introduction to meeting speech

Opening a Meeting

Whether you are holding the meeting or attending the meeting it is polite to make small talk while you wait for the meeting to start. You should discuss things unrelated to the meeting, such as weather, family, or weekend plans.

Sample Dialogue:

Once everyone has arrived, the chairperson, or whoever is in charge of the meeting should formally welcome everyone to the meeting and thank the attendees for coming.

• Well, since everyone is here, we should get started.
• Hello, everyone. Thank you for coming today.
• I think we'll begin now. First I'd like to welcome you all.
• Thank you all for coming at such short notice.
• I really appreciate you all for attending today.
• We have a lot to cover today, so we really should begin.

Sample Welcome:

Pierre : I think we'll begin now. First I'd like to welcome you all and thank everyone for coming, especially at such short notice. I know you are all very busy and it's difficult to take time away from your daily tasks for meetings.

Introductions

If anyone at the meeting is new to the group, or if there is a guest speaker, this is the time when introductions should be made. The person in charge of the meeting can introduce the new person, or ask the person to introduce him or herself.

• I'd like to take a moment to introduce our new tour coordinator.
• I know most of you, but there are a few unfamiliar faces.
• Stella, would you like to stand up and introduce yourself?
• Hi everyone. I'm Judy Strauss. I'll be acting as Amanda's assistant while Nancy is away on maternity leave.

Roll Call/Apologies

If the meeting is a small group, it is probably unnecessary to take attendance out loud. The person who is taking the minutes will know everyone personally and can indicate who is present and who is absent. In a larger meeting, it may be necessary to send around an attendance sheet or call out names. If an important figure is absent, it may be necessary for the chairperson to apologize for his or her absence and offer a brief explanation for it.

• It looks like everyone is here today.
• If you notice anyone missing, please let Jane know so that she can make a note of it.
• Unfortunately, Ken cannot join us today. He has been called away on business
• Mike will be standing in to take the minutes today, as Lisa is home with the flu.

Some people who hold meetings prefer to pass around copies of the agenda, and others will post a large copy on a wall, or use an overhead projector. No matter which format is used, attendees should be able to follow the agenda as the meeting progresses. Before beginning the first main item on the agenda, the speaker should provide a brief verbal outline the objectives.

Sample Introduction to the Agenda:

Speeches HQ

6 Event Introduction Speech Samples

Public speaking at events can make anyone feel nervous. Opening moments shape everything that follows, making the introduction especially important. A successful start combines warmth, authority, and genuine enthusiasm.

Outstanding event introductions share specific elements. They capture attention fast, build credibility naturally, and flow smoothly into the main program. These samples show different approaches that work well across various occasions, from casual gatherings to formal ceremonies.

Event Introduction Speech Samples

Here are selected introduction speeches showing effective ways to open different types of events while engaging the audience immediately.

Sample Speech 1: Tech Conference Opening

Ladies and gentlemen, tech innovators, and digital pioneers. Thank you for being here bright and early on this exciting morning.

Looking around this room, I see the faces of people who are changing how we live, work, and connect. You’ve come from many places, bringing groundbreaking ideas and fresh solutions. Some of you are coding wizards, others are startup founders, and many are industry veterans who’ve seen technology reshape entire industries.

This marks the start of three days filled with learning, networking, and discovery. Our speakers will talk about artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and sustainable tech solutions. Yet the schedule also makes room for something equally valuable. Those quick chats over coffee, those sudden realizations during workshops, and those unexpected partnerships that often create the next big breakthrough.

Let’s use every minute well. The exhibition hall just opened, with demos from over 50 leading tech companies. Our first keynote speaker starts in 30 minutes. Until then, please enjoy refreshments in the networking area.

Thank you all once again for joining this special event. Let’s make it memorable.

— END OF SPEECH —

Commentary: A welcoming yet professional speech that creates energy while showing clear benefits for attendees. Perfect for large-scale professional conferences, particularly in technology, business, or innovation sectors.

Sample Speech 2: Charity Fundraising Dinner

Good evening, friends and supporters. Your presence here tonight fills this room with hope and possibility.

Each year, thousands of children in our area go to bed hungry. These are our neighbors, classmates of our children, faces we pass on the street. But tonight brings us together to change those stories. Through your generosity, we’ve already helped provide 50,000 meals this year. Yet so many families still need support.

The meal you’ll enjoy tonight costs the same amount that feeds five children for a week through our program. During dinner, you’ll hear stories from families whose lives changed because people like you decided to help. By the time we finish dessert, we hope you’ll want to join our monthly donor program or make a one-time gift.

Please enjoy your evening, knowing that your presence here makes a real difference.

Commentary: An emotionally engaging speech that pairs numbers with human stories while staying optimistic. Ideal for fundraising events, benefit dinners, and charitable galas.

