make a welcome speech

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How to Write a Welcome Speech

Last Updated: July 29, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,664,538 times.

Are you on welcome speech duty for an upcoming program or event? You’ve got nothing to worry about—with the right format and tone, it’s super easy to write and present a welcome speech for just about any occasion. We’ve outlined everything you need to know, from your opening greetings and acknowledgments, to establishing the right tone and nailing your closing remarks. You’ve got this in the bag!

Greeting the Audience

• Keep the tone more serious if it's an important occasion. Use more formal language and don't crack any inappropriate jokes. For example, at a wake, you might say, "We're so glad to have you all here tonight. We appreciate your presence at this difficult time."

• For an event with close friends and family, more informal language might be appropriate. Include a few jokes and keep your speech more lighthearted.

Patrick Muñoz

Grab your audience's attention with a strong opening. Start with a loud voice and a strong presence that welcomes everyone and gets them involved. Ask a question they can respond to or tell a joke — anything to connect with the audience. Do something that grabs their attention and excites them and makes them thrilled about the event.

• Special guests include any people of honor, those that may play a particularly important part in the event, or those who have traveled a long way to be there.
• Make sure that you practice all of names, titles, and pronunciations of the special guests before your speech.
• For example you could say, "We'd like to extend a special welcome to our guest of honor, Judge McHenry, who will be speaking later tonight."
• Alternatively to welcome a group of people you might say, "While we're excited to have you all here tonight, we'd especially like to say welcome to the students from Johnson Middle School."

• For an informal event such as a birthday party, you could say, "We're so happy to have you here tonight to eat, drink, and celebrate another year of Jessica's life. Now, let's get to it."
• For a more formal event such as one run by an organisation, you could say, “We are so excited to have you all here to participate in our 10th annual pet’s day, organised by the Animal Rescue Group.”

Forming the Body of the Speech

• An example of acknowledging individual people is saying, “We couldn’t have pulled off this fundraiser without the hard work and dedication of Grace and Sally, who worked tirelessly from day 1 to make today a reality.”
• Avoid reading off a long list of people or sponsors, as your audience will begin to get bored. Stick to just a handful of highlights.

• For instance, at a conference, you might point out when the dinner will be held, or where particular sessions will take place.
• At a wedding reception, you might note when dancing will start or when the cake will be served.

• Alternatively, you could end the body of your speech during an informal gathering by saying, “I can't wait to see you all out on the dancefloor!”

Ending the Speech

• You could also say that you hope that the audience takes something away from the event. For example, “I hope that today inspires ideas and discussions around the ways that we can make our city a better place!”

• At a formal event, you might say, "Now, for our speaker. Rebecca Roberts comes here from Montreal, Canada, and she is a leading expert in the study of the human brain. She'll be speaking tonight on what drives humans to make decisions. Let's welcome her."
• For a more informal event such as a party, you could say, “Next up is Sam, who has been Kyle’s best friend for 10 years strong. He has a decade of embarrassing stories about Kyle to share with us tonight!"

• Alternatively you might say, “Thank you again to everyone for being here tonight to celebrate Joe and Kathleen’s 50th wedding anniversary! Let the celebrations begin!”

• If you are unsure, ask the organiser or host what an appropriate length of time for your speech will be.

Writing Help

Community Q&A

• Practice your speech in front of trusted friends and family in the days leading up to the event. [12] X Research source Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/effective-welcome-speech
• ↑ https://www.examples.com/education/speech/welcome-speech-for-conference.html
• ↑ https://penandthepad.com/how-5574707-write-welcome-speech.html
• ↑ https://penandthepad.com/write-after-dinner-speech-8035341.html
• ↑ https://uark.pressbooks.pub/speaking/chapter/closing-a-speech/
• ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-delivery

About This Article

To write a welcome speech, start with a greeting to your audience that’s appropriate to the situation. For example, you could try “Good evening ladies and gentlemen” if you’re introducing a formal event, or “Thank you everyone for coming on this sunny day” for a more relaxed occasion. After you’ve finished the greeting, introduce the event by talking about who organized it and what its purpose is. In the main body of your speech, acknowledge 2 or 3 people who played important parts in organizing the event. You should also emphasize special parts of the event that people should pay attention to, such as where dinner will be or where a conference session will take place. When you’re ready to conclude your speech, tell the audience to enjoy the event by saying something like “I hope you all enjoy the exciting speakers to come.” Finish your speech by thanking the audience for attending. For tips on how to introduce people at a special occasion, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Welcome Speech in English: Best Samples, Examples & Tips

Why are welcome speeches necessary.

Most of the gatherings and ceremonies are held with a purpose. They are either planned events or spontaneous gatherings. In both cases, it is important to know how to organize such events. We must prepare ourselves to conduct the event properly.

Let us imagine that you are hosting a gathering. You have prepared everything, including food, drinks, decorations, etc., and even set up the stage. However, you forgot one thing – a welcome speech. What happens next? Do you start talking immediately without waiting for everyone to arrive? Of course not!

The same goes for a meeting. How many times did you attend meetings where people didn’t introduce themselves? Or worse, they talked about themselves too much during the meeting. In addition, some speakers talk directly to the audience without introducing themselves. This makes it difficult for the attendees to comprehend the event’s process and connect with its objectives.

So why is a welcome speech in English needed? To begin with, it is necessary to give a brief overview of the topic. Secondly, it helps to provide information about the organization and its history. Thirdly, it allows us to highlight our achievements. And finally, it creates a good impression on guests. Otherwise, they might ask questions like “Where is this event going?”.

Significance of welcome speech

The significance of the welcome speech won’t be apparent without understanding what makes up the history of an event. An event can be defined as a sequence of activities carried out over a period of time. These activities are usually organized into stages, each with a specific purpose. For example, an event may start with opening remarks, followed by a keynote address, and finally concluded with closing remarks. Each stage of an event has a different set of responsibilities.

In the case of a welcoming ceremony, the welcome speech is considered to be one of the most important parts of the whole gathering. In fact, it is the most crucial aspect of the entire event. This is because the welcome speech serves several purposes.

First, it introduces the guests to the host. Second, it provides information regarding the upcoming program. Third, it creates a positive impression among the attendees. Fourth, it helps in creating a sense of unity among the participants. Fifth, it helps in establishing good relations between the hosts and the guests. And finally, it ensures that the guest feels comfortable during the occasion.

Objectives of a Welcome Speech in English

The objective of a welcome speech in English is to introduce yourself and the rest of the attendees at the event. This is done through a short introduction about who you are, what you do, why you’re attending, etc. The following are the objectives of a welcome speech:

• Introduce yourself
• Provide Information regarding the event
• Create a positive impression among attendees
• Establish good relations between hosts and guests
• Ensure guests feel comfortable during the event
• Help build unity among participants
• Explain the purpose of the meeting/event
• Set up the agenda for the meeting/event
• Make introductions
• Give background info about the organization
• Highlight achievements (if any)

Welcome Speech Samples in the Education Field

There is a number of school gatherings that require welcome speeches, be it an official school gathering or an informal event. In this segment, we’ve sorted samples according to the typical events organized in schools. Take note of each paragraph and determine its purpose. You’ll be able to create a workable framework or basis for your current and future speech requirements.

Welcome Address in English For Students

It’s natural for attendees of any event to expect an introductory speech, which sets the tone for the occasion. A host can easily command attention with an effective welcome. Even the longest speeches have the capacity to hold an audience’s interest when delivered in a catchy and impressive manner.

A short opening speech for a commencement ceremony

To everyone present, good morning. A very warm welcome to our respected faculty, our remarkable parents, and our dear students. Special recognition is due for our Chief Guest (name of chief guest). It’s a true honor to have such a successful alumnus (or state the chief guest’s job title). We express our biggest gratitude for accepting our invitation to deliver today’s keynote speech.

I’m standing here as a lucky witness to our dear students’ academic journey. Our school is very proud of everything you have accomplished and your small but not minor contributions to society. You’ve brought prestige to our name and deserve the title of one of our school’s most successful and dedicated batch of students.

With your teachers’ guidance and parents’ support, you’ve reached remarkable heights. I’d like to take this time to extend my gratitude to our faculty and our parents, for understanding, encouraging, and nurturing our students.

Graduates, you are about to start another chapter in your life. An exciting yet scary period. From now on, you will face more challenges, but I am confident that you’re adequately equipped to face any tribulation that comes your way. Remember that with conviction and self-belief, no mountain is too high to climb. The laurels you’ve brought back to our school are only the beginning. I am genuinely excited to see the astonishing feats that your futures hold.

A long opening speech for a commencement ceremony

Good morning everyone! I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our esteemed faculty, astounding parents, and our dear students. I’m honored to open our commencement ceremony and stand here where many of our accomplished alumni who I look up to once stood.

I extend a particularly warm welcome to our Chief Guest (name of chief guest), who as one of our outstanding alumni, has really set the standard for exemplary accomplishments.

(enumerate key achievements of chief guest)

Her/his professional and philanthropic endeavors attest to their upbringing and the values she/he lives by. We want to thank you for responding positively to our invitation to be the keynote speaker on today’s auspicious occasion.

As another academic year reaches its end, I’m sure that our dear students are anxious and also filled with hope and excitement. This is their final school event in our renowned school/college/university (name of school). But hopefully, it won’t be their last awarding ceremony.

We are extremely fortunate to have such a talented and passionate group of graduates who have earned laurels in honor of our school, adding to its distinction and great reputation. The amazing encouragement and unconditional support of our parents throughout the school year have been extraordinary. They have stood by their children in every school event. Our teachers and staff are truly thankful for the trust you’ve given us. Your children’s journey wouldn’t have been a huge success without your guidance and nurture.

It’s been a remarkable experience to witness the passion and commitment our students have exhibited in all their undertakings. I am filled with certitude that you will achieve whatever goal you’ve set your mind on. Adulthood is going to be jammed with more trials you’ve never imagined before. I am kidding. Maybe. Joking aside, you will win as long as you work hard and believe in yourself.

Remember that you are valuable and take every challenge you face as an opportunity to prove your worth and get better. Also, surround yourselves with people who are good for your well-being and treat them the way you’d like to be treated.

Maintain your sense of humor because not much else will get you through when the going gets rough. Life can be very special and you can truly make a mark, which doesn’t always need to have global proportions. Be accountable for your mistakes and learn from them. Keep nurturing your passions and remain as driven, bright, and astonishing as you are today. You are all wonderful and I can’t wait to see your future accomplishments, because they will be great.

Thank you and do us proud!

Welcome Speech for a College Function

(General greeting, i.e. good morning/afternoon/evening) to all (the audience attending the event, e.g. the parents, teachers, students, etc.) and our respected Principal (name of principal). It’s with great pleasure that I welcome everyone to (name of school)’s (name of event or ceremony).

Our college nurtures the ideologies of discipline and pride in one’s work and aims to hone our students as responsible and productive members of society. It is in this spirit that we celebrate today.

To commence our festivities, allow me to introduce one of our most esteemed alumni. Our Chief Guest (title and name of chief guest) has embodied the values fostered by our prominent and respected college. (Enumerate the main accomplishments of the chief guest). We honor you for your contributions to society and our city, most especially, which future generations will surely benefit from. With your hard work, dedication, and charitable spirit, you have set the goalposts we aspire to reach in order to make the world a much better place than we’ve found it.

(Initiate a round of applause)

Welcome Speech for a Yearly Function

(General greeting, i.e. good morning/afternoon/evening to all)

Honorable Chief Guest (name of guest), our beloved Principal (name of principal), our amazing faculty and staff members, our dearest parents and fellow students, and to everyone present, I welcome you all to (name of school/college/university)’s annual function.

My name is Lakshmi Gupta, a student of the Information Technology Department, and also the president of our school’s Cultural Exchange Organization and founder of the Languages Club.

It is with tremendous pride that I announce our prestigious school’s Silver Jubilee anniversary. We’re gathered today to celebrate 25 years of estimable service and success. The remarkable accomplishments of our elite school since its foundation won’t be possible without its long history of dedicated and respected teachers and passionate students, its tireless staff, and the unconditional support from our parents.

It’s also a great honor to introduce our Chief guest and keynote speaker. Any introduction won’t do justice to the extraordinary achievements she/he has attained throughout her/his career. (Enumerate the main accomplishments of the chief guest). She/he is truly one of the most treasured and incredible alumni our school has produced. Without further ado, let’s give a round of applause to (title and name of chief guest).

Welcome Speech for the School Principal

Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning!

I’m truly pleased and honored to welcome our new principal (title and name of principal). He has previously worked for 5 years at Lumos International as principal and has succeeded in revitalizing their academic standing and programs, especially in English and Cultural Studies.

I have gotten to know her/him over the last few days during the transition phase and found her/him to be a brave and progressive intellectual, with a great ideology and vision for the future of (name of school), our beloved school.

On behalf of the current administration, our board of trustees, the faculty, the staff, and our student body, we wholeheartedly extend a great welcome to you (title and name of principal).

We hope that with your leadership, energy, and enthusiasm, we shall start a new era of learning and reach greater excellence.

Congratulations and welcome!

Welcome Speech for Teachers Day

Good morning! We welcome everyone today who is here to celebrate this annual event for their beloved teachers. We don’t always get to thank our teachers, but on this day, we pay tribute to our second parents.

They have provided guidance and given their light to educate and lead us to a journey of wonder, discovery, and knowledge. For their efforts, they deserve the greatest of honors and our utmost respect.

Our steadfast yet affectionate teachers should be our role models. They inspire us daily and motivate us to reach our greatest potential. They impart wisdom so that we don’t only excel academically, but as good people and responsible members of our society.

So on Teacher’s Day, it’s all about them and giving them the honor that many take for granted. Thank you, dear teachers!

Welcome Speech for Children’s Day

Good morning everybody!

Today we extend our appreciation and the warmest embrace to our beloved students to celebrate Children’s Day!

It’s been a blessing to be a part of nurturing children’s sense of wonder and imagination. These are qualities we often lose as we grow up, and it’s awesome to witness them happen every day.

Children’s innocence and love are incomparable and difficult to resist. Their smile is the closest thing to heaven that we can glimpse in the world.

School is your children’s second home, and we teachers are their second parents. We thank you for the opportunity to take care of and guide your little angels.

Join us to celebrate our students and make this day as eventful and fun as it can be!

Welcome Speech for Freshers Party

Welcome everyone to our Fresher’s party!

We’ve all gathered here today to celebrate the gift of possibilities and commence the experience of a new beginning.

It’s of utmost pleasure to welcome everyone, especially all my freshers to today’s festivities. I extend my deepest gratitude to all my teachers and everyone who helped make this event a reality. Look at this place, it’s amazing!

University or school life isn’t just about getting a higher education – brace yourself for the adventure of a lifetime! This is the period to create good memories and meet people who can be a permanent part of your academic and later professional lives. May you develop the relationships and acquire the necessary skills to succeed in life.

But for now, let’s leave our worries and cares out in the hall. Let’s celebrate your wise decision to matriculate in our institution. Our college has prepared special events and an entertainment program highlighting some of our talented students.

The next few hours will be memorable and exciting! Thank you for listening and let’s get on with it!

Have a good time!

Welcome Speech Samples for Business

Much like in academic settings, there are more formal events that happen in professional contexts. Some may need a welcome address to introduce special guests or welcome the attendees of a conference. Some are informal events that welcome those who are invited to special occasions at the office and the people they’re honoring. Note down the key phrases and objectives of the samples below and use the same structure in your own welcome or introduction speech in English.

Sample of Welcome Speech for a Goodbye Get-together

Good evening everyone!

Welcome to my farewell party. I know, I know. You all said you’re sorry to see me go, but that you all would need food and entertainment first to deal with your sadness. So here we are. I shall deliver.

