opening ceremony speech for school

School Welcome Speech

During the first day of classes, you will most definitely hear a speech from your principal or teachers. A welcome speech along with some announcements from your principal will be blasted through your school’s PA system. This speech aims to formally welcome all the students back to school as well as set the tone for the rest of the school days. Generally, a welcome speech is intended to greet the audience, inform them want to expect, introduce someone or something new and mire importantly to make them audience feel welcomed and comfortable. But the question is, how do you make your speech more engaging? Especially when students have a high tendency of not listening and not minding when a speech is being delivered. How do you make a welcome speech that students will remember for the rest of the school year?

Parts of a Welcome Speech

Your welcome speech should be concise and understandable to your audience. You must be able to deliver all the important information without making the speech a one hour long. Generally, you speech must only take five minutes, that way you can guarantee that the everyone’s attention is still on you. To help you make and structure an effective welcome speech, here is a list of the parts your speech must have:

• A formal greeting
• A brief introduction
• Short background  information
• Share some goals and motivation
• Sending off in a motivational manner

You may also see appreciation speech examples & samples.

Welcome Speech by Principal Example

Size: 451 KB

Graduation Welcome Speech Example

Size: 383 KB

Academic Conference Welcome Speech Example

Size: 351 KB

How to Write a Welcome Speech

Just to make things clear, a welcome speech is can also be used in any event that may be held in your school, it can be a graduation ceremony, pep rally, homecoming, etc. And it can be delivered by the principal, teacher and students alike.

Now to start your journey to writing a welcome speech, the first thing you need to do is write the opening of your speech. This includes a formal greeting to the audience and acknowledging the presence of guests, if any. You should start your speech in a warm and friendly welcoming gesture so that you audience can feel comfortable during the entire duration of your speech and programme. Should you wish to mention names of guests, be sure you include all of their names, it is quite rude to forget the name of the other guests.

After you write your short greeting, you can start introducing yourself to the audience. Introduce yourself especially when it is your first time to publicly address the audience, most importantly when your the new principal, teacher or student. You need to make sure your audience will be able to remember you after the speech. However, you need not to make your introduction lengthy, just mention your name, your position for example new principal, subject teacher, etc. and a short background about yourself. Just so your audience can feel like they know have known you for quite some time. You may also see tribute speech examples & samples.

Afterwards, you present a short background about the event or inform them on what’s about to happen this school year. This is where you share announcements and basically inform them the purpose of the whole event. On an instance when the speech is blasted through the PA system, make sure you inform the audience about the significance of a new academic year, inform them of upcoming activities and basically let the know of what’s to come in the next few days, weeks or months. However, make sure you emphasize the key point/s that is related to the event you are speaking on. You may also like thank-you speech examples & samples.

And since you’re already in the point of your speech where all the relevant and significant information you needed to share has been said, share encouraging words and help motivate your audience especially the students to give their best this academic year or the following. Encourage them to be the best version of themselves. However, do not pressure them, pressuring them is way different from motivating them. You can do this by giving successful examples of famous people or people that are also familiar to them. You may also check out dedication speech examples.

Lastly, you can send them off to do their activities and what not in an encouraging manner. You an do this by giving motivational quotes or by posting a challenge that they can do in order for them to feel energized and motivated. Remember to end you speech in a positive way. Some students already dread going to school, make sure you make them feel like school and studying is not a bad thing and that all the effort and sacrifices are all going to be worth it in the end. You might be interested in orientation speech examples & samples.

Opening Ceremony Welcome Speech Example

Size: 299 KB

Student Class President Welcome Speech Example

Size: 247 KB

Orientation Welcome Speech Example

Size: 266 KB

Welcome Speech Example

Size: 254 KB

How to Deliver an Iconic Welcome Speech

When its you first time delivering a speech it can be quite nerve-wracking most especially when you are delivering it in front of people you know, you can feel fidgety and vulnerable which can affect your delivery. But do not fret, this guide will help you deliver an iconic welcome speech.

1. Research and prepare

Before anything else, you must be prepared. If you have been given the assignment of delivering a welcome speech weeks or even days before the event, you have enough time to do a research. If the event has some special guests, research about them especially if you intend to mention their names. Research on the purpose and objectives of the event, the theme that the event is applying, and everything else that you should know. This will prevent you from stuttering or blacking out since you already have a clear background about these important information. You may also see launch speech examples.

2. Write a draft

Writing a draft ensures that you have included all the information you need to deliver. It allows you to have a clear physical copy of what you’re going to say in your speech. this will also allow you to correct and replace some contents of the speech that you think are unnecessary. A draft can also help you structure your speech better since you can easily correct if you think the sequence of your contents are off. A draft can ensure that the flow of your speech is logical and comprehensive so that you audience can easily understand the purpose of your general speech.

3. Understand the purpose of your message

Before the audience, you must first understand why you’re making a speech. How can you convey a good message if you do not understand it? After you have written your draft, read and reread it, internalize and make sure you understand your objective so that you can effectively convey it to your audience. This will also help you feel confident with your speech and can great affect how well you deliver your speech. You may also like presentation speech examples & samples.

4. Familiarize your speech

You do not need to memorize you speech; memorizing the whole speech still has a high chance of you forgetting the words especially when your nervousness overcomes. Therefore, it is still better to familiarize your entire speech. This way when you read a specific word in your cue card you will immediately remember what comes next. This will also help you avoid juts reading through the the script the whole time while delivering the speech. Since you remember you cues, you can immediately deliver what’s next. You may also check out leadership speech examples & samples.

5. Practice beforehand

And the most important part of all of this is to practice, practice, practice. Practice delivering your speech in front of the mirror that way you can see the way deliver your speech. You can correct your posture, gestures and your habit of just reading. In addition, practicing your speech days before the event will also help you familiarize your speech better and you can detect if your voice quality and intonation is good or not. You might be interested in youth speech examples.

School Head Welcome Speech Example

Size: 291 KB

New Facilities Opening Welcome Speech Example

Size: 176 KB

New Graduation Welcome Speech Example

Size: 198 KB

Speech Delivery Dos and Don’ts

• Try to find a style that works best for you.
• Be conversational and relaxed.
• Stand still, but do not seem rigid.
• Make use of natural gestures.
• Fill the room with the right volume of your vice.
• Speak clearly. Make sure you pronounce and articulate your words properly.
• Do connect with the audience; make eye contact.
• Avoid vocalized pauses.
• Vary your eye perception throughout the room.
• Vary your pitch, rate, tone, and volume to sound more engaging.
• Speak extemporaneously, unless the occasion demands otherwise.
• If you must read, do it with feelings.
• Make sure your emotional tone matches the occasion.
• Control your tempo to fit the demands of the occasion.
• Use language that is appropriate for the audience.
• Be relaxed, but attentive.

You may also see welcome speech examples & samples.

2. Dont’s

• Do not fidget or pace.
• Do not rock, kick, scratch, or bounce.
• Do not “lecture” at the audience.
• Do not only look at the instructor or select audience members.
• Do not read your speech unless the occasion demands otherwise.
• If you must use a manuscript, do not stare at it.
• Do not stare at the floor, the ceiling, the window, door or on an empty space.
• Do not begin speaking until you are standing firmly.
• Do not begin walking away until you are truly finished.
• Do not use jargon or difficult terms.
• Do not worry or apologize if you “mess up.” Chances are the audience did not even notice.

You may also like debate speech examples .

In conclusion, make sure you cater the needs of your audience. Tailor your speech in accordance to the event you are speaking on. A welcome speech is the first speech to formally open an event therefore it should be warm and friendly, not intimidating and lecturing. Remember to just act normal and be mindful on how you deliver your speech and you will surely make a good impression. You may also check out special occasion speech examples & samples.

School Welcome Speech Generator

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Create a school welcome speech for the first day back

Help me write a school welcome speech for new teachers

An Artificial Intelligent English Learning Platform

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.

Learn from History – Follow the Science – Listen to the Experts

What’s the one thing that makes  LillyPad  so special? Lilly! She is a personal English tutor, and has people talking all over the world! Lilly makes improving your English easy. With Lilly, you can read in four different ways, and you can read just about anything you love. And learning with Lilly, well that’s what you call liberating! 

For learners of all ages striving to improve their English, LillyPad combines the most scientifically studied and recommended path to achieving English fluency and proficiency with today’s most brilliant technologies!

Additionally, the platform incorporates goal-setting capabilities, essential tracking & reporting, gamification, anywhere-anytime convenience, and significant cost savings compared to traditional tutoring methodologies.

At  LillyPad , everything we do is focused on delivering a personalized journey that is meaningful and life-changing for our members. LillyPad isn’t just the next chapter in English learning…

…it’s a whole new story!

Do you want to improve your English? Visit  www.lillypad.ai .

Follow us on  Facebook  or  Instagram !

William Landry

William is a professional English and ESL teacher with over 15 years of experience. He has taught students of all ages, from children to business executives, and has worked with ESL learners from all over the globe. With a degree in English Education, William has developed curriculum for learners of all levels and interests. He is passionate about helping people learn English effectively and shares his knowledge with the LillyPad community. When he’s not teaching or writing, William enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.

Related Articles

8 ways to improve your english by reading what you love with an ai tutor, how to read like a professional, what are the benefits of reading aloud, the world of online book clubs, improve your english faster with lilly an artificial intelligent tutor.

Latest Posts

Understanding YLTE: Importance of English Test for Young Learners

Top 10 errors in english proficiency tests & how to avoid them, challenges in english proficiency tests for language learners.

FLUOROSCOPE LANGUAGE CALCULATOR

How long will it take you to improve your English?

Design, write and practice your own phrases or learn  3,500+ premade English phrases  with Lilly!

© 2023 LillyPad.Ai

• Privacy Policy

• Get Inspired

Welcome Speech for School Opening Day in English

School is very important for various reasons. It teaches and prepares us for anything that is out there. The school helps us crave some important rules and tools that we will need for a successful future. Therefore, the start of any new school year should be lively, energetic, and inspirational. Thus, the Welcome Speech for School Opening Day will help you start a new school year full of motivations, hopes, and dreams. Besides, it will not only motivate you but also others.

If you don’t want to put pen to paper or not convenient to type the news script. No worries! Just dictate or talk and accurately convert your voice or speech to text. Click on the link below and learn how to convert your voice to text easily.

The Best Welcome Speech for School Opening Day in English

The following speech is written for a student who is preparing to give a welcome speech on the first day of school to his fellow students, teachers, and principal. Nonetheless, with some changes here and there, anybody can use it.

“A very warm welcome to each and every one of you. Distinguished principal, respected staff and teachers, and my dear fellow students welcome back to (insert name of the school here).

At last, this beautiful day has arrived. I am sure you all have been eagerly waiting for this day. The fact that not all of us love coming to school is not surprising. Catching up with your friends and/or meeting your favorite teacher are just a couple of reasons, we can not avoid coming back to school.

Anyways, before going any further, I am delighted to thank the presence of the personality that hardly needs any introduction. It is none other than Mr. (insert name of the school principal here) the director and principal of (insert the name of school here). Besides, I am also honored to be thanking the hard work, patience, and perseverance of our dear teachers without whom we would not have been here.

It is, indeed, a great pleasure seeing you all gathered here for the morning assembly after what feels like a light-year. Without taking much of your time, I want to mention a lesson that personally inspires me to do and achieve more despite failing a hundred times.

Your limitation- it is only your imagination.

Thus, let us start our new year at school with hopes and dreams that no matter how limited we might be, we will do our best to achieve what we call dreams. Also, it is something magical about success. If I asked you to name the first man who walked on the moon. I am pretty hopeful that I will get a bunch of answers. However, if I asked you who was the second person, I barely hope that I will get any answers.

Because, traditionally, we do not value the second or third positions as much as we should. After all, it is not only the first person who deserves fame, a name, and a notable status. Whether you believe it or not, each and everyone deserves it because we all work hard and give our best.

However, at the end of the day, what matters most is where do you stand relative to your yesterday, not your school fellow who probably performed better than you. Additionally, those who have invested their best but they were not able to manage a victory, keep working hard because hard work pays off.

After all “Patience and Perseverance” are a couple of secrets to success. With that being said, I would like to thank you all for your patience and time. And once again, welcome back to (insert name of the school here).

You might also be interested in:

• 7 Steps to Write a Welcome Speech in English
• How to Introduce and Honor Chief Guest in a Function
• Annual Day Speech Sample for Teachers

Related posts

Productivity: definition, formula, and tools, when god answered man, most motivational quotes for students to stay motivated in life.

[…] Welcome Speech for School Opening Day in English […]

Thanks, it was helpful!

Welcome speech for school opening

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Games, topic printables & more
• The 4 main speech types
• Example speeches
• Commemorative
• Declamation
• Demonstration
• Informative
• Introduction
• Student Council
• Speech topics
• Poems to read aloud
• How to write a speech
• Using props/visual aids
• Acute anxiety help
• Breathing exercises
• Letting go - free e-course
• Using self-hypnosis
• Delivery overview
• 4 modes of delivery
• How to make cue cards
• How to read a speech
• 9 vocal aspects
• Vocal variety
• Diction/articulation
• Pronunciation
• Speaking rate
• How to use pauses
• Eye contact
• Body language
• Voice image
• Voice health
• Public speaking activities and games
• About me/contact
• Speech examples
• Welcome speech

How to write a welcome speech in 3 steps

With a printable welcome speech planner, outline and a sample welcome speech

By:  Susan Dugdale  

So, you've been asked to give a short welcome speech for an event. Congratulations! And now you want to be doubly sure you get it right. The right content. The right tone. Plus, the right length!

You'll find everything here you need to do that easily, from start to finish. 

Jump in. You are just three steps away from a completed welcome speech. Shall we start?

The fastest and best way to get your speech done is to:

• skim read this page to get an overview of the speech writing process, ( the welcome speech template and the planner you're going to use), to  read the example welcome speech , and to find out more about the function of a welcome speech and the importance of its tone .
• then download, print and complete the welcome speech planner .
• and lastly, use the notes you made in the planner to write your welcome speech . To help with that, you can download and print the outline of my example welcome speech to use.  Edit, and add your information to make the speech your own.

Return to Top

The welcome speech template

To be effective your welcome speech needs to meet expected, as well as any specific, requirements dictated by the occasion.

The 6 standard welcome speech content ingredients

There are six common or standard content items in a good welcome speech.

• Greetings to welcome everyone and thanking them for coming along.
• Acknowledgement of special guests, if there are any.
• An introduction of the event itself and a brief overview of special highlights the audience will want to know about.
• Any important housekeeping information, for instance: where the bathrooms are, where lunch will be served and when...
• An introduction for the next speaker, if there is one.
• Thanking everyone for coming once more and then concluding having made everybody feel at ease, eagerly anticipating what is to come.

Numbers 1, 3, and 6 are basic essentials you cannot do without. Numbers 2, 4 and 5 may, or may not, be applicable. Pick what you need from them to fit your occasion.

Short sample welcome speech for a conference 

Now let's put all six ingredients into an example of a short welcome speech to open a conference that you can adapt for your own speech.

* (This speech is pure fiction! I made it up to show you how it's done. You'll see its tone is formal rather than informal to fit the occasion. I don't think there is a group called Parents United. However, there are others with a similar mission: 10 Inspiring Organizations that Promote Literacy and Education .)  

Example welcome speech - "Readers by Right"

"Sue-Ellen Thomas, Jim Smith, Jane Brown and all of our guests, good morning!

My name is April Molloy, and it's my privilege and great pleasure on behalf of Parents United to welcome you all here today.

We are delighted to have you with us to participate and share in this special occasion, our 5th annual Children's Day Conference. Thank you for coming. That many of you have willingly traveled long distances to be here serves as a reminder to us all just how important our work is.

Parents United is committed to actively raising the quality of life for every child. We want all children, regardless of race, creed or circumstance to achieve their full potential. Our task is to make it possible. Our mission is to provide practical, step by step assistance.

This year our theme is literacy. We've named the day 'Readers by Right'.

Thanks to the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are aware of 'rights' in many spheres, including education.  Article 26 declared it should be compulsory and free for children.

That goal is as pertinent today as it was then. And it's a goal I know we all share - the full development of every child. As a body, Parents United recognizes good reading skills established in childhood as the foundation of fulfilling, and ongoing education.

We are honored to have Sue-Ellen Thomas, Jim Smith and Jane Brown with us today. All three are esteemed specialists in teaching young children to read.

Sue-Ellen has worked for a long time with educational authorities to establish programs putting in place necessary pre-reading skills. Her hard work needs no introduction. The results speak for themselves.

Jim and Jane bring their passion, and knowledge of how to reach those in our communities who are frequently overlooked or bypassed. Their work among disadvantaged English-as-a-second-language families has bridged gaps that were deep dark chasms.

