmosphere. Think of it as the formal monologue a host or speaker gives before diving into the main content.

• 开 (kāi): To open, to start, to begin. It's one of the most common characters, seen in words like `开门 (kāimén)` - to open a door, and `开始 (kāishǐ)` - to begin.
• 场 (chǎng): A scene, a stage, a venue, an occasion. It refers to a specific place or event, like `会场 (huìchǎng)` - conference venue, or `一场比赛 (yī chǎng bǐsài)` - a match/game.
• 白 (bái): Here, it doesn't mean “white.” It's a classical term for “spoken lines” in a performance, like in Peking Opera. It means “to state” or “to explain.”
• The characters literally combine to mean “the spoken lines that open the occasion/scene.” This perfectly captures its function as the official start of a formal communication.

In Chinese culture, the beginning of any formal event is critically important for setting the tone. A proper 开场白 (kāichǎngbái) isn't just a formality; it's a demonstration of respect, preparation, and social grace. It establishes the speaker's credibility and creates a sense of order and harmony for the listeners. A key difference from a Western “icebreaker” is the focus. A Western icebreaker often aims to break down barriers quickly, often with humor or a personal anecdote, to create a feeling of equality and casualness. A Chinese 开场白, by contrast, often serves to reinforce the social structure and context. It typically involves: 1. Greeting and Thanking: Welcoming everyone and thanking the organizers or important guests. 2. Stating the Purpose: Clearly and concisely explaining the reason for the gathering. 3. Establishing a Positive Tone: Using positive and auspicious language to wish the event success. This reflects the cultural value of harmony (和谐, héxié) and respect for hierarchy. A good 开场白 paves the way for smooth communication, whereas an abrupt or clumsy start can be seen as disrespectful and disruptive.

开场白 is a versatile term used in various formal and semi-formal contexts.

• Formal Speeches and Presentations: This is the most common usage. At a business conference, academic lecture, or company-wide meeting, the speaker's 开场白 is crucial. It will set the professional tone for the entire presentation.
• Events and Ceremonies: The host (主持人, zhǔchírén) of a wedding, a gala, or an awards ceremony will deliver a carefully crafted 开场白 to welcome guests and kick off the event.
• Written Works: The term can also refer to the introduction, foreword, or prologue of an article, report, or book. It's the author's initial address to the reader.
• Slightly Negative Connotation: When used critically, saying someone's 开场白 was “too long” (太长了, tài cháng le) or “off-topic” (跑题了, pǎotí le) is a common way to critique their public speaking skills.