As the Semisonic song goes “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” And so it is with great gratitude that the VP in Japan decided to retire early, so the end of his role can mark the beginning of mine. To Toni Takitani, thanks for deciding you’ve had enough!

Kidding aside, I’d like to thank my friends who made this very corporate event a huge success. Look at this, my goodness!

Most importantly, I want to impart my profound gratitude to my boss (name of the boss). Without you, this party won’t have a band. I couldn’t ask for a better mentor. Or I could, but none of them would have changed my life as positively as you have. It saddens me to leave you the most, but it comforts me that you were my biggest source of encouragement to go. Or it may have been your plan all along. Genius!

So to everyone who came, thank you. I’ll have time to thank you properly later, but for now, let’s eat!

Welcome Speech Sample for a Business Conference

Good morning to everyone who came out to join us here today. My name is Julius Kaizer and I’ll be hosting today’s events.

Before anything else, I’d like to take this moment to thank Merville & Posque Inc., their CEO Mr. Hyori Asano and his team for putting this event together in record time. It won’t be possible without your tireless dedication and contributions. I also want to thank everyone who came, our remarkable associates from Osaka, Chiang Rai, and Quezon, our wonderful clients who have stuck with us through thick and thin, and our amazing consultants in various fields of energy conservation. Your interest and patronage are very much appreciated.

A great welcome to all our extraordinary employees and staff members, some of whom have worked and grown along our company’s 23-year history. A big welcome, too, to our interns who have recently joined and brightened our corporate offices.

Today marks the 15th annual MPBC and it’s an honor to be a host in this glorious congress. I myself will be staying for the conference’s entirety to learn what I can about sustainable energy systems and their various implications and impact on the future of our planet.

The activities today will include an overview of all the forums, seminars, and exhibits around the MPBC complex. Second, we will have the inauguration of the new bio-dome on the grounds where we will also honor this year’s retirees. The afternoon’s seminars will kick off after lunch, and I encourage you to attend the discussions and learn about our future plans and projects. Finally, I’d like to encourage everyone to help yourselves to the snack stations in the hallway. Refreshments and sandwiches are on us for the duration of the conference.

I won’t keep you long and let’s begin the day. I wish all of you a valuable and wonderful time! Thank you.

Welcome Speech for a Business Workshop

Good afternoon everyone!

I am so pleased to see you all here. Welcome to my workshop, or should I say “our” workshop. I am truly overjoyed and excited about learning together and helping you reach a breakthrough in industry-scale coding practices.

This workshop aims to cover new software and the importance of earning certificates in several computer applications such as VM Suite, Landscape 5.0, and NF Tech.

I hope you’ll learn a lot in the next few hours and I promise to try to make our activities as engaging and hands-on as possible. Good luck and thanks again for participating in our workshop.

Welcome Speech for Office Events

My name is (your name), the (position in the company), and your host for this meeting. To our CEO (title and name of the CEO), (next are the dignitaries for the company hierarchy if any), all the staff members and their loved ones, and our beloved employees. I welcome you all to the (name of the event) of (name of company).

We are here today to honor our employees’ achievements in their respective fields and departments. Your efforts to attain and sustain the standards we keep aren’t unnoticed. This awarding ceremony seeks to remind us about the value and pride we should have in our accomplishments, and the significance of collaboration and teamwork. It is our spirit of community and faith in our abilities that represent the vision of (name of company). May we continue to grow through hard work, accountability, and cooperation.

To start off with our first award, let’s call up (title and position of the presenter), (name of the presenter).

Welcome Speech Samples for Family Functions

Huge family events often have speeches: weddings, birthdays, farewell parties, funerals, anniversaries, and so on. Some of these events normally have hosts and esteemed guests. Here are some tips and samples to inspire you.

Tips on Welcoming the Chief Guest?

If you’re searching for tips on how to make a welcome speech for guest, here are some things you can do:

• When drafting your speech, do the research.
• Highlight the key qualities that are worth mentioning in an opening welcome speech for event.
• Take note of the welcome address speech sample in this article and create a framework from them.
• Look up welcome speech quotes and choose the best one to use somewhere in your speech.
• Greet the chief guest at the event personally and introduce yourself if you don’t know each other.
• Extend your hard for a handshake and smile to express that they are honored and welcome to the event.
• Smile and suggest they are being welcomed.
• Address them formally with the usual Miss or Mr.
• Escort the chief guest before you assume host duties.

Welcoming the Chief Guest with a Short Speech

It’s a great honor to welcome our Chief guest and tonight’s keynote speaker. I was worried at first about how to introduce (title and name of Chief guest) because any introduction would pale in comparison to the reality and immensity of her/his accomplishments.

(Enumerate the main accomplishments of the chief guest).

She/he is the ultimate inspiration for young professionals everywhere who want to succeed in the field of international trade. Here to inspire us with her career journey and all the experiences she accumulated along the day, join me in giving a round of applause to (title and name of chief guest).

Welcoming the Chief Guest (Longer Version of the Speech)

Introducing our next attendee is a great pleasure of mine. When she/he accepted our invitation to be tonight’s Chief guest and keynote speaker, I almost jumped for joy. Then I realized I would naturally receive the task of introducing her/him. At first, this gave me great anxiety. How would I be able to pull it off and deliver an introduction that would give her background justice? Then I thought, no introduction would ever compare, so it was foolish to aim for success when failure is guaranteed. So I decided to just do it. Our chief guest has accomplished the following, to name a few:

As I looked at her/his professional and personal successes, I realized here is a woman/man who was faced many times with the certainty of failure but had given her circumstances a grad twist by attaining success against all odds. Then I thought, perhaps I should aim for success in this speech, after all.

She/he is an inspiration to many, not only for all the fields of expertise she has earned and the extreme success that went with the process, but she/he has also set the benchmark for philanthropy and good deeds. She/he has done this quietly, too, and she/he might strangle me for revealing it to the public. I didn’t even know half of the wonderful things she/he has done for our community before my research.

Without further ado, and here to inspire us with her wisdom and grand skill, join me in welcoming our Chief guest (title and name of chief guest).

Welcome Speech for Parents

Hi everyone!

As host and brother of the groom, I’d like to take this time to introduce the parents of the bride. Without them, my brother wouldn’t be the lucky and happy man he is today. More than that, I have witnessed how they accepted my brother and treated him as a son long before the engagement. I often tag along on family trips and have spent hours of wonderful conversations with them. Apart from my own parents, they are two of the most affectionate and hospitable people I’ve ever met. If I could meet a woman whose parents are just like them, I’d consider myself half as lucky as my brother.

Let’s give a round of applause for (names of the bride’s parents). Thank you for embracing my brother into the fold.

Welcome Speech Samples for National Holidays

Below is a sample of a welcome speech typically delivered during Annual Day. Substitute the appropriate details to match your information and use the framework in other speeches reserved for national holidays.

Welcome Speech for Annual Day

I am overjoyed to have this chance to welcome all of you to our elite institution’s 25th Annual Day. Today’s children are the hope of the next generation. All these graduates we see today, receiving awards for their achievements will go on to lead successful lives. Let them live up to the expectations set before them.

I am very happy to be a member of such an elite school where we learned from such great professors who teach us beyond the boundaries of the ordinary classroom. They’re also the minds and hands behind such a big event every year. I’d like to use this chance to organize such a wonderful event this year. It’s also a great pleasure of mine to introduce our Chief Guest.

Welcome speeches are necessary at events. They usually set the tone or expectations of the people who attended or participated in the occasion. There are many ways in going about delivering a welcome address speech. Review the samples in this article and do your due diligence to craft an outline, framework, or skeleton from the contents that you can use in welcome speeches of your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

A good welcome speech has the following qualities: * It is sincere. * It can hold the attention of the audience. * The ideas don’t ramble. * Welcome address quotes are used. One for a short welcome speech, and 2 for a longer one. Never 3, unless the speaker is trying to be funny. * The contents are relevant to the event. * It has an impressive anecdote. * The length doesn’t exceed 5 minutes.

The last segment of this article contains tips on welcoming chief guests, esteemed guests, or guests of honor. The tips contained here can be divided into things to consider while drafting the welcome speech, and things to do at the event itself when meeting the chief guest.

A simple thank you would suffice. Make sure you reiterate your gratitude. Some welcome speeches can end with a line that welcomes the guest of honor.

Depending on the context, a welcome speech doesn’t always need to be impressive. In some situations, a straightforward introduction is all you need. However, in some circumstances like commencement ceremonies, farewell parties, dinners, and some others, the audience is prepared to listen to long speeches. In this case, the speech needs to catch the attention of the attendees and maintain their interest. An impressive welcome speech often has an emotional element. Not just parroting big words to describe a person’s achievements or flatter them. Try to use humor if you’re funny by nature or if you can deliver the punchline well. Use popular quotes in your speech. Tell anecdotes relevant to the attendees. Or reveal an epiphany. These are how you should draft a welcome speech set to impress.

Make sure that it is relevant to the content of your welcome speech or the point you’re making. You can use phrases such as the following: * According to… * As the old saying goes… * There’s a quote that has always stuck with me… * Events like this always remind me of one of my favorite quotes… Try to find quotes that are unique and not cliche. You can find some in the lyrics of contemporary music, or lines and dialogues from books and movies, and so on.

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How to Write a Great Welcome Speech

Table of Contents

Writing an effective welcome speech is a form of art. It requires a delicate balance of knowledge, wit, charm, and the right dash of emotion to make your audience feel valued and at home.

Knowing how to write a welcome speech that resonates with people and draws them in is no small feat — it takes practice and finesse!

In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of writing a successful welcome speech. This will help you confidently greet guests, create lasting impressions, and set the tone for any event.

What Is a Welcome Speech?

A welcome speech is an important part of any event that marks the beginning of a new journey or celebrates a milestone. It sets the tone for the rest of the event and helps create a sense of community amongst guests and participants alike.

A well-crafted welcome speech should have a captivating opening, personalized introductions, acknowledgments, humor, and appreciation for those present. It must also highlight other key elements to ensure that everyone in attendance has an enjoyable experience.

Crafting such a speech can be gratifying as it gives a voice to people’s collective enthusiasm and will help make the event truly special.

Great Tips on How to Write a Welcome Speech

We have compiled some effective tips on how to write a welcome speech that will set the tone and engage the audience. Follow these suggestions and make your speech stand out.

Establish a Connection

Greet the guests at your event with warmth and enthusiasm, welcoming them to the occasion. A few personalized touches can go a long way in making attendees feel welcome and appreciated.

Set the Tone of the Event

Start by thanking everyone for coming, and be sure to use language that reflects the tone of your event. This is especially important if you are having an informal gathering versus a more formal one.

Express Gratitude

Make it a point to thank special guests or anyone who went above and beyond to help make the event possible. Doing so will show how much their efforts were appreciated.

Give an Overview

Summarize what attendees can expect from the event and provide any key information they should know before participating.

Offer Words of Encouragement

Provide encouraging words to guests and remind them why attending this particular event was important to them. Invite them to make the most out of this experience while also stressing the importance of taking some time to relax as well.

End on a High Note

Conclude the speech by wishing everyone a good time. Express your appreciation once again, or provide an inspiring quote that encapsulates the purpose of the gathering. Be sure to thank each person present for being part of the day.

Examples of Effective Welcome Speech

Take inspiration from the examples below to help you write an effective welcome speech based on your requirements.

Example 1: Welcome Speech for a Corporate Event

Good evening everyone, and welcome to our special corporate event. I’d like to start by introducing myself; my name is [Name], and I’m honored to be here with all of you today.

I would like to extend a warm greeting to our esteemed guests who joined us this evening. Your presence truly makes this night that much more special. It’s great to see such a lively audience here tonight!

As we begin, let me remind each of us how essential it is to include the various perspectives gathered in this room. Only when we come together can we form solutions tailored to fit each individual’s needs.

So without further ado, let’s get started on making this an unforgettable night. Thank you for being here!

Example 2: Welcome Speech for a Church Event

Greetings and welcome to our church event! Let us take a moment to express gratitude for the many blessings and the special opportunity to come together like this today.

We are delighted to introduce you to the amazing speaker who will be presenting here today. He is an individual with vast knowledge of the topic at hand. He has graciously agreed to work with us and share their wisdom with us.

I’m sure by the end of the presentation, we’ll be feeling invigorated, enlightened, and ready to put into practice what we have learned today. So let’s show appreciation for this good fortune, and bid our guest a warm welcome!

Example 3: Welcome Speech for a Cultural Event

Greetings, everyone! Welcome to our cultural event of the evening!

I want to thank all of you for coming here today and participating in this unique experience. I am confident all of us will leave with an appreciation for our cultures and a better understanding of how similar we truly are.

This is a great opportunity to learn about different customs and traditions from around the world. With luck, skill, and hard work, this year could bring success to our mission of global unity through shared experiences.

Good luck to everyone who is showcasing their talent or displaying traditional artifacts! We are eager to witness your ingenuity and creativity. Like all meaningful endeavors, there will be challenges along the way, but the rewards will outweigh them if we work together.

So let’s make sure that this cultural event succeeds by collaborating effectively and celebrating each other’s differences!

Example 4: Welcome Speech for a Fundraising Event

Good evening everyone. I am honored to be here on this very special occasion! Let’s all take a moment to show our respect for the people who have come together tonight with one common purpose. That is – raising funds for an incredibly important cause.

I want to welcome each and every one of you warmly in a formal manner to this function which we are hosting annually. As many of us know, the money raised tonight will go toward helping those affected by natural disasters in our own country. We need your help to make this event successful so we can continue providing aid in the upcoming year.

So let’s make tonight count and work together to reach our fundraising goals! Thank you again for joining us; it is truly appreciated.

Example 5: Welcome Speech for a College Event

Good evening everyone! I am excited to welcome you all to the annual college event tonight. It has been my privilege and joy to be a part of this school and see the amazing students come through each year. So it is a special night when we get together to celebrate our achievements!

I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible job our staff has done in the past year. They helped us focus on improving our skills and growing as individuals. Our faculty members are some of the best around, and they are truly committed to seeing every student reach their highest potential.

Finally, let’s not forget why we’re all here: to have fun and enjoy the company of friends. We’ve worked hard and deserve a break, so with that said, join me in celebrating another successful year for our college. Enjoy the rest of the evening!

This article explains how to write a welcome speech effectively, along with examples. Nail your welcome speech by making it personal, informative, friendly, and outgoing.

The key to a great welcome speech is a brief and well-crafted introduction. As the first speaker, it is important that you establish rapport with your audience. It will leave them in a positive and receptive mood , leading to a successful event for everyone present.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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50+ different ways to say welcome to your guests

By:  Susan Dugdale  

The challenge of a welcome speech is to find alternate ways to express yourself sincerely without resorting to a string of undifferentiated "same-old, same-old" words and phrases that have become meaningless through overuse to greet your guests with.

And there's an additional question to answer. Is the event formal or informal? Your response will guide the language choices you make.

What's on this page?

• help to decide whether you need formal or informal language
• examples of informal and formal welcome speech openings
• 50+ different ways to say welcome 
• 28 example sentences  

Do you need to use formal or informal language?

Is the welcome speech you're preparing formal or informal?  

There are major differences. The words you use in an informal speech will be entirely out of place in a formal one. You need to know what is right for the occasion if you want your speech to be a success.

The video below explains the difference and provides six example speech openings to illustrate: three formal and three informal.

How to avoid repetition making your speech boring!  

Repetition of a familiar word is easy to do and totally understandable.

Sometimes we can't find the words we want, and we get stuck in a vocabulary rut, using the same phrase or word over and over, and over again, trying to make it cover multiple and/or different situations.

And yet we know, words are just like clothes. One size does does not fit all.

