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.
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. [3] X Research source 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. ”
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!”
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.