Sample Speech 3: Wedding Reception

Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m David, Sarah’s older brother and your host for tonight.

Looking at the happy couple, my thoughts go back to that summer barbecue where James first met Sarah. She spilled lemonade all over his new shoes, and instead of getting upset, he just laughed and said it gave them character. That showed us right away he was special.

Sarah and James, seeing you together makes my heart full. You’ve built something beautiful. Your story shows us that sometimes the best things start with a little mess and plenty of laughter.

To all our guests, welcome to this celebration. We’ve got great food, amazing music, and enough heartwarming stories to last until sunrise. But first, please raise your glasses to Sarah and James!

Commentary: A warm, personal speech that mixes humor with feeling while setting a celebratory mood. Well-suited for wedding receptions, engagement parties, and anniversary celebrations.

Sample Speech 4: Annual Company Meeting

Good morning, team members. What an amazing sight to see all 500 of you gathered here.

Five years ago, we started in a tiny office with just 12 dedicated people and one shared goal. Now, we serve clients across 25 countries. That growth happened because of you. Each person here has added to our success story.

This meeting brings our teams together from different locations, departments, and roles. Some faces you know well, others you might recognize from video calls, and many you’ll meet for the first time. Use this chance to build those connections.

Our schedule includes celebrating our wins, discussing our challenges openly, and creating our next chapter together. Each voice counts in this conversation.

Let’s start with recognition of our top performers across different categories.

Commentary: A unifying speech that recognizes past achievements while focusing on growth and teamwork. Appropriate for corporate annual meetings, team gatherings, and company-wide events.

Sample Speech 5: Graduation Ceremony

Distinguished faculty, proud parents, honored guests, and most importantly, graduating students. Welcome to this special day.

Students, look around you. These faces show your support team. Parents who believed in you, teachers who pushed you forward, friends who stayed by your side. They’re all here to celebrate what you’ve achieved.

This moment marks a finish line and starting point. You’re finishing one part of your learning path and beginning fresh with new chances ahead. The abilities you’ve gained here go far beyond grades and test scores. You’ve learned to bounce back, found your strong points, and built the confidence to chase your dreams.

As you get ready to receive your diplomas, know that you carry with you the hopes and pride of everyone here.

Let the ceremony begin.

Commentary: An uplifting speech that celebrates achievement while thanking the support system behind each graduate. Suitable for graduation ceremonies at any educational level.

Sample Speech 6: Product Launch Event

Thank you all for joining us on this special evening. The excitement here feels amazing.

Three years of research, many versions, and feedback from thousands of users brought us to this moment. What started with a simple question “How can we make this better?” became our biggest development project yet.

Tonight, we’re showing a product that shifts everything. But before we show you, let’s thank the smart minds behind this new creation. Our engineering team broke through barriers that seemed impossible. Our design team created a fresh way to think about user experience. Our testing team checked every detail against the highest standards.

Ready to see what’s next? Please look at the main screen.

Commentary: An excitement-building speech that praises the team while building interest about the reveal. Perfect for product launches, brand announcements, and similar corporate reveals.

Final Thoughts

The best introduction speeches share key features. They reach out to the audience, explain what’s happening, and build excitement for what’s next. Whether talking to a small group or big crowd, real connection matters most. Keep working at it, stay true to yourself, and watch your audience respond.

Welcome Speech for Meeting

Welcome speech generator for meeting.

When it comes to speeches , a lot of people, not only students but even employees and some employers, cringe or find the word scary. It does not have to be as long as you know what you are doing, how you are doing it, and what you are writing about. However, even with all that advice, there are still some people who do not want to be the center of making the speech and would want to find someone else to be able to do it. It goes without saying making a speech is the least worrisome thing you can do and you can present, especially if you know what you are talking about and what you are going to be presenting. If you know who your audience is, then making a speech is nothing short of a wonderful experience. 

As we all know, there are a lot of kinds of speeches, and one is  a welcome speech . When we hear a welcome speech, we think of something as easy as welcoming someone. But, it is not as easy as simply welcoming a person or a group of people to the place or to the event. Making a welcome speech has its own tips to get you started, and it has its own details that you need to look forward to in learning. So with that being said, here are your 10+ examples of a welcome speech for a meeting.

What is Welcome Speech for Meeting?

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Welcome Speech for Meeting Format

Opening remarks.

Greeting: Begin with a warm and respectful greeting. Example: “Good morning, everyone.” or “Distinguished guests and colleagues,”

Introduction

Purpose: Briefly state the purpose of your speech. Example: “It is my honor to welcome you all to today’s meeting, where we will discuss key topics and share valuable insights.”