What's the solution?

Here's three suggestions to individualize or tailor your words to fit your event a little better. And they'll be more interesting for the audience to listen to!

With care you'll find most will adapt either formal or informal use.

1. Add an adjective to the word welcome

Try working in an adjective to describe the quality of your welcome more fully.

I've provided an example sentence or two alongside each adjective to show how it could be used in context.

I know some examples are much more successful, (smooth to say and read), than others.

Some, quite frankly, clunk a little. (I say this with a wry smile ☺!) 

If you decide to use the feature word in those that do, perhaps you'll find a way to use it more eloquently!  

What sort of welcome are you offering?

It could be a(n):

• warm  welcome " Luckily the weather is on our side today! The sun and I are pleased to offer you a warm welcome."
• hearty  welcome  "Here's a hearty welcome, big and warm enough to encompass you all! To say we are thrilled to see you is an understatement."
• cheerful  welcome "It's my pleasure to extend a cheerful welcome to you all! Your presence makes us very happy."
• cordial  welcome "Fellow members, please join me in giving our guests the most cordial of welcomes."
• sociable  welcome "Let's hear it for a sociable welcome! On the count of three, turn to your neighbor and say 'hello'. There are no strangers here, only  friends we are yet to meet."
• genial  welcome "It's my pleasant duty to bid you all a genial welcome."
• convivial  welcome "On behalf of my colleagues, I wish you all a convivial welcome. We are going to have a merry and enjoyable time together."
• agreeable  welcome "The flags are flying. The balloons are ready for release. It's a great day, one we've been planning and waiting for. I'm sure you'll concur, this is an agreeable welcome."
• pleasing  welcome "It's gratifying to look around and see so many familiar faces. That's a pleasing welcome to what I know is a going to be a great  conference ... "

Or maybe it's a(n):

• glad  welcome "It's a glad welcome we bring to you this morning, filled with the desires, hopes and dreams we all share."
• hospitable  welcome "We're delighted to offer the most hospitable welcome we can."
• amiable  welcome "Dear guests, look around you! An amiable welcome full of friendship is yours."
• gracious  welcome "Our desire is to extend a gracious and inclusive welcome to all of you. For now let's put aside our differences and instead celebrate what brings us together!"

What about a(n):

Then there's a:

• pleasant  welcome "You know what's great about these events? You are always assured of a pleasant welcome. This is feel-good central and we aim ..."
• companionable  welcome "Looking around I can see many familiar faces - peers, past and present colleagues. What a companionable welcome! It's great to see you all here ..."
• grateful  welcome "Many of you have made a huge effort to join us today. On behalf of us all, we are deeply appreciative and offer you our most grateful welcome."
• friendly  welcome "Today is the day we begin to learn to look through the eyes of others; to find out and experience what the world is like for them. It is also the day we grow bigger than our differences and offer to everyone regardless of historical rights and wrongs, a friendly welcome, an outstretched hand."

Perhaps a(n):

• appreciative  welcome "Wow, what a gathering we have here tonight. We've got dignitaries, celebrities, fans, and organizational members all brought together for one cause. Ours. Here's an appreciative welcome to you all."
• superb  welcome "Ladies and gentlemen, the room is ready. The tables are set. The band is playing our theme song. And the waiting staff are preparing to take your orders. This is a superb welcome, fit for royalty, and that's what you are to us."
• delighted  welcome "To our special guests; look around. See the smiles of everyone's faces? We are truly delighted to welcome you here today."
• favored  welcome "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we have stars in the sky, and on stage. We are favored to welcome some the brightest the world has seen."
• honored  welcome "I look around the stage and am in awe with the collected expertise gathered here. We are deeply honored to welcome you."
• big  welcome "Here's to a big welcome for our guests; Lady Amelia Thistledown and Sir Roger Godfrey!"
• huge  welcome "Ladies and gentlemen, please give a huge welcome to ..."
• rapturous  welcome "Do you hear the applause? The audience joins me in a rapturous welcome! We are thrilled to have you with us today."

2. What about the guests you want to welcome?

Think about the guests you want to welcome as part of your speech. What sort of guests are they?  Is there a word, or two, you could use to describe them more fully?

Accurate descriptions of the people coming to the event, either as especially invited guests, or as members of the audience, helps build credibility and trust.

The care you take to find the right words is an excellent investment for everybody involved.

Could your guests be better described as:

• esteemed  guests?
• brilliant  guests?
• celebrated  guests?
• dear  guests?
• admired  guests?
• acclaimed  guests?
• cherished  guests?
• respected  guests?
• revered  guests?
• wonderful  guests?
• popular  guests?
• much-loved  guests?
• famous  guests?
• expert  guests?
• distinguished  guests?
• honored  guests?
• valued  guests?
• appreciated  guests?
• remarkable  guests?
• renowned  guests?
• knowledgeable  guests?
• treasured  guests?

3. What about the word "guests"?

Who are you talking to? Yes, everybody in the audience is a guest to your event but what could they be more accurately called? 

Are these people your:

• colleagues?
• associates?
• classmates?
• co-collaborators?
• fellow-travelers, nurses, teachers ... ? (insert the appropriate descriptor)
• affiliates?
• conspirators?
• companions?

And lastly, have fun experimenting!

Do try mixing and matching your words and phrases to fit the occasion. After all there are more flavors to "welcome" than vanilla!

Related pages:

• How to write a welcome speech - with a sample speech
• How to write a speech - step by step help - a good beginning point if you've never prepared a speech before.
• Back to top of phrases for welcome speeches
• Return to write-out-loud.com homepage

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How to Make a Welcome Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome speeches can set the tone for any event, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. whether you are hosting a conference, seminar, or social gathering, crafting an engaging welcome speech is crucial. in this step-by-step guide, we will take you through the process of creating a memorable welcome speech that leaves a lasting impression on your audience..

• Step 1: Understand the Purpose of Your Welcome Speech

Before diving into the content, it is essential to understand the purpose of your welcome speech. Is it to introduce the event, welcome attendees, or build excitement? Clarifying the main objective will help you structure your speech effectively.

• Step 2: Research Your Audience

Knowing your audience is vital when crafting a welcome speech. Research their demographics, interests, and backgrounds. This will enable you to personalize your speech and connect with your listeners on a deeper level.

• Step 3: Begin with a Captivating Opener

The first few sentences of your welcome speech are critical in grabbing your audience’s attention. Consider using a compelling story, an interesting fact, or a thought-provoking question to capture their interest right from the start.

• Step 4: Express Gratitude and Appreciation

Show your gratitude towards the attendees for taking the time to join your event. Recognize any sponsors, volunteers, or team members who contributed to its success. Expressing appreciation creates a positive atmosphere and fosters a sense of community.

• Step 5: Set the Tone and Outline the Agenda

Clearly communicate the purpose of the event and what attendees can expect throughout the event. Provide a brief overview of the agenda, highlighting key activities or speakers. This helps your audience understand the event flow and builds anticipation.

• Step 6: Establish Connection and Shared Purpose

Inspire your audience by establishing a connection between the event’s purpose and the attendees. Share anecdotes, personal experiences, or examples that create a sense of unity and emphasize the significance of their presence.

• Step 7: Recognize and Introduce Key Figures

If there are notable individuals present at the event, take a moment to recognize and introduce them to the audience. This includes guest speakers, VIPs, or anyone who holds a respected position related to the event’s theme. Be sure to highlight their achievements briefly.

• Step 8: End with a Memorable Closing

Bring your welcome speech to a close with a powerful ending that leaves a lasting impact. You can summarize the key points, deliver a final inspirational message, or encourage the audience to actively participate and engage throughout the event.

• Step 9: Practice, Polish, and Time Your Speech

Rehearsing your welcome speech is essential for a smooth delivery. Practice in front of a mirror, friends, or record yourself to fine-tune your presentation. Pay attention to your tone, pace, and body language. Ensure your speech fits within the allocated time to avoid rushing or dragging the opening of your event.

• Step 10: Evaluate and Seek Feedback

Once your welcome speech is delivered, take the time to reflect and evaluate your performance. Ask for feedback from attendees or colleagues to gain insights and improve for future events. Continuous improvement is key to becoming an excellent public speaker.

By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well-prepared to create a captivating and engaging welcome speech. So go ahead and make a memorable first impression at your next event!

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7 Steps to Write a Welcome Speech in English

A warm welcome speech can make it easier to set the tone for an event. Your welcome speech decides how warm and enthusiastic the event is going to be. Thus, do not mind doing a couple of extra practices. Also, your welcome speech can be as simple or as formal as the situation demands. In the following guide, we will discuss some tips to help you warmly welcome your audience and chief guests. Furthermore, we will look at some welcome speech examples.

Also Read: Welcome Speech for School Opening Day in English

Best Welcome Speech Steps

If your school or college has chosen you to present a welcome speech, it is because they trust you. Therefore, it is your foremost responsibility to show them that you deserve their trust by honoring the guest out in the event.

Before you step on the stage, you should know that you need the following elements.

• Humility : On the stage, try to act humbly to please your audience and guests.
• Names of the guests and their correct pronunciation : Double check all the names and their correct pronunciations.
• Topics to discuss : You should have a list of topics you are going to discuss during the event.
• Purpose of the event : Most importantly, you should be aware of the purpose of the event. Also, gather enough information about the event and past related occurrences.

Initially, once you have stood behind the podium, try to have a careful look around. If there are not a lot of people, check who is sitting where. This makes it easier to address people properly later during the event.

If there is a huge audience, just check out the people you will need to address later. This is important because it gives you confidence and awareness.

Now that you are confident enough about your environment, you are good to go. So, you can begin with a warm smile and a polite tone. First, introduce yourself and thank your audience for coming. Be humble and speak for a couple of minutes thanking and welcoming your guests.

For instance,

Good morning/ Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It is wonderful to have you all on this wonderful day. It is me (insert name of the host), your host for today. On behalf of our respected principle (name of the principal) and my team, I am pleased to welcome you all to our auspicious event. I welcome dear parents , respected teachers and our guests. And I hope we will have a good time together.

Then, address each special guest, take their names and pay tribute to their achievements. You can share stories that link you and the guest. But remember to take their permission before. If they do not feel comfortable in sharing the story, do not share.

Also, remember to double check the guests’ names, facts, and figures about them. And most importantly, check the correct pronunciation of your guests’ names.

To make any event happen, there are contributions of various people and groups. After welcoming your guests, you should thank those who have contributed to making the event possible.

These people range from the organizers of the event to the people backstage working hard to make everything look perfect. Furthermore, if it is not possible to take each person’s name, take the names of their group only. But thank them for their contribution.

Once you have thanked your audience for their presence and your team for their contribution, brace the purpose or goal of your event. Tell them why you all have gathered here that day. How the purpose of the event effects you and them. And how can you contribute something good to the purpose of the event.

Share your personal view and hopes about the event and the purpose of the event. Besides, you can share your personal experiences about the topic of the day unless it does not make your event boring.

Lastly, end your speech by wishing all your audience an enjoyable day. Let them know that you enjoy and appreciate their presence. Also, thank them for listing to you. For example,

Thank you so much for having me. I am extremely delighted and honored to be amongst the galaxy of intellectuals such as yours. It is an extremely beautiful day and I am happy to be sharing it with you.

Then, introduce the next person and leave with a warm smile on your face.

Related: Anchoring Script For Welcoming Guests In The Function

Additional Welcome Speech Tips

Alongside the above steps for a welcome speech, there are some easy but beneficial tips I would like to share.

• Your welcome speech should be polite and predictable. Besides, avoid being benign and boring.
• Begin with a powerful and passionate introduction to grab your audience attention. Then, keep their attention throughout the event.
• Your beliefs and hopes about the event should be crystal clear with your welcome speech.
• Also, let your audience know why you are the person who should be welcoming them.
• Storytelling can be a great tool to keep your audience attentive throughout the event. So, tell them stories they can relate to.

A good welcome speech can help you make the perfect environment for your event. Learn the best way to welcome your guests’ step by step with additional tips.

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How to Write a Welcome Speech | Academic Conference Edition

Have you ever been to a conference where the welcome speech left you wanting more information or didn’t make you excited for what’s to come? Yikes! You may not be alone in that sentiment.

But were you invited to give the welcome speech for the upcoming conference you’re attending, and want to do a better job? Fun stuff, congratulations!

We can’t take the conference jitters away, but we can help you learn about welcome speeches and how to write one in this article. In the end, you’ll see how Orvium helps the research community prepare for a conference.

What is a Welcome Speech?

A welcome speech (or address) sets the tone for a conference or event. The speech must describe what’s to come and get everyone excited for the event and feel welcome. It should also create an appropriate environment for knowledge sharing.

Anyone can deliver a welcome speech, but a minimum of excellent presentation skills, fun and creative demeanor, and the ability to be personable are major pluses. If you haven’t given a speech of this caliber before, remember that preparing your notes, writing your speech, and delivering it are all a part of the process . Practice makes perfect.

An excellent welcome speech will unite the audience, helping them come together for a common purpose.

See some examples of welcome speeches here , and learn how to write your own below.

How to Write a Welcome Speech for a Conference

1. get the event focus and tone right.

Since a welcome speech sets the tone for a conference or event, you must ensure it’s informative and interesting. While thinking about this, decide whether or not you’ll use formal or informal language . How you choose, structure, and deliver your words matters. These all come together to create the “tone”.

To decide between formal and informal language for your welcome speech, consult the graph below:

Typically, you’ll want to use formal language for a conference (but not overly formal) depending on your audience demographics and ensure everyone can understand you. A welcome speech has the following structure:

• opening and welcome
• theme and main topics
• outcome (or agenda)
• thank yous (to attendees, sponsors, volunteers, vendors, speakers, etc.)
• a closing statement.

Pro tip : you want to connect with your audience, grab their attention, and get them excited about the event, so start with a strong but warm opening. Don’t mention everyone involved throughout your speech, as that can get lengthy; instead, mention the essential speakers, organizations, associations, or volunteers. Finally, end the speech on a good note to get everyone excited with stats and pertinent information, such as:

• the high number of attendees
• any high-impact research that will be shown
• the different represented countries
• the variety of covered topics.

If you don’t know where to start, follow this welcome speech planner and read the information below.

2. Take Notes and Draft an Outline

From our Full Guide to Planning an Academic Conference, you know that your welcome speech must add value to the conference , just as each keynote and session speaker does. To do so, research (and reach out to) essential participants (keynote, session speakers, vendors, etc.) to make sure you know what kind of approach you can take with your speech. Humor works in the right circumstances, but you must spend time thinking it through; not all jokes will be taken lightly, and you want to avoid any misunderstandings.

Remember, your goal is to unite and bring together like-minded individuals who all have a common purpose, that of advancing and sharing knowledge .

In your notes or outline, you’ll want to include the following steps:

• Welcome the audience - use a clear and strong voice to welcome all attendees and grab their attention.
• an example of an informal greeting: “Hello and welcome, everyone!”
• an example of a formal greeting: “Good evening to all attendees. It’s wonderful to see you all.”
• Introduce the event - say the event’s name, purpose, and age or history (if it’s a repeat event or conference), and talk a bit about the event’s organization.
• Mention any distinguished guests - ensure you get their names, affiliations, and credentials correct.
• State the main topics - the main topics are the attendees’ common interests, so you may choose to present a specific subject within the field selected that year.
• Outline the agenda - mention whether there’ll be sessions with specific poster presentations, (sub)topics, or areas and spaces to exchange and discuss ideas or network. Direct attendees to the conference website, content management tool , or brochure for schedule specifics.
• Motivate everyone - highlight any conference strengths and warmly introduce the first speaker or entertainment.

Important to note : for virtual events, ensure that attendees can see and hear you clearly and look up from your notes or outline often.