Prepare yourself to be challenged, excited and inspired.

And before I handover to Lesley Watts, our coordinator for 'Readers by Right', who will outline the day's various events, I want to say once more on behalf of the Parents United organizing committee, welcome. It's wonderful to see so many of you here." 

Get your welcome speech started

To shortcut wondering, "Should I say this?" or "Maybe I should say that?" and "Then again there's also ...", I have a very simple solution for you.

Get yourself a printable welcome speech planner

Download and print my  special greeting address planner .

It covers ALL the necessary ingredients that go into preparing a successful welcome speech. It's simple to use and easily filled out. Once it's done, writing your speech will be a lot less hassle as you'll have the core content ready to work with.

Writing your welcome speech

Tips to help you get your speech right.

When you're entering information into your speech planner:

• ensure you've got all the names of individuals or special guests you need to mention specifically and, that you know how to pronounce each of them. Also check that you know and use their preferred pronouns: them/they, she/her, he/him...
• double check the remarks you're going to make about them, or anything else, are factually correct.

Use your introduction of your guests/or the event, as a "teaser" for what is going to come. It will help create anticipation in the audience. Don't ruin it by giving too much away! Just enough to tempt and no more.

Keep it brief. One to two minutes is generally sufficient.

(The word count of my sample welcome speech is 357. It will take approximately 2 minutes to say .) 

Use the S-S-S formula for success: Short, Simple and Sincere. Your listeners will appreciate it.

Get a printable welcome speech outline

If you would like to use and adapt the structure I used in my sample speech as the foundation for your welcome speech, click the link to download the printable: welcome speech outline .

Then edit; delete, amend and add, until you are done.

Get a hand with vocabulary

If you're stuck for words, here's a large selection of  adaptable welcoming phrases with example s entences.  Reading through them could help you to find exactly what you want.

What does a good welcome speech do?

An effective welcome speech has three important functions. It:

• signals the official beginning of an event . It says to the audience, hush, sit down, stop talking and listen. What you came for is starting!
• sets the tone for the occasion through the choice of language used . For example, using light-hearted and informal words to welcome guests to a dear friend's birthday party may be completely appropriate.  However, the same type of language to welcome family and friends to a memorial service is unlikely to be. In that setting, people generally expect a more solemn and formal word choice. They could be deeply offended and think the use of casual language is disrespectful.  Understanding and getting tone right is a key element in the overall success of your welcome speech.  
• unites the audience . It draws everyone together in the common purpose at the heart of the occasion. For example, at a birthday party, the welcome speech invites everyone to join in celebrating the person whose birthday it is. The welcome speech opening a specialist conference will affirm its principal purpose: the coming together of people with mutual interests to meet and share new knowledge. Or if a welcome speech is given to newcomers in a workplace, club or educational setting, its purpose is to give an introductory overview of how things work to help them feel more at ease in their new situation - to help them develop a sense of belonging.

Getting the tone right for an event

What is tone.

Tone is the combined impact of the words chosen to express something, with how they are structured and, delivered.  All three elements come together to create tone * . 

Get tone wrong, and your welcome speech is a disaster.

Get it right, and it's a triumph!

(Yes, that's hyperbole but I'm sure you get the idea. ☺)

* Tone - a mood, quality or feeling

How to choose the right words

The beginning of getting tone right is to think about your audience and the event itself. Your goal is to unite and bring them together in the main purpose at the core of the occasion. What type of language will do that most appropriately and easily?

To answer that question, think about the common interest everybody shares - the principal reason behind them getting together.  It will help guide your language choice.

Is it a fun event like a birthday party for close friends and family? If so, then informal language is likely to be the most apt.

You might hear something along the lines of: "Well, here we all are! The big day has finally arrived. Jean-Marie is 50! Half a century! How on earth did that happen?"

If it's a remembrance service for someone who has recently died, the language you're likely to hear is more formal.

For example: "Friends, family, colleagues, thank you for joining us today to celebrate and give thanks for our dear Jean-Marie. Your presence is gratefully appreciated." 

What is appropriate? What is expected?  Do spend some time thinking tone through. Misunderstanding and getting it wrong can be very embarrassing for everyone. If in doubt, ask someone whose opinion you trust.

Related helpful pages

Help rehearsing your welcome speech.

Get  step by step instructions on how to rehearse  including how to make and use cue cards.

And please do rehearse. It makes a huge difference! You'll sound, and look better. Taking the time to rehearse shows respect for yourself, the audience and the event. Truly.

Help to manage pre-speech jitters

Nervous? If you're shaking in your boots at the thought of having to speak in front of an audience, click  overcoming public speaking fear  for assistance. Take your time. The page has 14 tried and tested suggestions to consider.

Help with other types of welcome speeches

Or perhaps you need  welcome to the family speeches   or a  church welcome speech sample ? Click the links to find easily adaptable examples.

speaking out loud 

Subscribe for  FREE weekly alerts about what's new For more see  speaking out loud  

Top 10 popular pages

• Demonstration speech topics
• Impromptu speech topic cards
• Thank you quotes
• Impromptu public speaking topics
• Farewell speeches
• Phrases for welcome speeches
• Student council speeches
• Free sample eulogies

From fear to fun in 28 ways

A complete one stop resource to scuttle fear in the best of all possible ways - with laughter.

Useful pages

• Search this site
• About me & Contact
• Blogging Aloud
• Free e-course
• Privacy policy

©Copyright 2006-24 www.write-out-loud.com

Designed and built by Clickstream Designs

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game New
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• Communication Skills
• Public Speaking
• Speechwriting

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 1,639,830 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

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

Gokul Shriram

Nov 17, 2019

Apr 8, 2022

Adefisayo Adeyemi

Sep 24, 2021

Johnson Kisero

Jan 29, 2019

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

• School Speeches
• Introductory Speech
• Anniversaries
• Funeral Speeches
• Graduation Speech
• Persuasive Speech
• Wedding Speech
• Speech Tips
• Special Days
• Speech Topics
• Demonstrative
• About Author
• Privacy Policy

Welcome Speech that Inspires and Motivates

Your  welcome speech  - there's something about a new year, isn't there?

I t lies ahead bright with possibility and with dreams  ready  to be explored and attained.  You can play your part in this magical moment with your  words of wisdom !

Print  our free written speech, or adapt the  template  to suit your needs! Either way - you've got it covered.

Tips on public speaking for a sample  welcome speech ? Well, it's got to be great  speeches  (you're in luck - just a quick scroll down) and nothing says welcome back better than a dazzling smile.

Welcome Speech

The School year at [insert name of school] is about to commence and I would like to take the opportunity to welcome you all.

Education can be likened to a great big canvas and this year we would like our students to throw as much paint as they can on the canvas of their education.   I appeal to the students, the parents and the teachers to value and uphold the importance of intrinsic motivation.

This year I have no doubt that our students will throw themselves into their education, they will make the most of the canvas of opportunity that they are offered and they will paint the goals that they aspire to. I have no doubt that if they remain motivated in the classroom, then they will achieve their goals.  Their education is sound, creative and innovative and [insert name of school] , together with the parents and the students themselves, will  help  to make this a reality.

Help! Four letters that can mean so much. Four letters that can be seen as a dynamic, planned action - or as a plea!

This year, the Parents Association will continue to tirelessly take action to help raise funds for [insert name of school]. The Board of Governors will continue to take action to help strategically plan towards ensuring an educationally sound and innovative future for our School.

The teachers at [insert name of school] will take action and help the students to achieve academic, sporting, cultural and life-long learning. May  I take this opportunity to thank the teachers for their continued professionalism, excellence and dedication. It is your teacher motivation and motivation in the classroom that will help to create a year that is bright with embraced opportunities.

However, even more importantly, the students themselves will have to take action to further their education. Our young ladies and gentlemen too are beginning to realize that they cannot merely sit back and expect the greater School community to do everything for them - they are realizing the importance of self-motivation and are prepared to help themselves.

It is an appeal that we make to our young charges today. Help yourselves ! Make the most of the fantastic educational opportunities that you have. Throw as much paint as you can on to the canvas of your education this year. If you can do that, then one day, you will be in a position to respond to the pleas of others who may need your help!

Help! Four letters that mean so much. You must help yourselves so that ultimately you can help others. Each young lady and gentleman here today, in their own way, will need to help. You will need to help your family. You will need to help the environment. You will need to make sense of the world when sense and reason go missing. You will need to help solve problems through innovation and invention. And, you will need to help turn indifference into motivated, helpful action.

This is our goal as the year at [insert name of school] commences! Let's continue to work together to help each other to be our best for the world!

You will wow them with your wonderful  welcome speech  - way to go!

Return from Welcome Speech to Words of Wisdom   Religious Welcome Speeches   Welcome to the Family Speech   Welcome Sample Speech - Let The Party Begin   Welcome Address Speech - Welcoming Wizard Whiz   Welcome Free Speeches - A Way With Welcome Words   Welcome Church Speech - Welcoming Everyone With A Smile   Teacher Welcome Letter - Warm, Welcoming Words Of Wisdom   Welcome Poem - Inviting Words ... So Worth It.   Sample Of A Welcoming Speech - Welcome Extended And Embraced  

Salutatorian Speech Examples To Make Guests Feel Welcome

Salutatorian speeches are considered the opening act to other speeches by the valedictorian and guest speakers. They can be general, serious, funny, inspirational, long, or short, but they should always be heartfelt. These salutatorian speech examples show how to welcome guests and gets the ceremony going.

At college or high school graduations, the salutatorian, the person with the second highest grade points average in a graduating class, typically speaks first. Following the salutatorian speech, the valedictorian gives the main student speech of the ceremony.

Here are some salutatorian speech examples to guide your writing.

Table of Contents

What Is The Purpose of A Salutatorian Speech?

The salutatorian speech often serves as a welcome speech to greet those at the commencement ceremony. Whether you are at a college or high school graduation, the salutatorian speeches are similar. While the valedictoria n typically speaks to their fellow graduates, the salutatorian speaks on behalf of the class in their graduation speech.

When Is It Usually Given During Graduation?

The salutatorian speech, or salutation, is often the first speech in the graduation ceremony. A high school salutatorian speech might welcome everyone for coming, thank faculty, staff, and loved ones for their hard work and support of the graduates, and serve as an introduction for the festivities to follow.

What Is The Usual Content Of The Speech?

• Introduction:  Be certain to introduce yourself in the opening portions of the speech. Include a greeting such as “good morning” or “good evening” before explaining who you are and why you are honored to represent this college or high school class.
• Thanks : It is common for the salutatorian to thank those assembled to celebrate the special day. Acknowledging staff members at this time is also appropriate.
•   Welcoming:  Someone needs to welcome everyone to the commencement ceremony, and as the first speaker, that task often falls to the salutatorian.
•   Inspiring:  A salutatorian speech can serve as a tool to give pieces of advice or wisdom to the graduates. This can be done through stories, quotes, or both.
•   Reminiscing:  Recapping and reminiscing about the years the class has spent together is often the most meaningful part of the speech.

Should The Speech Be Coordinated With That Of The Valedictorian?

Before finalizing ideas for the salutatorian speech, the salutatorian should compare notes with the valedictorian before they are solidified. Each speech should have a distinct and exciting focus that will not render the other redundant. Coordinating your approaches is an excellent way to ensure attendees enjoy both of your speeches.

How Do You Write The Speech?

• Ask a teacher, administrator, or faculty advisor  to determine  your speech length . If they say 3-5 minutes, you should stick within that time frame. These speeches are usually at most 10 minutes.
•   Talk to classmates   to gather material.  Are there stories you want to share about your graduating class? Be sure you are not focusing on a small group of people, as it is graduation day for an entire class, not just a few.
•  Choose a  few main points  to make. Don’t try to cram too many speech topics into the 5 or so minutes you have to talk.
•  Make an  outline.  How will you bring your thoughts together into a cohesive speech? Remember that bringing it all together is a big part of powerful public speaking. If you want to write an inspirational speech, use a quote to either kick off or conclude your speech.
•  Start  writing . Once you have a rough draft,  read it out loud  and time yourself. Make sure you have avoided clichés. Verify that it fits the time constraints you have been given. The rule of thumb is that one double-spaced typed page is about  two minutes worth of speaking .
•  Don’t forget to  revise.  Even accomplished authors take the time to take suggestions and revise their work.
•   Practice, practice, practice.  Work on fine-tuning items like making eye contact and not talking too fast.

What Is An AI-Produced Example Of A Salutatorian Speech Sound Like?

A generic salutatorian speech primarily produced by Google Bard shows how the parts of the speech come together to welcome, thank, reflect, and inspire.

Good morning, faculty, staff, parents, and fellow graduates. It is an honor to stand before you today as the salutatorian of our graduating class.

I would like to start by thanking my parents, teachers, and friends for their support over the past four years. I would not be standing here today without their help.

I would also like to thank the faculty and staff of our school for their dedication and hard work. They have helped us to learn and grow in so many ways.

I would like to take a moment to reflect on our past experiences. Four years ago, we came into these hallways as timid freshmen, unsure of what the next four years would bring. We stumbled through our first day of school, struggling to find the paths to our classes. Since Covid was in full swing, our way to class was often online, and masks were our top fashion accessory.

But as the years went by, we grew and learned together. We experienced moments of triumph and moments of defeat. But through it all, we supported each other and made lasting memories.

I remember the first time we went to the homecoming football game. We were all so excited to be there, and we cheered our team on to victory. I also remember the time we went on the senior trip to Europe. We had so much fun exploring new cities and cultures. And, of course, I will never forget the prom. It was a magical night that we will all cherish forever.

These are just a few of the many memories we shared. We have laughed together, cried together, and supported each other through thick and thin. We have grown up together, and we have become the people we are today because of each other.

Conclusion:

As we look to the future, I know that we are all excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. We are ready to take on new challenges and make a difference in the world.

I am confident that we will all achieve great things. We have the talent, the drive, and the support of our loved ones. I know that we will make our school proud.

Thank you again for this opportunity. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Congratulations, class of 2023! I wish you all the best in your future.

What Are Some Real-life Salutatorian Speech Examples?

While looking for great graduation speech examples, we stumbled upon this one by  Cassidy Bell , Guilford Schools Class of 2016 salutatorian. Notice how she thanks those in attendance, tells stories that relate to the entire graduating class, gives some focus on the school principal, and pulls it all together.

Mariel Camargo  is the Waxahachie High School salutatorian, and she gives another great speech. Mariel thanks those dearest to her and explains why their love and support means so much to her. But she does not dwell on her personal story. Rather, she pulls in the entire class repeatedly.

A speech for a parochial school might have some different content and slant to it, as illustrated in this speech by  Caroline Kniskern  of Gilbert Christian Schools.

Whatever approach you decide to take after looking at salutatorian speech templates, do your best to give it a personal slant that is most appropriate for you, your school, the graduating class you represent, and the community you grew up in.

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.

Recent Posts

Active Listening Absorbs The Whole Message, Not Just The Words

Active listening goes beyond hearing the words someone is saying to you and understanding the message they are conveying. Many only hear a small percentage of what is being said as they are...

Counteracting Fear Of Public Speaking With Coaching And Therapy

Nearly 75% of people experience the social phobia of fear of public speaking. The result may be nervousness before speaking or a full-blown panic attack. Practicing public speaking may lessen the...

Perfect Opening Ceremony Script: Tips and Examples

• March 8, 2023
• Education , Eskwela , Goodness , Program , School , Scripts

Table of Contents

Opening ceremony script.

Are you looking for an amazing opening ceremony script for your next event? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Having a good opening ceremony script is essential when it comes to setting the tone for any event. It’s the perfect way to get everyone excited and ready to make lasting memories. Still, trying to figure out where to start? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

In this article, we’ll provide some tips on how to write an amazing opening ceremony script. We’ll discuss essential elements that should be included in any opening ceremony speech, as well as provide some examples of great scripts that you can use as inspiration for crafting your own. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about writing an opening ceremony script, so you can feel confident in creating the perfect one for your special event!

So, if you’re ready to learn more about crafting an awesome opening ceremony script, let’s get started!

Event Planning

When planning any event, there are several important steps that need to be taken. Before anything else, the goal for the event needs to be established. What is it that the event is meant to accomplish? Once this has been determined, it’s then time to move on to planning logistics. Questions like how many people will be attending, what space will work best, and what materials or supplies may be necessary should all be taken into account. It’s also important to figure out a budget and timeline so that the event can stay within these confines.

Next, a team of people must be assembled if there still needs to be one in place. This team should have members who specialize in different areas so that each aspect of the event can receive attention from an expert. This could include someone responsible for setting up decorations, someone in charge of food services, and someone dedicated to making sure guests feel welcome upon arrival.