Acknowledgments

Attendees and Participants Recognition: Thank the participants for taking time to attend the meeting. Example: “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone here for making time in your busy schedules to join us.” Key Speakers or Contributors Appreciation: Acknowledge the speakers or main contributors. Example: “Our gratitude goes out to the speakers who will be sharing their expertise on the subjects we are covering today.” Organizers and Planning Team Gratitude: Show appreciation to those who helped plan and organize the meeting. Example: “I’d also like to recognize the organizing committee for their hard work in ensuring that today’s meeting runs smoothly.” Special Guests or Stakeholders Recognition: Acknowledge any special guests or stakeholders attending. Example: “We are privileged to have with us some of our key stakeholders, and we are grateful for their continued support.”

Closing Remarks

Summarize: Briefly recap the purpose and what to expect. Example: “In summary, today’s meeting aims to foster collaboration and address important initiatives that will shape our path forward.” Final Thanks: Offer a final word of thanks. Example: “Once again, thank you all for your presence and participation.”

Goodbye: End with a polite farewell. Example: “Let’s make this meeting productive and engaging. Thank you, and I look forward to our discussions.”

Welcome Speech for Meeting Example

Good morning, everyone, I am delighted to welcome you all to today’s meeting, where we will engage in important discussions and share valuable insights. First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge our organizing team for their hard work and meticulous planning that made this meeting possible. Our sincere thanks also go to the speakers who will be sharing their knowledge and expertise with us throughout the session. We are especially grateful to our special guests and stakeholders for their continued support and presence here today. A big thank you to all attendees for taking the time to join us. Your participation is key to the success of this meeting. Lastly, I would like to express our gratitude to the support staff who have worked diligently behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. In summary, we are looking forward to a productive meeting and the valuable contributions each of you will bring. Thank you all for your presence and engagement. Let’s work together to make this meeting a success.

Short Welcome Speech for Meeting Example

Good morning, everyone, I am honored to welcome you all to today’s meeting. First, I would like to thank our organizers for their outstanding effort in making this event possible. I also extend my sincere thanks to the speakers for sharing their insights with us. To our special guests, we are grateful for your presence and support. And to all attendees, your participation is essential to the success of this meeting. Thank you for being here. Lastly, a big thank you to the support staff for their behind-the-scenes work to ensure everything runs smoothly. Let’s have a productive and engaging meeting. Thank you.

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Welcome Speech for Meeting Examples

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How to Write Welcome Speech for Meeting?

Writing a welcome speech for a meeting involves several key steps to ensure it is engaging, concise, and sets the right tone for the event. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an effective welcome speech for a meeting:

Start with a Greeting

Greet the audience with a warm and friendly tone. This helps set a positive atmosphere right from the beginning. Examples : “Good morning/afternoon, everyone!” “It’s a pleasure to welcome all of you here today.”

Introduce Yourself (if needed)

If the audience doesn’t know you well, briefly introduce yourself and your role. Example: “For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], and I am [your role].”

Acknowledge Key Participants

Recognize and welcome important participants such as senior leaders, special guests, or teams. This shows respect and appreciation. Example: “I would like to extend a special welcome to [names/titles of key people], whose presence here is greatly appreciated.”

State the Purpose of the Meeting

Explain why the meeting is important and what you hope to accomplish. This sets the focus and expectations for everyone. Example: “We’re here today to discuss [mention key topics, such as project updates, future goals, etc.].”

Encourage Participation

Encourage the attendees to actively engage, ask questions, and contribute their ideas. This invites collaboration and involvement. Example: “I encourage everyone to participate actively and share their insights throughout the meeting.”

Express Gratitude

Thank the attendees for their time and commitment. This shows appreciation and reinforces a positive tone. Example: “Thank you all for being here and for your continued dedication to [organization/project].”

Introduce the Agenda

Briefly outline what will be discussed in the meeting to provide structure and focus. Example: “Our agenda today includes [list key points/topics].”

Conclude the Welcome

End your speech with a smooth transition into the meeting itself. Example: “With that, let’s get started with today’s agenda. Thank you!”

Tips for Welcome Speech for Meeting

Here are some practical tips for delivering an effective welcome speech for a meeting:

1. Keep It Concise

• A welcome speech should be brief and to the point. Avoid long introductions and unnecessary details to maintain the audience’s attention.

2. Set a Positive Tone

• Use warm, welcoming language to create a friendly and collaborative atmosphere. A positive tone helps set the stage for a productive meeting.

3. Acknowledge Key Attendees

• Recognize and welcome important individuals such as senior leaders, guest speakers, or new participants. This shows respect and adds a personal touch.

4. State the Purpose Clearly

• Clearly explain the purpose of the meeting. This helps attendees understand why they are there and what to expect from the discussion.

5. Encourage Participation

• Invite participants to engage in discussions, ask questions, and share their ideas. This fosters an open and inclusive environment.

