opening a ceremony speech

Opening Speech

Whether you are opening for a small gathering such as minor events or a big one like global conferences, public speaking always gives people stage fright. If you are nervous, you have all the reasons to feel that way. You must already know it since you are here, but one helpful tip to combat nervousness is preparation. That said, turn on your gears and practice your speech writing skills as you compose your opening speech. 

10+ Opening Speech Examples

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What Is an Opening Speech?

An opening speech is a talk that people give to welcome guests and give a brief overview of what will happen in an event. People give this type of speech during formal and informal gatherings. Just as the name states, the purpose of an opening speech is to open programs. 

How to Compose an Impressive Opening Speech

Giving an opening statement means giving the people something to measure for their first impression. When you get on that stage and give your speech, you are doing the first performance of the event itinerary . It is your responsibility to set the vibe for the entirety of the gathering. That said, you should ensure to give a grand opening speech. 

1. Start With a Compelling Introduction

The first words that come out of your mouth when you hold the microphone are a defining factor in the quality of your speech. In writing this segment, ensure to incorporate a hook. It should be effective enough to captivate and retain the attention of your audience throughout your whole speech. One method that will help you to devise your introduction is by conducting an audience analysis . Doing this will give you an idea of how to catch the attention of your listeners. 

2. Acknowledge The Guests

Of course, one of the purposes of giving an opening speech at every event is to welcome the guests. Convey how thankful the organizers are for their acceptance of the event invitation . Also, do not forget to thank them for sparing time for the program. If there are important people on your attendance list , you should show them your appreciation by giving them a special mention. 

3. State the Purpose of the Event

The next step is to write the part where you explain the reason for holding the event. To make things interesting, you can give a very brief history or a fascinating fact about the program. Ensure to compose this segment properly. This part is what will give the audience an idea of what to expect for the ceremony.

4. Conclude Your Speech

In giving a welcome speech for guests , you should not consume too much of the people’s time. That said, after the previous steps, you should now start coming up with a conclusion. In concluding your speech, you should once again thank the guests. After that, you should introduce the next speaker or performer. 

What makes a good opening speech?

Good speech openings are those that can rouse the emotions of the audience. Despite that, you should tailor your introduction based on the formality of the gathering you are attending. For example, giving an opening speech for an event should be something that would brighten the atmosphere. On the other hand, when giving a welcome speech for conference , you should try a more formal approach and include essential meeting details.

How do you give a self-introduction speech?

Aside from mentioning your name, there are other things you should include in your self-introduction speech . Before deciding what details to add to what you will say, you should first consider your audience and the formality of the setting. Despite that, one universal tip that is appropriate for multiple circumstances is to give a brief background of yourself and your accomplishments.

What are essential things to remember when giving a speech?

In giving a speech, it is always advisable to compose a speech outline and practice what you will say. Another necessary thing that you should consider is how you will establish a connection with your listeners. One way to do this is by maintaining eye contact with your audience. Also, during your speech, you should use appropriate hand gestures.

Giving opening speeches are a heavy responsibility. Knowing that you would be the first person to go up the podium can make a person’s heartbeat twice as fast as it usually would. That said, you should prepare ahead and secure to write a killer opening speech. That way, you can walk towards the mic with confident steps.

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[2024] Samples Of Welcoming And Short Opening Remarks For A Program

Short opening remarks for a program.

If you’ve ever been to a corporate program, you know that everyone pays close attention to the welcome speech.

The opening remarks are what entice the audience to listen with interest or not want to participate at all.

Given this, short opening remarks for a program are quite significant and should be both lengthy enough to appropriately address everyone in the room and concise enough to avoid boring anyone.

Naturally, everyone looks forward to short opening remarks for a program, and the reason for this is that the opening speech for any event or function sets the tone for the entire event.

A compelling first line and introduction can quickly grab the audience’s attention. Therefore, making a good first impression is crucial to maintain their interest and excitement throughout the entire event.

If writing speeches for any program is not your cup of tea, we have prepared short opening remarks for a program in this article.

Opening Speech For An Event

Welcome speech for party, welcome speech for conference, welcome speech for virtual event, short welcome speech for new students, welcome speech for students by teacher, welcome speech for religious gathering, short welcome speech for church, opening remarks sample for different purposes.

Using short speeches is useful when the speaker wants to keep it straightforward, succinct, and impactful without detracting from the main event.

Here are some examples of short opening remarks for a program.

1. You are welcome to [program name]. We’re so happy you could be here with us today.

2. We appreciate your attendance at [program name] and wish you a good [morning/afternoon/evening].

3. I’d like to extend a warm welcome to you on behalf of [organization] to [program name].

4. The launch of [program name] with all of you present today excites us.

5. I’m glad you could join us for [program name]. We are eager to get started since we have a fantastic program of events planned.

6. Today, we have a great [program/event/workshop] planned for you, and we are so happy that you can join us.

7. We appreciate your attendance at [program name]. We have a jam-packed schedule of speakers and events in store for you.

8. Here you are at [program name]. We’re so happy you could join us today to take part and learn.

9. Thank you for attending [program name] this today. We are eager to share with you ideas that will transform your life.

10. I’d like to give you all a warm welcome to [program name] on behalf of [organization]. Let’s get going!

Here is an example of an opening speech for an event that you can use as a model or template if you’re unsure of what makes a opening speech.

1. Hello everyone, I hope we are all well and good. I and _ are your hosts today. We welcome you to this special event. This is this company’s anniversary and it’s a proud moment for us to host such an event at this. We hope you have an explosive time. Let’s begin!

2. Welcome to our award show. I am _. We feel honoured to kickstart our prestigious ceremony. We have a special guest who will be unveiled soon. Meanwhile, sit back and have fun.

3. I _ welcome everyone to our 11 biannual event in our department. It’s wonderful seeing how many people chose to be here. Your enthusiasm is contagious. We have a lineup of events that will surely tickle your toes. Please stay tuned as the events unfold. Enjoy!

4. Welcome! Welcome everyone to the GlamUp party. It’s such a pelasure to stand before you all. Please clap for yourselves for making it early today. We owe _ a huge thank you for supporting this cause. And thann you everyone for taking the time out for this today. We appreciate you. Do have a wonderful time.

Drafting welcome speech for party can occasionally be challenging because it can be hard to strike the right balance between being too formal and being too casual. Use any of the examples below if you’re stuck on writing one:.

1. You are welcome to [party name]. We are very happy that you could share in our celebration.

2. Thank you for attending the [name of the party], and good [morning/afternoon/evening].

3. I’d like to send a sincere greeting to everyone at [party name] on behalf of [host/hosts].

4. We’ve got a wonderful [party/celebration] planned for you today, and we can’t wait to unveil them to you.

5. We appreciate your attendance at [party name]. For you, we have a fun schedule of events and surprises planned.

6. We are so happy to have you all here for [party name] today. Let’s start the celebration now!

7. Welcome to [name of party]. We are looking forward to celebrating with you and having a terrific time.

8. Thank you for attending [party name] and good [morning/afternoon/evening]. We have a ton of entertaining events and surprises planned for you.