Finally, once all these pieces have come together and everything has been arranged according to plan, it’s time for the opening ceremony script itself. This should include welcoming remarks from whoever is hosting the event as well as any additional messages they want to share with their guests. After this part is complete, additional ceremonies can then take place before finally allowing everyone to enjoy themselves throughout the rest of the night!

Creating A Timetable

Creating a timetable for the event is a great way to ensure that it runs smoothly and according to plan. The first step in this process is to determine how long the event will last, as this will be the basis for the entire schedule. It’s also important to take into consideration any breaks or pauses that might be necessary throughout the evening. These can include intermissions for performances or even just moments of rest for guests.

Once these parts of the schedule are laid out, then it’s time to fill in specific details. This could include assigning times for speeches and other presentations, scheduling meals or snacks if they are being served, and making sure everyone knows when activities and entertainment options start and end. Additionally, it’s important to factor in setup time before guests arrive so that everything is ready for them when they do arrive.

Overall, having a detailed timetable helps keep everyone on track during the event and ensures that there aren’t any unexpected surprises along the way. With a clear timeline established beforehand, both hosts and guests alike can look forward to an enjoyable evening with no worry about running behind schedule.

Choosing Speakers And Performers

Once the schedule is set, the next step is to select speakers and performers for the event. Choosing the right people to deliver speeches or provide entertainment can make all the difference in setting the tone of a ceremony. It’s important to consider who will be attending, as well as what theme or message you wish to convey with your choices.

When selecting speakers, it’s also helpful to think about their backgrounds and experiences. This can help emphasize why they are being included in the ceremony and give guests a more personal connection with them. If there are any special guests of honor, it may be beneficial to have them speak at some point during the night. The same goes for performers; it’s nice to have something that resonates with everyone, but if there are any specific genres that fit particularly well with your event’s message or theme then those should be given priority.

In order for everything to run smoothly, it’s also important to consider how long each speaker or performer will be on stage. Allowing enough time for everyone involved ensures that no one is rushed through their part and that there aren’t any awkward pauses between performances or speeches. With careful consideration of who speaks and performs at an event, hosts can create an atmosphere full of meaningful conversations and enjoyable entertainment for all involved.

Crafting The Theme Of The Event

Crafting the theme of your event is an important step in creating a memorable and cohesive experience for guests. While selecting speakers and performers can help set the tone, having a central theme binds it all together. It’s important to consider what message you want to convey with your event and how that can be communicated through the various elements.

One way to do this is by incorporating visuals into your event’s decor. This could include anything from banners or flags, to streamers or balloons, depending on the type of ceremony you are hosting. A good rule of thumb is to choose decorations that are simple but effective in conveying your message. Additionally, having a signature color scheme throughout can also help create a unified look and make everything feel more connected.

In addition to visuals, music helps bring an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation to an opening ceremony. Choosing music that reflects the tone of the event or its theme is essential; it should be upbeat enough to keep guests engaged yet subtle enough as not to overwhelm them. You may also opt for traditional tunes if it fits better with the event’s overall concept or cultural heritage. No matter what direction you take, picking out the right music will make all the difference in bringing your event’s theme to life.

Ultimately, crafting a theme for your event requires a great deal of thought and preparation beforehand. Through careful consideration of visual elements, speakers, performers, and music featured at the ceremony, you can create an engaging atmosphere that captures everyone’s attention from start to finish.

Developing The Script

Once the theme has been established and decorations have been selected, it’s time to start thinking about the script for the opening ceremony. This is where you can use your creativity and storytelling skills to bring your vision to life in an exciting way. A well-crafted script should include an introduction, a few key points that highlight the event’s purpose, and a conclusion that ties everything together.

When writing an opening ceremony script, it’s important to consider who will be speaking at the event. If you’re introducing any special guests or speakers, make sure they are addressed in a respectful manner and given appropriate acknowledgements. Additionally, if there are any performances or demonstrations planned during the ceremony, they should be mentioned as well.

Finally, when crafting your speech or presentation for the opening ceremony, keep it concise yet engaging. It’s important not to overwhelm guests with too much information; instead focus on delivering clear messages in an impactful way. Remember that this is your chance to make a lasting impression; take advantage of every opportunity to let your event shine!

Rehearsals And Practice Sessions

Now that the script is complete, it’s time to start rehearsing for your opening ceremony. Before the event, make sure to hold several practice sessions with all of the participants involved. This will allow everyone to become familiar with their roles and ensure that everyone is comfortable with their delivery. Additionally, if there are any performances or demonstrations that need to be practiced ahead of time, they should be addressed in these practice sessions as well.

During these rehearsals, be sure to provide feedback and constructive criticism when necessary. This will help each individual understand what changes need to be made in order to create a successful performance on the day of the event. Furthermore, if any last minute changes need to be made due to unforeseen circumstances, these should also be addressed during rehearsals so everyone can stay on the same page.

The key is to make sure every individual involved in the ceremony is fully prepared and confident in their presentation before showtime arrives. Rehearsing will allow you to fine-tune all aspects of your opening ceremony and ensure that everything goes off without a hitch! With careful planning and attention to detail, you’ll have an unforgettable event that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Decorations And Props

Once all of the participants have been rehearsed, it’s time to turn your attention to decorations and props. If you want your opening ceremony to be visually appealing and memorable, you’ll need to make sure that it is properly decorated with appropriate materials. This could include banners, flags, posters, or anything else that will add a unique flair to the event.

In addition to decorations, any props needed for performances should also be prepared before the day of the event. Make sure that all props are organized and easily accessible; this way they can be accessed quickly when needed without disrupting the flow of the ceremony. Additionally, if there are any large pieces of equipment that need to be set up ahead of time (such as a stage), make sure it is done well in advance so there is enough time for any last-minute adjustments.

With all of these elements in place, you can rest assured that your opening ceremony will look great and run smoothly. Don’t forget to take pictures throughout the event as well; this way you can remember every moment from your special day!

Welcoming Guests And Opening Remarks

With all of the decorations and props in place, it’s time to welcome your guests and get the opening ceremony started. The first thing you’ll want to do is make a few introductory remarks that will set the tone for the event. This could include thanking everyone for coming, sharing an inspiring message, or reiterating why you are all gathered together. These remarks should be brief yet meaningful — this way, they will help everyone get in the right mindset for what lies ahead.

Once these remarks have been made, it’s time to introduce each participant one by one. Make sure to pause between each introduction so that everyone can show their appreciation and support. Additionally, if possible, ask someone to provide a short description of each participant’s role in the event so that everyone knows who they are and why they are here.

At this point, you can now officially declare the opening ceremony open! Be sure to energize the crowd with some words of encouragement as you make this announcement; this will ensure that everyone is excited and ready for what’s next. With that done, it’s time to start celebrating!

Closing Words And Final Performance

Now that everyone has had a chance to celebrate and enjoy the festivities, it is time to wrap up the opening ceremony. As you bring the event to a close, ensure that all of your guests have had an enjoyable experience and feel inspired to continue with the rest of the event.

Begin by thanking each participant for their involvement in making this event possible. Show your appreciation for all of their hard work and dedication. Ask everyone to join you in giving them a round of applause!

After this, use your closing words to leave your audience feeling energized and excited for what lies ahead. Paint a picture of what they can expect from the rest of the event and encourage them to make the most out of it! Finally, if you have one prepared, top off your closing remarks with an inspiring performance — this could be anything from a dance routine or song. Everyone will appreciate being able to end on a high note!

Post-Event Follow-Up

Now that the opening ceremony is complete, it’s time to start planning for the post-event follow-up. This is a crucial part of any event and ensuring that all participants feel appreciated and valued is important.

First and foremost, be sure to send out thank you notes to everyone who attended. A personalized message of gratitude will go a long way in showing appreciation for their participation. Additionally, consider providing feedback forms or surveys so you can get a better understanding of how everyone experienced the event.

Finally, use social media or other online outlets to stay connected with your guests — this can help you maintain relationships with those involved and keep them engaged in the future. Additionally, share photos and videos from the event on these platforms so that even those who couldn’t attend can get an idea of what they missed!

These are sample Opening Ceremony Scripts

Sample opening ceremony script related to business.

Good evening, everyone! I am pleased to welcome you all to this special event – the opening ceremony of the 2023 International Conference on Business and Economics. My name is [Emcee’s Name], and I will be your host tonight.

Before we begin, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to our sponsors and partners, who have made this conference possible. Without their generous support, we would not be here today.

Let’s start the ceremony with the national anthem of [Host Country] . Please stand for the anthem.

[Emcee pauses while the national anthem is played.]

Thank you. Please take your seats.

We have a great lineup of speakers and activities for this conference, but first, we will hear from our distinguished guests. Please join me in welcoming [Name of VIP Guest] , [Title or Affiliation of VIP Guest] , who will deliver the keynote address.

[Emcee pauses while VIP Guest takes the stage.]

Thank you, [VIP Guest ], for your inspiring words. We are honored to have you with us today.

Now, we would like to recognize the hard work and dedication of our organizing committee. Please join me in giving a round of applause to [Names of Organizing Committee Members].

[Emcee pauses while the audience applauds.]

We have a lot of exciting sessions and workshops lined up for the next few days, but before we get to that, let’s take a moment to network and get to know each other. Please enjoy the refreshments and take this opportunity to meet and connect with fellow conference attendees.

Thank you again for joining us for the opening ceremony of the 2023 International Conference on Business and Economics. We hope you have a great time and that you leave this conference feeling inspired, informed, and energized.

Let’s make this conference a success!

Sample Opening Ceremony Script related to School

Good morning, students, parents, and faculty members! It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this special event – the opening ceremony of the [School Name] Annual Sports Meet. My name is [Emcee’s Name], and I will be your host today.

Before we begin, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to our principal, teachers, coaches, and volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to organize this sports meet. Without their hard work and dedication, this event would not be possible.

Now, let us start the ceremony with the national anthem of [Country Name] . Please stand for the anthem.

We have a great lineup of sports events and activities for this sports meet, but first, we will hear from our distinguished guests. Please join me in welcoming [Name of Chief Guest] , [Title or Affiliation of Chief Guest] , who will deliver the inaugural address.

[Emcee pauses while the Chief Guest takes the stage.]

Thank you, [Chief Guest] , for your inspiring words. We are honored to have you with us today.

Now, we would like to recognize the outstanding achievements of our students in various sports activities. Please join me in congratulating the winners of the [Name of Sports] championship.

[Emcee pauses while the winners are announced and come forward to receive their medals.]

Congratulations, winners! You are an inspiration to us all.

We have a lot of exciting sports events lined up for the next few days, but before we get to that, let’s take a moment to warm up and get ready. Please enjoy the refreshments and take this opportunity to meet and connect with fellow athletes.

Thank you again for joining us for the opening ceremony of the [School Name] Annual Sports Meet. We hope you have a great time and that you leave this sports meet feeling inspired, informed, and energized.

Let the games begin!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i make sure my event is memorable.

How can I make sure my event is memorable? It’s a question that all event planners have asked themselves at least once. To ensure your event is not quickly forgotten, it’s important to provide attendees with an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s a corporate presentation, a fundraising gala, or a wedding reception, there are several ways to make sure that the occasion stands out.

The first step is to craft an engaging program. Try to create something that attendees can look forward to and be excited about. Ensure that the event runs smoothly by having plenty of volunteers and resources available. Include activities and entertainment that will keep everyone engaged throughout the duration of the event. Most importantly, make sure to start off your program on a strong note with an attention-grabbing opening ceremony script.

To truly capture people’s attention and make them feel connected to the occasion, try to personalize as much as possible. For example, you could create custom digital invitations so each guest knows their presence is appreciated and valued. You could also opt for personalized favors or gifts for guests as mementos of the event itself. Additionally, consider providing interactive opportunities such as games or a photo booth where guests can take photos with props or even customize their own custom frames! These little touches will help make your event stand out in people’s memories long after it’s over.

No matter what type of event you’re hosting, put yourself in your attendees’ shoes and think about what would make them feel special and connected to the occasion. Doing this will help you come up with creative ideas that will turn your event into one they won’t soon forget!

What Is The Best Way To Promote My Event?

Promoting an event can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many ways to effectively market your event and make sure it reaches the right people. With some creativity and strategy, you can ensure your event is well-attended and memorable.

One of the most effective ways to promote an event is through social media marketing. Utilizing platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube can help you reach a broad audience quickly and efficiently. By creating eye-catching content that appeals to your target demographic, you can increase engagement and get more people interested in attending your event. Additionally, using influencers or other companies in your field can help spread the word even further.

Another great way to promote an event is through direct outreach. Contacting members of the media or local organizations that may be interested in attending or covering the event is a great way to get more attention for your event. You could also look into sending out press releases with information about the event and what it has to offer. Furthermore, creating physical promotional materials such as flyers or posters can help advertise your event to a wider audience in the local community.

No matter which method you choose for promotion, it’s important to plan ahead and stay organized throughout the process. Make sure you have all of the necessary details about your event ready before you start promoting it so that potential attendees know exactly what they should expect from your gathering. Additionally, don’t forget to track how successful each promotional tactic was so that you can adjust accordingly when planning future events!

What Should I Consider When Creating An Event Budget?

Creating an event budget is an important step in planning a successful gathering. It ensures that the necessary resources are available to provide an enjoyable experience for all attendees. Budgeting should account for both expected and unexpected expenses, as well as additional funds to cover any sudden costs.

When crafting a budget, consider the type of event being hosted, the venue’s capacity, and the estimated size of the crowd. Allocate enough funds to cover catering needs such as food, beverages, plates, utensils and decorations. Additionally, plan ahead for any audio/visual equipment rentals or setup fees that may be required.

Any labor costs associated with running the event should also be incorporated into the total budget; this includes staffing fees for food service and other essential personnel. Finally, it is advisable to include some extra funds in case of any unforeseen expenses or last minute changes that may arise before or during the event itself.

By taking these considerations into account when creating a budget for an event, planners can ensure their special occasion runs smoothly without any costly surprises along the way.

How Can I Ensure My Event Runs Smoothly?

Ensuring that an event runs smoothly requires careful planning and attention to detail. It is important to consider all possible scenarios, as well as how participants will move through the event space. This includes having a timeline of events, understanding the layout of the venue or location, and knowing who is responsible for each task throughout the day.

When creating a timeline for an event, make sure to include time for setup, check-in, activities, breaks, closing remarks, and cleanup. When mapping out tasks for the day, assign specific people to certain roles such as greeter or host so that everyone has clear expectations of their responsibilities. Additionally, plan ahead in case something goes wrong or someone can’t attend – have back-up plans and alternative solutions ready just in case.

Finally, it’s essential to communicate clearly with all involved parties before the event takes place. Ensure that everyone knows when they should arrive and what their duties involve so that there are no surprises on the day of the event. This will help ensure that everything runs according to plan and make your job much easier!

What Is The Best Way To Collect Feedback From Guests After The Event?

Collecting feedback from guests after an event is an important step to understand what worked and what didn’t. It’s also a great way to create a lasting connection with attendees and gain valuable insight for future events. There are several methods that can be used to collect feedback, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.

One popular method of collecting feedback is to ask guests directly in person or by email. This approach allows the event organiser to get individualised responses, which can be quite detailed and give a good understanding of the overall experience. However, this method may require more time than other methods, as it usually takes longer to collect responses from individuals than from larger groups.

Another option is to use surveys or questionnaires given out during or shortly after the event. Surveys are generally quick and easy for guests to complete, as they can often be done online without having to write anything down. They also allow organisers to gather feedback from a large number of people quickly and easily. The downside is that it can be hard to get participants engaged enough in the survey process for them to provide meaningful answers or even bother filling them out at all.

It’s important for event organisers to find a balance between collecting detailed feedback from individual guests and gathering general impressions from a larger group of attendees quickly and efficiently. This will ensure that useful insights are obtained without taking up too much time or resources. To achieve this, organisers should consider using both direct approaches such as asking questions in person, as well as more automated methods like surveys or questionnaires.

When it comes to planning an event, there are many things to consider. From making sure the event is memorable and promoting it correctly to budgeting and ensuring everything runs smoothly, success depends on being prepared. If you’ve taken the time to plan ahead, you can focus on enjoying your event as much as your guests do.

Once the event is over, collecting feedback from guests is a great way to determine how successful it was and what could be improved for next time. Surveys, questionnaires, or simply talking with attendees are all good ways of gathering valuable information from those who attended. This can help you make adjustments and even improve the experience for future events.

Ultimately, running a successful event requires a lot of work and dedication but can be very rewarding in the end. With careful planning and preparation, you can create an unforgettable experience that will leave both yourself and your guests with memories that will last for years to come.