3. Write Your Speech

As you’re finalizing your notes or draft, ensure that your speech is around the five-minute mark to avoid boredom or giving the audience too much information right off the bat (to not take away from any speakers). Consult with the organizing committee about a time frame, as the length of the speech can vary from conference to conference.

Pro tip : add individual greetings as necessary for special guests, speakers, or sponsors.

4. Rehearse Your Speech

Once you’ve done the necessary research, outlined, and written your welcome speech, it’s time to rehearse it a few times to familiarize yourself with your speech. Read it out loud and practice it with colleagues or friends to get their input and feedback on areas of possible improvement.

However, don’t over-rehearse your speech . You want to still sound natural, not robotic or like you’re reading a script.

Again, ensure you know how to pronounce everyone’s name and credentials as you’re rehearsing, and practice making enough eye contact with the audience or specific attendees as you’re speaking.

Orvium Makes You Feel Welcome

No one can take the nerves of giving the opening speech at a conference away; however, Orvium can make it less nerve-wracking. If you’re having trouble finding colleagues or like-minded individuals to review your speech outline and give you feedback, you can reach out to one of the Orvium communities to get to know other people in the field.

Who knows, maybe you’ll meet members and form friendships that’ll last a lifetime.

As for giving your welcome speech, remember to get the tone right, keep it brief, and don’t make it overly formal (unless absolutely necessary). Also, a smile and a lot of eye contact go a long way . Let’s get people excited about new scientific discoveries!  Want to see more of what we do? Check out our platform to discover what matters to you.

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Roberto Rabasco

+10 years’ experience working for Deutsche Telekom, Just Eat or Asos. Leading, designing and developing high-availability software solutions, he built his own software house in '16

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Make Your Welcome Speech A Verbal Handshake

A welcome speech is a short speech that greets attendees and sets the tone for an event. It can be instructional, informative, persuasive, or inspirational, as the speaker gets the audience interested in the event, makes them feel welcome, and gives them an overview of what to expect.

Whether you attend a wedding, a conference, or the spring concert at your kid’s school, you can expect the first order of business to be a welcome speech. The host or their representative will kick off the event with opening remarks or a welcome address to make the audience feel at home.

The welcome speech should be the verbal equivalent of a handshake!

This speech serves a bigger purpose than simply welcoming people to the event, as there are often pieces of information about the schedule that those in attendance would want to know before the function starts. How do you write a great welcome speech? Let us help you!

Table of Contents

What Is A Typical Welcome Speech?

The basics of speech writing apply to a welcome speech. Like most speeches, it has three main components: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.

• Greeting:  First, greet everyone in attendance and then introduce yourself to the audience and begin setting the event’s tone.
• Body:  In the body of the speech, provide important information, set the tone for the events, or warm up the audience. You might also introduce the first speaker, in which case you discuss that person’s credentials.
• Conclusion:  Your welcome speech might send participants to various sessions or usher in the first speaker.

What Is The Purpose Of A Welcome Speech?

Unlike most other speeches that have a life of their own with a topic, a welcome speech serves the rest of the program.

You want people to feel welcome attending an event. Telling people that it is with “great pleasure” that you welcome them to an event starts things off on a positive note.

An excellent welcome speech then warms up the audience for what is about to occur, whether that is a keynote speech, breakout sections for a conference, or a special event.

When Does The Welcome Speech Take Place?

Welcome speeches open up many events.

• Annual Functions. At events such as   a church picnic, company annual meeting, or corporate data retreat, the opening speech would be a welcome and an explanation of what will occur at the event.

• Award Ceremonies. At award shows such as the Oscars or other huge televised events or a collegiate sports award banquet, a master or mistress of ceremonies may welcome guests and tell the order of what’s to follow. and introduce the first presenter.
• Church Welcome Speech.  Many churches welcome anyone to visit and see what they are all about. They may have an informal greeting for visitors and special guests. One church I visited invited all guests or new people to stop by a welcome table for a small gift of a coffee mug and devotional.

• Commencement . Graduation ceremonies warmly welcome the graduates and attendees before diplomas are presented..
• Conference. Welcome speeches set the right tone for a conference, lets attendees know what’s next and who the first speaker is.
• Corporate events . A formal event such as a data retreat or an informal occasion like a yearly celebration picnic will include a short welcome speech.
• Special Events .  Milestone birthdays, anniversaries, religious ceremonies, etc., may have a person welcoming guests.

How Do You Start A Welcome Speech?

A welcome speech starts by acknowledging the time of day by simply saying “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” or “Good evening.”

You then state how happy you are to be offering the welcome to whatever the event is. An example is to say, “My name is (name), and I am thrilled to have been given the honor of welcoming all of you distinguished guests who have assembled here today.”

When welcoming guests at a wedding, you could start out by saying, “We are so grateful to all of the friends, family members, and other loved ones who have come to share in (bride) and (groom’s) special day.”

Keeping it Warm

Sometimes, the opening speaker wants to ensure that people feel the environment is warm and inviting. In addition to choosing words that sound inviting and welcoming, such as “it is our pleasure” and “we are so thrilled that you all could make it today,” body language is essential.

Smiling is the first thing that will help ease anxiety and leave people feeling at ease. Also, avoid crossing your arms in front of your body, as that can make you appear closed off or angry. Making eye contact and focusing on smiling when you speak couple together to create a warm environment as you welcome guests.

Tips For A Welcome Speech?

Some of these tips are specific to giving a welcome speech, and others are just good practice for any form of public speaking.

• Eye Contact:  There are better ways to give a strong speech than reading right off of a piece of paper. Look up at the audience periodically to offer eye contact.
• Practice:   The more you practice, the better your speech will sound. One can practice in front of a mirror, with friends, or even by making a video and watching it yourself.
• Remember the Purpose:  Why are these particular people assembled on this day? Acknowledging why everyone is in the same room is a good way to help you frame your speech’s contents.
• Time:  Talk to the person heading up the event to learn how long you should speak. Only talk as long as they have invited you to speak. Remember quality over quantity.
• Word Choice:  Once you have given the purpose of the event thought, you can move on and decide what type of language is more appropriate. For a professional conference or commencement, formal language would fit in best. However, informal language would be preferred if you are welcoming wedding guests.

A former English teacher and currently an elementary principal in a rural school, Pam has honed her speaking skills in the classroom and before professional groups. Pam enjoys sharing her insights about public speaking almost as much as she enjoys running, which she does daily.

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Welcome Speech for a Scientific Conference: Examples & Tips

Published on 15 Feb 2022

Having a well written welcome speech that you’re confident about goes a long way in overcoming public speaking nervousness.

A great welcome speech sets the tone for the conference. It makes everyone feel welcome and creates the appropriate environment for the exchange of knowledge. The speech should broadly outline the contents of the event and, most importantly, make everyone feel excited for what’s to come.

In this article, you will find our best tips to create a successful welcome speech and some examples with analysis for inspiration.

Quick Tips for a successful welcome speech

Formal vs. informal language.

The first thing you should decide is whether you want to use formal or informal language. For larger events that include scientists of various fields where everybody might not know each other, you may want to use formal language. For smaller yearly conferences for researchers in your field where most people know each other, it’s common to use informal language.

I find that, in general, a rather informal or casual speech is more successful. That way you set the tone and bring everyone to the same level, promoting questions, comments, and socialization during the event.

Greet and welcome everyone

Start with a warm welcome. As alluded before, this can range from very formal (“Good morning to all attendees”) to informal (“Hello and welcome, everyone!”). These will be your first words, so you need to grab everyone’s attention—use a clear, strong voice.

A smile goes a long way to make everyone feel welcome and in a good mood. Make eye contact as you start addressing the room.

It can be great to inject a bit of humor, if appropriate. It could be something as simple as, “We are lucky to be in such a beautiful location with so many beaches close by. I hope that is not the main reason you’re here!”.

Talk about the event’s history and purpose

Is it a first-time event, a yearly conference put on by a scientific organization? In any case, you’ll want to mention the motivation behind the conference, what brings you together. If the event is related to a specific organization, you can mention its history and purpose.

Mention any distinguished guests

It is common for scientific conferences to have one or more distinguished guests or speakers. Mention them and thank them for accepting the invitation to participate. Make sure you have their names, credentials and affiliations correct.  

Thank creators and/or organizers

If the event is being held for the first time, thank the creators by name. Give some words of appreciation to the organizing committee. You don’t need to mention every single person involved, but rather the essential ones.

State the main topic(s)

Mention the main topic(s) of the conference, the common interests for all attendees. For annual conferences of scientific organizations, a specific subject within the field is usually chosen for each year. For example, for an annual meeting of an immunology organization, the year's topic could be “Infectious Diseases” or “Immunotherapies.”

Touch on the agenda

Briefly outline the event’s agenda. You can mention whether there will be sessions with specific (sub)topics, poster presentations, spaces for exchange and networking. Don’t get  into too many details. You can direct people to the conference brochure, if there is one, for specifics on the schedule.

Motivate everybody

End your speech on a high note by getting everyone excited about the talks to come. Highlight all the strengths of the conference: any high-impact research that will be shown, the variety of topics that will be covered, the great number of attendees, the different countries represented.

Introduce the first speaker

If the first speaker follows your welcome speech, don’t forget to introduce him or her. Introduce them with their full name and credentials and give a brief description of their career achievements.

Rehearse a few times

Practice with colleagues and friends to get some feedback and familiarize yourself with your speech. You want to be familiar enough that you don’t need to look down at your notes constantly. However, don’t over rehearse. You don’t want to sound robotic, but rather natural and conversational.

Be sure you know how to pronounce all the names in your speech. Make eye contact with the audience and with specific attendees as you mention their names.

Keep it brief

In general, you should keep your speech short, usually around 5 minutes. Consult with the organizing committee so you know how long they expect you to talk.

In-person vs. virtual event

Virtual events are very common right now and likely will be for a while. This creates some challenges when giving a welcome speech. Making eye contact with the attendees is not possible when you’re on a video call. That being said, you can still give a great speech and get people excited virtually. Just make sure that people can clearly see and hear you before you start.    

Welcome speech examples

1. welcome and opening remarks - 2015 coast/ssew symposium.

In the above example of opening remarks for a scientific symposium , the speaker starts by welcoming everyone with a smile and lots of eye contact. It seems the attendees are in the same field of research and among familiar faces. Accordingly, her language is informal. She adds a bit of humor when she talks about collecting money in a bowl.

She follows by explaining the origin of the organization that the symposium is for, along with the main topics that will be covered. In the middle, she asks  the audience some questions to keep them engaged. Finally, she creates positive expectations by presenting a “sneak peek” of brand-new research and mentioning “leaders” in the field of microbiome.    

 2. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering Welcome Speech

Read this welcome speech for an annual international conference.

This seems to be a scientific conference with attendees from various countries and from a broad range of fields. The formal language used is therefore appropriate. The speaker welcomes the attendees and introduces the distinguished keynote speakers.

The origins and goals of the conference are outlined. He broadly describes the topics that will be discussed. Then, he thanks the organizing committee, companies and volunteers involved. Finally, he mentions “internationally notorious speakers,” a great way to spark people’s interest.   

 3. Welcoming Address | Dale Mullennix

In this welcoming address, the speaker starts by warmly welcoming the audience. He uses rather informal language since it seems this is a regularly held event where most people know each other. He throws in some humor, directly addresses the audience, and asks them questions to grab their attention at the beginning.

By conveying the value that the attendees will find in the lectures to come, he creates anticipation. He makes lots of eye contact throughout and doesn’t even have notes! By the end, he tells a personal story and connects it to the theme of the event.

With these tips and examples, we hope that you are inspired to write a great welcome speech.  Remember to keep it brief, conversational, and not overly formal, unless necessary. Eye contact and a smile go a long way.

If you’re looking for more general conference presenting tips, you should read our 15 Best Tips for Presenting at a Conference . 

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Everything to Know About Writing an Unforgettable Wedding Welcome Speech

• Sarah is the Entertainment & Celebrity Editor for The Knot, with special focuses on pop culture and celebrity wedding news.
• Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Sarah was a contributing writer for Bravo at NBC Universal.
• Sarah has a degree in journalism and resides in New York City.

Throughout your wedding day, plenty of loved ones will raise a glass and give a toast in your honor. Wedding speeches are common at both the ceremony and the reception, and they're often given by family members, best friends, and bridesmaids and groomsmen—but that doesn't mean you can't get in on the fun too. Couple speeches, especially wedding welcome speeches, are becoming popular additions to the toasting lineup . Even if public speaking isn't your favorite thing in the world, you might feel inclined to say a few words to the loved ones who've chosen to celebrate your special day with you. After all, when else will you have your nearest and dearest all together in one room?

If you're thinking of making a wedding welcome speech, you're in the right place. To help you craft a toast that'll go down in history, we've created the ultimate wedding welcome speech guide right here.

In this article:

Is a Wedding Welcome Speech Necessary?

Who does the wedding welcome speech, when should you give a wedding welcome speech, the best wedding welcome speech writing tips.

When you think of wedding toasts, a few classic variations come to mind: The maid of honor speech , the best man speech , the father of the bride speech , and the groom's parent speeches are most common. But beyond that, some couples may plan to include several other nontraditional toasts as well (like a groom's speech , a bride's speech , a mother of the bride speech , speeches from your kids , or speeches from your siblings ).

With so many potential speakers, you might wonder if a wedding welcome speech is necessary. Here's the short answer: It's up to you! It's your wedding day, so you have the power to decide who speaks and when. (But, in our unbiased opinion, we think that a welcome speech would be a great addition to your wedding day timeline .)

Once you've decided to have a wedding welcome speech, you'll have to choose who's going to give it. The newlyweds are an obvious choice—it is your day, after all, and guests will love hearing directly from you and your S.O. But if public speaking makes you nervous (or there's a gifted orator among your wedding party), there are a number of other options.

If you envision having a welcome speech for your wedding ceremony, your officiant or a close family member would be great choices. Or, if you want to kick off the reception with a wedding welcome speech, you could ask your parents to take the floor. No matter who you tap to lead the toast, be sure to give them plenty of planning time to search for wedding welcome speech samples and inspiration.

Find all the vendors you need

When you've confirmed who's going to give the wedding welcome speech, work with your planner or day-of coordinator to incorporate it into your wedding day timeline . For those that want to have a welcome speech for the wedding ceremony, you might block off a few minutes once you and your S.O. are both at the altar before you begin your wedding vows.

Alternatively, you may prefer to make your welcome speech at the beginning of the wedding reception, after you've made your entrance and before you take the floor for the first dance . You could even have your parents give a welcome toast once guests are seated before dinner is served.

In fact, your wedding welcome speech doesn't even have to take place on the big day itself. You and your S.O. could plan to give a kickoff toast at the rehearsal dinner or happy hour party before the wedding. Ultimately, when you should give your wedding welcome speech is up to your preference. Just be sure you have ample time carved into the itinerary to get your moment with the mic.

Whether you're a to-be-wed planning your own wedding welcome speech or you're a guest tapped by a couple for this prestigious role, you might be in search of toasting inspo. As self-proclaimed wedding speech writing experts , we're sharing exactly how to write a welcome toast that'll engage the crowd and set the tone for the rest of the party.

Lead Into it With a Song

Music plays an integral role throughout the wedding day, and it serves as a seamless way to transition into a speech. To avoid having unnecessary patches of awkward silence, work with the DJ or live band to work the wedding welcome speech into the musical timeline. Perhaps you want the wedding processional song to fade into instrumental background noise for a welcome speech at the beginning of the ceremony. Or, if the welcome toast is happening later in the day, have the person presiding over the music fade the reception entrance song so the speaker can have their moment. No matter what you choose, having a great song lead into the welcome speech is a good way to grab guests' attention—just lower the volume once the speaker begins so everyone can hear. (Need music ideas? Check out our all-time favorite wedding songs right here .)