9. I’d like to welcome you to [party name] on behalf of [host(s)]. We can’t wait to tell you about the wonderful schedule of events, games, and activities we have in store for you.

10. Welcome to [party name] and good morning. We’re so happy you could join us in our celebration. Let’s make this a celebration to remember!

If you’re hosting a conference, wow your attendees with these welcome speech for conference ideas:

1. Welcome to the conference this year, everyone. It is a pleasure to be with you all today, and we are incredibly appreciative of the chance to gather together and share knowledge. We’re all gathered here with the same goal in mind: to impart our expertise, experiences, and enthusiasm about [the conference topic]. So let’s seize this chance and make the most of every second. I appreciate your presence and wish you a nice and fruitful experience.

2. Welcome to the conference this year! We join together to exchange ideas, insights, and experiences with tremendous excitement and enthusiasm. We’re all here because [conference topic] is something we’re passionate about, and I do not doubt that the coming days will be full of insightful conversations, new connections, and lots of motivation. I appreciate your presence and wish you a wonderful time.

3. Everyone is welcome to our annual conference. We are incredibly appreciative of the chance to get together and share knowledge. This is a unique opportunity to share our knowledge, our skills, and our enthusiasm for [the conference theme]. Let’s take advantage of this chance and leave this conference feeling motivated, inspired, and prepared to face the difficulties that lie ahead. I appreciate you coming, and I wish you a great time.

4. Welcome to the conference this year! We are honored to have you all here with us, and we can’t wait to exchange ideas and experiences, as well as to learn from one another. We’re all here because [conference topic] is something we’re all enthusiastic about, and I do not doubt that the coming days will be full of insightful conversations and fresh connections. I appreciate your coming, and I hope you have a great time.

5. Welcome to the conference this year! We are incredibly appreciative of those who put this program together. Thank you for making time for this. Have a blast!

Make an awesome welcome speech for virtual event with the following ideas:

1. Welcome to the online event for this year, everyone! We get together with a lot of energy and enthusiasm to share our thoughts, views, and experiences. We’re all here because [event topic] is something we’re passionate about, and I know the next few hours will be full of fascinating conversations, new connections, and tons of inspiration. So let’s make the most of this chance and leave this event with the attitude that we can take on the world! I appreciate you coming, and I hope you have a memorable time.

2. Welcome everyone! We are really happy to have the chance to collaborate online and share knowledge. Feel free to ask questions, share ideas and more importantly, network.

3. Welcome to the online event for this year, everyone! We appreciate having you all here with us (virtually, of course), and we can’t wait to share our knowledge and experiences with you all. We’re all here because [event topic] is close to our hearts, and I do not doubt that the coming hours will be full of fascinating conversations and new connections. So let’s make sure to leave this gathering with a sense of empowerment! Thank you again for coming.

4. Welcome viewers! Thank you for joining us as we gain knowledge from one another. This is a unique opportunity to impart our knowledge, our expertise, and our enthusiasm regarding [the event topic]. Have a swell time.

Make every new students feel at home in your school with these short welcome speech for new students:

1. Welcome! We are thrilled to have you here with us and are eager to get to know everyone. We want you to enjoy yourself and get the most out of your stay here at [school/university]. Ask if you need anything or if you have any questions. We’re here to encourage you and support your success. Welcome to the community of [school/university]!

2. Hello there, freshmen! I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to everyone at [school/university]. We are thrilled to have you here with us and sincerely hope you enjoy your stay. Never hesitate to ask for assistance or questions if you need them. We want you to succeed. The [school/university] family is happy to have you!

3. Welcome! We are overjoyed to have you here with us and are eager to get to know you all. We wish you the best of luck and hope you study and develop as much as you can while you are at [school/university]. Please inquire if you need assistance and ask plenty of questions. We’re here to encourage yo your success. Welcome again to school/university!

4. Hello there, freshmen! I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to everyone at [school/university]. We are thrilled to have you here with us and sincerely hope you enjoy your stay.

5. Welcome! We are thrilled to have you here with us and are eager to get to know everyone. We wish you the best of luck and hope you study and develop as much as you can while you are at [school/university]. We are all a part of the same community, whether you are a transfer student or a first-year student. There are many ways to become involved and make the most of your time here, so don’t be hesitant to reach out and do so.

As a teacher, it makes a big difference when your students warm up to you. It makes learning a breeze for both of you. Get started with one welcome speech for students by teacher from this list.

1. Greetings, students! I’m most privileged to be your teacher this year and am eager to get to know everyone. I hope you are as eager to begin this new academic year as I am. We will put in a lot of effort together, learn a lot, and have a blast. Ask if you need anything or if you have any questions. I’m here for you. Greetings from my class!

2. Hello, pupils! I’m glad to have you all in my class today. This year, I’m thrilled to be your teacher, and I’m also eager to learn from you. We’ll be working twice as hard. No room for laziness. Ask if you need anything or if you have any questions. I promise to be your biggest support.

3. Greetings, students! I feel privileged to be your teacher this year. Tell me your name and what you do in the comments. We have a lot to learn and do together, and I am sure we can accomplish a lot. If you have questions or reservations, feel free to spill. Have a nice day.

4. Hello, pupils! I’m pleased to see a lot of new faces. I hope your holiday went well. My name is _ and I’m about to become your favorite teacher. Don’t be afraid. This year promises to be fun. I hope we get to know each other better with time. Send me your questions.

5. Hi students and welcome to another session ! I feel pleased looking at your warm faces. I hope we get to learn, relearn and unlearn. I’ll be your teacher as you will teach me too. Let the introduction begin.

If you feel overwhelmed writing a welcome speech for religious gathering, check the following for ideas:

1. Good morning everyone. Welcome to _. We feel blessed to have you hear today. Thank you for choosing to honor God. If you’re worshiping with us for the first time, you’re welcome to this big family. Enjoy the service.

2. A big welcome to service today . To our first-timers, thank you for making a wise decision. You’re our new brothers and sisters. Have fun to the glory of God.

3. It’s a wonderful thing to be alive, and it’s more wonderful to behold your lovely faces. If you’re just joining us, welcome to this part of the Kingdom. You are loved.

4. We thank God for bringing us today. We’re overjoyed to celebrate with the brethren. To every newcomer here, we say our biggest welcome to the family of love. Let’s worship God today with our whole hearts.

5. Good afternoon everybody. It’s great to behold you all again. I see some new faces in the crowd. Thank you for joining us. We have some special gifts for you. See the ushers after service. Now, let’s rise to the reading of the Word.