6. Practice for Smooth Delivery

• Practice your speech beforehand to ensure you deliver it smoothly and confidently. This helps you avoid stumbling over words and ensures you stay within your time limit.

7. Be Genuine and Sincere

• Speak with sincerity. Whether thanking the audience for attending or welcoming them, your authenticity will resonate with the attendees.

8. Use Appropriate Language

• Tailor your language and tone to suit the audience. For example, a formal tone may be needed for corporate meetings, while a more casual tone may be suitable for internal team meetings.

9. Include a Brief Agenda

• Briefly outline the key topics or agenda items that will be discussed in the meeting. This gives the audience a clear understanding of what will be covered.

10. End with a Smooth Transition

• Conclude your welcome speech by smoothly transitioning to the main agenda or introducing the first speaker. This helps the meeting move forward without awkward pauses.

How Long Should a Welcome Speech Be?

A welcome speech should generally be 2 to 5 minutes long. Keep it short and concise to hold the audience’s attention without delaying the start of the meeting.

Should I Mention the Agenda in the Welcome Speech?

Yes, briefly mention the key topics or goals of the meeting to give the audience a clear idea of what will be covered. However, don’t go into too much detail at this point.

What If I Make a Mistake During the Speech?

Don’t worry! If you stumble, calmly correct yourself and continue. Most people won’t notice minor errors, and maintaining composure is key to a successful speech.

Should I Use Visual Aids During the Welcome Speech?

Visual aids (such as slides) are usually not necessary for a welcome speech, as it’s meant to be brief. However, if part of your speech involves introducing the agenda or a key topic, you could display a slide with bullet points.

How Can I End My Welcome Speech on a Strong Note?

Conclude with a positive statement or a call to action. For example:”I’m looking forward to a productive discussion.” “Let’s work together to make this meeting a success.”

Text prompt

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How to start a meeting on a positive note with a welcome speech for meeting

Writing a concise welcome speech for meeting

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42 Conference Opening Remarks Examples 

By: Grace He | Updated: December 01, 2023

Here is our list of the best conference opening remarks examples.

Conference opening remarks examples are statements that introduce your meeting to attendees. Examples include serious opening conference remarks, funny opening conference remarks, and inspirational opening conference remarks. The purpose of these remarks is to set the tone for your conference while welcoming attendees to the meeting and introducing your topics for discussion.

These ideas are similar to examples of opening and closing remarks for meetings , check-in questions for team meetings , and team building programs .

This list includes:

• short opening remarks for a program
• opening remarks for a virtual conference
• serious opening conference remarks
• funny opening conference remarks
• inspirational opening conference remarks

Let’s get to it!

List of conference opening remarks examples

From short messages to inspirational remarks, here are our top opening statements for conferences.

Short opening remarks for a program

• On behalf of our hosts, welcome to our conference! We have an engaging lineup of topics and activities for the day. Without further ado, let’s jump right into it!
• Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for taking the time to attend our conference today. We look forward to a fun and engaging time together.
• Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to our conference. Today, we will learn about team building, company culture, and employee engagement. Let’s get started!
• Greetings! Today’s conference is all about team building, and we are so excited to have you here with us today!
• Hi, team. Thank you all for taking time out of your schedules to join our conference today! We know many of you are busy, so we truly appreciate the effort to attend.
• Hi, we’re so glad to see all of your smiling faces at our conference today. Let’s have a great time!
• Hello, team. We are so glad to have you at our event today! We have exciting news and company updates to share, and we cannot wait to get started.
• Welcome to our event! Please know that you are in for a fun and action-packed day. You can refer to the agenda to stay on track with our activities and sessions. Without further ado, let’s get started!
• Good afternoon, all! We are so thrilled to have you join us for today’s conference. Thank you for attending, and we hope to have a great event.
• Hi, everyone! Thank you for joining today’s program. Let’s have a great time together!