Speak from the Heart

Instead of starting off your wedding welcome toast with something predictable, like, "We're gathered here today..." toss the expectations and speak from your heart. The best part about giving a toast at your own wedding is that there are no rules to follow. You and your S.O. could create a custom song mashup (like you've seen in so many maid of honor speeches), you could take turns sharing the mic, or you could even riff off each other if you have a shared sense of natural comedic timing and feel comfortable in the spotlight. What matters most isn't necessarily what you say, but rather that it feels genuine and honest. (If you're looking for great wedding speech examples , find our favorites here .)

Thank Your Guests for Attending

This is the most important element of the wedding welcome speech. While there aren't too many parameters to follow, it is crucial to thank your guests for celebrating this important day with you. You can go on to elaborate as much as you want to about what their presence means to you, but don't forget to express your thanks at some point throughout the speech.

Keep it Short and Sweet

As with all wedding toasts, salutations should be kept to a time limit—especially if you have multiple people lined up to take the stage (or the dance floor). Generally, reception speeches should be kept to two-and-a-half to three minutes maximum. Of course, since you're the newlyweds, you could always extend your time slot if you'd like. (Your wedding, your rules, after all.) In general, though, the same timing guidelines should be followed if you plan on having someone else make the welcome speech at the wedding ceremony, like your parents or your officiant.

To keep your wedding guests engaged the entire time, a three-minute speech will hit the sweet spot. It gives speakers the perfect amount of time to welcome guests, thank everyone for attending, share a personal anecdote or two, and get everyone hyped up for an evening of celebration.

Welcome Speech for an Event in English

Table of Contents

Welcome Speech for an Event: A welcome speech is a great way to set the tone for an event. It sets the tone for the event and can make attendees feel more comfortable and welcome. Additionally, a well-crafted welcome speech can help to promote the event to those who may not be familiar with it. Finally, a good welcome speech can help to build excitement and anticipation for what is to come.

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A good English speech topic for an event can help to build rapport with the audience, and it can give the audience a sense of what the event is going to be about. Moreover, it should be short, engaging, and to the point. We have come up with this article to help our readers craft the best welcome speeches. Welcome speech for an event, whether it’s a corporate event, school event, college event, or a social event – all the probable speech topics have been covered in a simple and easy-to-understand manner here.

Long and Short Welcome Speech for an Event in English

Here are both short welcome speech , including the long welcome speeches for an event; hence covering all the possible nature of such speeches. You can use this welcome speech for school, So what are you waiting for? Simply visit our website and experience the magic of our content!

Welcome Speech for an Event – Speech 1

Good morning, I extend a warm welcome to all those gathered here today, including our esteemed teachers, parents, and students. I’d like to express our gratitude to our Chief Guest, XYZ, for joining us. We feel privileged to have such a successful writer and businessperson in our midst.

Before we kick start today’s program, I – Abhinav Sharma – the assistant manager of ABC Group in our company and your host for today would like to welcome each and every one of you to this special event. I am extremely pleased to welcome those who have been serving our company for a long time and those as well who have recently joined.

This day, as I am sure most of you would know, marks the 11 th annual group meeting and it is a proud moment for all of us that our company could host this meeting at this spectacular place with all of us.

Secondly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all my colleagues who were always more than ready to lend their support in making this event a success. It is not possible to take the names of all, so I want to thank everyone who contributed in some or the other way towards this event. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of you all.

In today’s event, our focus would be all those new volunteers who have recently joined us. Do you know why you all have been appointed by your respective managers? Of course, it’s because you displayed mutual passion and a spirit to work for a company in close association with everyone. Your passion for work helps us to come together and unite the energy that we have in order to realize our goals at both personal and professional levels. Everyone needs everyone here to be able to work towards the growth of the company and that’s why it calls for a celebration that we could have all the like-minded people under one roof.

In the coming months, you will be taught different initiatives with the help of planned seminars, activities, and special events where you (the new volunteers) will be invited and given hands-on expertise. I hope this chain of events will help you grow and become more productive as well as smarter than your present capacity.

I hope I am not taking too much of your time and now without any further ado, I would like to call on stage my manager to let you know about our upcoming projects/activities. Please be ensured that today will be a lot of fun and packed with learning.

Besides, any one of you can come on stage and join me to share your valued suggestions and ideas, including sharing your doubts, questions, etc. Also, you all are requested to collect your food coupons after 12 and before 1 in order to avoid any hassles afterward.

Thank you for being such a wonderful audience and let us give a huge round of applause for my manager/the next speaker.

Hope you have a wonderful day ahead!

Also Read: Welcome Speech for Chief Guest

Welcome Speech for an Event – Speech 2

To our Hon’ble Directors, Principal, Vice Principal, Colleagues, and Our Lovely Students – Warm Greetings to all of you!

Welcome to the 21 st annual award event in our XYZ School. I – Mrs. Payal Singh, the English Teacher of the higher secondary classes, feel extremely privileged to have been given the opportunity to kick start today’s prestigious award ceremony. This day couldn’t have been more special as our chief guest, Mr. ……….. – The famous author of fiction is amongst us to grace the event.

I, on behalf of the entire school, welcome you Sir and express our gratitude for accepting the invitation and taking time out of your packed schedule for our school. We really acknowledge your kind gesture. Secondly, huge congratulations on the publication of your yet another book… We sincerely hope that it does really well and touch the cord of the masses. I would like to call upon stage our Hon’ble principal to felicitate our guest today, with a bouquet of flowers and a memento. Let us give a huge round of applause for them everyone!

As we all know that this award ceremony is conducted every year to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work, sincerity, and dedication of our working staff as well as students. Clearly, the growth of this school wouldn’t have been possible without the proactive efforts of our administration as well as our highly educated as well as experienced faculty members. Of course, the dedicated efforts of our principal as well as vice principal top it all as since the time of their appointment we can witness a steady growth of our school. We have now become known everywhere and our school is now well-equipped with every necessary infrastructure as well as facilities required for the smooth running of our school.

There is greater contentment in all our working staff and the enthusiasm among our students is higher. Our students are now getting exposed to more and more opportunities whether it’s in academics or other co-curricular activities. In state and national level competitions, we are observing a rising level of our students which is getting reflected in their performances. As a result of which they are able to bag more awards for themselves as well as our school.

However, today we have gathered to acknowledge this year’s achievement of our students and our teachers. This year has been very special for all of us in terms of academic and non-academic achievements. Even more special is the fact our school got listed amongst the top 5 schools of …….. Area by a leading daily newspaper. This is indeed a matter of great pride for all of us and hence calls for celebration.

Now, without any further ado let us commence the award ceremony. The first category is for our teachers and the second category is for our students. I would request all the winners to come backstage and get ready for their names to be called out.

I rest my speech here, thank you!

Also Read: Welcome speech for corporate event

Welcome Speech for an Event – Speech 3

Hon’ble Chief Guests, Respected Principal, Vice Principal, Professors, Dear Friends, and a Lovely Audience – Warm Greetings to all of you!

I – Aakash Sinha and Akanksha Gaur from the humanities stream (3 rd year), welcome everyone to the 10th annual event in our college. It feels great seeing the overwhelming audience and their contagious enthusiasm. Before we kick start the celebration, please allow me to felicitate our chief guest with a small gesture, i.e. bouquet and a gift! For this, I will request our respected principal to come on stage and do the honors.

Everyone let’s put our hands together for a huge round of applause. Now, I would request our chief guest to say a few words to our students and share your personal life experiences, which will I am sure will be a great morale booster.

Now before our Principal Ma’am comes on stage to say a few words, I on behalf of the entire school wish to express my gratitude for paying a visit to our college and giving us such an inspirational speech. I am sure everyone enjoyed your speech as much as I did. Now, may we please call on stage our ma’am to address our students and their parents on this auspicious day?

It was very nice listening to our principal ma’am and she always wins our hearts through her motivating stories and the warmth that she expresses. Now friends, as the ritual goes for our annual college fest, we will first have all our cultural programs followed by the award ceremony and lunch. So brace yourself to the seats and get ready for unlimited fun.

We also have participants from other colleges and I want to specially welcome them and thank them on behalf of our college for coming here in order to showcase their talent. I am sure this is further going to raise the entertainment quotient and will give us unlimited fun. There are going to be 12 performances in total, some of them are dance performances – both classical and western, some singing performances, some will include instrument playing and some would be the dramatic enactment. All the students have worked with a lot of dedication and sincerity so that they can shine through in their performances and make their college proud.

Other than these cultural programs, there would also be a special session dedicated to underprivileged children as well as children with special needs. In this session, our principal ma’am would enlighten all of us about the association which is actively working for these children and how our college is contributing towards this noble cause. So everyone is requested to attend the session and make their contribution in whatever manner they could. This is all I want to say!

Now here I rest my speech and call upon the stage the very first group of performers, i.e. Aarohi Group! Please welcome them with a huge round of applause.

Thank You and Cheers!

Below are the list of speeches on different topics present at IL

Welcome Speech for an Event – Speech 4

Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen – I warmly welcome everyone to my yet another fashion event!

I, Neeta Sehgal – have been a fashion designer for 7 years; co-partnered with ABC Group, feel extremely glad to have you all here. My happiness in fact knows no bound today at seeing the success of my brand as well as my partners at the ABC Group. I owe my success to all my clients who have helped me reach where I am today and this is the reason why my brand has become a name in the industry. Secondly, I would also like to give credit to my partners who have always given me fair opportunities to grow and showcase my talent. They have given me the platform to perform and reach out to a worldwide audience which otherwise would have taken me years and years in building such a client base.

I sincerely hope that I continue to be a solid support to my partner company as well as serve my clients by delivering 100 percent client satisfaction. It is very important to remain consistent in our performance and continue raising benchmarks in order to excel in our own personal capacities otherwise it would result in stagnation, and stagnancy is very detrimental to growth.

Now friends, before I take you to my newly furnished store which houses some of my fresh spring and summer collections, I would like to deliver a short Fashion speech on the importance of fashion and why it is so important in our lives. What comes to your mind, when I say the very word – “Fashion”! Fashion according to me instantly brings to mind a pop of colors with a dash of glamour.

I am sure every single person has got that innate desire to look good and be accepted in his/her respective social group. Fashion differs from person to person – for some fashion means simplicity, for some it means a dash of class, style and glamour and for some it simply means comfort.

Of course, when it comes to women – fashion constantly evolves and they are in fact the lead runner in this entire game as they constantly experiment with different styles, looks and textures. Fashion plays a crucial role in an individual’s life as it is meant to be a medium of self-expression. Isn’t it!? The attires and accessories which men and women don help them shape their personalities and to get identified with a group – in terms of lifestyle, religion, profession as well as attitude. Therefore, the very term ‘fashion’ is equated with the overall development of a nation as well.

Various factors help in the growth of fashion as a whole. It is a widely accepted phenomenon that the elite and famous class, the royalty as well as political figures dominate the fashion industry in a big way by becoming the trend setters. Next comes the advertising media, which contributes effectively in informing us about the daily style updates. Therefore, all these things combined help us in designing such outfits which garner appreciation and rewards.

On this note everyone, I would like to rest my speech and would like to take you through the store and take note of your valuable suggestions.

Visit Infinity Learn (IL) for more study resources.

Also Read: Farewell Speech for Colleague in English

Welcome Speech for an Event FAQs

How do you start a welcome speech.

Good Evening Ladies and Gentleman – I warmly welcome everyone to my yet another fashion event! I, Neeta Sehgal – have been a fashion designer for 7 years; co-partnered with ABC Group, feel extremely glad to have you all here.

Write a welcome speech for guest in english?

Hello everyone and welcome. We are so happy to have you all here with us today. First, let me introduce myself. My name is _______ and I am the host of today's event. It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to our event. I would like to take a moment to thank you all for coming. Your support means so much to us. I would also like to introduce our special guests. We are honored to have _______ with us today. _______ is a _______ and has been a great supporter of our cause. Thank you all for being here. I hope you enjoy the event.

What is a welcome speech in school?

Welcome, parents! We are so excited to have you here with us today. This is a special day for our school community, and we are so glad you could be a part of it. Thank you for supporting your child's education and being involved in their school life. We know that together we can make a positive difference in their future. Thank you again for being here and we look forward to working together to provide the best for our students.

How to write a welcome speech for an event?

Good Afternoon Everyone – Hope you are doing well! Before we kick start today’s program, I – Abhinav Sharma – the assistant manager of ABC Group in our company and your host for today would like to welcome each and every one of you to this special event. I am extremely pleased to welcome those who have been serving our company since a long time and those as well who have recently joined.

Write a welcome speech in English for students?

Hon’ble Chief Guests, Respected Principal, Vice Principal, Professors, Dear Friends and a Lovely Audience – Warm Greetings to all of you! I – Aakash Sinha and Akanksha Gaur from Grade 10, welcome everyone to the 21st annual award event in our XYZ School. It feels great seeing the overwhelming number of audience and their contagious enthusiasm.

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15 Ways to Invite Someone to Give a Welcome Speech

A welcome speech is like a warm welcome a person gives to set the ground before an event officially begins. It helps to make the audience or guests know what to expect and feel more at home.

Most times a welcome speech is given by the host of the event; other times, a skilled personnel is selected. It depends on the type of function and the grade of persons that will grace the event. Whether an informal event or a formal one, a welcome speech is very essential and has to be done properly.

If you are hosting an event whether yours or on behalf of a person and you have someone in mind to give the welcome speech, then approach them and make your request.

In this article, I will be listing fifteen (15) ways to invite someone to give a welcome speech at your event. It ranges from funny, interesting, and polite methods.

Table of Contents

• We believe your words would set the perfect tone for our event. Can we count on you to deliver the welcome speech?
• Your insights and perspective would be invaluable as we commence our event. Would you be willing to deliver the opening remarks?
• Our event is about to start and we couldn’t think of anyone better to deliver the welcome speech. Would you be available?
• You have a way with words that inspires and captivates. We’d be thrilled if you could deliver the welcome speech.
• Oh my, I need a great addition to my event and I remembered your knack for engaging an audience. Would you consider giving the welcome speech?
• I’m hoping to kick off my event on a positive note, and I couldn’t think of anyone better than you to deliver the welcome speech. Would you be up for it?
• I’m planning an event and thought it would be awesome if you could start things off with a warm welcome speech. Would you be interested in doing that?
• I have a friend who is planning an event and she needs someone with a friendly demeanor to welcome everyone. I thought you to be the ideal person, would you be willing to give the welcoming speech?
• Okay, so I’m putting together an event agenda and I would be delighted if you can start things off with a warm welcome speech. I think you’d be perfect for it!
• Hello, I’m reaching out to see if you’d be interested in delivering the welcome speech at an official event. Your positive energy is just what we need!
• We’re looking for someone to set the stage for our event with a welcome speech. Are you up for the challenge?
• You’ve been chosen to give the welcome speech at the Company event. No need to panic, we have a backup plan involving cue cards and interpretive dance if things go south.
• If you agree to give the welcome speech at this event, we will reward you with endless applause, possibly a high-five, and a lifetime supply of virtual confetti.
• No pressure, but we need someone with wit, charm, and a knack for making people smile to give a welcoming speech, and you are the first person that came to mind.
• You have the rare talent of making a room full of strangers feel like old friends in a few minutes with your killer sense of humor and nerves of steel, so we thought you’d be the best person to give a welcoming speech at our event.

1. We believe your words would set the perfect tone for our event. Can we count on you to deliver the welcome speech?

Some people are naturally good with words, even if they are asked to come up with something impromptu; those are the ones you use this statement with.

