To introduce the topic

You usually place this at the very beginning of a speech. You can also use it when shifting to a new section. Follow it with a colon or a comma in writing. In speaking, pause slightly after saying it. For example, To introduce the topic of remote work, let's look at recent stats. It sets the stage for everything that follows. It helps your audience follow your logic without getting lost.

Use this in academic essays or university lectures. It is perfect for business presentations or formal meetings. Use it when you need to sound authoritative. It works well in structured debates. Even in a serious heart-to-heart talk, it can help. It shows you have thought deeply about the subject. It is great for keeping a group discussion on track.

Avoid this at a loud party or a casual bar. Do not use it while ordering coffee. It will make you sound like a robot. If you are texting a close friend about dinner, skip it. Using it in a romantic setting might feel a bit cold. Avoid it if the topic is already very obvious. If you use it too much, you might sound repetitive. Keep it for when structure actually matters.

English-speaking cultures often value linear logic. We like to know exactly what is happening and when. This phrase reflects that desire for clarity. In Western business, 'getting to the point' is a sign of respect. By using this phrase, you show you value the listener's time. It stems from a tradition of formal rhetoric and debate. It is a hallmark of the 'Standard English' used in global commerce.

You might hear To begin with or Let's start by looking at. Some people say Turning our attention to. In more casual settings, people just say So, let's talk about. If you want to be fancy, try To provide an overview of. All of these serve the same purpose. They are just different flavors of the same structural signpost.