Related Posts

Emcee script for moving up ceremony.

• August 3, 2023

A REFLECTION ON ICT INTEGRATION

A reflection on learning assessment, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name  *

Email  *

Add Comment  *

Post Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

What Is a Ceremonial Speech and How Do You Write One? (Featuring Examples)

Updated 08/28/2023

Published 08/29/2022

Sam Tetrault, BA in English

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Also known as a commemorative speech, a ceremonial speech is a type of speech given as part of a special occasion. They’re designed to pay tribute to an individual, event, idea, or institution. Unlike other types of speeches, they usually also focus on values as a form of celebration. 

Jump ahead to these sections:

How does a ceremonial speech work, ceremonial speech vs. other types of special speeches, how to write a ceremonial speech.

You might encounter ceremonial speeches as part of a graduation, wedding, or funeral program. However, they’re generally upbeat. It’s more than just a list of information. It’s a way to celebrate the value behind a person, idea, place, or institution. In other words, it’s a way to encourage the audience to join the speaker in celebration. 

In this guide, we’ll explore what a ceremonial speech is and how you write one yourself. If you’ve been tasked with writing your own ceremonial speech for a special occasion, it can be intimidating to know where to begin. We also include some examples to help inspire you. 

With that in mind, how does a ceremonial speech work? If you’re unfamiliar with different types of speeches, it’s normal to be confused with this type in particular. You’ve likely seen many of these different speeches first hand throughout your life, though you might not have realized it at the time. 

These speeches come in all different tones. They can be:

• Accomplishment-focused
• Inspirational

Above all, the theme should be consistent with the person or place you’re trying to honor. Like all speeches, they contain the same basic elements like an introduction, key details or stories, and a final conclusion. The opening remarks for a funeral , for example, could be considered a type of ceremonial speech. 

When would Someone give a ceremonial speech?

Similarly, when would someone give a ceremonial speech? As explained above, these speeches are given for any number of reasons. You’ll most often see these speeches for these purposes:

• At a funeral service (also known as a eulogy )
• As part of a wedding reception
• When honoring someone’s retirement
• Recognizing a special event or organization
• Introducing an important figure
• Celebrating a graduating class
• A final farewell to someone moving away

You most frequently see these speeches given at a ceremony, funeral, wedding, or another special event. They can be formal or casual, depending on the setting. It can mark an anniversary, degree, legacy, or other accomplishment. It’s becoming more common for commemorative speeches to be given virtually, as well. 

Who can give a ceremonial speech?

Finally, who can give a ceremonial speech to honor a special person or occasion? There are no limits to who can provide this type of speech. If you’re comfortable speaking in front of others, odds are you’re a good fit. 

In some cases, you might be asked to give a ceremonial speech. This is true even if you have no prior speaking experience. For example, it’s common for close friends and family to speak on behalf of the deceased at a funeral service. Alternatively, you might be invited to welcome a new colleague with a commemorative speech. 

The good news is it doesn’t take prior skills or experiences to give a successful ceremonial speech. Unlike other types of public speaking, a ceremonial speech comes from the heart. The more authentic and genuine you are with your speaking, the bigger your impact becomes on your audience. 

If you’re familiar with public speaking, you might know many different types of speeches to choose from. These all have their pros and cons, and it’s helpful to understand how they differ in practice. Let’s review some of the most common types of speeches: 

• Presentation speech: A presentation speech is given to present an idea to an audience, usually educationally-focused. 
• Acceptance: If you’ve ever watched an award show, you’ve seen acceptance speeches in action. This is when someone accepts an award for their service, experience, or so on. 
• Toast: Toasts are often confused with ceremonial speeches, and they have a lot in common. A toast is similar to a tribute, but it’s usually much more brief and conversational. 
• Keynote: A keynote address is a longer speech that’s goal is to inspire or inform. It’s a formal call to action. 

Above, you’ll find the most common types of speeches, excluding ceremonial speeches. A ceremonial speech, on the other hand, specifically honors someone or something. It can be long, short, conversational, formal, or any combination of these. 

If you’re been tasked with writing a ceremonial speech, you might not know where to begin. Learning how to write a speech for a funeral , graduation, wedding, or other special events can be intimidating. Luckily, anyone can do this with a bit of planning and patience. 

Step 1. Understand the theme

To begin, make sure you fully understand the theme of your commemorative speech. You want to recognize the person, place, or thing you focus on. This usually means you’ll want to keep the theme upbeat or light, focusing on their accomplishments and hope. 

Here are a few questions to guide your search for the right theme:

• If someone was giving this ceremonial speech about you, what would you expect them to say?
• What is the significance of what you’re talking about?
• What are the key memories or ideas around this person/place/institution that you want to share?
• What did this person/place mean to you?

Finding a personal connection brings your speech to life. Anyone can explain something in a passive way. A real speaker dives deeping, making a larger point from the full speech. 

Step 2. Begin with an outline

While you might be ready to jump right into writing your speech, hold on for a moment. A speech outline goes a long way to keep your ideas organized. Your outline should highlight the most important points you don’t want to forget. This might change over time, but it should help you keep your speech on the topic from start to finish. 

Step 3. Craft an introduction

Next, it’s time to craft your ceremonial speech introduction. Though often overlooked, your speech introduction is the most important part. This can make or break the rest of your time on stage, and you want to grab the audience’s attention quickly. 

When writing this type of speech, consider starting with the goal of your speech. You can build a personal connection with a heartfelt story, share an attention-grabbing statement, or make a big assertion about what this person/place meant to you. 

Step 4. Explore more details about your topic

From there, dive into the meat and gravy of your speech. Add details and information about your subject, including anecdotes and special tidbits when necessary. It might help to talk to others who knew this person or who were a part of this event. The more input you have, the easier it is to create a wider, clearer story. 

Step 5. Wrap up your speech

When you’re ready, wrap up your speech naturally. This should flow as though it’s slowly coming to a clear conclusion, not like you’re abruptly ending your thought out of nowhere. Ultimately, summarize the impact of your topic, possibly leaving the audience with something hopeful or encouraging. 

Step 6. Practice, practice, practice

Last but not least, don’t forget to practice. Your speech could be amazing, but your words still fall flat if you don’t feel confident giving it. Practice giving your speech to yourself, in front of others, or front of a camera. Listen to feedback and adjust as needed. It’s okay if your speech isn’t perfect right away! 

Ceremonial Speech Examples

One of the best ways to learn how to write your own ceremonial speech is to read examples. Though you probably have heard some of these speeches in your life, here are some specific examples to draw inspiration from. 

Honor a friend at a funeral

Today, I’m going to talk about my good friend George. I’ve known George since high school, and he’s always been there for me. Since our first days trying to make it through Algebra to raising our kids in the same neighborhood, he’s stood by me. He’s a testament to all things compassion, kindness, and bravery. The first to speak up for someone in need and the quickest to lend a helping hand, I hope to learn from his inspirational life. Thank you.

Recognize a mentor 

Though I’m the one graduating today, I wanted to commemorate the person who helped me get here. Dr. Jan was the first person I met on my first day of university four years ago, and she’s also the first person I went to share my med school acceptance news. More than a smart professor, she’s a valued friend and leader. Even when I didn’t think I could do it, she pushed me to always do my best. I have so much to thank her for, today and everyday. 

Are You Writing a Ceremonial Speech?

If you’re writing a ceremonial speech of your own, don’t fret. There are many ways to make your words come to life, no matter the story you’re trying to tell. Life is short. There are only so many opportunities to highlight the most important things to you. 

Ultimately, a ceremonial speech is a way we share our legacies. What does legacy mean to you? How do you want to be remembered? 

Categories:

• Funeral Planning
• Funeral Traditions - What To Expect
• Funerals & Memorial Services

You may also like

How to Write a Memorable Tribute Speech: Step-By-Step

How to Write a Meaningful Appreciation Speech

How to Write a Funeral Speech for Dad From a Daughter

How to Write a Commemorative Speech: Examples & Tips

Deliver a Welcome Speech – How to Write and Deliver a Welcome Speech

Table of Contents

How to Write and Deliver a Welcome Speech: A welcome speech is delivered to mark the beginning of any special event or occasion or to welcome a person into an organization. The purpose of a welcome speech could be many- it could be delivered to welcome the guests at the opening of an office, hotel, function etc, it is also delivered to welcome the chief guest of an occasion or to welcome a new employee etc. The bottom line is that a welcome speech is delivered to welcome any person or occasion like- Boss , guests, events, chief guests, employees, opening ceremonies as the occasion demands.

Fill Out the Form for Expert Academic Guidance!

Please indicate your interest Live Classes Books Test Series Self Learning

Verify OTP Code (required)

I agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy .

Fill complete details

Target Exam ---

Deliver a Welcome Speech

By going though this article you will be able to know about what is a Welcome, how to write an effective welcome speech, how to be prepared and have much confidence, characteristics of a gracious welcome speech , and how to start a welcome speech.

What is a Welcome?

A welcome is an instance or manner to greet someone and a welcome speech does the same. It is a gesture to greet arrival of guest/s on various occasions or places. The regular welcome could be just exchange of greetings or could also be in the form of some gestures. For Ex- visitors to an amusement park are welcomed at the main gate by employees dressed up in different costumes and waving at them, customers in an eatery are welcomed by the polite smile of the manager saying ‘welcome’, airlines staff welcome the passengers with a folded hands etc.

How To Write An Effective Welcome Speech?

A welcome speech might be given on a variety of events like- opening of a new school, office, hotel or any commercial or public place; where there is a need to welcome the guests, informing them about the occasion and its purpose. Welcome speech conveys the message that how important the guests are to you and to your cause as well.

Now, to write an effective welcome speech you must know the sentiments of your subject as well as the sentiments of your audience. A welcome speech can also be broken up in three parts- introduction, main body and conclusion, like the farewell speech.

Below given is an explanation on how to write an effective welcome speech, to help you prepare speech for events at your school and society. After going through the content you will be able to write an effective welcome speech and earn accolades by your family and friends-

I Introduction

The Introduction of a Welcome speech can be divided into two parts as described below-

The first rule of a welcome speech is to welcome the audience first. Start your speech with- ‘Good evening ladies and gentlemen, hi everybody etc. If you are speaking on the opening ceremony of hotel, office, hospital etc, then the audience is also your guest and must be welcomed. Next, if there is a chief guest of the occasion then he or she must be welcomed and introduced to the audience. You may ask the audience to greet the chief guest or welcome speech for chief guest by a big round of applause. You may include phrases like- “audience please welcome Mr. X by a huge round of applause or “we are thankful to Mr. X for joining us today” etc.

The Introduction of your welcome speech should be short and effective welcoming the audience and the subject, thanking them both for their time and presence.

II Main Body of the Speech

This is the main part of the speech, where the audience gets to know the purpose of the event and is informed more about the subject. If the reason for the event is opening of a house, office or any commercial establishment, then the audience is informed about the purpose of it and how both are mutually beneficial to each other. Whatever the purpose it has to serve, a welcome speech must have the following characteristics-

1) Polite and Humble

The speech should be conducted in a polite and humble manner. Whatever you write in your speech or say, must be pleasing to the ears and sound generous.

2) True Facts and Figures

The facts that you present to your audience about the chief guest or the reason for the event, must be true to the core. Any exaggeration of any person, place or thing must be avoided at all cost.

3) Inform The Chief Guest

The Chief Guest is also informed about the purpose of the event and is introduced to other dignitaries present and other distinguished personalities. Inform the chief guest personally about the event and its purpose.

4) Introduce more

Let the audience know the event, purpose, occasion, chief guest- the more you inform your audience the more effective the speech will be. If it is a special guest for whom you are giving the speech, then inform the audience about his/her achievements, the distinctions they hold in the society and how grateful we all are to him/her for taking their precious time for the occasion.

5) Add some humor

If you have a humorous incident or event in mind, which fits in the occasion and is appropriate- go ahead! Adding a little humor will make the situation lighter and more rememberable.

How to be Prepared and have Much Confidence?

The following points must be stressed upon in order to prepare oneself for a farewell speech. They include some effective ways that you could use to deliver your fare well speech. After going through it you will know how to prepare for an effective Farewell speech as well as how to have much confidence-

• Know your audience and chief guest advance.
• Understand the purpose of the event.
• Gather information about the chief guest from other sources.
• Know his status, achievements and capacities and capabilities.
• Prepare an effective welcome speech.
• Make the speech concise and compact by removing unnecessary sentences.
• Rehearse the speech in a loud voice, better if in front of a mirror.
• Rehearse using appropriate gestures as you would do in actual speech.
• Ask your parents or friends to be the audience/chief guest and rehearse in front of them.
• Work on the feedback given by your family and friends and work on your weak points.
• Arrive to the event before time.
• Make yourself comfortable with the surroundings.
• Socialize and speak your heart out before the speech.
• Put more emphasis on your facial expressions i.e. smile only when it’s required.
• Feel confident or at least pretend to be confident even if you are nervous. Nobody can guess unless you show your nervousness.
• Make direct eye contact with your audience and the chief guest.
• Add some last moment incident or a joke if it fits well.
• Don’t fight your fear, just ignore it. Fighting is a waste of time.

If you are getting nervous then going through the following lines will sure boost up your confidence-

• Even experienced speakers get nervous at some point of time.
• They don’t know it, so don’t show it.
• Audience or the other dignitaries are listening to you, not judging you.

Nervousness has a habit of revealing itself through the following-

1) Through your eyes

Avoiding direct eye contact with the audiences or the chief guests shows that you are nervous. So, don’t hesitate to make direct eye contact.

2) Through facial gestures

Avoid unnecessary facial gestures, especially smiles. Smiling without reason is an indication of your nervousness. Smile only when necessary.

3) Through Unwanted Hand Gestures

Avoid unnecessary gestures and use only appropriate hand gestures.

Characteristics of a Gracious Welcome Speech

A gracious fare welcome speech must have following characteristics.

1) Be polite and courteous

2) Welcome all the guests and dignitaries with enthusiasm.

3) Introduce the dignitaries to the audiences.

4) Share the distinct qualities of the chief guest with the audience.

5) A little humor would be great if it fits in the occasion.

6) Make everyone present feel special

7) Rightly time your speech. Not too short neither too long.

8) Use appropriate hand and facial gestures, only if required.

9) Narrate the qualities and achievements of chief guest to the audience

10) Acknowledge your audience and dignitaries for their time and presence.

11) Once again thank the audience and chief guest present.

12) Introduce the next speaker to the audience.

How To start A Welcome Speech?

A great welcome speech is started by welcoming the Greeting audience and the chief guest of the occasion. The chief guest and the other dignitaries present must be welcomed individually by calling out their respective names and designations.

Below we are providing a few opening sentences for your welcome speech on events in your schools and colleges.

First Welcome the Audience

The audience present at the venue must be welcomed, using the phrases like-

• Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I/we thank you all for your presence and time.
• Good evening ladies and gentlemen, it is a pleasure to have you all here.
• Good evening ladies and gentle men first let me introduce myself. I am … I thank you all for taking out your precious time for the occasion.

Then Welcome The Guests

Once you are done with welcoming the audience, it’s time to move on to the chief guest and other dignitaries. It should be kept in mind that the chief guest and other special guests are to welcomed individually by the speaker, also on behalf of the audience. For Ex-

• I take this opportunity to introduce you to Mr. X (chief guest) and also request you (the audience) to welcome him with a huge round of applause. I would also like to introduce you to Mr. Y (Name and designation), Mr. Z (Name and Designation) and once again request you all to welcome them with a huge round of applause.
• I feel proud to introduce you to Mr. X (chief guest) and also request you (the audience) to welcome him and all other dignitaries present, with a huge round of applause. I would also like to thank Mr. Y (Name and designation), Mr. Z (Name and Designation) for taking out their precious time for the event and make it more memorable. A huge round of applause for them, Ladies and Gentle men!

An effective welcome speech addresses all present in a very polite way, making them feel important and by admiring their presence. Whether the speech welcomes a single person or a group; it should be framed to honor them and also to inform them about the occasion, event or function. I am confident that after thoroughly going through the article, you would be able to write an impressive welcome speech, practice it and also deliver it with confidence.

How to Write and Deliver a Welcome Speech FAQs

How do you give a guest a welcome speech.

To give a guest a welcome speech, start by greeting them warmly and expressing your delight in having them. Share a brief introduction and the purpose of the event.

How do you start a welcome speech for an event?

To start a welcome speech for an event, begin with a friendly greeting, mention the event's significance, and thank the attendees for being there.

What is the anchoring script for welcoming guest?

An anchoring script for welcoming a guest typically involves a warm introduction, acknowledging the guest's importance, and expressing gratitude for their presence.

Related content

Talk to our academic expert!

