- 1). Consider the specific event. Welcome speeches are appropriate for many events, including workshops, conventions, lectures or festivals. Consider who or what you'll be introducing. It could be a welcome speech for a famous motivational speaker or the opening speech for a local celebration. Focusing on this information helps organize your thoughts.
- 2). Determine your tone. The welcome speech should focus on making the audience feel enthusiastic and at ease. It should also properly introduce and welcome the featured speaker that follows you or highlight important aspects of the event. For a formal event, aim for proper etiquette and a formal tone. For a more casual event, warmth and humor is suitable.
- 3
Outlining key information will help you remember important elements.Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
Write an outline of essential information. Generally, you should acknowledge and thank any VIP guests who are present at the event, whether involved directly or not. Introduce and thank the host. Describe the event briefly, including any upcoming highlights. When introducing a particular person, mention key achievements and career highlights. Thank anyone who has been involved in funding and organizing the event. Write down the proper pronunciation of all names and fact-check all your information. - 4). Organize the information in an appropriate order. Begin by introducing yourself and thanking the audience for attending. Next thank VIP guests, followed by an enthusiastic description of the main speaker or event. Thank funders or organizers. End with a few more words of thanks and introduce the next speaker. Tie all the different components together smoothly, and, if using jokes, try to include them near the beginning or end.
- 5). Time the speech. Welcome speeches should generally be brief and straightforward. While you may have time for a brief joke, aim for a compact and efficient speech with all necessary information included. Many welcome speeches are only two to four minutes. Time yourself with a stopwatch until you're able to deliver the speech in this time.
SHARE