6. Hello and welcome again to God’s house. As we’ve gathered, let God’s spirit dwell within us. Allow yourself to enjoy God. If there’s a new person beside you, tell them welcome to church.

7. It’s a thing of joy to be present before the Lord. There couldn’t be a better time than now. Thank you for attending this mass. May your labor of love be rewarded.

8. You’re welcome to our second home on Earth. I thank God for bringing us together today. I lift thanks to all our consistent church comers and guests. I pray Christ touches you all.

9. It makes my heart glad that you’re all here. To the newbies, you have a special place in our hearts. I pray that God’s love overwhelms you in worship today.

10. Welcome everyone as we glorify the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I am pleased to welcome every brethren new and old to church. I hope you came prepared. The Lord is about to make mighty moves. Be blessed.

A short welcome speech for church can be a great way to make your church me

1. A big welcome to church. Thank you for choosing to worship God in this place. We hope you have a great time here.

2. Happy Sunday everyone! Thank you for respecting the Sabbath day. I’m glad to see a repeat of those who attended the last time, and I’m happier to see new faces. May this be the beginning of a beautiful relationship with Christ.

3. As we have gathered to honor God, may you all be honored as well. Thank you for worshiping with us today.

At times, there will be need to make opening remarks sample for different purposes. You don’t want to be stuck when those periods come.

Prepare ahead with these samples below:

1. Everyone is invited to the conference this year. We are grateful for the chance to get together and share knowledge. We’re all here because [conference topic] is something we’re passionate about, and I do not doubt that the coming days will be full of stimulating conversations, new connections, and lots of learning. I appreciate your presence and wish you a nice and fruitful experience.

2. Good morning to all. I’m glad to have you all here for this significant business gathering. We have a lot to talk about today, but I am optimistic that we can move forward and accomplish our objectives. Let’s collaborate and take advantage of this chance. We appreciate you being here, so let’s get going.

3. Welcome to this year’s charity event, everyone! We are incredibly appreciative of the chance to band together and help [cause/charity]. We are all present because we value the value of giving back and the strength of the community. We appreciate your presence; let’s work together to change the world.

4. Good evening to all. Being joined by you all on this important day—our wedding—means the world to us. We are incredibly appreciative of the chance to celebrate with you and wish you all the best. Let’s celebrate love, joy, and happiness together. Thank you for coming.

5. Welcome to this year’s graduation ceremony, graduates, family members, and friends! We are thrilled to have the chance to recognize the accomplishments of our graduates. This is a unique event, one on which we should reflect on all that we have accomplished and look ahead to all that we will accomplish in the future. Thank you for coming, and on this historic occasion, congrats to our graduates!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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• August 3, 2023

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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.

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Best Sample Welcome Speech for Corporate Event

The welcome speech is the spine of any corporate event. It pulls or repels the audience to tune in or run away before any special events start. These opening remarks are what sets the tone for your special guests.

Here, learn the best practices to make your welcome speech, or future welcome speeches, for any corporate event successful. This guide will also work if you’re a special guest somewhere for a special occasion. 

Below, you will see a sample speech written under headers. Those headers serve as a guide on the order of what to say and when to say it. I did all the hard work for you so you can use this as a template.

Then, I’ll share even more beyond the best welcome speeches and get into becoming a better public speaker and what it can do for you, your brand, and your business.

But first, here is a link to one of my most talked-about speeches titled Fake News: It’s Your Fault .

Sample Welcome Speech for a Corporate Event

Don’t know where to start on a welcome speech that impresses your listeners? Use the welcome speech guide below and tweak it to make it your own to ensure you start off on the right foot and with the right tone.

This is written in a more formal language that I use personally, but feel free to take it and turn it into its own. For the sake of making the main points in a short speech, I threw in a variety of examples. So, if you’re speaking to church members, your best students, or at an annual group meeting, keep that in mind as you read.

Start with a Salutation

A very pleasant good morning friends, good afternoon gentlemen, or good evening ladies to one and all,

Welcome Speech Introduction

Thank you for being with us today. From our oldest members who’ve been diligently supporting us since the beginning as well as every new face to our 7 th annual get-together, we extend a very warm welcome.

Show Appreciation

On behalf of my staff members, I sincerely thank and acknowledge every one of you who extended help to us for making this event a grand success.

(Include names of who want to thank.)

Trust us, all of this would’ve been just a dream if not for your hard work and immense support.

The Theme of the Event

Today, I would like to point your attention to our fresh faces in the volunteer category who are part of our Sunday service (include a date).

You are here today because we share a mutual passion. We are asking for your support and contributions to our organization to realize (specify the vision/mission of the company/association/firm).

We grow and scale successfully only with your dedication toward individual and group goals. You are an integral part of our success story and we need you as much as you need us.

In the coming months, you will learn and practice initiative programs via seminars and exclusive events designed to enhance your hands-on experience and professional skills.

The Conclusion

Lastly, without taking too much more of your time and without further ado, I call (insert the name of the first speaker) to introduce himself/herself to you as well as elaborate on the core details of ongoing and upcoming projects and contracts.

If you’re on the veranda, don’t hesitate to hit me up with a ‘Hi’ if you have any doubts. You’re all most welcome here (insert company name or a church name, for example).

Speaking on the main stage with Pat Flynn at Podcast Movement, 2019

5 Speech Writing and Giving Tips

This short welcome speech sample will help you create your own great welcome speech for the start of any special event.

What you just read is suited for formal events. When planning, it’s a good idea to have an overview of the event to determine if it’s a very formal event or if it’s laid back with more familiar faces.

You also need to know who will be there – new volunteers, new members, a chief guest, government officials, young children, etc. This way, you will keep in mind the different initiatives.

1. Outline the structure.

Obviously, this post is helpful in creating a structure, but I invite you to use what’s written above as an outline. Think of it as a helpful way to show what order to put things in. Then you can fill in the details, like a speech template for a welcome message or warm greeting.

When you’re doing this, remember the purpose of your speech as well as the tone of the event.

2. Flesh out the main ideas in your outline.

The main body of your speech is going to be different for every event and audience. Again, the example above is very formal.

Feel free to crack a joke or tell a story. (Jokes aren’t just for informal events!) Storytelling is what keeps people interested and it’s what they remember most in a speech. So, while you’re brainstorming, think of story examples for three to five points that can be made in your speech.

When you flesh out the main ideas, you get away from listeners thinking that the speech takes a long time because they’re enjoying the ride. Because storytelling is so important in having huge success as a speaker, I am including more strategies on how to incorporate this in your next talk after this section.

If you are allowed cue cards on the day of the event, this is where those new ideas would go. When I did my TEDx talk mentioned above, I wasn’t allowed cue cards but I used my slides as a reminder of what to say next and keep me on track.

You could do the same for things like remembering the names of individuals, ensuring you say the right words, calling out the name of the guest speaker, and other important information.