Language --- English Hindi Marathi Tamil Telugu Malayalam

Get access to free Mock Test and Master Class

Register to Get Free Mock Test and Study Material

Offer Ends in 5:00

5 Inspiring (And Unexpected) High School Commencement Speeches (And More)

Whether you’re looking for inspiration to write your own speech or want to be inspired in life, these commencement speeches fit the bill. We love their humor, their vision, their vulnerability and humility, and their love of life. We hope you do too!

Asash Salam, 2013

“I only believe in a few things. The American Dream is one of them. I’m not that smart. I’m not athletic. I can’t sing or dance. And I didn’t even have the guts to ask a girl to prom this year. Every day I try to remind myself how lucky I am to be living in this land of opportunity. I have food, clothing, and shelter. These thoughts kept me going 10 years ago (since immigrating to the US), and they keep me going today. If you are lucky you will live an ordinary life. You have opportunities that others around the world would die for. I truly believe in the American Dream because I have lived it for the past 10 years.” More.

Chase Dahl, 2015

“The world we live in is plagued with dangers: Ebola, ISIS, global warming, facial acne (and now COVID-19) Despite all the odds, we still managed to graduate. Keep in mind that many of our social and political leaders and heroes started their lives as an average person, just one of you and me. Despite the failures and mistakes we will make and although we may be average, we find that the average can achieve greatness whether recognized by their world or just a few. Remember that to leave a legacy or achieve greatness is not to have money or recognition. It’s to leave those with whom we cross paths with a little more happiness and hope.” More.

Madeleine Meldrum, 2017

So we press through the pain

And we dance in the rain

And we change and we grow

We learn how to let go

And it’s these times we show

That we’re more than we know.

Sef Scott, 2018

“Unexpected. That is what I want you to remember. I imagine that to the seniors that know who I am it is entirely unexpected that I would be standing here giving a speech. I have autism and a social communication disorder. It is not a normal thing for me to elect to speak … Don’t fear the future. Don’t fear the unknown. Be the unexpected like me. Do the unexpected to the benefit of others. Live the unexpected for your own happiness.”  More.

Alex Li, 2020

Never be a sheep. The world and society will often tell you what you can and cannot do. But very often these rules and expectations will hold you back. Now that you are out of high school there’s no one to tell you what to do. You don’t have to do anything. Which means that you can do anything. So, choose your own path. Have faith in yourself, the person next to you, and the people of the world. Everything around us has been built by people barely different than ourselves. Our DNA is basically the same as every other person on earth. Humanity has created amazing things. So, the next time you think your dreams are too big, remember the potential that lies within being human.” More.

Check out more high school commencement addresses here.

Quick Study: 10 Quotes for Graduates from the Famous (And Not So Famous)

Even a single quote can be meaningful and thought provoking. Here are 10 that are just that.

• “A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that individuality is the key to success.”  – Robert Orben
• “Don’t be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated; you can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps.”   – David Lloyd George
• “The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”  – Nelson Henderson
• “Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.”   – Art Linkletter
• “Everything’s always ending. But everything’s always beginning, too.”   – Patrick Ness
• “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”   – Babe Ruth
• “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”   – A. A. Milne
• “No matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid.”   – Lupita Nyong’o
• “Keep in mind that neither success nor failure is ever final.”   – Roger Babson
• “It’s always a good move to listen to that inner voice… if it doesn’t lead to a crime.” – Lisa Kudrow

For more, visit “110+ Inspirational High School Graduation Quotes” and “125+ Inspirational Quotes for Graduates.”  

So, congratulations graduates! You made it through some tough times. We salute you!

Need to order your high school or college credentials? Go here .

Researching what college is best for you? Use our college tool.

There’s always more to learn.

Myth Busting: Does Course Sharing Help or Hurt Retention?

Why Skills & Competencies Are the Future

Removing Barriers to Completion With Course Sharing

Ready to feel the power of Parchment?

I’m a student or a learner, i work at an institution or business.

Privacy Overview

Master of Ceremony Opening Speech

3 step guide to writing a great master of ceremony opening speech.

Over the last 20 years I’ve had to write an Opening Speech for hundreds of large events where I have been engaged as the MC.

Some have been relatively easy, while others have required many hours of effort and thought.

Rather than reinvent the wheel each time, I now have a 3 Part Formula or Process I always follow. This both saves me time but also ensures that all the elements of a great opening speech are there.

Ingredients of a good Opening Speech

I like to cook when I’m at home and in many ways putting together a great Master of Ceremony opening speech is like cooking a great meal.

Firstly you have to understand what you are trying to make, then the ingredients you are going to use and finally, how you are going to combine them!

We are going to dive in deep into each of those areas but I hope you can see how the metaphor works.

Understanding the outcome you are aiming for, the why, is important because your role as an MC is to help your client achieve their aims for the event. If you are not aware of those aims you could in fact hinder the process with ill considered comments or wrong emphasis. To go back to the planning of your meal, are you making sandwiches and finger food or designing a 5 course sit down banquet?

Secondly, while the ingredients of each opening may sometimes be very similar, often, like a good cook, you can substitute different things. You might change the spice to create a slightly different flavour or double the amount of another ingredient to add more kick or emphasis.

And lastly you can combine those ingredients in different ways. Some elements work better going in early, sometimes just a pinch near the end is all that’s required.

So for a Opening Speech, the 3 Steps are …

• Why is this Happening and What are you trying to Achieve?
• What needs to be Included
• How to put that Together

Preparing a great Master of Ceremony Opening Speech.

It’s unlikely that you are the organiser of the event itself, though this formula is just as useful if you are and are writing your own opening speech.

In most cases as an MC  you will have an organiser, who is then your client. This is the person who has asked you to be the MC. It could be a business owner, CEO, your headmaster, the President of the Association etc. They have specific reasons why this event is taking place and it is your job to ascertain what they are.

In every situation you want to have a briefing session with this person either face to face or over the phone. This Briefing of course will cover your involvement in the whole event, but in this article we will just focus on the Opening.

Pro Tip –  Check out the full list of Briefing Questions on page 102 of the Expert MC Toolkit & Resource Manual .

Part One   –   Reason for the Event

Knowing “why” the event is taking place will get you firmly on the right track to writing a great opening speech!

Is it a Celebration, an Information Night, a Product Launch, Team Building or an Awards Night?

And don’t take a simple answer like “oh, we have it every year” as an answer. Drill in a little deeper. The next question will open it up a bit more.

What are they trying to Achieve?

Building on the “why” question, I usually then ask … “how do you want the audience to Think or Act after the event?” This can be immediately after or when they get back to work etc.

Are they trying to motivate the audience to do something or get them to meet lots of new people. Are they making them more confident about their jobs or are they wanting them to sign up to buy something? Are they gearing up the audience for some hard times ahead?

Theme of the Event!

Is there an actual Theme or Slogan for the Event? We have written about this before but this will give you big clues about what to say and possibly what to wear for the event.

Part 2 –   Details of the Opening Speech

Once you have some of this Big Picture stuff sorted, it’s time to get onto the nitty gritty. Now, sometimes these finer details won’t be known at the time of the briefing, but at least they have been flagged as something you need to know.

Time Available

You obviously need to have a firm idea about the length of time that you are aiming for in an Master of Ceremonies opening speech.

Pro Tip – It’s always good to try and get a longer time allocation than you need or that you will write for. This allows some immediate flex time. If the event starts a little late, and it inevitably will, those extra couple of minutes you asked for may put you back on track.

Are there any official protocols that must be included?

In some countries and with some cultural groups, a Prayer is included at the start of formal proceedings. The National Anthem might also be sung.

Here in Australia many groups have an Acknowledgement of Country at the start of the event, a short few lines recognising the Traditional Owners of the Land.

I use this term to incorporate other things that also must be mentioned in your opening. The more formal an event the more specific you will be.

VIP Guests, Dignitaries etc will probably be mentioned by name in a specific order.

Depending on the type of event, Sponsors my also get a mention here.

Once you know what your client wants or expects, you can then start crafting the opening.

House Keeping

“Housekeeping” is a widely used term that covers all the small bits and pieces of information that may also need to be conveyed to an audience.

Examples are – Where are the Toilets, what is the Wifi Code, what time does the bus leave, etc. I also include in this group – “Please turn your Phones to Silent.”

Now, depending on the type of event it is, you may not need to go through all the House Keeping in your opening speech. I prefer to do it a bit later as I find it dilutes the impact of the opening a bit. In that situation, just mention the Phones before you introduce the first speaker and come back to the Housekeeping after them.

What happens next?

As an MC you should always keep in mind what happens next. So when you are putting together your opening speech you need to be aware of what happens immediately after you finish so you can make the appropriate link. But more importantly, know the appropriate “energy levels.”

For example you might be launching into a facilitated Teambuilding or Networking session, in which case you will be building the energy and fun. Alternatively, you might be introducing someone speaking on a sombre or serious topic that needs focus and respect.

Part 3 – Putting the Opening Speech Together

Now we have the vital information – what we are trying to achieve and what must be included. It’s time for the third part of the formula, putting it all together.

A structure I have found incredibly useful is this …

Closer  /   Link …

This works just as well if you have only 3 minutes or if you have 15. Let’s look at it in more detail.

The Grabber

Getting peoples attention and interest right from the start is vital.

You need to confident and assured in your dress and demeanour and your words need to match.

It’s not a time for chit chat or repartee. Bang, get straight into it!

I’ve attended a couple of sessions with the Patricia Fripp, the British born, now American based speaker coach. (And sister of legendary guitarist Robert Fripp.)

Her advice for speakers is to start with something bold, a phrase or sentence that grabs attention and interest. I think the advice works just as well for MC’s as it does for speakers.

For several events business events I’ve started with …

“Princeton University, 1955.  Professor Albert Einstein is handing out exam papers to his final year students …”

Did that get your attention? Did you want to know what happens next? Of course you do!

That works so much better than “Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen, my names Timothy Hyde and I will be your MC for the event..”

After the quick story, (that relates totally to the WHY they are having the meeting,) you can then move into the welcome and greeting.

Remember also the Voice of God introduction. This will also grab peoples attention and let them know your name! It also enables you to move into something more meaty at the start.

Pro Tip – The full “Einstein Opener” mentioned above is found on page 33 of your copy of The Expert MC Toolkit & Resource Manual .  The theme of Rapid Change, Innovation, Creative Solutions is perfect for many business type functions.)

Other great Opening Grabbers include

• “What if ………?”
• A statistic or fact.
• “Imagine that ……?”
• A bold statement.
• A Question.

Once you have got the attention of the audience,  you can do an official type welcome and include any Protocol type things you need to cover. VIP’s, Sponsors etc

You now move onto the Big Picture.

This will emphasis the Theme of the Event and Why are you all here.

This sets the context for everything to follow. You may mention a couple of highlights of the program coming up, the Who and the What.

I then like to move from Big Picture to the Personal.

So what I’m saying relates directly to each and every attendee.

Now, what is included here depends once again on what the client wants for the outcome of the event.

Are you motivating and enthusing them?

Are you planting seeds that they will get lots of information?

Do you need to reinforce the benefits of being here?

Are they here to – Network, Set Goals or Relax?

Pro Tip – Plant a seed of Co-operation!

In my Opening speech I always like to plant a seed of co-operation. This is a message that we need to work together to keep the event running on time. That running on time will enable all the Speakers to do their full presentations and if they do, YOU will gain maximum benefit from being here. You are busy people, it’s a packed agenda, we want you to gain a lot from being here and we want to finish on time etc.

I also reinforce this at certain times during the event by thanking them for their help.

Closer /  Link to next activity

Depending on what’s happening next, this is a good moment to either slip in any urgent Housekeeping or close up your opening and introduce the first activity or speaker.

I often would use an appropriate quote or a mention of the Theme again, taking it back to Big Picture.

This 3 Part Process will give you a good basis to start writing stronger Openings.

Part 1 gives you the WHY, the reason for the event and the outcomes you are aiming for.

Part 2 adds the details that must be incorporated.

Part 3 gives you a structure for the opening.

Timothy Hyde

Widely acknowledged as one of Australia's busiest & best MC's and a global authority on the MC Industry, Timothy Hyde shares his expertise and insights into this fascinating Professional Speaking niche via this site and a dynamic YouTube channel. His best selling book The ExpertMC Toolkit and Resource Manual has helped thousands of people worldwide improve their Emcee skills and in many cases, start earning a living by taking on the role.

Check out these popular articles

Closing Speech

Step by Step guide to writing a great Closing Speech. This is aimed at MC's and Event Hosts writing an Emcee Script. However many of the Tips and Insights are applicable to Speakers doing the Closing...

Great Opening Lines for Emcee

Prefer to watch a Video? Here's one on the same Topic! https://youtu.be/wbl7TgacF04 An Insiders Guide to Great Opening Lines for any MC or Speech. A great Opening Line should aim to...

Best Welcome Speech in English For Sports Day at School or College

Sports Day is indeed a special and memorable event of school or college life in which students, teachers, and all non-teaching staff, take part. Many days practice and contests are done prior to the event among students and eventually, they celebrate and receive the award of their achievement on the Sports Day program usually held by the school head, teaching staff, and coaches. On this students are motivated and appreciated by the school head or principal. A sample of the best welcome speech in English for Sports Day by a teacher to students is written below. Jump into the article find the best lines for your speech.

Best Welcome Speech in English For Sports Day

Good morning honorable guests, ladies, and gentlemen, boys, and girls. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the 10th Annual sports day at (Location name here). I would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to our chief guest Mr./Ms…………. guest of honor Mr./Ms……………..chairman and CEO Mr./Ms……….consulting director……………principal Mr./Ms…………..students, faculty parents, and grandparents.

School sports day is an important day on the calendar for a (Name of the school). It’s the day when students are freed from their classrooms, freed from the fetters of learning. It is a day for a mother to put her children on their toes and for fathers to cheer for the little ones. It is a day for red faces and perspiration wet t-shirts and shorter shots are the order of the day. It’s a day for starter guns for teachers with swizzles.

School sports day is for cameras and videos and smiling faces. It’s a day for triumphs and disasters. Speeches are given and medals are presented and overall It’s a day for sportsmanship and making memories.

This day at (Name of School/College) speaks for the commitment that all in the school hold for sports and what a great thing sport is on so many levels. Beyond the obvious health and activity benefits, sports can teach us much about life.

It teaches us about teamwork, it teaches us how to get along with others, it teaches us how to work together to achieve a common goal. It’s also about trust and responsibility and about dealing with success and failure.

This year we are pleased with the achievements of our students in various disciplines of sports state national and international levels. This has indeed raised the school’s sporting profile. I would like to take this opportunity to mention a few of our students’ achievements this year.

In the field of cricket, the following student of our school represented our school in the big tournament held among all schools in the country. In the under 16 category (Name of Players here) in the under 14 category (Name of players here)

The school under 12 cricket team won the triangular cricket tournament which was held from (Date here) organized by (organizer name here) and the players were (Player names here). I am sure many of our cricketers will play for our country in the future. Please give them all a big round of applause.

I would like to talk about the swimmers of our school who have made us proud too. The following students of our school represented the state national and international meets and brought laurels to the school. They were (Names here)

The swimming association has felicitated our swimmers in recognition of their efforts and valuable contribution to the success of our swimming team in the national championship of the year. Please a big round of applause for our swimmers too.

Next in the field of lawn tennis. The following students of our school represented the state in (Name of location) and laurels to the skill. Thank you children you began made us proud.

In the field of football, our student from the 6th class was represented to present the city Football Club for the state football tournament in the under 13 category. Under 12, 14 and 16 years football team won the runners-up in the all USA school five-a-side football tournament which was held at (Name of ground here). Please let’s hear it for footballers.

Students you have made us proud, I would like to give small praise and congratulations to our entire sports department headed by Mr./Ms……………and all the other coaches for their efforts and contribution in raising the overall standard of our school sports.

I would also like to thank the other members of the teaching and non-teaching staff for their efforts and hard work in the planning and execution of this event. please let’s hear it for them too.

In closing I wish our students every success and good luck. Thank you very much.

I have the great pleasure of introducing you to the chief guest of this event Mr./Ms………. (Write his/her achievement here) ex: she is a double Olympian American track and field silver medalist and American Games bronze medalist. Her performance in Sydney and Beijing is to be noted. Please give her a big hand.

Ladies and gentlemen thank you so much for your presence we are honored to have you here. Our special guest Mr./Ms………….. I would like you to accept a small token of appreciation from us.

Now I would like to introduce you to our guest of honor Mr./Ms…………… (Write the achievements here). Thank you for accepting our invitation today, and we would also like you to a token of our appreciation.

Thank you all let’s continue with our celebration.

