The first indication in Henry's speech as to the urgency of his message is when he declares, "This is no time for ceremony." Henry is here indicating that the subject of his speech is too important to be much concerned with pleasantries and formalities, which might prevent him from speaking as freely as he wishes.

Henry subsequently states that the subject of his speech is "nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery." This is a stark contrast and of course implies the urgency of the occasion. He is telling his audience that they must seize the opportunity for freedom or else be consigned to slavery. This contrast is reiterated at the end of the speech, in even more stark terms, when Henry demands, "give me liberty or give me death!"

Throughout the speech, Henry focuses on one main action taken by the British colonists which, he proposes, requires an immediate response. This action is the assembling of "fleets and armies" in preparation for war. Henry argues that these "fleets and armies" constitute "implements of war and subjugation" against the Americans. Henry also argues that the British are guilty of an inaction which, likewise, requires an immediate response. This inaction is the persistent and obstinate refusal, on the part of the British, to listen to the petitions and supplications of the Americans.