Opening remarks for a virtual conference

• Good morning to all of our virtual conference attendees! We are so glad you could join us today. Before we get started, we would like to thank you for clearing your schedules to attend our event. Thanks to video conferencing technology, we are able to meet with so many colleagues, regardless of location and time zones. We promise to make this event worth your while and are very excited to get started!
• Greetings to all of our online conference attendees! We are so pumped that you could join us on Zoom today from around the world. Technology plays a major role in allowing us to get together while being so far apart. We could not be more excited to get started with our event.
• We want to start our conference by giving a big virtual high-five to all of the team members joining us. Hello! You are in for an exciting and action-packed event today. First, we will discuss critical company updates. Next, we will review new HR processes that benefit all employees. Last, we will open up the virtual floor for a roundtable discussion and Q&A session where you can voice your opinions and ask questions.
• Hi, team! Thank you for your enthusiasm in joining our virtual conference today. It is so great to see you all on camera and in your home offices. Before starting today’s program, we have a few special announcements to go over. We will also have a special guest speaker joining us later in the day to talk about innovation and creativity in tech. This speaker is a well-known figure in the tech space. Can you guess our special guest’s name? Well, you will just have to wait and find out!
• Greetings, cyber crew! How great is technology? We are all here joining the same conference from different places worldwide. Remote work is the future, and we are so glad we could host this event virtually. As we go through the conference, please refer to our agenda to follow along. The agenda deck will help you remain aware of which sessions to attend. If you have any questions or are experiencing technical issues, please stop by our virtual IT helpdesk. We have a team of experts on standby, ready to help you troubleshoot any and all tech issues.
• Welcome, everyone, to our virtual conference. We would like to sincerely thank you all for joining us today from your home offices around the world. Please follow along with our event agenda, and do not hesitate to reach out to our virtual IT helpdesk with any questions or troubleshooting needs. Once again, thank you for your attendance, participation, and engagement!
• Hello, and welcome to our conference! Although our event is virtual, we have worked hard to make this year’s conference as fun and engaging as possible. We hope you find today’s program rewarding and insightful.
• Just because you are not physically near your teammates does not mean you have to give up on building real relationships. Today, I want to share with you all the secrets to team building while working in a virtual setting.

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Serious opening conference remarks

• I would like to extend a warm welcome to those who could attend our conference today. We are constantly experiencing changes and innovations in technology and strategy, so it is important to host conferences like this to keep us all in the loop. Let’s begin this meeting by reviewing our notes from the last session.
• What keeps us healthy as we go through life? If you were going to invest in your future self, where would you put your time and energy?

• So, I know the secret to getting anything you want in life.

• As all of you are aware, we are in the midst of a crisis like no other.

• Thank you all for joining us today. As one of the event organizers, I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak with each and every one of you today. Conferences like this play a critical role in bringing teams together when necessary. Although it is no easy task, we are grateful for the opportunity.
• Hi, team, and welcome to today’s conference. The purpose of this event is to get our employees engaged and active. We have invited guest speakers and professionals in the field to discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Please remain attentive throughout the event and leave any questions until the end of the presentation. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and participation.
• As I’m sure you all know, our company is undergoing some major changes. We wanted to call this conference to discuss what the future looks like for employees as well as the company as a whole. Please hold any questions for the end, as we may cover what you’re wondering about.
• Hi, everyone. We have decided to call this conference to discuss the upcoming merger and the redundancies within the new firm. We have a plan in place to keep as many of you on board as possible, and we’d like to review that with you today.
• Thank you all so much for taking the time to attend this conference. As you may be aware, our firm is facing a lawsuit. We have laid out everything we know about it along with what we plan to do moving forward. Please refer to the agenda to help us stay on track as we cover the details.
• Hi, team, and thank you for being here. We have organized this conference to discuss harassment in the workplace. This information will show you what harassment may look like and how to respond if you believe it is happening to you. If anyone needs a break at any point, please feel free to step out and rejoin the group when you are ready.

Funny opening conference remarks

• As I was getting ready for today’s meeting, I realized that there’s one thing you and I have in common: neither of us knows what I’m going to talk about today.
• I want to tell you the story of a man who started a new job at a new company. When he met his supervisor, the two hit it off immediately. The supervisor was always there to answer any questions and clear up any confusion for the new hire. In fact, the two got along so well that the supervisor said to the employee, “Don’t think of me as a boss, but rather as a friend who is always right and never wrong.”
• As I was preparing my speech for today, my partner gave me some great advice: “Don’t try to be too charming, intellectual, or funny. Just be yourself!”
• What is the top way to ruin a Friday, you ask? Remembering it’s only Thursday.
• I don’t always trust people who have squeaky clean work desks. Do you know why? Well, because a clean desk is usually a sign of messy desk drawers—or worse, a cluttered mind.
• Staring at my computer screen, I couldn’t help but say to my boss, “Wow, this show is so boring!” To which my boss responded, “That’s because this is a Zoom meeting.”
• Do you hate it when a person answers their own questions? I certainly do. Don’t worry. That’s the only time I’ll answer my own questions during today’s conference. Is it really? Yes. Maybe.
• I gave a speech last week. Afterward, my boss came up to me and said I was both original and good. However, the original parts were not good, and the good parts were not original. So, I have some work to do.
• What do you call a meeting for the Knights of the Round Table? A sir conference.
• Synergy. Collaboration. Team building. You will hear a lot of corporate buzzwords today. Throughout today’s event, just remember: don’t sweat the small stuff.

