How to say “first of all” like a native speaker
Introduce the first point or action, often the most immediate one. It helps listeners follow an explanation or a sequence.
All phrases · Workplace
Hear “first of all” in real speech
Clip 1 · Arthur Benjamin
Lightning calculation and other "mathemagic" | Arthur Benjamin · 8:17
About this video
Arthur Benjamin introduces himself as a “mathemagician” and combines mathematics with a stage demonstration. He invites audience members with calculators to take part as he performs rapid calculations.
In context
Let's see, starting with -- let's start with a gentleman first.What year was it, first of all?
That's why I pick a gentleman first.
Clip 2 · Patrick Winston (MIT)
How to Speak · 48:25
About this video
Patrick Winston teaches a lecture about speaking and communicating ideas. He discusses the role of knowledge and practice, and uses presentation slides to illustrate choices that help or hinder an audience.
In context
need to think a little bit about how you're going to be recognized for what you do.So oh, first of all, why should you care about getting famous?
I thought about this in connection with a fundraising event I attended
Clip 3 · Julian Treasure
How to Speak So That People Want to Listen | Julian Treasure | TED · 3:52
About this video
Julian Treasure discusses speaking in ways that encourage people to listen. He identifies unhelpful speaking habits and explores features of the voice, including vocal register.
In context
I don't mean romantic love, but I do mean wishing people well, for two reasons.First of all, I think absolute honesty may not be what we want.
I mean, my goodness, you look ugly this morning.
When to use “first of all”
- Giving setup instructions: “First of all, plug in the charger.”
- Opening a response to a complaint: “First of all, I'm sorry you had to wait.”
Possible connected-speech patterns in “first of all”
“Of” usually has a weak vowel. The final consonants of “first” link into that vowel, keeping the phrase together.
Related phrases
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A slow line to begin with: listen to how “don’t need to” runs together, then say it at the speaker’s pace.
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