• Comparing Script on Sports Day at School
• How To Write Commentary Script For Football Match With Example

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Related posts

Sounds of the plural s in english, ielts writing task 1 test tips, find experts for assignment help – deal with experts, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Talk to our experts

1800-120-456-456

• Welcome Speech for an Event

Long and Short Sample Welcome Speech for an Event

Naturally, everybody anticipates the introductory speech for an event. And that is because it is the opening speech for an event that sets the tone for the entire event or any function. One can easily attract the attention of the audience with a catchy first line and introduction. So it is very important to make a good first impression. And sustain their attention and excitement through the entire duration of the event. In this article, we will look into different sample welcome speeches for an event one can present. It can be a Long Welcome Speech For An Event or a Short Welcome Speech For An Event.

Long Welcome Speech for an Event

This form of opening speech for an event is extremely important when one intends to take time and welcome and extend gratitude to everyone involved in making the event successful. 

Good Morning everyone, a very warm welcome to the respected teachers and the incredible parents. I am so grateful to welcome our students to the commencement ceremony (mention the name of the event). I feel privileged to open this event and stand here where many accomplished men and women who I admired and looked up to once stood. 

A very special welcome to our Chief guest (mention his/her name) who truly has set a benchmark for multi-hyphenated achievements. She/he is an entrepreneur, coach, and author of the best-selling books in our country and even abroad (mention their achievements). Her/his quiet charitable endeavors at such a young age command attention to the person they are and the upbringing they had. Thank you for accepting our invitation to address our students who will start another new chapter in their lives. 

A semester has passed, and another year has come to an end. I am certain that you are all feeling anxious and giddy with excitement at the same time. This is the final official ceremony that my dear students will attend in our prestigious school/college (mention the name). We are all gathered here to give our certificates for completing this year successfully. 

We are fortunate to have so enthusiastic and talented students who have brought laurels to the name of our school. It has only added to our school’s prestige and good name. The support and encouragement of the parents throughout the entire year are truly remarkable. Be it a sports event, dance and singing competition, quiz, or any important tournament they stood by like a rock. Our faculty is thankful for the cooperation and trust that you have shown in us. It would not have been possible without your guidance.

The passion for life that I have seen in you as students for everything you do is extraordinary. Whatever you put your mind to I am certain that you will achieve it. Going ahead there will always be trials and tribulations in life, always remember that you just have to believe in yourself. When you have faith, you have confidence in yourself and that will come in handy wherever you go. 

There are no free lunches in the world, just because you studied here doesn’t mean you are entitled to all the opportunities. You must remember that you have to work harder and earn to be deserving of every opportunity you get. Take every challenge you face as an opportunity for another chance to prove your worth. Also, know the difference between people to who you have to prove yourself and those you need not prove to.

Always remember to have a sense of humor in life only that will get you through the tough times. Life is truly special and with patience and hard work certainly, you will make responsible decisions for yourself, your family’s side, and your country as well.  Take accountability for your failures and learn from them. Don’t let anything bring you down and be this passionate and driven as you are today. Keep achieving and go high with flying colors.

Thank you. 

Short Welcome Speech for an Event

This form of welcome speech for the event is helpful when the presenter wishes to keep it simple, short and effective without diverting focus from the main event. 

Good Morning everyone, a very warm welcome to all present here, respected teachers and the parents, and students. A special thanks to the Chief Guest of the day (mention his/her name). It’s an honor to be graced by the presence of such an accomplished author and entrepreneur. Thank you for accepting the invitation for giving the keynote speech today and guiding our students to new beginnings.

I am standing here, feeling lucky to be a part of a small way of our student’s life. 

This school is so proud of all you have accomplished and every achievement you have garnered for yourself. This is the highly multi-talented batch of students in our school. You have been excellent performers in academics and won so many olympiads and awards. And you don’t hold back even in extracurricular activities like sports tournaments, like martial arts, football, basketball, and badminton. Our school has always been a top performer in inter-school events like dancing, singing, speech, elocution, and debate. 

The book club that you have started which is now thriving also shows your innovative side. 

The teachers have guided you in all your endeavors and your parents have constantly supported you too. This would not be the same without them. I extend my sincere thanks to all the teachers and parents for their understanding and support.

From now you will start a new journey and often have to deal with challenging situations alone along the way. All I can say is that I know you will make wise decisions and choose the right one. Whatever you do with conviction. No mountain is too high and the sky is only the limit. Be limitless in all that you do and like you have brought laurels to our school continue to do so for everyone around you. Looking forward to all that you are gonna start and make waves. All the best. 

Significance of welcome speech

The significance of the welcome speech can be understood from the following points:

It is significant since it marks the beginning of an event and gives a brief knowledge about the following sequences of events to the audience. 

It is the most vital part of any event as it sets the right tone for an event and gives a particular way to carry on for it.

Important Tips to be Followed While Giving a Welcome Speech

Here are some of the tips that one must follow while giving a welcome speech-

For a formal event, welcome the audience using serious language by picking an appropriate greeting such as, "Good evening ladies and gentlemen." You can also use phrases for welcoming the audience to the event such as, "It is my pleasure to welcome everyone to our beautiful venue tonight."

Here you must note that the tone should be kept more serious if the event is an important occasion. Also, use more formal language and avoid cracking any inappropriate jokes. 

The Guests can also be greeted informally by using light-hearted language. Straightforward greetings are more preferred such as, "Good morning everyone!" You can also express your gratitude towards the guests by using phrases.

For special guests, one can add individual greetings by including their names when they are a part of the audience. The special guests may include people of honor, those who may play a particularly important part in the event, or the ones who have traveled a long way to be there.

Introduce the event by providing a short introduction to the name and purpose of the event. You can say the name and age of the event, if relevant, and talk a little about the organization conducting the same.

10 Line Welcome Speech for an Event

This is helpful when one needs to keep it short and use simple and effective language.

Welcome to all the teachers and students. Special thanks to the chief guest for graciously accepting to speak to our students on the commencement day.

It is indeed a special occasion and an important moment for the students who will embark upon a new journey now.

I am certain that you are wondering and probably anxious about what the future holds in store.

The challenges are for everybody, how you deal with them is what makes you stand out.

Try not to fit in with the norms, rather challenge and question them.

Don’t take failures to heart, see them as learning.

Always keep learning and don’t stop being curious.

Do everything that you are interested in, it is never too late to start.

Be there for your loved ones, as without their presence many things would be different in your life.

Take time to appreciate the little things and be your role model.

Base on what the experts have compiled as welcome speeches here. Focus on the points you want to mention in a speech regarding the event and practice. Once you start, you will surely feel more confident. Be expressive and interactive with the crowd to make the welcome speech a success.

FAQs on Welcome Speech for an Event

1. How do we start a welcome speech?

A welcome speech is always started by greeting the audience. You can welcome the audience in a serious language for any formal occasion. Also, you can pick an appropriate greeting such as, "Good evening ladies and gentlemen." Then you can welcome the audience to the event using a phrase such as, "It is my pleasure to welcome everyone to our beautiful venue tonight." This endeavours way the guests feel elated and respected in the event. Moreover, this gives a sense of formality to the audience and pays them high respect.

2. How can we welcome a guest with a speech?

To welcome a guest to any events one may address the chief guest with a formal salutation, like Dr./ Mr./ Mrs./ Ms., etc. One can add the recognitions of the guests after researching their achievements and current work of the guest before and include this in the speech. The achievements must be framed in a sequence that starts from the present or in exact reverse order. At last, the one must bid a thank you to the guest and appreciate their presence at the event.

3. What is an introductory speech or a welcome speech at an event?

An Introduction speech or often known as the Welcome speech is an opener written to introduce the event, the speaker, and the purpose of the event that will be taking place. It is helpful to provide the audience with details of the event, its background, and about the special guests, and their achievements to establish the credibility of the event concerning the audience in a way that shows respect and importance for them at the event.

4. What are some welcoming words that can be used in a welcome speech?

Some of the welcoming words for a welcome speech include the following:

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! We owe you an amiable welcome to this evening.

Gracious welcome. “It’s our pleasure to offer you a gracious welcome to the event.”

These are some of the welcomes that can be addressed to the audience for an event.

5. Where can I get the welcome speech for an event?

The students can easily get the Welcome speech for an event from the Vedantu website for free. The website offers the students several other free resources like essay writing on different topics, resources for writing, and others. They can be easily accessed from the web and also be downloaded in pdf format for future reference or viewed online as this will help the students to easily learn and practice the much-needed co-curricular skills along with their studies.

Anchoring Script, Script for Oath-Taking & Welcome Speech for Investiture Ceremony of School

Table of Contents

Investiture Ceremony Anchoring Script in School

Introduction:.

Good morning/afternoon/evening ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to [School Name]. Today, we gather to witness a prestigious event that marks a significant milestone in the journey of our school – the investiture ceremony. It is an occasion where we entrust our chosen leaders with their responsibilities, empowering them to lead by example and steer our school toward success.

The Investiture Ceremony holds an immense place in our school’s annual calendar. It symbolizes the spirit of democracy and leadership, as deserving students are appointed to positions of authority. We believe in nurturing leadership qualities among our young talents, who will shape the future with their vision and dedication.

Significance of the Investiture Ceremony:

The investiture ceremony is more than just a formality; it is a platform to recognize and acknowledge the potential and capabilities of our students. Today, we will witness the investiture of our leaders, who will not only shoulder their responsibilities but also inspire their peers by embracing this opportunity.

Investing the Badge of Responsibility:

The badge, emblematic of authority and responsibility, will be bestowed upon our newly appointed leaders. It is a visible reminder of the trust placed in them and their commitment to serving their school with integrity, passion, and loyalty. As they accept these badges, they pledge to uphold the values and principles of our school.

Introduction of the Dignitaries:

We are honored to have esteemed personalities with us today. I would like to introduce our dignitaries – [mention names and their roles]. We are grateful for their presence as their guidance and support are crucial to shaping our school’s future leaders.

Appreciating the Outgoing Leaders:

Before proceeding, let us take a moment to acknowledge the efforts and contributions of our outgoing leaders. They have set examples of dedication, resilience, and teamwork, leaving an indelible mark on our school’s history. We extend our gratitude to them for their exceptional service.

Confirmation of the New Leaders:

Now, it is time to introduce our new leaders. [Read names and positions]. Each of them has been meticulously chosen through a rigorous selection process, considering their qualities of leadership, responsibility, and character. We have faith in their abilities to execute their duties and responsibilities with the utmost dedication.

Oath-Taking Ceremony:

The oath-taking ceremony is a sacred ritual, wherein our new leaders profess their commitment to their roles. I kindly request our new leaders to stand and repeat after me as they take their oath:

“I, [name], solemnly swear to uphold the values and responsibilities entrusted to me in [position]. I will serve my school faithfully, leading by example, and empowering my fellow students. I promise to uphold the principles of integrity, discipline, and respect. I will strive to make a positive difference in the lives of my peers and contribute to the growth and development of our school.”

Conclusion:

As we conclude this investiture ceremony, we congratulate our new leaders and wish them success on their journey. It is an honor to witness the beginning of a new chapter, where our students become the torchbearers of change and progress. With their passion, dedication, and vision, we are confident that [School Name] will attain greater heights of excellence and distinction.

Thank you all for being part of this memorable event. May the spirit of leadership continue to shine brightly within our school, nurturing future generations of leaders. Have a pleasant day ahead!

Welcome Speech for Investiture Ceremony of School

Good morning esteemed guests, parents, teachers, and most importantly, the young leaders of this school. Today, we are gathered here to witness and celebrate a significant event in the life of our school – the investiture ceremony. This ceremony marks the appointment of our student leaders who will shoulder the responsibility of leading their fellow peers with integrity, compassion, and dedication.

Investiture ceremonies hold a special place in the school calendar as they embody the spirit of transformation, growth, and empowerment. They signify a transition from being followers to becoming leaders, from being passive participants to active contributors in shaping the school community. The investiture ceremony presents an opportunity to instill leadership qualities such as responsibility, empathy, and resilience in our young learners.

This ceremony is not just about the ceremonial sashes, badges, or titles that our student leaders wear today. It is about the commitment they make, the values they uphold, and the positive influence they bring to their peers. These young leaders are the epitome of the school’s mission to nurture well-rounded individuals who excel not only academically but also as responsible citizens of society.

As we witness the investiture of our newly appointed leaders, let us reflect on the traits that define effective leadership. True leaders lead by example. They inspire, motivate, and empower others to achieve their full potential. Leaders show empathy, understand the needs of their peers and work towards creating an inclusive and harmonious school environment. They are visionaries, setting goals and steering their team through challenges to achieve success. Most importantly, leaders are accountable and responsible for their actions, making decisions that benefit the collective good.

Today, as these young leaders don their badges, we trust that they will embrace these qualities and perform their duties with unwavering commitment and enthusiasm. We have full faith in their ability to guide their peers towards academic excellence, sportsmanship, cultural enrichment, and community involvement. They are the pillars that will uphold the values of our school and ensure that it continues to flourish.

To our newly appointed leaders, I urge you to lead with humility, integrity, and dedication. Be responsive to the needs of your fellow peers and work in collaboration with them to create positive change. Remember that leadership is not about individual glory, but about striving for the betterment of the entire school community.

To parents and teachers, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your continuous support in nurturing and guiding these young minds. Your contribution is invaluable in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

In conclusion, the investiture ceremony is a celebration of the potential and promise that lies within each and every student. It is a reminder that leadership is not defined by age but by the qualities displayed. As we witness the investiture today, let us all commit ourselves to supporting and empowering these young leaders in their journey towards excellence.

Thank you, and may this investiture ceremony inspire us all to lead with purpose and make a positive difference in the lives we touch.

Script for Oath-Taking Ceremony in Schools: Investiture Ceremony

Good morning/afternoon/evening, respected principals, teachers, parents, and my fellow students. Today, in this auspicious gathering, we are gathered here to witness and be part of a significant event – the Investiture Ceremony. This ceremony marks the beginning of a new academic session and is a solemn occasion where we hand over the responsibilities of leadership to the deserving individuals of our school.

Opening Remarks:

Before we proceed with the investiture ceremony, let us take a moment to acknowledge the importance of this occasion. The investiture ceremony is a symbolic representation of the democratic values that our school upholds, where chosen representatives are given the authority to lead and serve our school community.

Appointment of School Captains and House Captains:

I now invite our respected principal, Mr./Ms. [Principal’s Name], to announce the appointment of School Captains and House Captains for the upcoming academic year. They have been selected after careful consideration based on their academic achievements, leadership qualities, and dedication to the welfare of their peers.

Principal’s Announcement:

“I am pleased to announce that [Student’s Name] has been appointed as our School Captain. [He/She] has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, and I am confident that [he/she] will inspire our student body to achieve great success.”

“I am also delighted to introduce [Student’s Names], who have been appointed as our House Captains for their respective houses: [House Names]. These individuals have exhibited remarkable qualities and embody the values our school stands for.”

Investiture Ceremony:

[Student’s Name], please step forward to receive the school flag, symbolizing your position as School Captain. This flag represents the trust and faith that our school community has placed in you. As the School Captain, you will be responsible for upholding discipline, fostering unity, and leading by example.

Similarly, I request [House Captains’ Names] to come forward and receive the flags of their respective houses. These flags symbolize your authority and responsibility in promoting healthy competition, teamwork, and house spirit among our students.

Oath Taking:

Now, I kindly request the appointed captains to take the oath, expressing their commitment to their roles and responsibilities. Please recite the following oath after me:

“I, [Name of the Captain], solemnly swear to uphold the values and principles of our school, to lead by example, to foster unity and respect among the student body, and to serve our school community with the utmost dedication. I will carry out my responsibilities with honesty, integrity, and compassion, and strive to make our school a better place.”

Congratulations to all the appointed captains on the occasion of the investiture ceremony. Your selection is a testament to your outstanding abilities and trustworthiness. Remember, leadership is not just about holding a position but about making a positive difference.

As we conclude this investiture ceremony, let us all give a big round of applause to our newly appointed captains, as they embark on their journey of leading and serving our school.

Thank you, everyone, for being part of this momentous occasion, and let us all strive to make our school community a place of excellence, unity, and growth.

Anchoring Script for the Investiture Ceremony & Prefect Investiture Ceremony Speech

Long & Short Anchoring Script for the Investiture Ceremony for Principal & Teachers

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Speech Writing

Graduation Speech

Crafting the Perfect Graduation Speech: A Guide with Examples

10 min read

People also read

The 10 Key Steps for Perfect Speech Writing

Understanding the Speech Format - Detailed Guide & Examples

How to Start A Speech - 13 Interesting Ideas & Examples

20+ Outstanding Speech Examples for Your Help

Common Types of Speeches that Every Speechwriter Should Know

Good Impromptu Speech Topics for Students

Entertaining Speech Topics for Your Next Debate

How to Write a Special Occasion Speech: Types, Tips, and Examples

Introduction Speech - A Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

How to Write the Best Acceptance Speech for Your Audience?