Inspirational opening conference remarks

• You may have heard the saying, “There is no ‘I’ in teamwork.” This statement holds true, especially as we gather today for our annual company conference. This team excels in working together to achieve our collective goals. Teamwork and team building are critical to our success as a company, so thank you for all of your contributions. Now, let’s build on this positive momentum and keep reaching toward success!
• One of the most inspirational quotes I can think of comes from American author and poet Maya Angelou. She said, “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.” This quote makes me think of the goals and material objects many people chase today. I want you to ask yourselves: what truly makes you happy? Money and materials, or a life well lived?
• Opportunities do not just fall into place. Many times, you have to create your own opportunities and work hard to achieve your goals. If you face obstacles along the way, then these roadblocks simply serve as tests to show how hard you are willing to work toward your goals. I advise you not to let these obstacles get in the way of your success. Think about how far you are willing to go in order to reach your goals.
• When you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. During today’s conference, we are going to talk about how to reach a point where you feel happy and accomplished at work. We will also discuss how we, as a company, can do better to keep our employees satisfied and engaged each day.
• I would like to begin the conference by saying thank you to all of our attendees. I feel honored and privileged to be addressing you today. Before we begin, I would like to pose a question to the audience: what personal accomplishment are you most proud of? Think about your answer and reflect for a moment. Now, remember how you felt when you accomplished this action. I want each of you to save that feeling and use it as your main source of motivation when you are facing obstacles.
• “The power of one, if fearless and focused, is formidable, but the power of many working together is better.” These wise words from Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, serve as a great reminder of the importance of teamwork and persistence.
• Today, we are here to celebrate our collective accomplishments as a team. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are so fortunate to have each of you on this team. Each member of this team inspires me to work hard and accomplish greatness. Today, we celebrate you all.

Conference opening remarks are crucial in setting the tone for your meeting. For example, positive remarks can motivate attendees to engage more actively with the material. Serious remarks, on the other hand, can signal to attendees that the conference’s subject matter is more somber or significant in tone.

We recommend using your opening remarks to alert attendees to your conference’s main topic or theme. You can also share your meeting agenda and encourage participants to follow along throughout the event. Opening remarks create the perfect opportunity to give team members a warm welcome and introduction to start your event on the right foot.

Next, check out team building quotes for work and team building activities for conference calls . You can also check out our team building meeting guide .

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FAQ: Conference opening remarks examples

Here are answers to common questions about conference opening remarks examples.

What are conference opening remarks?

Conference opening remarks are opening statements, introductions, and sayings to welcome attendees to your event. These remarks can add an element of organization to your event by giving participants an idea of the topics and themes you will cover.

What are good examples of conference opening remarks?

Conference opening remarks are important in setting the tone for your meeting while keeping participants engaged. The best conference opening remarks should motivate and inspire attendees to pay close attention and participate in your event.

For example, your conference opening remarks can include an overview of the event’s agenda, motivational quotes, or reasons for your meeting.

How do you write a good opening address for a conference?

Writing a good opening address for a conference can be difficult. To simplify the process, we recommend restating critical information and reminding attendees of the event’s agenda. Your opening remarks should give participants a better understanding of the goal and purpose of your event.

Author: Grace He

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com. Grace is the Director of People & Culture at teambuilding.com. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com.

Grace is the Director of People & Culture at teambuilding.com. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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The Right Way to Start a Meeting

• Liane Davey

Make a good first impression.

We all know there’s a price to pay for a making bad first impression: A limp handshake conveys low confidence; a wrinkled suit makes you seem lazy; oversharing comes across as emotional instability. But do you ever think about the first impression your meetings make? Frequently restarting meetings for stragglers sends the message that participants have more control than you do. Issues opened for discussion with no clear purpose get hijacked by participants with a clearer agenda than yours. Monologues validate everyone’s fears that your meeting is going to be about as valuable (and as scintillating) as watching an hour of C-SPAN.

• LD Liane Davey is a team effectiveness advisor and professional speaker . She is the author of The Good Fight and You First , and the coauthor of Leadership Solutions . LianeDavey

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How to smoothly start a meeting (when you’re in charge)

Your turn, now!

Tell me: What are your own tips to conduct a smooth meeting?

Write your answer down in the comments!  It’s a great way to practice, and share with the world!

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My tips to conduct a good meeting is to speak slow and clear. I am from Denmark. If I speak too fast, people can’t understand my accent or words.

Hi Philip, Great tips, thanks! Yes, often people think they need to speak fast to speak well, but often it is the opposite! Just think of how difficult it is to talk with Americans because they speak fast. The goal is clear communication, not fast speech. Thanks for reminding us of that!

Thanks! This is really helpful

I think choosing the proper words Is important. Also, prevent some ambiguous words, in case there is any misunderstanding.

Absolutely, Hank!

Thanks so much!

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How to Start a Speech: The Best Ways to Capture Your Audience

You’ve heard the saying,  “First impressions are lasting; you never get a second chance to create a good first impression” —  right?