3. Edit and polish what you’ve written until you have a cohesive first draft of your speech.

A good welcome speech draft should live in your head. Don’t think of editing and polishing as something on paper. The last thing you want to see is a speaker reading from a piece of paper. The best way is to edit and polish in your mind so it becomes so familiar to you that you can speak off the cuff.

For my TEDx Talk shared above, I used an outline for the points I wanted to make in my talk. Then, I filled in the details with stories and added images to make it a bit more entertaining.

I never wrote what I was going to say word for word. When you do that and try to memorize it, you will end up either sounding like a robot (not conversational at all) or you’ll get lost after tripping up one word.

Remember, be conversational. It’s the best way to keep the audience’s attention.

Welcoming the audience at Together with the Royal, 2018

4. Practice.

While this can get repetitive, it’s so important to practice with notes to start, then without notes. For TEDx, my practice was to accomplish two things:

• Stay within the 7-8 minute set time limit
• Memorize the order of the points I wanted to make. As mentioned above, to make this easier, I used slides to remind me what point to make next. I also shared a few numbered points, like first, second, third, etc.

I would run through my talk a few times. Then the next day, I’d do it again. Wash, rinse, and repeat was my method for weeks.

5. Ask for Feedback.

If you want to give another effective welcome speech, it’s important to know what people did and did not like about the one you just presented.

Now, I’m one who does NOT like taking advice from the cheap seats. With that said, I’m not telling you to get professional speaking advice from someone who is not a professional speaker.

Instead, learn what people liked best, what was most exciting, where you lost them because things got boring, how they left feeling, etc.

Hosting The Balancing Act on Lifetime TV

How to Incorporate Storytelling in a Speech

While this post is about the best opening speech samples, it doubles as advice on becoming a great public speaker in general.

Public speaking is an art that requires skill, confidence, and the ability to captivate an audience. As mentioned above, one of the most powerful tools at a speaker’s disposal is storytelling. Stories have the unique ability to engage emotions, connect with people on a personal level, and leave a lasting impact.

Whether you’re trying to make a good first impression, giving a business presentation, a TED talk as I did, or a motivational speech, incorporating storytelling can elevate your speech to a whole new level.

Below are seven ways to effectively incorporate storytelling in a speech and unleash the power of narrative to engage and inspire your audience.

1. Start with a compelling opening.

To grab your audience’s attention from the beginning, begin your speech with a captivating story. This could be a personal anecdote, an intriguing historical event, or a relatable fictional tale.

The key is to choose a story that sets the tone for your speech and establishes a connection with your listeners. A strong opening story will pique curiosity and create anticipation for what’s to come.

2. Use stories to illustrate key points.

Instead of relying solely on facts and data, use stories to illustrate your main points. Stories provide context, add depth to your message, and make your ideas more memorable.

Consider using real-life examples, case studies, or even fictional narratives that convey the essence of your topic. By painting a vivid picture through storytelling, you enable your audience to visualize and internalize your message.

3. Make it personal.

Sharing personal stories can be incredibly powerful in building rapport with your audience. When appropriate, open up about your own experiences, challenges, and triumphs.

Personal stories create a sense of authenticity and vulnerability, allowing your listeners to connect with you on a deeper level. It helps build trust and credibility, making your speech more relatable and impactful.

Acting as a spokesperson for a national commercial

4. Create emotional resonance.

Emotions are a fundamental aspect of storytelling. To make your speech memorable, aim to evoke emotions in your audience. Craft your stories in a way that elicits empathy, humor, or inspiration.

By tapping into the emotional landscape of your listeners, you forge a stronger bond and ensure that your message lingers in their minds long after the speech is over.

5. Maintain a narrative structure.

A well-structured narrative keeps your audience engaged and makes your speech flow smoothly. Begin by setting the stage, introducing the characters or situation, building up the tension, and concluding with a resolution or a call to action.

This storytelling framework helps maintain the audience’s interest throughout your speech and ensures a satisfying and impactful conclusion.

6. Use sensory details.

Incorporate sensory details to make your stories more vivid and engaging. Describe sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures to transport your audience into the world of your narrative.

Engaging multiple senses helps create a richer and more immersive experience, making your speech more memorable and captivating.

7. Practice and refine.

Storytelling in a speech requires practice and refinement. I’ve already mentioned this in this post, but let me get more specific about what you need to pay attention to.

Pay attention to the pacing, timing, and delivery of your stories. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, or seek feedback from trusted individuals. Refine your stories, eliminate unnecessary details, and ensure that each one contributes to your overall message.

With practice, your storytelling skills will improve, and you’ll become a more confident and effective speaker.

TEDx in Boca Raton, 2018

If you want to learn more about giving great speeches and speaking in public, check out this blog post about Toastmasters . It’s a great way to network and become a seasoned public speaker.

Have you heard a persuasive speech that gave you a moment of great pleasure? Is there a keynote speech that stands out to you?

Maybe it’s a specific speaker or a successful welcome speech you saw trending on TikTok. Find me on Instagram at @ChristinaAllDay and let me know.

That’s really helpful guide. Appreciated yours!

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How to Write a Welcome Speech

Last Updated: July 29, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,627,759 times.

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

Greeting the Audience

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

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

Patrick Muñoz

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

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

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

Forming the Body of the Speech

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

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

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

Ending the Speech

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

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

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

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

Writing Help

Community Q&A

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

You Might Also Like

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

About This Article

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

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• Welcome Speech 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.

Welcome Speech for an Event in English

Table of Contents

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

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

Long and Short Welcome Speech for an Event in English

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

Welcome Speech for an Event – Speech 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope you have a wonderful day ahead!

Also Read: Welcome Speech for Chief Guest

Welcome Speech for an Event – Speech 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I rest my speech here, thank you!

Also Read: Welcome speech for corporate event

Welcome Speech for an Event – Speech 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank You and Cheers!

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

Welcome Speech for an Event – Speech 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit Infinity Learn (IL) for more study resources.

Also Read: Farewell Speech for Colleague in English

Welcome Speech for an Event FAQs

How do you start a welcome speech.

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

Write a welcome speech for guest in english?

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

What is a welcome speech in school?

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

How to write a welcome speech for an event?

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

Write a welcome speech in English for students?

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

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70 Short Welcome Speech Samples To Address any Event

May 3, 2022

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

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

Short Welcome Speech Samples To Address any Event

Welcome speech for annual day.

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

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

Welcome of the Chief Guest

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

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

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

Welcoming Parents

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

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

Welcome Speech for Freshers Party

Good Morning to everyone present here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Welcome Speech for a Farewell Party

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

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

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

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

Welcome Speech for College Function

Good Morning to all!

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome Speech for Teachers Day

Respected Principal Sir, Teachers and dear students!