Presentation Speech - An Ultimate Writing Guide

Commemorative Speech - Writing Guide, Outline & Examples

Farewell Speech - Writing Tips & Examples

How to Write an Extemporaneous Speech? A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever stood at the threshold of a new journey, feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty? 

Well, if you're a soon-to-be graduate, that's probably exactly how you're feeling right now.

The big day is coming, and you're wondering, 'How will I write my speech? Can I ask for speech writing help?

Don’t worry!

In this blog, we're going to tell you how to write a graduation speech for students. Get ready to discover the secrets of crafting a graduation speech that not only captures your audience's attention but also leaves a profound impact on your fellow graduates.

Let's transform that uncertainty into inspiration and confidence as we delve into the art of delivering a speech that will make your graduation day truly unforgettable.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

• 1. What is a Graduation Speech?
• 2. How to Write a Graduation Speech?
• 3. Graduation Speeches From Notable Figures 
• 4. Graduation Speech Examples for Students 
• 5. Graduation Speech Ideas - 2023
• 6. Graduation Speech Writing Tips 

What is a Graduation Speech?

A graduation speech is the heart of your big day, bringing together all your experiences and achievements. 

It's more than just talking – it's a way to inspire and celebrate. It's not just a tradition. This type of speech is a chance to share what you've learned and dream about the future.

Your graduation speech should include everyone – your friends, the tough times you all faced, and the good times you shared. 

Elements of Graduation Speech

Creating a memorable graduation speech involves several key elements that can help you connect with your audience and make a lasting impression. 

Here are the crucial elements you should consider:

All these elements make a strong and memorable speech and help make your graduation successful.

How to Write a Graduation Speech?

Writing an inspirational graduation speech that stands out isn't as daunting as it may seem. 

With a structured approach and a dash of creativity, you can deliver the best special occasion speech that leaves a lasting impact on your audience. 

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to start a graduation speech and create an inspiring address:

Begin with a Memorable Opening 

Start with an attention-grabbing quote, a personal anecdote, or a thought-provoking question. 

This sets the tone for your speech and captures your audience's interest right from the beginning.

Express Gratitude 

Show appreciation to your teachers, parents, and fellow students. 

Express how their support and contributions have been instrumental in your academic journey. This sets a positive and grateful tone for your speech.

Reflect on Meaningful Moments 

Share personal stories and school experiences that have had a significant impact on your life and the lives of your classmates. 

Use these anecdotes to connect with your audience emotionally.

Offer Words of Inspiration 

Provide words of inspiration and motivation. Encourage your fellow graduates to embrace the future with confidence and courage.

Use stories or quotes to illustrate your points.

Share Practical Advice 

Share life lessons and any advice you've learned during your academic journey. 

Offer insights related to pursuing goals, overcoming challenges, and maintaining a positive outlook on life.

Emphasize Unity and Shared Experiences 

Highlight the importance of unity and the bonds formed with your classmates. 

Emphasize the strength of collective experiences and friendships that have been a significant part of your school life.

Discuss Hopes and Dreams 

Talk about your hopes and dreams for the future, both for yourself and your fellow graduates. Paint a vivid picture of the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

End with an Inspiring Conclusion 

Conclude your speech with a memorable message that resonates with your audience. 

Leave them with a lasting impression or a call to action that inspires them to take on the future with enthusiasm.

Graduation Speeches From Notable Figures 

Notable figures, from celebrities to accomplished professionals, often deliver inspiring graduation speeches, sharing their wisdom, experiences, and advice with the graduates. 

In this section, we explore some remarkable graduation speeches that have left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

Taylor Swift Graduation Speech 

Taylor Swift, the renowned singer-songwriter, delivered an inspiring graduation speech that emphasized embracing change and authenticity. 

Her words have motivated graduates worldwide, making her speech a source of valuable life lessons.

“The times I was told no or wasn’t included, wasn’t chosen, didn’t win, didn’t make the cut…looking back, it really feels like those moments were as important, if not more crucial, than the moments I was told ‘yes.’ …” 

Watch complete graduation speech here: 

Rory Gilmore Graduation Speech 

Rory Gilmore, a beloved fictional character from the TV series "Gilmore Girls," delivered a heartwarming graduation speech that celebrated the value of hard work, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams. 

Her speech remains an iconic moment in the series and a testament to the power of perseverance and ambition.

Watch her graduation speech here:

Ree Drummond - Oklahoma State University 

Ree Drummond, known as "The Pioneer Woman," shared her insights and wisdom in a graduation speech delivered in 2022. 

Her address offers a unique perspective on life, success, and the pursuit of dreams, making it a valuable resource for graduates seeking inspiration and guidance as they set out on their own paths.

Listen to the complete speech in this video:

Steve Jobs - 2005 

Steve Jobs' iconic 2005 commencement speech at Stanford University delivered invaluable life lessons and inspiration. 

His words continue to resonate with graduates and individuals worldwide, offering timeless guidance on pursuing one's passions and creating a meaningful life.

Check out his complete speech in this video: 

Graduation Speech Examples for Students 

Looking for inspiration for your own graduation speech? Here is a short graduation speech:

Read some more diverse graduation speech samples to spark your creativity:

Graduation Speech for Kindergarten - Example

Short Graduation Speech

Graduation Speech for Kids

Graduation Speech For Primary 6

8th Grade Graduation Speech

High School Graduation Speech

Explore a collection of inspiring graduation speeches, each offering a unique perspective on this momentous occasion.

Graduation Speech by Students - Example

Graduation Speech for Parents - Example

Graduation Speech by Teacher - Example

Graduation Speech by Principal- Example

Graduation Speech Thanking Teachers

Graduation Speech Ideas - 2023

Here are some interesting and fun graduation speech ideas.

• Talk about a current school event.
• Try something new like poetry or metaphors to make your speech interesting.
• Tell a story about your class, for example, ‘what was the driving force of the class of 2021?’
• Use quotes from famous and classic books.
• Use lyrics from the class anthem.
• Be inspirational and share an inspirational story.
• Share a humorous experience.
• Convey a memorable message.
• If appropriate, add a song with meaning.
• Appreciate a fellow classmate or a teacher.
• Connect your speech with your 1st day at school.
• Significant events that took place in the school.
• A professor that made you fall in love with a major subject.
• The long time you spent in the school library and how it impacted your interactions with other students.
• Tell me about who inspired you the most in your life.

Graduation Speech Writing Tips 

Crafting a memorable graduation speech can be a rewarding yet challenging task. Here are some essential tips to help you write an impactful and engaging speech for your big day:

• Know Your Audience: Understanding your audience is crucial to tailor your speech effectively.
• Start Strong: An attention-grabbing beginning sets the tone for your speech.
• Tell Personal Stories: Personal anecdotes and experiences create a meaningful connection.
• Inspire and Motivate: Your speech should encourage confidence about the future.
• Share Practical Advice: Offering practical life advice adds value to your speech.
• Embrace Humor: Appropriately used humor can engage your audience.
• Be Concise: Keeping your speech at an appropriate length is essential to maintain interest.
• Practice and Rehearse: Preparation ensures confidence in your delivery.
• End on a High Note: A memorable conclusion leaves a lasting impression.

As you take that first step forward, congratulations on your graduation, and we wish you the best of luck in whatever comes next. We hope this graduation speech guide has given you some pointers for what to say in your speech.

If you need further help, you can avail of our assistance and get your speech before the big day.

At MyPerfectWords.com , one of the best essay writing service for college , we help new graduates make their day memorable by delivering quality speeches.

Buy speech from us and get ready to shine.

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Speeches from the opening ceremony

Read the speeches from the welcome ceremony 15 August 2022 in English: 

• Rector of the University of Oslo, Svein Stølen
• Mayor of Oslo, Marianne Borgen
• Buddy Secretariat, Maren Dahle og Andres Øverbø
• Leader of the Student Parliament, Oline Sæther

Svein Stølen

Rector of the University of Oslo

Dear new students! First of all, I would like to welcome you to the University of Oslo. Congratulations on gaining a place at Norway’s best university!

A special welcome to our international students. You bring new perspectives that we are eager to learn from. I hope you will enjoy your stay and make many new friends. The University of Oslo knows no boundaries, and I hope/am sure that both you and our Norwegian students will profit from working together and getting to know each other.

It is a great honour to welcome you at the actual University Square. Seeing several thousand students fill the University Square for the welcoming ceremony is one of the highlights of the year and makes my heart race a little faster. As you can see, we’re all dressed up today. The gown and chain and ceremony – with symphony orchestra and large choir – are part of the university’s tradition and history, a tradition and history that you will now are a part of developing further. 

Today is about you, about the studies you are now starting, about your future. But your future is also society’s future – it is you who will lead the way in a world with both familiar and new challenges. We hope that what you learn and experience during your studies will help you make good choices. Our aim is that you who study at the University of Oslo gain more than a good education: That you strengthen your critical sense, gain a global perspective and become engaged in society around you. That you become a thinking, but also a considerate person.

For 211 years, the University has contributed to the development of Norway and the world. And this is something we will continue to do. With world-class researchers and lecturers, Norway’s strongest students and numerous subjects and programmes of study, we have a good starting point to contribute to resolve various complex challenges to society. The questions may be uncomfortable, the answers rarely easy, and may even be controversial. This means that in your studies you will be exposed to and be required to discuss theories and ideas you may strongly disagree with. You will learn to meet counter-arguments and face people holding opposing views. You will be included in challenging questions, in a diversity of opinions and in difficult discussions. Constructive discussions and criticism and free formation of knowledge are a part of both the University’s and society’s DNA. 

International collaboration is an important part of the academic community you are now becoming a part of. Exchange schemes result in new knowledge and new perspectives that both society and working life need, and are important for your personal development. The University of Oslo has several hundred exchange agreements with universities all over the world. Seize the opportunity! Be curious and use the opportunities that the University and Oslo have to offer. Get in touch with each other, work together, and help each other. It is important for learning and academic development, but it is also important for creating security, community spirit and belonging. Moving to a new city and starting a new everyday life can be both lonely and daunting. Therefore:

Involve yourselves in the study environment and in student organisations. Visit the Career Centre for advice. Talk to each other and include each other. Your involvement can also trigger involvement in others. Your fellow students are the best partners in the learning process, but chances are that they will be your friends for life. Perhaps you will even meet the love of your life here at the university of Oslo.

We wish you the best of luck, and look forward to following your progress. Norway and the world needs both your hearts and minds. Thank you for choosing the University of Oslo.

Marianne Borgen

Mayor of Oslo

Dear students

As Mayor of Oslo, it is a great pleasure for me to warmly welcome you all to the start of studies and to welcome you to the City of Oslo.  Oslo is an important student city.  We are proud to have so many students in the city, because you help to make Oslo a city of knowledge, with research and innovation. The City works closely with both the University and the business community. You have every reason to have great expectations for Norway's oldest and largest university. 

Oslo is Norway's Environmental Capital and aims to become a zero-emission city by 2030. We are investing in public transport and making cycling and walking easy and safe. We think about the climate and the environment in every choice we make in Oslo — and I hope you will also help to make Oslo cleaner and greener.  

Let me take this opportunity to welcome our international students. It is an honour that you have chosen to study in Oslo. You have come to a city with a great University, a fascinating history, beautiful natural surroundings, — with the Oslo fjord and the forests that are embracing the whole city. I hope you will enjoy your stay in Oslo. 

Oslo is a diverse and exciting city. We have recently opened a wonderful big library in Bjørvika in addition to all the exciting local libraries, a new Munch Museum and a new National Museum. I want to mention Ekeberg, Tøjen Park, the seafront walk from Aker Brygge to Sørenga, the bathing place at Huk, the new city beach in Bjørvika, all the saunas or trails in Oslomarka and along the Akerselva river.  Oslo is a city with fantastic possibilities in culture, sport and outdoor activities. This year we have over 30 festivals in Oslo. 

So use the time to get to know the city, get to know new people and be open to diversity and differences. 

Oslo aims to be an open, inclusive and generous city, where we are there for each other. A city where everyone should experience security, inclusion, involvement and trust, and that security and generosity we create together, and Oslo is a safe city.

But on the night of Saturday 25 June during Pride week, there was an attack here in Oslo, which targeted the queer, killed two people, and injured many. It not only hit the queer, it hit all of Oslo. Going forward, we will stand together against hatred and hateful expressions. Because we know that hateful attitudes can also lead to dangerous and deadly acts. Therefore, we must fight all forms of hatred and discrimination together. So stand up and tell, when you experience them - no matter where.  We must fight this together every single day. 

Study time is exciting, but can also be demanding. Take the time to make new connections, be open and inclusive — Get to know new people.  Take good care of each other!

Our society needs you, who are students today. We have great unresolved tasks in the field of the environment and climate. Many areas of the world are characterised by unrest and poverty. We have experienced a pandemic, there is war in Ukraine, a rising nuclear weapons threat, huge streams of refugees and we are seeing human rights being violated in very many countries. I hope you will all spend time engaging in these issues, using your wisdom and energy to help find solutions.

We will create the future together! 

Thank you for choosing Oslo as your place of study. Good luck and once again, — welcome to Oslo. 

Maren Dahle og Andres Øverbø

Buddy Secretariat

Andres: 

Dear students, new and old.

Our names are Maren and Andres and we are buddy leader coordinators at the University of Oslo. It means that we have spent almost a year planning this - the start of studies! First of all, we would like to thank our buddies and buddy leaders, whose work in welcoming new students is invaluable. Thank you for your dedicated efforts! So, to the new students. Today, you have started at the University of Oslo and your studies are underway! The aim is to kick things off in the best possible manner with the Start of Studies Week. This will help you get to know each other, Oslo, the University, and student life.

There will be quizzes, games, parties, getting to know each other, excitement and a lot of laughter. A weeklong celebration of entering into student life.  And as experienced, wise and ‘old’ students, we would like to give you four pieces of advice this week. 

The first piece of advice is to use the Start of Studies Week for all it is worth, and to get involved with everything. It provides you with great experiences, good memories, and good friends. You should be exhausted at the end of the week! The second piece of advice is to dare to say hi to people and try to get to know each other. Everyone is in the same boat, and it can be a bit scary. However, in order to be brave, you have to be a bit scared first! Besides, finding a new best friend today and over the next few days will never be as easy! 

The third piece of advice is to really enjoy the next few days, because they pass by really quickly! Take pictures, make memories and enjoy yourselves. You are always going to remember your buddy group.

And our last piece of advice is don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. All students have been new students at some point.

We are really looking forward to seeing you around the campuses over the next few days. And if you see one of us, don’t hesitate to come over and have a chat!

Have a great Start of Studies Week, - See you later!

Oline Sæther

Leader of the Student Parliament

Dear fellow students – welcome to the University of Oslo! Today is a day to celebrate – we celebrate that more than 10,000 students are beginning their studies here at our University.

Dear fellow students – welcome to the University of Oslo! 

Today, I am greeting you as leader of the Student Parliament – the students’ highest governing body. The Student Parliament is proud to represent such a diverse, skilled and engaged body of students as the one we have here at the University of Oslo. 

Five years have passed since I stood where you are all standing today, as a new UiO student. I remember well what it was like. I was excited and motivated, but also nervous.  Nervous about meeting my fellow students and nervous about whether I would be a good student. 

Today, I would like to say to you what I wish someone would have said to me five years ago, and that is: 

Don’t be a good student. 

As a student, you are no longer part of a class. You don’t have a form teacher. You are your own boss. This means that student life is full of freedom; there is no 10% absence limit and no bad marks against your name. 

When I started at the University of Oslo, I did everything my lecturers said I should; I read all of the syllabus, I did my assignments, I attended all my lectures. I was a good student. 

Being a good student is easy; you simply have to do as you are told. 

However; being a good student, is it worth it? 

In my opinion at least, I find it more rewarding to be a critical and inquisitive student — a student who doesn’t follow the rules without knowing they are worth following. From the dawn of time, students have helped to develop future societies; by asking questions, and by challenging the status quo. 

That is why I say; don’t be a good student. Be brave. Put yourself in the driver’s seat of your own life; even though it is easier to switch life onto autopilot, dare to take responsibility and question your own existence. Move out of your comfort zone; seek out the conversations where you are challenged on what you think you know. Perform as best you can; but dare to trust that everything you learn while you are a student is not always reflected in the exam grades you are given. 

Life as a student is a rich life; but you have to dare to seek it out. Don’t be a good student; be a brave one. 

Dear students; lots of luck.   