• ‘We believe your words would set the perfect tone for our event.’
• ‘You think so?’
• ‘Yeah. Can we count on you to deliver the welcome speech?’

2. Your insights and perspective would be invaluable as we commence our event. Would you be willing to deliver the opening remarks?

If the event you are organizing surrounds a particular niche or industry, you may want to ask a person who has great knowledge in that area to deliver the opening remarks.

• ‘Your insights and perspective would be invaluable as we commence our event.’
• ‘I’m glad.’
• ‘’Would you be willing to deliver the opening remarks?’

3. Our event is about to start and we couldn’t think of anyone better to deliver the welcome speech. Would you be available?

This sounds like something you would use at an impromptu time. What this means is that you are sure that the person is within reach before you make your request.

• ‘Our event is about to start and we couldn’t think of anyone better to deliver the welcome speech.’
• ‘I’m honored.’
• ‘Would you be available?’

4. You have a way with words that inspires and captivates. We’d be thrilled if you could deliver the welcome speech

Some people are naturally gifted with the talent to motivate people the correct way. If that is what you need in the person who will deliver your welcome speech, then this is the right statement for you.

• ‘You have a way with words that inspires and captivates.’
• ‘We’d be thrilled if you could deliver the welcome speech.’

5. Oh my, I need a great addition to my event and I remembered your knack for engaging an audience. Would you consider giving the welcome speech?

You may have just concluded planning your event but deep down you feel like something is missing. Then, it suddenly comes to you, you need someone with a knack for engaging an audience to give a welcome speech.

• ‘Oh my, I need a great addition to my event and I remembered your knack for engaging an audience.’
• ‘Is that so?’
• ‘Yes, would you consider giving the welcome speech?’

6. I’m hoping to kick off my event on a positive note, and I couldn’t think of anyone better than you to deliver the welcome speech. Would you be up for it?

Positivity at the beginning of an event sets the mood for the whole event. Hence, if you can just find the right person who would come with a healthy dose of positivity, use this statement to ask them to deliver the welcome speech.

• ‘I’m hoping to kick off my event on a positive note, and I couldn’t think of anyone better than you to deliver the welcome speech.’
• ‘Would you be up for it?’

7. I’m planning an event and thought it would be awesome if you could start things off with a warm welcome speech. Would you be interested in doing that?

When using this response, it shows that you are still in the planning stage but you want someone to just give a warm welcome speech; this statement is the best for you to use at this point.

• ‘I’m planning an event and thought it would be awesome if you could start things off with a warm welcome speech.’
• ‘Will you be interested in doing that?’

8. I have a friend who is planning an event and she needs someone with a friendly demeanor to welcome everyone. I thought you to be the ideal person, would you be willing to give the welcoming speech?

This statement shows that you are asking on behalf of a third party. Maybe, he/she does not know anyone with a friendly demeanor but you do, or they do not have time to find the right person but you have just enough time.

• ‘I have a friend who is planning an event and she needs someone with a friendly demeanor to welcome everyone.’
• ‘I thought you to be the ideal person, would you be willing to give the welcoming speech?’

9. Okay, so I’m putting together an event agenda and I would be delighted if you can start things off with a warm welcome speech. I think you’d be perfect for it!

When the event you are planning is not a large one but you still need to start things off with a warm welcome speech, then this is the right statement to use to make your request.

• ‘Okay, so I’m putting together an event agenda and I would be delighted if you can start things off with a warm welcome speech.’
• ‘I’d be glad to.’
• ‘I think you’d be perfect for it.’

10. Hello, I’m reaching out to see if you’d be interested in delivering the welcome speech at an official event. Your positive energy is just what we need!

This statement indicates two things. First, that the event is an official one and secondly, that the person you are reaching out to is some distance away.

• ‘Hello, I’m reaching out to see if you’d be interested in delivering the welcome speech at an official event.’
• ‘Your positive energy is just what we need!’

11. We’re looking for someone to set the stage for our event with a welcome speech. Are you up for the challenge?

If the welcome speech is done just right, then the stage will be set for other activities that may follow. It’s usually a challenge as the person speaking is faced with different kinds of people.

• ‘We’re looking for someone to set the stage for our event with a welcome speech.’
• ‘Good for you.’
• ‘Are you up for the challenge?’

12. You’ve been chosen to give the welcome speech at the company event. No need to panic, we have a backup plan involving cue cards and interpretive dance if things go south

This statement indicates that the event is a company event and that the person will likely panic if asked to give the welcome speech. Hence, it comes with a backup plan that should calm the person’s nerves down.

• ‘You’ve been chosen to give the welcome speech at the Company event.’
• ‘Oh no, why me?’
• ‘No need to panic, we have a backup plan involving cue cards and interpretive dance if things go south.’

13. If you agree to give the welcome speech at this event, we will reward you with endless applause, possibly a high-five, and a lifetime supply of virtual confetti

If you intend to bribe the person with endless applause or a high-five, then this is the statement that you should use. Note that this statement may likely work better with children.

• ‘If you agree to give the welcome speech at this event, we will reward you…’
• ‘With what?’
• ‘…with endless applause, possibly a high-five, and a lifetime supply of virtual confetti.’

14. No pressure, but we need someone with wit, charm, and a knack for making people smile to give a welcoming speech, and you are the first person that came to mind.

When asking someone for something, it is advisable to start with an assurance (no pressure), a compliment (someone with wit, charm, and a knack for making people smile), before you arrive at your request (to give the welcoming speech).

• ‘No pressure, but we need someone with wit, charm, and a knack for making people smile to give the welcoming speech.’
• ‘Great! Go look for them.’
• ‘ You are the first person that came to mind.’

15. You have the rare talent of making a room full of strangers feel like old friends in a few minutes with your killer sense of humor and nerves of steel, so we thought you’d be the best person to give a welcoming speech at our event

Sometimes what we just need is a comedian or a person who has a killer sense of humor to make the strangers in the room feel at home and like old friends in a few minutes.

• ‘You have the rare talent of making a room full of  strangers feel like old friends in a few minutes with your killer sense of humor and nerves of steel.’
• ‘Wow, thanks for the compliment.’
• ‘So, we thought you’d be the best person to give a welcoming speech at our event.’

To End With,

Asking someone to give a welcome speech at your event should not be such a herculean task. Regardless of who the person is – whether a stranger, friend, or acquaintance – these statements will help you make your request effortlessly.

Please note that whether or not you are paying the person is based on an agreement between the both of you. Where the person does not request payment, you can appreciate him/her instead. Don’t hesitate to use one of these to effortlessly make your requests, and feel free to share with us your experience while using it.

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Master the Art of Delivering an Unforgettable Wedding Welcome Speech

Crafting the perfect speech can be overwhelming, but with Wedding Cheers, it doesn't have to be. We're dedicated to streamlining the speech writing process, ensuring most of our customers receive a first draft in under ten minutes. How do we achieve this? By segmenting speeches into manageable chunks, allowing you to infuse your personal touch and ideas. Once you've provided your insights, our advanced AI takes over, seamlessly weaving together a captivating speech. Whether you aim to evoke laughter, sentiment, or inspiration, Wedding Cheers ensures your audience remains engaged from start to finish.

Writing a best man speech can be a daunting task, but fear not! We've outlined some essential byte-sized "Bits" to help you compose a memorable toast. Follow these steps, and you'll have the audience laughing, crying, and cheering by the end.

Begin your speech by welcoming the guests and expressing your gratitude.

1 . Setting the Tone

An encouraging, positive greeting sets the atmosphere for the rest of the speech.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you all for being here today..."

2 . Acknowledgment

Recognize the effort people have made to be part of the wedding.

"We appreciate the long distances traveled by some to join us at this occasion..."

3 . Gratitude

Expressing thanks at the onset makes guests feel valued and appreciated.

"We are deeply grateful for your presence and participation..."

Introduction

Introduce yourself and define your relationship to the bridal couple.

1 . Establish Identity

State who you are to familiarize yourself with the audience.

"For those who don't me, I am John, the groom's older brother..."

2 . Define Relationship

How you are connected to the couple gives context to your speech.

"As a close friend of both the groom and bride for over a decade..."

3 . Relevance

Highlighting your bond lends more personal touch and authenticity to your speech.

"Having seen their relationship blossom from friendship to something more..."

Expression of Joy

Depict your happiness for the newlyweds and their journey ahead.

1 . Celebration

Convey your excitement for the union.

"This is a joyous occasion as we celebrate the love between..."

2 . Sentiment

Raw expressions of emotion make your speech more heartfelt.

"I couldn't be any happier to see these two amazing people tie the knot..."

3 . Authenticity

Expressing your genuine feelings enhances the sincerity of your speech.

"Seeing them together, I genuinely feel they are perfect for each other..."

Storytelling

Share anecdotes about the couple to engage the audience.

1 . Relevant Anecdotes

Choose a story that is relevant to the couple.

"I remember the time when both of them got lost in a theme park, only to realize that they enjoy each other's company..."

2 . Captivation

Opting to share a funny or endearing story can captivate your audience.

"Their hilarious attempt at cooking their first Thanksgiving turkey, still brings tears of laughter to my eyes..."

3 . Shared Memories

Recalling memories resonates with mutual friends in the audience and creates an emotional impact.

"To our college buddies here, who can forget the time when..."

Description of Couple

Highlight the couple's qualities and their growth in their relationship

1 . Admirable Qualities

Speak about distinct qualities or achievements of bride and groom that speak to their character.

"Our groom here, as most of us know, is a talented guitarist. And the bride, a compassionate veterinarian..."

2 . Complement

Mentioning how the couple compliments each other signifies their bond.

"Where one is impulsive, the other is calm and pragmatic, striking a perfect balance in their lives.."

Sharing how the couple has grown gives a sense of their journey.

"Over the years, I've seen them transform, taking the highs and lows in stride, building an unshakeable bond..."

Advice & Blessings

Impart advice on love and marriage and give your wishes for their future.

Your life's lessons can prove to be valuable advice for the couple.

"In my experience, communication is key in any relationship..."

2 . Personal Anecdotes

Personalizing advice by tying it to an anecdote makes it relatable.

"When I had a disagreement with my wife early in our marriage, I learnt the importance of patience..."

3 . Blessings

Endeavor to finish your advice on a positive note by offering blessings.

"May you always find joy in each other, as you face whatever life throws your way..."

Conclude your speech by offering a toast to the bride and groom.

1 . Indication

Make it clear that the speech is nearing its end and prepare the crowd for the toast.

"As my speech comes to a close, please raise your glasses..."

2 . Raise a Toast

Offer your heartfelt best wishes to the bride and groom.

"To Jane and John, for a lifetime filled with love and happiness..."

3 . Invite Participation

Encourage others to join in and share in this joyous moment.

"Let us all toast to the newlyweds' bright future..."

Thank everyone once again before you sign off.

1 . Reinforce Thanks

Reiterate your appreciation for the audience's presence.

"Thank you again, for being part of this momentous day..."

2 . Acknowledgment of Effort

Recognize everyone's contribution to the success of the event.

"A successful wedding isn't just about the couple, but also about the amazing friends and family who support them..."

3 . Goodbye

End your speech on a high and positive note.

"Let's enjoy the rest of the evening celebrating this new, lovely union. Thank you, and enjoy the celebration!"

Crafting the perfect best man speech might seem daunting at first, but by breaking it down into manageable "Bits" and following this guide, you're well on your way to delivering a memorable oration. Remember, it's the genuine emotion and sincerity behind your words that will resonate the most. So, embrace the moment, speak from the heart, and celebrate the joyous union of two special people in your life. Here's to making memories and raising a toast they'll cherish forever!

The Perfect Welcome Address for Your Church

We’ve partnered with thousands of churches, and with their help, we’ve crafted a church welcome speech that simply works. Members and guests are taking action in response to the speech! We know you have a ton on your plate, and since we love seeing churches thrive, we’re giving you this church announcement template completely free! (It’s the least we can do to lighten your load!)

We have kept this formula simple and straightforward; you can pretty much copy, paste, and then tweak it to fit your needs, whether it's for a general service or specifically tailored as a welcome speech for a church anniversary or a welcome speech for church on women's day.

We call it the Cornerstone Method. It’s the building block for earning trust by making your people feel welcome and providing them with a clear next step. Your goal here is to collect their information to effectively follow up with church guests after their visit.

If you fail to gain a guest’s contact information, then you can’t follow up with them (scratching your head about follow-up? Make sure you aren’t making any of the 3 critical mistakes of guest follow-up ). If you can’t follow up with them, then your chances of building that relationship with them have failed. Hence the name “cornerstone”; without this basic foundation, nothing else can be built.

So, without further adieu…

Crafting Your Church Welcome Speeches

Crafting your church welcome speeches involves creating a warm and inviting message that sets the tone for the entire service. It is important to convey a sense of hospitality, gratitude, and inclusivity to make guests feel welcomed and valued. Your welcome speech should be genuine, heartfelt, and reflective of your church's values and beliefs.

When crafting your church welcome speeches, consider the tone and language you use to ensure that it resonates with your audience. Keep it simple, sincere, and engaging to capture the attention of both newcomers and regular attendees. Remember to thank guests for choosing to worship with your congregation and express your hope that they feel at home in your church.

In addition to welcoming guests, your church welcome speeches can also provide important information about upcoming events, programs, and ways to get involved in the community. This is a great opportunity to showcase the vibrant and welcoming nature of your church and encourage guests to become more engaged members of the congregation.

Overall, crafting your church welcome speeches is a key component of creating a positive and welcoming environment for all who enter your doors. By putting thought and care into your welcome message, you can make a lasting impression on guests and set the stage for a meaningful and fulfilling worship experience. Here’s an example:

Welcome! I am glad you’re here and chose to spend the morning with us! My name is Adam, and I am a part of the welcome ministry at City Church. My family and I have been here for 3 years and love being a part of this amazing community. Whether it's your first visit or you're here for our church anniversary, your presence is celebrated.

Our church is focused on and dedicated to building up strong Christian families; hopefully you will get a chance to see and experience that as you worship with us today! A recent example of how we are striving to build up families is the parent workshop we had this last week.

As I mentioned a moment ago, I am glad you are here with us! If you are a first time guest, we’d love to connect with you! We know everyone prefers a different method of communication, so you can either fill out a connection card in the seatbacks in front of you and drop it in the offering plate later in the service, or take out your phone and text the word Welcome to 816-482-3337. We hope to provide you important information about our church, open a personal line of communication, and give you everything you need to see if this place is a good fit for you!

Again, Welcome and if you have any questions please stop by the Welcome center. Stephanie would love to chat, and she has a free gift for you!

You might be wondering why this welcome address for church works so well…

Elements Of A Great Welcome Speech For Church

1. introduce yourself (welcome).

For most of your guests, you will be the first impression they get of the church and what kind of people are in your community. People like to put a name to a face and they will connect even deeper if you share a little about yourself, too. We recommend introducing yourself with your name, your role in the church, how long you’ve been in the church, and some connection to the community.

This personal touch helps to establish a sense of trust and familiarity with your guests, making them feel more comfortable and welcomed. It also sets a positive tone for the rest of the service or event. By sharing a bit about yourself, you are showing that you are approachable and relatable, which can help to break down any barriers or reservations that newcomers may have.

Additionally, introducing yourself allows you to establish credibility and authority as a leader within the church. This can help to build confidence in your guests and make them more receptive to the message you will be sharing. Overall, taking the time to introduce yourself in a welcome speech for church is a simple yet effective way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for all who attend.

2. Tell Your Story (Connect)

Now, it’s time to get to the heart of your church. Who are you as a community and what do you stand for? This is a perfect place to tell a super quick story or give an example of your church living out that value in real life. Use specific numbers, groups or events for greater impact.