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

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

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

Welcome Speech for Children’s Day

Good Morning Everyone!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Points to Consider while Giving  Welcome Speech For an Event

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

SSS Mantra for Appreciable Hosting

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

Please Rehearse Welcome Address!

Standing in front of the mirror before actually standing in front of the crowd and speak your thoughts make a huge difference. When you rehearse, yo register the mistakes and make necessary alterations to the accents, tone, gesture, body language and choice of words and changing the vocabulary. Self-confidence indulges therein and then, when you walk up to the dais you inspire as you go on talking to your audience. You can also use these Amazing Ways to memorize faster and easily like never before.

Welcome Remarks Samples For any Program

• Have you wondered what makes a welcome speech the weather vane that indicates how the function is going to be like? It is because we feel if the start is interesting, then what follows is also going to be great. In view of keeping the welcome speech interesting, I am going to say welcome and direct you to start enjoying the rest of the program.
• I welcome you to what I hope what is going to be one of the interesting experiences of your life . The program we have planned for you is based on the inputs that we collected from you before the program.
• I declare the function open for your participation in the hope that you will enjoy the event as much as we enjoyed organizing it for you.
• I welcome you warmly to a very enjoyable and different experience. What I ask of you is to keep an open mind and enjoy each part of the function in the spirit of which it has been conceived.
• I am not going to go on and on about the way this function is about to pan out because the buffet is full of warm food and the bar awaits those who want a drink. Which is why I welcome you to join me in taking a moment or two to ponder the importance of the cause we are all supporting before we get down to the business of having fun.
• It is our pleasure to introduce ____ as the speaker for this evening. We cannot think of a single person more qualified to address the current audience.
• When I was growing up , I could not wait to grow up and become an adult , but now that I am one, all I want is to have the halcyon days of childhood back. What I am trying to say here is that we need to enjoy the here and now rather than longing for the past and future. Here’s a toast to the present.
• When it comes to molding the young mind, there is no one better than______ as he/she has a snapshot of the way today’s youth thinks. When the audience is as elite as this, the person who addresses you has to be somebody you all look up to. We are proud to say that today’s speaker is someone that everyone looks up to!
• Welcome to the wedding party , and I must say that we are honored to have you here. We are sure that each one of you are connected in some way or the other to the groom or bride. Let us all make sure that the celebration begins now. ( If you are planning a wedding then we insist you check on this unique list of  Wedding Guest book ideas. )
• Every time I step in front of people to welcome them to a function such as this, I cannot help but feel the sense of wonder and gratitude that I have an audience. I welcome you all with warmth in my heart and hope you enjoy the proceedings as much as I have enjoyed having you as my audience.
• We would like to extend our warm welcome to ______ to this forum. Our gathering takes on a special meaning and moves to the next level due to his/her presence.
• They say that every setback you have in life and every mistake you have committed adds to your wisdom. By that notion, I must be one of the most learned person anywhere. But jokes apart, do make it a point to learn from all your mistakes, they are really teachers in disguise.
• There are no words which can convey our awe and respect for _____. We would like to, however, take this opportunity to tell him/her that it is our honor and privilege to welcome you here.
• No party is complete without all the guests getting together gazing up at someone in front of them wondering when he will finish speaking so that they can get along with the person. I am that person, and you are the poor people wondering when the fun can start. Well, here I am and let is get over with this speech so that we can all have fun.
• Welcome speeches are as difficult to start up as they are to wind down because once you get going, it is difficult to apply the brakes. Which is why, I will keep it simple, sweet, and short. A warm welcome to all of you who have made an effort to come here.

Opening Remarks Samples and Quotes

• Young minds are like sponges and they are looking for the right input to soak it in. We cannot think of a person more suited to this than __________ to whom we extend a warm and hearty welcome.
• We are delighted to announce that we have a very special program planned for you and your enjoyment. Let us first start with the ground rules for our enjoyment so that we can have fun without causing any problem to anyone.
• With a spring in my step, anticipation in heart and a lilt to my heart, I welcome ________ to this gathering. Join hands to extend him a warm welcome.
• Let me start by asking you why you are here besides the fact that you were invited. Have you come here for the sake of honoring the invitation or because you want to. I am here to ensure you have to have a great time no matter what the reason you are here.
• In life , it is important to pause and take a long hard look at what you have done till now. Doing this can put things in perspective and you would be surprised how much doing this can help. The beginning of this session will consist of just doing that, and I cannot think of a better way to invite people to a function.
• We have all waited for a long time to have __________ speak to us. Let us waste no more time and welcome with warmth in our hearts and with a resounding round of applause.
• We welcome our guest of honor to this forum. Because as the word suggests, the guest is indeed honorable and someone we are sure that you will enjoy his address as much as he will enjoy speaking to you.
• This is an august gathering where each one of you has earned their place and it is with pride that we invite all of you. You are welcome to express your feelings and we also extend a hearty welcome to all the events.
• Any gathering comes alive when we have the right start to it, and we have ensured that you have just that. If anyone can bring the right amount of enthusiasm, humor, and fun to this gathering.
• Welcome to the gathering and before we get into the serious business of having fun, resolve to ensure that we will not only have fun ourselves but will ensure that others do too.
• A warm welcome is never incomplete without warm words. It is with great pleasure that we welcome you all to this venue. Our endeavors have been to ensure that you feel at home and we leave you with a request to let us know if you need anything else.
• What makes any gathering fun? Is it the venue? Or is it the food and drinks? Or is it the entertainment on offer? I think it is a culmination of all the factors but what adds an extra dimension to this is the way the ceremony is conducted. Let us all start by welcoming one and all and go ahead with the proceedings.
• Great things happen when there is a gathering of great minds. It is with great anticipation that we welcome all of you to this forum. Hope you will enjoy our hospitality!
• I would like to start by stating that it is an honor to be standing here. It saddens me to tell you that while we have some good news for you, we also have some grave news. I beg one and all to listen with an open mind and appreciate the context in which we are imparting the news.
• I would like to tell you that I have addressed many gatherings in my time but every time I do it, it is an honor to be given this opportunity. My heartfelt thanks for all of you for being here and giving me the chance to speak to you.

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Wonderful, very Nice, super…..

awesome content. really worth!

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

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

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• Olympic Studies Centre
• Olympic Refuge Foundation

IOC President’s speech – Beijing 2022 Opening Ceremony

Please find below the full speech delivered by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 today, 4 February 2022.

Dear fellow Olympians,

Your Excellency, Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China,

Your Excellencies, Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Abdulla Shahid, President of the UN General Assembly,

President of the Organising Committee, Cai Qi,

Your Excellencies,

Dear Olympic friends,

Welcome to the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.

To all our Chinese friends: a very happy new year.

Happy New Year! Best wishes for the Year of the Tiger!

This Year of the Tiger is also an Olympic Year. Both the Year of the Tiger and the Olympic Year stand for ambition, courage and strength.