The same is true when talking about how to start a speech…

The truth is, when you start your speech, you must focus everything on making a positive first impression on your audience members (especially if you are doing the presentation virtually ). Capturing the audience’s attention from the very beginning is crucial to prevent them from being distracted, losing interest, or forming negative opinions.

The introduction is the formal greeting for speeches, so let’s be sure to get this right to hook the audience. Understanding the importance of speech openings can significantly impact making a strong first impression. Planning and delivering the first words with confidence and relevance is essential, as they set the tone for the entire presentation and ensure you deliver a professional start, free from hesitation or irrelevance.

Here are 15 different ways to start a speech as well as 2 extra BONUS tips at the end.

1) Thank the Organizers and Audience

You can start by thanking the audience for coming and thanking the organization for inviting you to speak.

Refer to the person who introduced you or to one or more of the senior people in the organization in the audience.

This compliments them, makes them feel proud and happy about your presence, and connects you to the audience like an electrical plug in a socket.

2) Start With a Positive Statement

A presentation tip at the start is to tell the audience members how much they will like and enjoy what you have to say.

For example, you might say:

“You’re really going to enjoy the time we spend together this evening. I’m going to share with you some of the most important ideas that have ever been discovered in this area.”

Remember that  speaking is an art,  so be an artist and take complete control of your performance,

3) Compliment the Audience

You can begin by complimenting the audience members sincerely and with great respect.

Smile as if you are really glad to see them as if they are all old friends of yours that you have not seen for quite a while.

You can tell them that it is a great honor for you to be here, that they are some of the most important people in this business or industry, and that you are looking forward to sharing some key ideas with them.

You could say something like:

“It is an honor to be here with you today. You are the elite, the top 10 percent of people in this industry. Only the very best people in any field will take the time and make the sacrifice to come so far for a conference like this.”

4) Start Your Speech With the First Sentence Referring to Current Events

Use a current event front-page news story to transition into your subject and to illustrate or prove your point. You can bring a copy of the newspaper and hold it up as you refer to it in your introduction.

This visual image of you holding the paper and reciting or reading a key point rivets the audience’s attention and causes more people to lean forward to hear what you have to say.

5) Refer to a Historical Event

For many years, I studied military history…

Especially the lives and campaigns of the great generals and the decisive battles they won. One of my favorites was Alexander the Great. Standing in the symbolic shadow of such historical figures can provide a powerful and engaging start to any speech, especially when drawing parallels to contemporary challenges.

One day, I was asked to give a talk on leadership principles to a roomful of managers for a Fortune 500 company.

I decided that the campaign of Alexander the Great against Darius of Persia would make an excellent story that would illustrate the leadership qualities of one of the great commanders in history.

I opened my talk with these words:

“Once upon a time there was a young man named Alex who grew up in a poor country. But Alex was a little bit ambitious. From an early age, he decided that he wanted to conquer the entire known world. But there was a small problem.

Most of the known world was under the control of a huge multinational called the Persian Empire, headed by King Darius II. To fulfill his ambition, Alex was going to have to take the market share away from the market leader, who was very determined to hold on to it.

This is the same situation that exists between you and your major competitors in the market today. You are going to have to use all your leadership skills to win the great marketing battles of the future.”

6) Refer to a Well Known Person

You can start by quoting a well-known person or publication that recently made an interesting or important statement.

One of the subjects I touch upon regularly is the importance of continual personal development.

I will say something like:

“In the twenty-first century, knowledge and know-how are the keys to success. As basketball coach Pat Riley said, ‘If you are not getting better, you are getting worse.’”

7) Refer to a Recent Conversation

Start by telling a story about a recent conversation with someone in attendance.

For instance, I might say:

“A few minutes ago, I was talking with Tom Robinson in the lobby. He told me that this is one of the very best times to be working in this industry, and I agree.”

8) Make a Shocking Statement With a Startling Fact

You can start your talk by making a shocking statement of some kind.

For example, you might say something like:

“Here’s a startling fact: According to a recent study, there will be more change, more competition, and more opportunities in this industry in the next year than ever before. And 72 percent of the people in this room will be doing something different within two years if they do not rapidly adapt to these changes.”

Click here If you want to learn more techniques to wow your audience.

9) Quote From Recent Research

You can start by quoting a relevant, recent research report.

One example is:

“According to a story in a recent issue of Businessweek, there were almost 11 million millionaires in America in 2018, most of them self-made.”

10) Start Your Speech With a Strong Opening By Giving Them Hope

The French philosopher Gustav Le Bon once wrote, “The only religion of mankind is, and always has been hope.”

When you speak effectively, you give people hope of some kind.

Remember, the ultimate purpose of public speaking, is to inspire people to do things that they would not have done in the absence of your comments.

Everything you say should relate to the actions you want people to take and the reasons that they should take those actions.