Sharing your church's story is a powerful way to connect with your audience and show them what sets your community apart. Whether it's a story of how your church helped a family in need, organized a successful community event, or reached a milestone in membership growth, these personal anecdotes can help illustrate the values and mission of your church in a tangible way. By sharing these stories, you can create a sense of unity and purpose among your guests, making them feel like they are a part of something special. 

So don't be afraid to share your church's story and let your guests see the heart and soul of your community.

3. Call To Action (Desire)

Sometimes, you have to tell people exactly what you want them to do. Otherwise, they aren’t going to do it. Spelling out your expectations clearly and having multiple ways for people to provide their information is crucial. We aren’t begging here though, just simply providing the different options and asking them to complete the action you want them to take.

Make it easy for your guests to take action by including clear calls to action throughout your communication. Whether it's signing up for a newsletter, attending a service, or volunteering for an event, make sure the steps are simple and straightforward. By providing multiple ways for people to get involved, you are increasing the likelihood that they will take action. 

Remember, a strong call to action can inspire and motivate your guests to become active members of your church community. So don't be shy about asking for what you want - your guests will appreciate the clarity and direction.

4. What Will Happen? (Why)

Before they take action, they need to be able to answer the question “Why?” Let them know what they can expect if they give you their information as well as the benefit of doing so. It’s also ok to talk about what others have thought in order to prove that it’s ok to trust you and your church.

By clearly outlining what will happen when they take action, you are providing transparency and building trust with your guests. Let them know the benefits of joining your church community, such as a sense of belonging, spiritual growth, and opportunities for service and fellowship. 

Share testimonials or success stories from current members to show that others have had positive experiences with your church. This will help alleviate any concerns or doubts they may have about getting involved. Remember, communication is key in inspiring action and building a strong, engaged church community.

Click here to see the perfect welcome address speech for church in action.

Engage Your Church Visitors With Your Welcome Speech (Conclusion)

Use the Cornerstone Method this weekend to connect with your guests and members and get them to take action! PLUS, we thought it would be helpful for you to have a Cornerstone Method Worksheet (link directly to your new PDF resource) with not only the copy and paste script, but also questions to help you form the perfect welcome speech for your congregation.

Remember, the 4 elements are…

• Welcome: Introduce yourself
• Connect: Tell your story
• Desire: Tell them what you want them to do
• Why: Why should they and what is going to happen now?

Remember, the goal is to make everyone feel included and inspired to take action. So, this weekend, try out the Cornerstone Method and watch as your church visitors become more connected and engaged than ever before. Don't forget to personalize your welcome speech and make it genuine.

Share a little bit about yourself, your journey, and why you are passionate about your faith. Encourage your congregation to participate, whether it's joining a small group, volunteering, or simply getting to know their fellow church members. So, give it a try this weekend and see the positive impact it can have on your church community.

Bonus Tips For Your Speech

We thought it would be helpful for you to have a Cornerstone Method Worksheet (link directly to your new PDF resource) with not only the copy and paste script, but also questions to help you form the perfect welcome speech for your congregation.

• Don’t rush – You have important things to say, so make sure your people can actually process what you are saying. Include some pre-service slides to peak interest.
• Look up – It is super hard to follow someone that is just reading from a paper.
• Practice – Prepare for your welcome speech by reading through your speech ahead of time so you are familiar with the content, allowing you to look up and… (which leads us to our next point).
• Stay on topic – A little ad-lib here or there isn’t terrible, but try to strip down your content so you can keep their attention.
• Mix it up – Keep things fresh by using different presenters each week. This could be your children’s ministry director or someone on your hospitality team.
• Look happy – It may seem obvious, but try your best to be comfortable up there. Smile and have energy, it’s contagious!
• Use props – If you have a gift for your guests, have the speaker hold it up so the guests can make a visual connection to what they are supposed to pick up, making it more likely they will connect with someone at the welcome center.

Engaging your audience is key to keeping them interested and coming back for more. By staying on topic and keeping your content concise, you can ensure that your message is clear and easy to follow. Mixing up your presenters can also add variety and keep things interesting for your audience. 

Remember to always bring a positive and energetic attitude to the stage. A smile goes a long way in making your audience feel welcome and engaged. Using props can also help to make your message more memorable and interactive. By incorporating visual aids, you can help your guests connect with the information you are sharing.

Overall, the key to a successful presentation is to keep things fresh, engaging, and interactive. By following these tips, you can create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for your audience.

P.S. If your church has a different goal in mind for your church welcome address , say introducing a new program or inviting your congregation to sign up for an event, check out this free welcome talk training video series ! You can download each script to this 5-part series as well.

P.P.S. What is the most important goal your church is trying to accomplish during the welcome speech? You may also want to check our guide on church welcome letter .

Church Greetings And Welcome

Black church welcome speech, short welcome speech for church, church welcome verses, welcome speech for church revival, online church welcome script, welcome greeting speech.

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70 Short Welcome Speech Samples To Address any Event

May 1, 2024

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A big hello to my chivalrous crowd. How about that for a mind-altering beginning to Short Welcome Speech Samples ? Welcome – the most paramount gesture to make your guest feel attended and addressed and respected! Yes, the host is loaded with uncountable responsibilities to make their guests feel special and counted on. And all of it starts with a nice, heart-warming “#Velkommen” that you mark the event and tell what that day is all about. If you are preparing for an event and need someone to tell you that you are doing great, let it be you. Check on this list of Powerful Quotes to Boost Your Self Confidence , It helped me a lot, see if it could do a little magic for you as well.

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Feeling stuck and not being able to find just the right words to introduce events is so irritating that it could make you smash your own head (by personal experiences; wink). A welcome could either cheer them up or make them leave the event and rather have cozy sleep at home . Martin Luther King, in 1943, delivered a speech “I have a dream” and that still doesn’t fail to inspire people.

Short Welcome Speech Samples To Address any Event

Welcome speech for annual day.

I am extremely overwhelmed to get this opportunity to address you all on this auspicious occasion of 50th Annual day of our elite institution. Children are the future of tomorrow. All these students we witness today, receiving honours for their talents will grow up to be the responsible citizens of tomorrow. May they grow up to make us proud and achieve the highest human values.

I feel proud to be a part of such an elite institution where we are taught by such great teachers, whose teaching goes beyond the classroom. Also, they are the ones to be thanked for organizing such a huge function. We all have assembled here today, today to motivate and cherish the young minds present among us. Apart from it, this is a great occasion to welcome our Chief Guest of today.

Welcome of the Chief Guest

On behalf of the school, I welcome our chief guest Mr. James, who is a dean of the most renowned institution functioning under the government of India. She is working towards connecting young minds to strive toward success and achievement. We are grateful to him for accepting our invitation and becoming a chief guest of today’s event.

Our chief guest doesn’t require an introduction as he is a well-recognised figure in our city. She is known for his wonderful administration and high achievements of the Institution she is in charge of. Apart from this, she is a Philanthropist and renders selfless services to society. She has moulded the life of students and served people with her kindness.

We are so honoured to have her as the Chief guest for the evening. I am certain that all the parents present here are also moved and assuredly want their children to be like him.

Welcoming Parents

Parents are the world for children. Not to overlook that we are here, joined by the wonderful parents who have raised the best students this school possesses. With immense admiration and affection, we welcome all the parents who made the efforts to join this ceremony.

At last, I would like to thank all the teachers, other staff members and all the students present here to make this ceremony worthwhile.

Welcome Speech for Freshers Party

Good Morning to everyone present here!

We all have gathered here today on the occasion of a Fresher’s party. Welcoming people is part of Indian culture, followed for centuries. We maintain this custom and welcome today the fresh faces in the college with a fresher’s party.

I thank all my teachers and everyone who gave me this opportunity to welcome all my fresher’s today. It’s a moment of great pleasure for me to welcome you all.

My dear friends, studying in our institution is pure joy, the professors, students, and other staff members are an epitome of compassion and we are quite sure you will be perplexed by their sagacity.

All in all, I would like to say that you have made an absolutely secure decision to be a part of this institution. Our college welcomes all the students joining us today. I hope all of you will operate along with the values of the college and magnify its reputation at every go of life.

Now, I will halt my words and start with the programmes for the day which includes some astounding performances by the students of our college.

I guarantee, your next few hours will be delightful and memorable. Thank you for being a patient audience and hearing my thoughts.

Welcome Speech for a Farewell Party

I welcome you all on this occasion of the farewell party, for which we have assembled here today.

First of all, I would like to thank everyone who gave me this opportunity to welcome all my seniors and teachers on this memorable occasion.

School life is undoubtedly the best phase of life for everyone. Our parents, teachers and friends all have made this phase of life so memorable for us. We learned so many things, from our inspiring teachers. Made mistakes, made memories with friends, and whatnot. It was a long journey in itself.

Today marks the end of this school life of sweet and bitter moments to cherish all our lives. We do feel a touch of sadness but it is the nature of life, to move forward. So, today we will celebrate this moment with our beloved teachers and friends to bid a good farewell to all who have to leave now, with a smiling face.

Welcome Speech for College Function

Good Morning to all!

Honourable Chief Guest Mr. Swamy, Principal Sir Dr. Reddy, Staff Members, and all the students present here. I welcome you all to the annual function of our esteemed college.

My name is Lakshita Kumar, a student of B.Sc. and also a secretary of cultural programs organized under our college authority.

I feel extremely proud to announce that our elite college has completed 25 years and we all have gathered today to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the same. Behind huge success over the years are the dedicated teachers, motivated students, and helpful staff who give their best to make the college achieve great heights of success.

Also, It is a great honour for me to pronounce that today we are joined by a lady who hardly needs an introduction. She is well known for her work in educating poor children. Besides, he is a published and extensively read author of the contemporary world. (the title of his book) is one of her treasures that have gained a huge international acknowledgment.

Moreover, she is extremely loved and respected by her readers which include the youth population of the country, whom she has influenced the most with her writing. With that being said, let us call upon none other than Miss/ Mrs. (name of the chief guest).”

Welcome Speech for Teachers Day

Respected Principal Sir, Teachers and dear students!

We welcome you all today, to celebrate this auspicious occasion of teacher’s day. We celebrate teacher’s day every year on 5th September, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.

Teachers are our ideals. They inspire us each day and make us strive towards the route of success. They equip us with the power of knowledge and propel us with endless wisdom to become better citizens of the future.

On that note, I would now like to invite our Principal mam on the stage and to deliver her thoughts on the day.

Welcome Speech for Children’s Day

Good Morning Everyone!

We welcome all the students as we celebrate Children’s day today.

It is true, the imagination of a child is incomparable. Children are a creation of God and their smile is irresistible to not make us smile alone. Their innocence is overwhelming.

For children, school is a second home and teachers are equivalent to the parents in times when students need them the most. This day is celebrated with many events which cannot be possible without the contribution of our lovely teachers.

Thanking you all, I would like to start the events for the day without any further delay. 

It is simply not possible for everyone to come up with the right kind of words to use in a welcome speech. It is something that one has to plan and think about so that the right tone is set for the person you are welcoming to make his or her speech. Plus care has to be taken to ensure that none of the vital details are missed but at the same time, the speech cannot be too long. It is not as simple as writing a heart melting long distance relationship quote and requires a lot more consideration.

Focus on the TONE While Delivering the Introductory Speech For an Event

Understanding the basic idea and being able to think about the feel is really important in order to make the listener feel connected. Make sure they don’t yawn or even doesn’t end up rolling on the floor laughing too! Your speech should be making them feel eager to know what going to come up next. If at all it is the professional conference that you are conducting, you can’t pour in too much fun in your speech but a family function demands the same. Choosing tone and focus on how you talk to the audience will vary with the different types of event. Decide if its “Howz it going peepz?” event or “Blesses morning, ladies and gentlemen.” event. A few Maid of Honor Speeches if at all you are thinking to make the #Bigday special for your BFF.

Important Points to Consider while Giving Welcome Speech For an Event

• What is the purpose of the event and what it aims to achieve out of it? The objective, unless made clear to the audience, leaves the speech incomplete. Be specific as you introduce the event and its significance ’cause being brief helps people register it seriously. Tempting them is all you have to do and then stop – make them feel excited about the event.
• Welcome speech must address all the guests and the chief guests of the event (if any) thanking them for being present and giving the auspicious event their valuable attention.
• Make proper introductions of the Chief guests and hosts along with the motive of the function to achieve more attention and appreciation. Make sure you have all the names beforehand and you know how to pronounce them correctly.

SSS Mantra for Appreciable Hosting

Short-Simple-Sincere, it should be! The speech better not exceed a minute or two. Use simple and understandable language along with a sincere tone and vocab as to make sure your audience gets impressed by your way of expression.

4 Comments - Add Comment

Wonderful, very Nice, super…..

awesome content. really worth!

It’s really wonderful and meaningful it will help for others who is really In need……

dear sir/madam greetings.very useful tips.thank u… regs veerabadran guna

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Wedding Welcome Speech: Tips for Expressing Gratitude and Joy

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Being mandated with the duty to give wedding welcoming speeches is an honor. It means you share a stronger bond with the couple than many others present. But the anxiety and subtle confusion that comes with giving a welcome speech almost take out the fun.

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To help calm your nerves and slay to perfection in this important event of your life, we’ve brought tips. In this post, you’ll find guides on how to start and give speeches to inspire you.

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Wedding Welcome Speeches Examples

There are different kinds of wedding ceremony speech samples. This is because although the bride’s father is traditionally the host, things are changing. The maid of honor, the best man, the groom himself, very close buddies, and anyone, can give the introduction to wedding welcoming speeches. And you’ll find beautifully crafted speech samples online.

“Hi, I’m (name) and it’s time for me to do this speech I scribbled down about an hour before the ceremony started.”

“My name is (name) and it’s an honour to be here today as (groom)’s best man.”

“Thank you for joining us today on such a wonderful occasion.”

“Welcome to _____ & _____ wedding reception! I am (name). Please take your seats so we can officially welcome our guests of honor.”

“Friends and Family of the _____ and _____, welcome and thank you for being here on this important day. We are gathered together to celebrate the very special love between _____ and _____, by joining them in marriage.”

“Good evening, welcome to this most important moment in the lives of this couple. We invite you to leave behind the worries and concerns of every day life and join us in the celebration of their marriage.”

“Today is a celebration. A celebration of love, of commitment, of friendship, of family, and of two people who are in it for forever.”

“We have been invited here today to witness and celebrate the uniting in marriage of _____ and _____. They are taking the first step of their new beginning; their new life together.”

“Hello and welcome! May your hearts be glad and your spirits be light. For every thing there is a season and a time for every purpose under Heaven. Now is the time for a wedding.”

“Hello everyone and welcome. Thank you for joining us on this day of gladness and good fortune. _____ and _____ are coming together to publicly proclaim their undying love through the celebration of their marriage. So we are all here to learn about loving and being loved, and to watch the miracle of love exchanged enriches every one of us.”

“Hi! My name is _____. We have come together – families and friends – to witness _____ and _____ as they exchange their vows of marriage. “We share with them their delight in finding love with each other, and support their decision to be together from now until the end of time.

Done! You’ve got the best wedding welcome speech! But wait, there’s more!

Wedding Reception Welcome Speech

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us on this magical day. Your presence makes this celebration truly special. Here’s to love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Let the festivities begin! Cheers!

Friends and family, your smiles light up the room. Thank you for sharing in our joy. Today is a celebration of love, laughter, and cherished moments. Let’s make memories that last a lifetime. Cheers to all of you!

To our dear guests, your presence fills our hearts with happiness. Thank you for being part of our love story. As we gather for this reception, let’s savor the joy, create memories, and dance the night away. Cheers to love and togetherness!

Wedding Welcome Speech Tips

Wedding introduction speeches can make even the boldest person nervous. So nervous that you either forget your lines or don’t know how to start. Below are a few tips to help you start great wedding welcoming speeches.