Today, thanks to this ambition, China is a winter sport country. Well over 300 million people are engaged in winter sports in about 2,000 ski resorts and ice rinks.

This extraordinary achievement opens a new era for global winter sport. It will raise the global participation to new levels, benefiting the Chinese people as well as winter sport enthusiasts around the world.

We can only write this new chapter in sporting history, because of our gracious hosts – the Chinese people, whom we thank wholeheartedly for welcoming us all so warmly.

Thank you, our Chinese friends!

A special thanks goes to all the volunteers. You make us feel at home from the very first moment we arrived. Your smiling eyes are warming our hearts. Thank you volunteers.

Unfortunately, the global pandemic is still a reality for all of us. Therefore, our gratitude is even deeper for the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee, the public authorities and all the Chinese people. Thank you for making these Olympic Winter Games happen – and making them happen in a safe way for everyone.

We all could only get here because of the countless medical workers, doctors, scientists, everybody in China and around the world who is going beyond the call of duty. Thank you for your outstanding efforts and solidarity.

In the same spirit, our heart goes out to all the athletes who because of the pandemic could not make their Olympic dream come true.

Your Olympic stage is set.

You have arrived here after overcoming so many challenges, living through great uncertainty. But now your moment has come: the moment you have been longing for – the moment we all have been longing for.

Now – your Olympic dream is coming true – in magnificent venues, supported by hundreds of millions of new Chinese winter sport fans.

You the Olympic athletes – you will show how the world would look like, if we all respect the same rules and each other.

Over the next two weeks you will compete with each other for the highest prize. At the same time, you will live peacefully together under one roof in the Olympic Village.

There – there will be no discrimination for any reason whatsoever.

In our fragile world, where division, conflict and mistrust are on the rise, we show the world: yes, it is possible to be fierce rivals, while at the same time living peacefully and respectfully together.

This is the mission of the Olympic Games: bringing us together in peaceful competition. Always building bridges, never erecting walls. Uniting humankind in all our diversity.

This mission is strongly supported by the United Nations General Assembly. It adopted the Olympic Truce Resolution by consensus of all 193 UN Member States. The resolution explicitly mentions you, the Olympic athletes, welcoming how you promote peace and human understanding through the Olympic ideal.

In this Olympic spirit of peace, I appeal to all political authorities across the world: observe your commitment to this Olympic Truce. Give peace a chance.

Dear athletes, we all are standing with you. We all are supporting you. We all are cheering you on.

May this encourage you to go faster, to aim higher, to become stronger – together. In this way you will inspire the world in this Olympic Year with the same ambition, courage and strength like the Year of the Tiger.

Now I have the honour of inviting the President of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Xi Jinping, to declare open the 24 th Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.

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15 Powerful Speech Opening Lines (And How to Create Your Own)

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking , Speech Writing

Powerful speech opening lines set the tone and mood of your speech. It’s what grips the audience to want to know more about the rest of your talk.

The first few seconds are critical. It’s when you have maximum attention of the audience. And you must capitalize on that!

Instead of starting off with something plain and obvious such as a ‘Thank you’ or ‘Good Morning’, there’s so much more you can do for a powerful speech opening (here’s a great article we wrote a while ago on how you should NOT start your speech ).

To help you with this, I’ve compiled some of my favourite openings from various speakers. These speakers have gone on to deliver TED talks , win international Toastmaster competitions or are just noteworthy people who have mastered the art of communication.

After each speaker’s opening line, I have added how you can include their style of opening into your own speech. Understanding how these great speakers do it will certainly give you an idea to create your own speech opening line which will grip the audience from the outset!

Alright! Let’s dive into the 15 powerful speech openings…

Note: Want to take your communications skills to the next level? Book a complimentary consultation with one of our expert communication coaches. We’ll look under the hood of your hurdles and pick two to three growth opportunities so you can speak with impact!

1. Ric Elias

Opening: “Imagine a big explosion as you climb through 3,000 ft. Imagine a plane full of smoke. Imagine an engine going clack, clack, clack. It sounds scary. Well I had a unique seat that day. I was sitting in 1D.”

How to use the power of imagination to open your speech?

Putting your audience in a state of imagination can work extremely well to captivate them for the remainder of your talk.

It really helps to bring your audience in a certain mood that preps them for what’s about to come next. Speakers have used this with high effectiveness by transporting their audience into an imaginary land to help prove their point.

When Ric Elias opened his speech, the detail he used (3000 ft, sound of the engine going clack-clack-clack) made me feel that I too was in the plane. He was trying to make the audience experience what he was feeling – and, at least in my opinion, he did.

When using the imagination opening for speeches, the key is – detail. While we want the audience to wander into imagination, we want them to wander off to the image that we want to create for them. So, detail out your scenario if you’re going to use this technique.

Make your audience feel like they too are in the same circumstance as you were when you were in that particular situation.

2. Barack Obama

Opening: “You can’t say it, but you know it’s true.”

3. Seth MacFarlane

Opening: “There’s nowhere I would rather be on a day like this than around all this electoral equipment.” (It was raining)

How to use humour to open your speech?

When you use humour in a manner that suits your personality, it can set you up for a great speech. Why? Because getting a laugh in the first 30 seconds or so is a great way to quickly get the audience to like you.

And when they like you, they are much more likely to listen to and believe in your ideas.

Obama effortlessly uses his opening line to entice laughter among the audience. He brilliantly used the setting (the context of Trump becoming President) and said a line that completely matched his style of speaking.

Saying a joke without really saying a joke and getting people to laugh requires you to be completely comfortable in your own skin. And that’s not easy for many people (me being one of them).

If the joke doesn’t land as expected, it could lead to a rocky start.

Keep in mind the following when attempting to deliver a funny introduction:

• Know your audience: Make sure your audience gets the context of the joke (if it’s an inside joke among the members you’re speaking to, that’s even better!). You can read this article we wrote where we give you tips on how you can actually get to know your audience better to ensure maximum impact with your speech openings
• The joke should suit your natural personality. Don’t make it look forced or it won’t elicit the desired response
• Test the opening out on a few people who match your real audience. Analyze their response and tweak the joke accordingly if necessary
• Starting your speech with humour means your setting the tone of your speech. It would make sense to have a few more jokes sprinkled around the rest of the speech as well as the audience might be expecting the same from you

4. Mohammed Qahtani

Opening: Puts a cigarette on his lips, lights a lighter, stops just before lighting the cigarette. Looks at audience, “What?”

5. Darren Tay

Opening: Puts a white pair of briefs over his pants.

How to use props to begin your speech?

The reason props work so well in a talk is because in most cases the audience is not expecting anything more than just talking. So when a speaker pulls out an object that is unusual, everyone’s attention goes right to it.

It makes you wonder why that prop is being used in this particular speech.