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter

• Subscribe to Newsletter
• Submit a Story
• Submit a Job
• Submit a College Recruit
• SwimSwam Store

SwimSwam Facebook

SwimSwam Youtube

SwimSwam RSS Feed

SwimSwam Pinterest

SwimSwam Instagram

SwimSwam Twitter

SwimSwam LinkedIn

Thomas Bach’s Tokyo 2020 Opening Ceremony Speech in Full

Read the full transcript of the IOC President’s speech from the Tokyo 2020 Opening Ceremony earlier today, given by Germany's Thomas Bach. Current photo via Jack Spitser/ Spitser Photography

by Nick Pecoraro 5

July 23rd, 2021 International , News , Press Releases , Tokyo 2020

• Share Thomas Bach’s Tokyo 2020 Opening Ceremony Speech in Full on Facebook
• Tweet Thomas Bach’s Tokyo 2020 Opening Ceremony Speech in Full
• Submit Thomas Bach’s Tokyo 2020 Opening Ceremony Speech in Full to Reddit
• Share Thomas Bach’s Tokyo 2020 Opening Ceremony Speech in Full on Pinterest
• Share Thomas Bach’s Tokyo 2020 Opening Ceremony Speech in Full on LinkedIn

During this morning’s opening ceremony, IOC president Thomas Bach   of Germany welcomed the Olympic community to open the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Following a rendition John Lennon’s “Imagine” and 1,800 drones lighting up the sky, Seiko Hashimoto , president of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic organizing committee, gave a speech of her own in Japanese before Bach .

• Click here to view more highlights (and spoilers) from the opening ceremony.

In March of 2021, Bach was re-elected as IOC president for this second and last four-year term unopposed . His first term began back in 2013, earning 49 out of 94 votes. During the 137th IOC session, Bach received 93 votes towards his re-election.

From there, Bach put his leadership skills to the test by implementing numerous decisions on the Olympics, even if it was an unpopular decision. Shortly after the announcement only domestic spectators would be allowed, the IOC pushed the official decision on spectators on June due to the varying COVID-19 numbers and trends globally and in Tokyo.

“Tokyo and Japan have accepted the unprecedented challenge of organising the first postponed Olympic and Paralympic Games in history,” Bach reassured in his first press release as a second-term IOC president . “We thank them for their great work in this respect and, as partners, we understand the great responsibility that everyone attending the Games must accept so that all participants and the Japanese population remain safe.” Eventually, it was decided that the postponed 2020 Olympics would be spectatorless . Bach had also put in action a plethora of COVID-19 testing measures, including a standard practice risk waiver announcement on June 1st to any participant.

Despite Tokyo’s fourth state of emergency and rising concerns for the Games, Bach remained set on holding the games, claiming that canceling the Olympics is “not really an option”. Bach stated, “We, the IOC, will never abandon the athletes, and with the cancellation, we would have lost a whole generation of athletes. So therefore, a cancellation for us was not really an option.”

Bach also repeatedly honored the “Japanese people,” who collectively have become the biggest critics of hosting this year’s Olympics in Tokyo.

In one of Bach’s closing remarks, he addressed the newly adapted Olympic slogan: “faster, higher, stronger – together “. Bach continued on by concluding that, “the pandemic forced us to be apart… But today, wherever in the world you may be, we are united in sharing this moment together”.

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito , whose grandfather opened the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, officially declared the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games open.

Full Transcript

Your Majesty, the Emperor,

Dear Athletes,

Dear Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide,

Dear Governor Koike Yuriko,

Dear President of the Organising Committee and fellow Olympian Hashimoto Seiko,

Your Excellencies,

Dear Olympic friends,

Welcome to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Today is a moment of hope. Yes, it is very different from what all of us had imagined. But let us cherish this moment. Finally we are all here together: the athletes from 205 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, living under one roof together in the Olympic Village.

This is the unifying power of sport. This is the message of solidarity, the message of peace and the message of resilience. This gives all of us hope for our further journey together.

We can only be all together here, because of you, our gracious hosts, the Japanese people, to whom we would like to express all our appreciation and respect.

The Organising Committee, and the Japanese authorities at all levels have done extraordinary work for which, on behalf of all the Olympic athletes, I want to express our deepest gratitude.

Ten years ago, you set out on the journey to bring the Olympic spirit back to Tokyo after the outstanding Olympic Games Tokyo 1964. It was a difficult journey, with unprecedented challenges: first, reconstructing after the Great East Japan Earthquake, then the coronavirus pandemic. This is why our gratitude and admiration for you is even greater.

We thank all the many unsung heroes, the doctors, nurses and all the Japanese people who contribute to contain the pandemic.

A special thanks goes to the thousands of volunteers, who despite all the challenges they had to face, welcomed us wholeheartedly. You are the best ambassadors for Japan. A big thank you to all volunteers!

Thank you to all Japanese people for making the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 possible.

What is true for the perseverance of the Japanese people is also true for you, my fellow Olympic athletes.

You had to face great challenges on your Olympic journey. Like all of us, you were living with great uncertainty through the pandemic. You did not know when you could train again. You did not know whether you could see your coach tomorrow. You did not know if your teammates would be with you for the next competition. You did not even know if this competition would take place at all.

You struggled, you persevered, you never gave up, and today you are making your Olympic dream come true.

You are true Olympic athletes.

You inspired us, the IOC and the entire Olympic community. You inspired us to fight like you, and for you, to make this moment possible.

This is why, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the National Olympic Committees, the International Federations, all our TOP partners and sponsors and our Rights-Holding Broadcasters for standing together with us.

This made all of us a true community – the Olympic community.

Dear athletes.

This Olympic community is with you tonight and during the entire Olympic Games. Billions of people from around the globe will be glued to their screens, sending you their enthusiasm, their energy and cheering you on.

Our Olympic community learned that we can address the many big challenges of our times only if we stand together. 

The lesson we learned is: We need more solidarity. More solidarity among societies and more solidarity within societies.

Solidarity means much more than just respect or non-discrimination.

Solidarity means helping. Sharing. Caring.

This is what we are doing in our Olympic community. We are standing in solidarity to make the Olympic Games happen and to enable all of you, the athletes from all National Olympic Committees, whether big or small, whether rich or poor, and from all Olympic sports, to take part in the Olympic Games.

This solidarity fuels our mission to make the world a better place through sport. Only because of this solidarity we can be here together tonight.

Solidarity also reflects our 3,000-year old commitment to peace.

Without solidarity, there is no peace.

In this Olympic spirit of solidarity and peace, we welcome the IOC Refugee Olympic Team.

Dear refugee athletes.

With your talent and human spirit, you are demonstrating what an enrichment refugees are for society. You had to flee from your homes because of violence, hunger or just because you were different. Today, we welcome you with open arms and offer you a peaceful home. Welcome to our Olympic community.

In this Olympic community we are all equal. We all respect the same rules.

This Olympic experience makes all of us very humble because we feel that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We are part of an event that unites the world. United in all our diversity, we become bigger than the sum of our parts. We are always stronger together.

This is why we are so grateful to you, the athletes, for expressing your commitment to these Olympic values of solidarity, non-discrimination, sport without doping, inclusion and equality in your new Olympic oath. 

We can only go faster, we can only aim higher, we can only become stronger, if we stand together – in solidarity.

This is why, the IOC has adapted the Olympic motto to our times: faster, higher, stronger – together.

This feeling of togetherness – this is the light at the end of the dark tunnel. 

The pandemic forced us to be apart. To keep our distance from each other. To stay away even from our loved ones. This separation made this tunnel so dark.

But today, wherever in the world you may be, we are united in sharing this moment together. The Olympic flame makes this light shine brighter for all of us.

Now I have the great honour of inviting His Majesty the Emperor to declare open the 32 nd  Games of the Olympiad, Tokyo 2020.

I humbly request his Majesty the Emperor to declare open the Tokyo Olympic Games.

5 Leave a Reply

The Honorable President Thomas Bach with his speech for the Opening Ceremony Of Olympics “TOKYO 2020” has inspired all the world with his peaceful sensitivity and his serene values enriching The light of The Olympic Flame and The Olympic Spirit with safe and peaceful ideals and messages that we all individuals and nations prosper and progress when we do not go against the basic values of life and creating a deeper understanding with mutual love and solidarity that we all belong to one family of man.The recognition of the contribution of refugees worlwide was perfect. An excellent lesson for the youth and mankind. WE MUST WORK TOGETHER FOR THE PEACEFUL COEXISTENTENCE. HONORABLE PRESIDENT YOU HAVE BECOME AN INTERNATIONAL HEART …  Read more »

My husband and I were touched by all the opening statements and speeches, particularly that of The IOC President of the 2020 Olympics, Thomas Bach. His plea was for solidarity among all the countries who have sent accomplished young athletes to the Olympic Games during this challenging time.. The recognition of the contribution of refugees worldwide was brilliant. His advice would create a world worthy of these talented young people. Only cooperation between all countries will solve the world’s pressing problems (eg. climate change, Covid, inequality). We must work TOGETHER! Thank you for your inspiration. It is sad this important message was not heard by all. carolyn davis

Actions speak louder than words…somehow feel there’s an imbalance with this guy.

Speech could have been cut to 30 seconds by saying “together” 30 times with no other words. Same for the Japanese speaker no one understood. I’d have walked out mid speech to break some cardboard beds.

Together solidarity together that’s the just of it

About Nick Pecoraro

Nick has had the passion for swimming since his first dive in the water in middle school, immediately falling for breaststroke. Nick had expanded to IM events in his late teens, helping foster a short, but memorable NCAA Div III swim experience at Calvin University. While working on his B.A. …

More from Nick Pecoraro See All

• Elizabeth Beisel Inducted to 2024 Florida Athletic & Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame Classes
• Lucas Henveaux Goes 1:47.3/3:47.1/7:53.4 Free at 2024 Belgian Open, Sarah Dumont Goes 5-for-5
• Jack Alexy Posts 48.36 in 100 FR at Terrapins Senior Open, Remains #4 in US for 2024
• USA, France, Canada, and Australia Reveal Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony Uniforms
• 2024 PSS San Antonio Day 4 Finals Scratches: Urlando Dodges 2IM, Pickrem Picks IM Over Breast

Don't want to miss anything?

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive our latest updates!

Want to take your swimfandom to the next level?

Subscribe to SwimSwam Magazine!

• Taiwan News
• Editorial & Opinion
• Bilingual Pages

• All Front Page Taiwan News Business Editorial & Opinion Sports World News Features Bilingual Pages

Tue, Apr 23, 2024 page2

Protesters disrupt chinese envoy’s speech.

• Staff writer, with CNA

A group of Taiwanese-American and Tibetan-American students at Harvard University on Saturday disrupted Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng’s (謝鋒) speech at the school, accusing him of being responsible for numerous human rights violations.

Four students — two Taiwanese Americans and two from Tibet — held up banners inside a conference hall where Xie was delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the Harvard Kennedy School China Conference 2024.

In a video clip provided by the Coalition of Students Resisting the CCP (Chinese Communist Party), Taiwanese-American Cosette Wu (吳亭樺) and Tibetan-American Tsering Yangchen are seen holding banners that together read: “China Lies, People Die.”

Taiwanese-American Harvard student Cosette Wu holds up a banner that reads “China Lies” during Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng’s speech at Harvard University on Saturday.

Photo: Screen grab from the Coalition of Students Resisting the CCP’s video via CNA

Yelling at Xie, Wu said he was trying to “paint an illusion of a prosperous China, but your hands are painted with blood.”

“You robbed Hong Kongers of the most fundamental freedom and devastated their democracy. Now in my country Taiwan, you sought to do the same,” she shouted as she was forcibly removed from the scene by a man.

The man was later identified in a press release from the protesters as “an organizer” from the school’s Greater China Society, which helped coordinate the speech on Saturday.

Local police officers intervened and admonished the member of the Greater China Society, the statement said.

Similar protests, organized by the Coalition of Students Resisting the CCP and Students for a Free Tibet, were also staged outside the conference hall.

Xie’s speech was delayed for 45 minutes.

The protest targeted the Chinese government for its human rights abuses and aggression in Tibet, Hong Kong, East Turkestan and Taiwan, and was aimed at Xie in particular, the statement said.

Xie was responsible for turning Hong Kong into a dystopian state during the 2019 protests and for the enactment of the National Security Law, the statement said.

He has also made thinly veiled threats of war to intimidate Taiwan, and orchestrated propaganda trips to East Turkestan to whitewash the CCP’s genocide against the Uighurs,” it added.

Wu said in a media interview on Sunday that Xie was the CCP’s commissioner to Hong Kong during the 2019 protests and when the National Security Law was implemented.

“So this was a man who is directly in charge of overseeing the CCP’s complete takeover of Hong Kong society and the destruction of their democracy,” Wu said.

“And now in his role as the ambassador, he’s making, like, thinly veiled threats of a military invasion of Taiwan,” she said, adding that, as a Taiwanese, it was her duty to speak up.

Wu, a junior at Harvard, said her parents are Taiwanese and she grew up in Hawaii.

The protest statement also quoted a Tibetan student, who asked not to be named, as saying that her family was forced to flee Tibet after “China massacred tens of thousands of Tibetans during the CCP’s military invasion and colonization of my homeland.”

“Today, in occupied Tibet, China is continuing the genocide of Tibet by ripping 80 percent of all Tibetan schoolchildren from their families and forcing them to attend colonial boarding schools where speaking Tibetan is forbidden,” she said.

Accusing Xie of being an “advocate for the genocide” of Tibetans, she said it was her duty as a Tibetan Harvard student to show the world the truth.

In a statement on the Chinese embassy Web site in the US, Xie told the US to stop “interfering with China’s internal affairs.”

Most Popular

Submarine head’s departure could impact program, china attack on us could draw in nato, report says, taiwan’s first electric tractor from volvo trucks unveiled, china uses un against taiwan allies: ex-staffer, us navy flies aircraft through strait.

You might also like

THE HAWAII FACTOR: While a 1965 opinion said an attack on Hawaii would not trigger Article 5, the text of the treaty suggests the state is covered, the report says NATO could be drawn into a conflict in the Taiwan Strait if Chinese forces attacked the US mainland or Hawaii, a NATO Defense College report published on Monday says. The report, written by James Lee, an assistant research fellow at Academia Sinica’s Institute of European and American Studies, states that under certain conditions a Taiwan contingency could trigger Article 5 of NATO, under which an attack against any member of the alliance is considered an attack against all members, necessitating a response. Article 6 of the North Atlantic Treaty specifies that an armed attack in the territory of any member in Europe,

By Jonathan Chin

Nearly 140,000 fall ill with diarrhea

FLU SEASON: Twenty-six severe cases were reported from Tuesday last week to Monday, including a seven-year-old girl diagnosed with influenza-associated encephalopathy Nearly 140,000 people sought medical assistance for diarrhea last week, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said on Tuesday. From April 7 to Saturday last week, 139,848 people sought medical help for diarrhea-related illness, a 15.7 percent increase from last week’s 120,868 reports, CDC Epidemic Intelligence Center Deputy Director Lee Chia-lin (李佳琳) said. The number of people who reported diarrhea-related illness last week was the fourth highest in the same time period over the past decade, Lee said. Over the past four weeks, 203 mass illness cases had been reported, nearly four times higher than the 54 cases documented in the same period

Stimulus package aims to revive tourism in Hualien

HOSPITALITY HIT: Hotels in Hualien have an occupancy rate of 10 percent, down from 30 percent before the earthquake, a Tourism Administration official said The Executive Yuan yesterday unveiled a stimulus package of vouchers and subsidies to revive tourism in Hualien County following a quake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale. The tremor on April 3, which killed at least 17 people and left two others missing, caused the county an estimated NT$3 billion (US$92.7 million) in damages. The Ministry of Economic Affairs is to issue vouchers worth NT$200 at the price of NT$100 for purchases at the Dongdamen Night Market (東大門夜市) in Hualien City to boost spending, a ministry official told a news conference after a Cabinet meeting in Taipei. The ministry plans to issue 18,400

Temperatures exceed 38°C in southern Taiwan

Heat advisories were in effect for nine administrative regions yesterday afternoon as warm southwesterly winds pushed temperatures above 38°C in parts of southern Taiwan, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said. As of 3:30pm yesterday, Tainan’s Yujing District (玉井) had recorded the day’s highest temperature of 39.7°C, though the measurement will not be included in Taiwan’s official heat records since Yujing is an automatic rather than manually operated weather station, the CWA said. Highs recorded in other areas were 38.7°C in Kaohsiung’s Neimen District (內門), 38.2°C in Chiayi City and 38.1°C in Pingtung’s Sandimen Township (三地門), CWA data showed. The spell of scorching