• Introduce yourself

Don’t step on stage with the false pride that everyone knows you. Because there are lots of guests who need a fresh reminder of who you are. Always introduce yourself and keep it short. Don’t go on and on, it could get boring. You may also start with witty one-liners. They are ice breakers.

Crafting warm and inviting opening lines to engage the audience. Importance of expressing gratitude and acknowledging the guests’ presence.

As we gather on this joyous occasion, let the warmth of our shared smiles illuminate the room. In the embrace of love, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each one of you, dear guests, for gracing us with your presence today. Your smiles are the most beautiful decorations, and your presence adds a unique melody to this celebration of love. Let us embark on this journey of joy and togetherness, united by the bonds of love and friendship. Welcome, and thank you for being a part of this extraordinary moment.

• Make eye contact

Making eye contact signifies confidence. Don’t look to the ground when giving a welcome speech. Look in the audience instead as it helps you comment. Roam around with your eyes and keep contact with specific persons for a few seconds. It makes everyone feel included.

• Go with notes or cue cards

At the time of giving the speech, you may be quite stressed out or have your mind on other things. While it’s beautiful to say your speech off heart, the brains could play a trick on you. So always have a paper on hand. If you don’t want to write it out flat, then go with cue cards that act as reminders for your next line or paragraph.

• Skip drinks

If possible, skip the drinks until after the welcome speech is over. You have enough time to celebrate. In other cases, it could be some Dutch courage you’re seeking. Still, skip the drink and use a mock audience backstage instead. Filling your head with drinks just before a speech will mess everything up for you. From incoherence to uncoordinated acts and possible misbehavior.

You could say all the funny jokes and witty one-liners. But if you’re not genuine, there’s no way of hiding it. Put some heart in your speech. Don’t give the welcome speech like an obligation. Do it as something you’re delighted at doing for someone who means the world to you.

• Keep it short

Remember you’re giving the first speech out of many. There are still other activities on the program which must fly. So keep it short, straight the point and informative. It should last 10 minutes at the maximum. This sums up to about 1,000 words when written.

• Mention the spouse

Don’t focus only on your half of the couple. Mention their spouse and praise them.

• Closing Remark

Encouraging other speakers to follow with their toasts or speeches.Emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

As we conclude this welcome speech, let us extend a warm invitation to other speakers to share their toasts and speeches. Each word spoken contributes to the tapestry of this celebration. Remember, the key is to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, where every expression of love and joy finds a place. Let us build on the warmth and camaraderie, making this wedding a truly memorable and inclusive experience for all. Cheers to love, laughter, and beautiful moments ahead!

Crafting the Perfect Wedding Welcome Speech Guide

Welcome to our guide on crafting an exceptional wedding welcome speech! In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of a welcome speech, who traditionally delivers it, and the ideal moment to present this warm introduction.

Is a Wedding Welcome Speech Necessary?

A wedding welcome speech is more than just a formality—it sets the tone for the entire celebration. It expresses gratitude to guests, creating a warm atmosphere and enhancing the overall experience. It’s a thoughtful touch that makes everyone feel valued.

Who Does the Wedding Welcome Speech?

Typically, the honor of delivering the welcome speech falls to a key figure such as the bride’s or groom’s parents, the master of ceremonies, or a close friend or family member. Whoever takes the stage should be someone who can convey warmth, gratitude, and excitement.

When Should You Give a Wedding Welcome Speech?

The wedding welcome speech is ideally delivered at the beginning of the reception, just before the festivities kick off. It ensures that everyone feels welcomed and sets a positive vibe for the rest of the celebration. This opportune moment allows guests to settle in, creating a seamless transition into the joyous occasion.

How To Deliver A Wedding Welcome Speech?

There’s really no ‘one size fits all’ to delivering welcome wedding speeches. But there are some “holy grails” that must never be quite neglected. Follow these tips and you’d deliver a welcome wedding speech no one will forget.

• Start with something funny

The truth is weddings are solemn and the guests may not be over the ceremony yet. It might take an effort for them to listen to you. Their ears were not made for you after all. So if you want to get them interested, start with something funny.

• Harvest the good memories

Do you have some personal experience with the couple? Then narrate it. If you’re closer to one of them, share sweet memories. The guests will be well delighted to know a little more about the couple they’ve come to celebrate.

• Give well wishes and advice

The good memories are in the past and they’re about building a future together. So why not give them some bricks in the form of advice? Also, encourage and cheer them up.

• Say thank you

Best Welcome Speech for Wedding

“Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, welcome to this beautiful celebration of love. Your presence here makes this day even more special, and we’re thrilled to share these joyous moments with you.”

What to Say to Welcome at a Wedding

“Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone! On behalf of [Couple’s Names], I extend a warm welcome to each of you. Thank you for gracing us with your presence on this joyous occasion.”

Best Opening Line for a Wedding Speech

“As we gather here today to celebrate the union of two incredible souls, let us embark on a journey of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Welcome, and let the festivities begin!”

Wedding speeches are as interesting as you make them. These are wedding welcoming speeches that could make guests howl with laughter or shed a tear. Regardless of who gives the wedding welcome speeches, there are guides to help you pull it off. Thus, we’ve rounded off tips and samples to keep you inspired as you prepare your wedding welcome speech .

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Former President Donald Trump attends Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race

Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States and the presumptive Republican nominee in November's general election, arrived Sunday at NASCAR's Coca Cola 600.

This marks the second time Trump has attended a NASCAR race since February 2020, when he served as grand marshal of the Daytona 500 , becoming only the fourth sitting president to do so for a race at Daytona International Speedway.

The Coca Cola 600 is taking place at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. A member of Trump's communications staff posted a video clip of Trump, wearing a dark suit and red hat, waving to the crowd at the speedway Sunday afternoon. Video of Trump's plane flying over the track went viral earlier in the day.

According to Jonathan Coleman, senior director of communications for Charlotte Motor Speedway, this is the first time in the track's history that a current or former President has attended a race at the venue. In 1994, former President Bill Clinton visited the speedway as part of a Ford Mustang 30th anniversary event, but he did not attend a race.

In 2020, Trump carried North Carolina , which is expected to remain a key battleground state in the upcoming general election. Trump won the state in 2020 with 50.1% of the vote, beating President Joe Biden by nearly 75,000 votes.

The Coca Cola 600, which takes place annually during Memorial Day weekend as a key event in the NASCAR Cup Series, coincided with the 2024 North Carolina Republican Party Convention that concluded hours before the race, in Greensboro. Though not a confirmed guest during the week leading up to the convention, Trump gave a brief speech Friday via a phone call, when his son Eric put him on speaker when Eric was on stage addressing the crowd, according to the Greensboro News and Record .

Trump's visit to the Coca Cola 600 also coincides with the end of his hush money trial in New York, with closing arguments scheduled to begin Tuesday . He is facing  34 felony counts of falsifying business records . Prosecutors allege Trump disguised reimbursements to former aide  Michael Cohen and is accused of violating campaign finance laws when he paid porn star  Stormy Daniels  $130,000 in 2016 to stay quiet about a sexual encounter that allegedly happened a decade earlier.

Back in 2020, when Trump served as grand marshal of the Daytona 500, that role included giving what’s commonly described as the most famous words in motor sports: "Gentlemen, start your engines."

Contributing: Aysha Bagchi, Kinsey Crowley, Michelle R. Martinelli

Welcome Speech for Graduation Ceremony

Ai generator.

Introduction:

“Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone. Honored guests, esteemed faculty, proud parents, and, most importantly, our distinguished graduates. I am [Your Name], [your position, e.g., the Principal, Dean, Class President], and it is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the [Year] Graduation Ceremony of [School/Institution’s Name].”

Acknowledgment of Guests: “First, let us acknowledge and thank our esteemed guests, faculty, and staff who have guided and supported our graduates throughout their educational journey. Your dedication and commitment have been instrumental in shaping the minds and futures of these remarkable individuals.”

Recognition of Parents and Families: “To the parents, families, and friends of our graduates, today is as much a celebration of your efforts as it is of the graduates’. Your unwavering support, sacrifices, and encouragement have played a crucial role in their success. Thank you for being their pillars of strength.”

Congratulating Graduates: “To our graduates, today marks a significant milestone in your lives. You have worked tirelessly, overcome challenges, and persevered to reach this moment. Your hard work, determination, and resilience have brought you here, and you should be incredibly proud of your achievements.”

Reflecting on the Journey: “Throughout your time at [School/Institution’s Name], you have not only gained knowledge but also formed lifelong friendships, developed critical thinking skills, and discovered your passions. These experiences have prepared you to face the future with confidence and courage.”

Encouraging Future Endeavors: “As you step into the next chapter of your lives, remember that education does not end here. Continue to seek knowledge, embrace new challenges, and strive for excellence in everything you do. The world is full of opportunities waiting for you to explore and conquer.”

Expressing Confidence: “We have full confidence that you will carry the values and lessons learned here into the world, making meaningful contributions to society. Whether you are pursuing further education, entering the workforce, or embarking on other adventures, know that you have the tools and the spirit to succeed.”

Conclusion:

Final Words of Inspiration: “Graduates, as you leave this institution, remember that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Be bold, be brave, and never stop believing in yourselves. The future is yours to shape.”

Welcome Once Again: “Once again, welcome to the [Year] Graduation Ceremony of [School/Institution’s Name]. Let us celebrate the achievements of our graduates and the bright futures that lie ahead.”

Closing: “Thank you all for being here today. Let’s make this a memorable and joyous celebration. Congratulations to the Class of [Year]!”

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

Earl Slick: ‘Nobody turns down free cocaine’

The guitar supremo on his wild life on the road with David Bowie across four decades, and his most poignant memories with John Lennon

On May 12 1983, Earl Slick flew to Belgium to begin his second stint as a guitarist in David Bowie’s live band. The gig had been arranged in a hurry, following the last-minute departure of Stevie Ray Vaughan less than a week before the tour – in support of the blockbusting Let’s Dance LP – began in Brussels. Two weeks later, the group and their singer were scheduled to appear in front of 100,000 people at the US Festival, in San Bernardino, California. Not without cause, Bowie was worried.  “I remember David being nervous because we hadn’t worked together in so long,” Slick tells me. “He said, ‘Slickie, are you going to have it together for the US Festival?’ And I said, ‘No, I’m going to have it together for the first show.’ And I did. I had four days to learn the entire set. I stayed up day and night, but I did it...” 

Welcome to the lot of the rock and roll sideman, a world in which vast, adoring crowds and private jets are counterbalanced by insecure employment and opportunities that arrive and disappear in an instant. With stories to burn, Slick’s newly published memoir, Guitar, gives an unvarnished account of the weird and unpredictable life of a musical mercenary. The guest list ain’t bad, either – alongside Bowie, John Lennon, Keith Richards, Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton, Phil Spector and the New York Dolls also appear.  “Rock and roll is not what I do, it’s who I am,” Slick says. “All that bull---- that you’re not defined by your job, that don’t apply to me. If you’re in the arts, especially, if you’re not your job, you’re probably not very successful at it.”  He sure looks the part. Bursting forth on my computer screen from a wood-panelled living room in Upstate New York, the tattooed 71-year-old is wearing octagonal Ray-Bans and a leopard-print shirt that merges so completely with the pattern of his settee that at times it seems as if I’m interviewing a decapitated head. Sprouting wild and free, his hair looks as if it’s been cut by someone who was trying to quit smoking.  Raised in Staten Island and Brooklyn, his course was plotted after seeing the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. Ten years later, when his friend Michael Kamen, the composer and arranger, recommended him to David Bowie as a replacement for the recently departed Mick Ronson, Slick – real name Frank Madeloni – faced the choice of slogging his way towards a record deal with his own band, Mack Truck, or playing sports arenas as a hired hand to an emerging icon.

“People ask the question, well wouldn’t you want to be the star guitar player with the band?” he tells me. “And part of me always did. But they would put the question to me like they were looking at the sideman thing kind of like it was second fiddle. I didn’t. My role, even in my own rock and roll bands, was to make sure that everything going on behind that singer was everything he needed to put on a really good show. So, in essence, Keith Richards is a sideman. He’s just the best one on the planet.”

Playing with Bowie off and on over the course of four decades, Slick soon learnt that his place stage left of a superstar – three nights at the Milton Keynes Bowl, a headline slot in front of a quarter of a million people at Glastonbury – sat cheek-by-jowl with fallow periods that, in the 1990s at least, required him to take a day job selling timeshares from an office populated by colleagues who, he claims, were more dysfunctional than anyone he encountered in rock and roll. “It’s hard for me to explain the relationship I had with David,” he says. “We were close and we could read each other’s minds in the studio and onstage, and on a personal level, sure, we were great friends and we had love for each other. But it wasn’t one of those best mates kind of things. That happened with a few other guitarists that I won’t name. And they got burnt.” 

As a self-described “quick study”, Slick soon learnt that the insecurity of his profession was not something he should take personally. “You’ve got to look at it, like, it’s David Bowie’s name on the marquee,” he explains. “No matter how much we were mates onstage… the bottom line is, he was the company and I was the employee. It wasn’t stated, and it didn’t feel like that, but you were always conscious of the fact that you’re,” – he pauses to find the right word – “disposable.” He pauses again when I ask if being a sideman at the high end of the market is a well-paid gig. “Money’s a thing I prefer not to get into,” comes the eventual response. Another pause. “Actually,” he says, “I’m going to do a rare answer to this question. When compared to the revenue that was coming in, what I was making was nothing. But if you turn the clock back to 1974, when that relationship [with Bowie] started, it led me down roads I would never have been able to go down on my own. We wouldn’t be talking right now… There would be no book… there would have been no John Lennon record, and so on and so on.” 

Slick’s time with Lennon is recalled in his memoir with particular poignancy. Given that the sessions for the Double Fantasy LP saw the by then reclusive Englishman at work in a recording studio for the first time in half a decade, clearly, it was a big deal, too. There was even talk of a world tour in the new year. But Mark Chapman fatally shot the former Beatle outside his home at the Dakota Building in Manhattan on December 8. For John Lennon, there would be no new year.  “Who knows what would have come out of that?” Slick says. “John might have said, ‘You know what, I’m loving the s--- out of this and I’m gonna keep this band together for the next 10 years.’ Or it could have been a one-off tour thing. You just don’t know. That’s kind of the beauty of it, but it’s also kind of the ugliness of it. You don’t know. You don’t get to know.” 

Other aspects of the rockstar life in the 1970s and 1980s were more predictable. From recording with David Bowie over three sleepless days and nights to taking cocaine with Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood in a bathroom stall at Mick Jagger’s birthday party at the Palladium, New York, Guitar portrays a world in which drugs were all-but omnipresent.  “There was always gonna be some guy with a lot of money, either a dealer or some rich dude, who was basically a groupie that would follow the band around and have money coming out of every orifice,” Slick explains. “And some of them would show up at shows all over the place with tons of drugs. Now, obviously, if you’re doing a lot of blow [cocaine], nobody turns down free blow. When I did start having to pay for it was when the damage from my habit started to kick in and I wasn’t getting hired as much.” After giving up drugs and booze at the start of the 1990s, these days Slick merely gives the impression of someone as high as a satellite. As with many rock lifers, it’s a look that suits him.  As our interview comes to a close, his eyes turn to an acoustic guitar in the corner of the room. “I’ll be making a noise with that as soon as we’ve finished talking,” he tells me. “See, I’ve never believed in having a ‘Plan B’. When people ask me if I’m going to retire, I reply, ‘Retire from what? Retire from being me?’”

Guitar by Earl Slick (with Jeff Slate) is out now, published by Michael Joseph

• Rock music,
• David Bowie
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