The key word here is unusual . To grip the audience’s attention at the beginning of the speech, the prop being used should be something that the audience would never expect. Otherwise, it just becomes something that is common. And common = boring!

What Mohammed Qahtani and Darren Tay did superbly well in their talks was that they used props that nobody expected them to.

By pulling out a cigarette and lighter or a white pair of underwear, the audience can’t help but be gripped by what the speaker is about to do next. And that makes for a powerful speech opening.

6. Simon Sinek

Opening: “How do you explain when things don’t go as we assume? Or better, how do you explain when others are able to achieve things that seem to defy all of the assumptions?”

7. Julian Treasure

Opening: “The human voice. It’s the instrument we all play. It’s the most powerful sound in the world. Probably the only one that can start a war or say “I love you.” And yet many people have the experience that when they speak people don’t listen to them. Why is that? How can we speak powerfully to make change in the world?”

How to use questions to open a speech?

I use this method often. Starting off with a question is the simplest way to start your speech in a manner that immediately engages the audience.

But we should keep our questions compelling as opposed to something that is fairly obvious.

I’ve heard many speakers start their speeches with questions like “How many of us want to be successful?”

No one is going to say ‘no’ to that and frankly, I just feel silly raising my hand at such questions.

Simon Sinek and Jullian Treasure used questions in a manner that really made the audience think and make them curious to find out what the answer to that question is.

What Jullian Treasure did even better was the use of a few statements which built up to his question. This made the question even more compelling and set the theme for what the rest of his talk would be about.

So think of what question you can ask in your speech that will:

• Set the theme for the remainder of your speech
• Not be something that is fairly obvious
• Be compelling enough so that the audience will actually want to know what the answer to that question will be

8. Aaron Beverley

Opening: Long pause (after an absurdly long introduction of a 57-word speech title). “Be honest. You enjoyed that, didn’t you?”

How to use silence for speech openings?

The reason this speech opening stands out is because of the fact that the title itself is 57 words long. The audience was already hilariously intrigued by what was going to come next.

But what’s so gripping here is the way Aaron holds the crowd’s suspense by…doing nothing. For about 10 to 12 seconds he did nothing but stand and look at the audience. Everyone quietened down. He then broke this silence by a humorous remark that brought the audience laughing down again.

When going on to open your speech, besides focusing on building a killer opening sentence, how about just being silent?

It’s important to keep in mind that the point of having a strong opening is so that the audience’s attention is all on you and are intrigued enough to want to listen to the rest of your speech.

Silence is a great way to do that. When you get on the stage, just pause for a few seconds (about 3 to 5 seconds) and just look at the crowd. Let the audience and yourself settle in to the fact that the spotlight is now on you.

I can’t put my finger on it, but there is something about starting the speech off with a pure pause that just makes the beginning so much more powerful. It adds credibility to you as a speaker as well, making you look more comfortable and confident on stage. 

If you want to know more about the power of pausing in public speaking , check out this post we wrote. It will give you a deeper insight into the importance of pausing and how you can harness it for your own speeches. You can also check out this video to know more about Pausing for Public Speaking:

9. Dan Pink

Opening: “I need to make a confession at the outset here. Little over 20 years ago, I did something that I regret. Something that I’m not particularly proud of. Something that in many ways I wish no one would ever know but that here I feel kind of obliged to reveal.”

10. Kelly McGonigal

Opening: “I have a confession to make. But first I want you to make a little confession to me.”

How to use a build-up to open your speech?

When there are so many amazing ways to start a speech and grip an audience from the outset, why would you ever choose to begin your speech with a ‘Good morning?’.

That’s what I love about build-ups. They set the mood for something awesome that’s about to come in that the audience will feel like they just have to know about.

Instead of starting a speech as it is, see if you can add some build-up to your beginning itself. For instance, in Kelly McGonigal’s speech, she could have started off with the question of stress itself (which she eventually moves on to in her speech). It’s not a bad way to start the speech.

But by adding the statement of “I have a confession to make” and then not revealing the confession for a little bit, the audience is gripped to know what she’s about to do next and find out what indeed is her confession.

11. Tim Urban

Opening: “So in college, I was a government major. Which means that I had to write a lot of papers. Now when a normal student writes a paper, they might spread the work out a little like this.”

12. Scott Dinsmore

Opening: “8 years ago, I got the worst career advice of my life.”

How to use storytelling as a speech opening?

“The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller.” Steve Jobs

Storytelling is the foundation of good speeches. Starting your speech with a story is a great way to grip the audience’s attention. It makes them yearn to want to know how the rest of the story is going to pan out.

Tim Urban starts off his speech with a story dating back to his college days. His use of slides is masterful and something we all can learn from. But while his story sounds simple, it does the job of intriguing the audience to want to know more.

As soon as I heard the opening lines, I thought to myself “If normal students write their paper in a certain manner, how does Tim write his papers?”

Combine such a simple yet intriguing opening with comedic slides, and you’ve got yourself a pretty gripping speech.

Scott Dismore’s statement has a similar impact. However, just a side note, Scott Dismore actually started his speech with “Wow, what an honour.”

I would advise to not start your talk with something such as that. It’s way too common and does not do the job an opening must, which is to grip your audience and set the tone for what’s coming.

13. Larry Smith

Opening: “I want to discuss with you this afternoon why you’re going to fail to have a great career.”

14. Jane McGonigal

Opening: “You will live 7.5 minutes longer than you would have otherwise, just because you watched this talk.”

How to use provocative statements to start your speech?

Making a provocative statement creates a keen desire among the audience to want to know more about what you have to say. It immediately brings everyone into attention.

Larry Smith did just that by making his opening statement surprising, lightly humorous, and above all – fearful. These elements lead to an opening statement which creates so much curiosity among the audience that they need to know how your speech pans out.

This one time, I remember seeing a speaker start a speech with, “Last week, my best friend committed suicide.” The entire crowd was gripped. Everyone could feel the tension in the room.

They were just waiting for the speaker to continue to know where this speech will go.

That’s what a hard-hitting statement does, it intrigues your audience so much that they can’t wait to hear more! Just a tip, if you do start off with a provocative, hard-hitting statement, make sure you pause for a moment after saying it.

Silence after an impactful statement will allow your message to really sink in with the audience.

Related article: 5 Ways to Grab Your Audience’s Attention When You’re Losing it!

15. Ramona J Smith

Opening: In a boxing stance, “Life would sometimes feel like a fight. The punches, jabs and hooks will come in the form of challenges, obstacles and failures. Yet if you stay in the ring and learn from those past fights, at the end of each round, you’ll be still standing.”

How to use your full body to grip the audience at the beginning of your speech?

In a talk, the audience is expecting you to do just that – talk. But when you enter the stage and start putting your full body into use in a way that the audience does not expect, it grabs their attention.

