How should I open an IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card answer?

Question

I always freeze at the start of the 2-minute talk. Is there a good opening line?

Emily Parker · Accepted Answer

Use a simple frame:

"I'd like to talk about [topic]. It's something that [brief hook — means a lot to me / happened recently]."

Then move into who, where, when. Examiners care about fluency and detail, not a dramatic intro.