| They're short and not generally substantive. | | | | Keep them just long enough to welcome |
| That's why welcoming speeches don't tend to get | | | | attendees, recognize a few special guests, share |
| the respect they deserve in the realm of speech | | | | your goals for the event and thank everyone for |
| making. Seen as what they are though: an | | | | participating. Don't get into any substantive details |
| important first chance to make a good public | | | | of the proceedings. |
| impression, and it becomes clear why this | | | | 3.) Do introduce yourself. |
| deceptively simple task should never be | | | | Even if you are reasonably certain most in the |
| overlooked. | | | | room know your name and position, do take a |
| Welcome speeches by definition should be more | | | | moment to give yourself an introduction. This is |
| about the audience than the host. The aim is put | | | | your opportunity to personalize your welcome and |
| invited guests at ease, get the proceedings off to | | | | to show your sincere pleasure your guests are |
| a good start, and to set expectations for what is | | | | there. |
| to come. As important as these goals are, | | | | 4.) Practice good delivery techniques. |
| welcome speeches are also opportunities to give | | | | Do make sure the audience will be able to hear |
| the right impression--of the hosts and the | | | | you from any vantage point. Maintain eye contact |
| individual speaker specifically. | | | | as much as possible with your guests during these |
| Rush through these opening remarks, and you | | | | brief remarks. If possible, practice your remarks |
| risk leaving the impression the event isn't taken all | | | | at the site of the actual event so that you know |
| that seriously, or isn't well organized. Spend too | | | | where you'll be standing, whether you'll be wearing |
| long at the welcoming remarks, and your audience | | | | a microphone, and how you'll sound. Avoid reading |
| may have cause for concern about whether their | | | | your remarks if possible, so you can be sure and |
| time is going to be well spent. | | | | sound genuinely welcoming and prepared. |
| Here are some tips and techniques executives | | | | 5.) Use humor wisely. |
| can use for an effective welcome: | | | | It's hard to recover from a joke that isn't |
| 1.) Be a good host. | | | | received well, so if you're not comfortable using |
| As you compose your remarks, picture yourself | | | | humor generally in public forums, this isn't a good |
| hosting a group at your own home. Strive to | | | | place to start. Never open with a joke at |
| strike the same tone of good-natured familiarity | | | | someone else's expense. It's a good idea to vet |
| and ease. By all means, single out special guests, | | | | your remarks with someone else before taking |
| but be sure to include remarks that include | | | | the stage. |
| everyone as well. Don't make the list of individual | | | | Welcome remarks are an excellent opportunity to |
| recognition too long or detailed, or you may risk | | | | showcase your confidence and your goodwill |
| offending those not singled out for recognition. | | | | toward your guests. Do spend time preparing as |
| 2.) Keep it short. | | | | you would any other public speech and make sure |
| Welcome speeches are opening remarks that set | | | | that first impression is a powerfully effective one. |
| a tone, not substantive speeches of any duration. | | | | |