How do you feel right before you share a big announcement?
Today, Lindsay and Michelle break down the best ways to announce something big in English.
With today’s phrases, you will always know exactly how to share your exciting news.
Why do these phrases matter?
Even when the news is wonderful, there’s that mix of excitement and nerves, your heart is racing and you can’t wait to see the other person’s reaction.
Lindsay shares that it feels like having a secret you know people are going to be excited about.
And Michelle pointed out that even when the news is good, those nerves still show up.
That’s just part of being human.
The way you open a big announcement sets the tone for everything that follows.
As Lindsay explained, these lead-in phrases are important because they create a stage for your news.
We’re all busy.
We’re all in our own heads.
If you just blurt out your big news without any setup, the other person might completely miss it.
A great lead-in builds anticipation, demands someone’s full attention, and makes the moment feel as exciting as it really is.
These phrases aren’t just functional but they’re emotional.
They pull people in before you even get to the news itself.
How to announce big news
Here are English phrases and vocabulary that Lindsay and Michelle recommend you use to express that you have something big to share with everyone.
#1: “I have news / I have big news…”
Simple, direct, and immediately signals that something important is coming.
This one works great for big life changes like a new job or a relocation.
Example:
I have big news… I got a job offer in Austin! We are going to be neighbors!
#2: “I have something [exciting / fun / crazy / important] to tell you…”
This one builds a little more suspense.
Choosing your adjective carefully sets the emotional tone before the reveal.
It’s especially useful when the news might be unexpected or a little different from what people might expect from you.
Example:
I have something crazy to tell you… I’m going back to school!
#3: “Are you sitting down?”
A classic that’s been around for a long time, you’ve probably heard it on TV shows and sitcoms.
The idea is that the news is so big, you want to make sure the other person is ready for it.
Note that this one makes more sense when you’re on the phone or not physically with the person.
If you are with them and they’re standing, you might say, “You should sit down.”
And yes, when you use this phrase, it’s polite to wait for a response before continuing!
Example:
Are you sitting down? Okay… I’m selling my house.
#4: “Sooo… big update.”
Casual, conversational, and fun.
This one works great for relationship news in particular engagements, proposals, and more.
Examples:
Sooo… big update… my brother got engaged!
Big update… I’m proposing!
Drumroll please
And here is a bonus expression.
If you really want to build the drama before your announcement, try saying: “Drumroll please…”
It’s a playful way to get everyone’s attention and make the moment even more memorable.
Announcing a pregnancy
In line with Lindsay’s big news on this episode, they share other expressions you can use to make an announcement about pregnancy.
Here are some natural and heartfelt ways to share that news in English.
#1: “I’m expecting”
This one is interesting because normally the verb expect needs something after it but when someone says “I’m expecting” and stops there, everyone knows exactly what they mean.
You can also say “I’m expecting a baby,” but honestly, just “I’m expecting” on its own is perfectly natural and widely understood.
Example:
“Guess what? I’ve been saying I’m super tired lately. Well, it turns out I’m expecting!”
#2: “I’m pregnant / My partner is pregnant”
Straightforward and clear, sometimes simple is best.
Use their name or relationship for a personal touch.
Example:
“Sooo… big update… Sheila is pregnant!”
#3: “I’m having a baby”
Warm, joyful, and very natural in everyday conversation.
And remember, if you use “Are you sitting down?” before this one, wait for the other person to confirm before dropping the news!
Example:
“Are you sitting down? So… I’m having a baby!”
#4: “I’m going to be a mom / dad [again]”
A personal and emotional way to frame the news around your exciting new role.
Example:
“I have news… I’m going to be a mom!”
Roleplay
Here is a quick roleplay between Lindsay and Michelle showing how naturally these phrases flow in a real conversation.
In this scenario, Lindsay has some very exciting news to share.
Michelle: So how’s it going, Lindsay?
Lindsay: Good, Michelle! So… I have something to tell you!
Michelle: What is it??
Lindsay: I’m expecting!
Michelle: Oh my gosh, yay!
Takeaway
Big moments deserve big lead-ins.
Whether you’re announcing a new job, a move, an engagement, or a baby, knowing how to open that conversation makes the moment so much more special.
These phrases create a stage for your news, bring people fully into the moment, and invite them to celebrate with you, and that is what connection is all about.
Don’t keep your big news to yourself.
Share it. Bring people into your world.
Let them celebrate with you.
Check out AEE 2622: How to Save a Spot in Someone’s Mind for Your Story for more on making your news land the way it deserves to.
Have you ever had to announce big news in English? Which phrase did you use?
Share your news in the comments below and we would love to celebrate with you!