11) Be Entertaining

Bill Gove used to walk onto the stage after his introduction if he had just finished talking to someone on the side and was breaking off to give his talk to the group.

The audience got the feeling that his entire talk was one continuous conversation, devoid of meaningless filler words .

Bill would often go to the edge of the stage and then drop his voice in a conspiratorial way, open his arms, and beckon the audience members to come a little closer.

He would say, “Come here, let me tell you something,” and then he would wave them forward as though he was about to tell a secret to the entire room.

The amazing thing was that everyone in the room would lean forward to hear this “secret” that he was about to share. People would all suddenly realize what they were doing and break out in laughter. It was a wonderful device to get the audience into the palm of his hands.

12) Ask a Question

You can open by making a positive statement and then pose a rhetorical question to engage your audience and set the stage for your presentation.

Try something like this:

“This is a great time to be alive and in business in America. But let me ask you, what does it truly mean to be self-employed in today’s economy?”

Raise your hand to indicate what you want people to do. I have used this line, and after a moment of thought, I then say to someone who looks intrigued in the front, “How many people here feel truly self-employed?”

Invariably, someone will say, “We all do!”

I then compliment and affirm the answer: “You’re right! We are all self-employed, from the time we take our first jobs to the day that we retire; we all work for ourselves, no matter who signs our paychecks.”

Similarly, a 17-year-old science fair winner effectively engaged their audience with a question at the beginning of their TED Talk, showcasing the power of this technique.

13) Open With a Problem

You can start with a problem that must be solved. If it is a problem that almost everyone has in common, you will immediately have the audience’s complete and undivided attention.

For example, you could say:

“Fully 63 percent of baby boomers are moving toward retirement without enough money put aside to provide for themselves for as long as they are going to live. We must address this problem and take action immediately to ensure that each person who retires will be able to live comfortably for the rest of his or her natural life.”

Introducing a new idea at this point can be a powerful way to engage your audience further, by promising a solution that is both innovative and beneficial.

14) Make a Strong Statement, Then Ask a Question

You can start by making a strong and powerful statement and then ask a question. You then follow with an answer and ask another question. This gets people immediately involved and listening to your every word.

Here’s an example:

“Twenty percent of the people in our society make 80 percent of the money. Are you a member of the top 20 percent? If not, would you like to join the top 20 percent or even the top 10 percent? Well, in the next few minutes, I am going to give you some ideas to help you become some of the highest-paid people in our society. Would that be a good goal for our time together today?”

15) Tell a Personal Story

You can start your talk with a personal story. Some of the most powerful words to capture the complete attention of the audience and make a personal connection are, “Once upon a time…”

From infancy and early childhood, people love stories of any kind. When you start off a presentation with a personal anecdote using the words, “Once upon a time…” you tell the audience that a relatable story is coming. People immediately settle down, become quiet, and lean forward, eager to hear how your experience might mirror their own or offer them new insights.

When I conduct full-day seminars and I want to bring people back to their seats after a break, I will say loudly, “Once upon a time there was a man, right here in this city…”

As soon as I say these words, people hurry back to their seats and begin to listen attentively, connecting with the story on a personal level.

Incorporating a personal story is very effective.

In fact, it’s probably one of the best public speaking tips I’ve learned to this day.

Bonus Tip: Tell Them About Yourself

Very often, I will start a serious speech or presentation to a business, sales, or entrepreneurial group by saying:

“I started off without graduating from high school. My family had no money. Everything I accomplished in life I had to do on my own with very little help from anyone else.”

It is amazing how many people come up to me after a talk that began with those words and tells me that was their experience as well.

They tell me that they could immediately identify with me because they too had started with poor grades and limited funds, as most people do. As a result, they were open to the rest of my talk, even a full-day seminar, and felt that everything I said was more valid and authentic than if I had been a person who started off with a successful background.

Building a bridge like this is very helpful in bringing the audience onto your side.

Bonus Tip: Get Them Talking to One Another

You can ask people to turn to the person next to them to discuss a particular point.

For instance, you could say:

“Tell the person next to you what you would like to learn from this seminar.”

Whatever you ask your audience members to do, within reason, they will do it for you. Your commands and your thought leadership will easily influence them, as long as you ask them with confidence.

By following any one of these tips for starting your speech, you are sure to grab your audience’s attention every time. How do you start a speech? Let me know in the comments.

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About Brian Tracy — Brian is recognized as the top sales training and personal success authority in the world today. He has authored more than 60 books and has produced more than 500 audio and video learning programs on sales, management, business success and personal development, including worldwide bestseller The Psychology of Achievement. Brian's goal is to help you achieve your personal and business goals faster and easier than you ever imagined. You can follow him on Twitter , Facebook , Pinterest , Linkedin and Youtube .

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