• Example 1:
  • 他的开场白非常精彩，立刻吸引了所有人的注意。
  • Pinyin: Tā de kāichǎngbái fēicháng jīngcǎi, lìkè xīyǐn le suǒyǒu rén de zhùyì.
  • English: His opening remarks were brilliant and immediately captured everyone's attention.
  • Analysis: This sentence positively evaluates someone's public speaking skills, highlighting the ideal function of a 开场白.
• Example 2:
  • 会议开始前，老板让我准备一个简短的开场白。
  • Pinyin: Huìyì kāishǐ qián, lǎobǎn ràng wǒ zhǔnbèi yī ge jiǎnduǎn de kāichǎngbái.
  • English: Before the meeting started, the boss asked me to prepare a brief introduction.
  • Analysis: A very common real-world scenario in a Chinese workplace. “Brief” (简短) is often a key requirement.
• Example 3:
  • 作为主持人，你的开场白应该热情洋溢一点。
  • Pinyin: Zuòwéi zhǔchírén, nǐ de kāichǎngbái yīnggāi rèqíng yángyì yīdiǎn.
  • English: As the host, your opening remarks should be a bit more enthusiastic and overflowing with passion.
  • Analysis: This gives advice on the *tone* of a 开场白, showing that delivery matters as much as content.
• Example 4:
  • 别说那么多客套话了，我们跳过开场白，直接进入主题吧。
  • Pinyin: Bié shuō nàme duō kètàohuà le, wǒmen tiàoguò kāichǎngbái, zhíjiē jìnrù zhǔtí ba.
  • English: Stop with all the pleasantries, let's skip the preamble and get straight to the main topic.
  • Analysis: Shows a situation where someone wants to dispense with formalities for the sake of efficiency. This is more common in internal meetings than with external clients.
• Example 5:
  • 这本书的开场白就很有哲学意味，让我很想继续读下去。
  • Pinyin: Zhè běn shū de kāichǎngbái jiù hěn yǒu zhéxué yìwèi, ràng wǒ hěn xiǎng jìxù dú xiàqù.
  • English: This book's introduction is very philosophical, it makes me really want to keep reading.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates the use of 开场白 in a literary or written context.
• Example 6:
  • 我最怕在很多人面前讲话，每次都不知道开场白该怎么说。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zuì pà zài hěn duō rén miànqián jiǎnghuà, měi cì dōu bù zhīdào kāichǎngbái gāi zěnme shuō.
  • English: I'm terrified of speaking in front of a lot of people; I never know how to start my opening remarks.
  • Analysis: A relatable sentence for many learners, expressing the anxiety associated with public speaking.
• Example 7:
  • 婚礼司仪的开场白非常感人，让新娘和新郎都流下了眼泪。
  • Pinyin: Hūnlǐ sīyí de kāichǎngbái fēicháng gǎnrén, ràng xīnniáng hé xīnláng dōu liú xià le yǎnlèi.
  • English: The wedding MC's opening remarks were very touching, making both the bride and groom shed tears.
  • Analysis: Highlights the emotional potential of a well-delivered 开场白 in a ceremonial context.
• Example 8:
  • 每次新闻发布会，发言人的开场白都大同小异。
  • Pinyin: Měi cì xīnwén fābùhuì, fāyánrén de kāichǎngbái dōu dàtóngxiǎoyì.
  • English: At every press conference, the spokesperson's opening remarks are more or less the same.
  • Analysis: This uses the idiom `大同小异 (dàtóngxiǎoyì)` to express that the opening is formulaic and predictable.
• Example 9:
  • 他的开场白太长了，听得我们都快睡着了。
  • Pinyin: Tā de kāichǎngbái tài cháng le, tīng de wǒmen dōu kuài shuìzháo le.
  • English: His introduction was way too long, we almost fell asleep listening to it.
  • Analysis: A common complaint about a poorly executed 开场白, showing the negative consequence of rambling.
• Example 10:
  • 这次谈判的开场白就充满了火药味。
  • Pinyin: Zhè cì tánpàn de kāichǎngbái jiù chōngmǎn le huǒyàowèi.
  • English: The opening of these negotiations was full of the smell of gunpowder (i.e., was very tense and confrontational).
  • Analysis: A metaphorical use of the term. The “开场白” here refers to the initial exchange or first proposals in a negotiation.

• Not just a “Greeting”: A common mistake for beginners is to think 开场白 is just a fancy way to say “hello” or “welcome.” It's a structured piece of communication. Saying `你好 (nǐ hǎo)` is a greeting; giving a one-minute speech welcoming everyone and stating the meeting's agenda is a 开场白.
• False Friend: “Icebreaker”: While both start an event, they have different goals. An “icebreaker” aims to make things informal and relaxed. A 开场白 often aims to establish a formal, respectful, and organized atmosphere. You wouldn't typically tell a joke as your 开场白 at a serious business meeting in China, whereas it might be acceptable as a Western icebreaker.
• Incorrect Usage:
  • Incorrect: 我跟朋友聊天，不知道怎么说开场白。 (Wǒ gēn péngyou liáotiān, bù zhīdào zěnme shuō kāichǎngbái.)
  • Why it's wrong: 开场白 is too formal for a casual chat with a friend. You're not giving a speech. For starting a casual conversation, you'd use a term like `怎么开口 (zěnme kāikǒu)` - “how to start talking.”
  • Correct: 我跟朋友聊天，不知道怎么开口。

• * 开幕词 (kāimùcí) - Opening speech. More formal than 开场白, used specifically for the official opening of a large-scale event, conference, or ceremony.
• * 结束语 (jiéshùyǔ) - Concluding remarks. The direct antonym of 开场白.
• * 引言 (yǐnyán) - Introduction, foreword, preface. Primarily used for written documents like reports, theses, or academic papers.
• * 客套话 (kètàohuà) - Polite pleasantries, formulaic expressions of courtesy. A good 开场白 often includes some 客套话, but is not entirely composed of it.
• * 演讲 (yǎnjiǎng) - A speech or lecture. The 开场白 is the first part of a 演讲.
• * 主持人 (zhǔchírén) - Host, MC, presenter. This is the person who is professionally responsible for delivering the 开场白 at an event.
• * 自我介绍 (zìwǒ jièshào) - Self-introduction. This can be a key component of a speaker's 开场白.
• * 破冰 (pòbīng) - To break the ice. This is the modern, direct translation of “icebreaker” and refers to an activity or joke meant to lighten the mood, distinguishing it from the more formal 开场白.