Body language is critical when it comes to public speaking. Hand gestures, stage movement, facial expressions are all things that need to be paid attention to while you’re speaking on stage. But that’s not I’m talking about here.

Here, I’m referring to a unique use of the body that grips the audience, like how Ramona did. By using her body to get into a boxing stance, imitating punches, jabs and hooks with her arms while talking – that’s what got the audience’s attention.

The reason I say this is so powerful is because if you take Ramona’s speech and remove the body usage from her opening, the entire magic of the opening falls flat.

While the content is definitely strong, without those movements, she would not have captured the audience’s attention as beautifully as she did with the use of her body.

So if you have a speech opening that seems slightly dull, see if you can add some body movement to it.

If your speech starts with a story of someone running, actually act out the running. If your speech starts with a story of someone reading, actually act out the reading.

It will make your speech opening that much more impactful.

Related article: 5 Body Language Tips to Command the Stage

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Final Words

So there it is! 15 speech openings from some of my favourite speeches. Hopefully, these will act as a guide for you to create your own opening which is super impactful and sets you off on the path to becoming a powerful public speaker!

But remember, while a speech opening is super important, it’s just part of an overall structure.

If you’re serious about not just creating a great speech opening but to improve your public speaking at an overall level, I would highly recommend you to check out this course: Acumen Presents: Chris Anderson on Public Speaking on Udemy. Not only does it have specific lectures on starting and ending a speech, but it also offers an in-depth guide into all the nuances of public speaking. 

Being the founder of TED Talks, Chris Anderson provides numerous examples of the best TED speakers to give us a very practical way of overcoming stage fear and delivering a speech that people will remember. His course has helped me personally and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to learn public speaking. 

No one is ever “done” learning public speaking. It’s a continuous process and you can always get better. Keep learning, keep conquering and keep being awesome!

Lastly, if you want to know how you should NOT open your speech, we’ve got a video for you:

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Welcome Speech for a Scientific Conference: Examples & Tips

Published on 15 Feb 2022

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

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

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

Quick Tips for a successful welcome speech

Formal vs. informal language.

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

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

Greet and welcome everyone

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

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

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

Talk about the event’s history and purpose

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

Mention any distinguished guests

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

Thank creators and/or organizers

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

State the main topic(s)

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

Touch on the agenda

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

Motivate everybody

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

Introduce the first speaker

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

Rehearse a few times

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

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

Keep it brief

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

In-person vs. virtual event

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

Welcome speech examples

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

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

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

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

Read this welcome speech for an annual international conference.

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

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

 3. Welcoming Address | Dale Mullennix

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

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

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

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

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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

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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. …

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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? 

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

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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.   

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Opening Ceremony speech

18th October 2022 Helen Clarkson 6 min read

Our CEO Helen Clarkson started Climate Week NYC with a speech on accountability, justice and urgency at our Opening Ceremony. You can rewatch it below or read the speech here.

Hello everyone, and welcome back to our first fully in-person Climate Week NYC since 2019. 

We’re delighted to host Climate Week NYC and welcome you all here to New York. We’re thrilled to be back.  

I think we can accept that this is not the event the world is going to remember about September 19, 2022. And I know it is not just us Brits that feel a monumental figure has been laid to rest today.

Just a few hours ago, the world stopped for reflection, but we must also look to the future. Many of you will know that the now King of Britain, Charles the Third, has long been a climate campaigner, indeed he opened this event for in 2020, and we hope his passion on the topics discussed today continue to have a positive influence for years to come. 

The theme of Climate Week NYC this year, like last, is Getting it Done.

That’s not just because we were too lazy to think of anything else or wanted to recycle the posters. When we talked about the conversations we need to have this year, we still think the critical issue is moving from commitments to action. We think Climate Week NYC is the ideal place to have those conversations and to keep asking ourselves, how do we do more? How do we get it done? 

In my role, I often get asked about progress. People hear about conferences, policy announcements or commitments and I get asked about each: ‘is it good enough?’.  

The answer is: it is often good, but rarely enough.  

So essentially, we’re bringing back the theme because while in 2021 progress was made, it was not enough. There is a lot more that needs doing before we can claim to have got it done.  

There are three words I keep going back to this year: Accountability. Justice. Urgency

Who’s being held to account, and by whom? In whose name is action being taken, and is that fair? And are we making real, tangible, meaningful change at the right pace? 

The illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia has reopened the conversation around fossil fuels, but we cannot see the west backslide on this issue.  

There are those with good intentions, who are genuinely concerned about how citizens, businesses, and governments are going to keep the lights – and the heating – on this winter. We must respect their sincerity and support their efforts.  

But we need to be honest and recognize that there are many who want to use this situation to re-open debates which they have already lost. They lost on economic, scientific and moral grounds. They lost the debate with policy makers – but most importantly, they lost it with the public.  

It is clear: there can be no new fossil fuels and we cannot even use all the fossil fuels we’ve found. 

Despite knowing this, there’s still a lot of talk in the political sphere about gas. We have seen suggestions of it being used as a negotiating tool ahead of COP27; European commentators talk about new gas in terms of energy security, and oil and gas companies call for the right for increased exploration.  

Obviously, it’s important to see this issue through the lens of equity but climate justice does not mean facilitating the further use of fossil fuels. It means understanding that the issues facing the Global South are different to those facing the Global North and then supporting, financing, and implementing distinct approaches.  

The science is clear and many of us have experienced extreme heat across the world this summer, which has brought home to us once again – as campaigners, business leaders, government officials – but also as individuals, that we are experiencing climate change.  

But nothing has been quite so shocking as the flooding in Pakistan, which has caused devastation throughout the country.  

Our deepest condolences must be with that community, but so must the delivery of financial support that has been offered at countless conferences.  

We can be shocked at the pictures of devastation, but we can no longer pretend to be surprised.  

We know the things that we need to do with urgency. 

• We must say no to fossil fuels, and yes to energy efficiency. At scale. Before this winter kicks in and millions suffer huge bills or go cold. There is nothing more urgent. 
• We must say no to the rehashing of old arguments, and yes to delivering on promises already made. The global North has made financial commitments to the South and these are not being delivered. Every day this doesn’t happen, the credibility of our leaders diminishes.  
• We must say no to greenwashing, and yes to meaningful progress. We're at the stage where commitments are no longer enough, we need to see action. And when there is no action, or there are bad faith actors using commitment campaigns to avoid real change, we have a responsibility to act ourselves. From Climate Group’s position, passive membership of our campaigns is not an option. A commitment is the first step you must take, not the last. 

The impact of climate change is becoming more apparent to those around us.

According to a study last year, 56% of young people said climate change made them feel “powerless”. Roughly the same proportion agreed with the statement “humanity is doomed”. 

I don’t want to complain about the reporting of the climate crisis, when for so long it wasn’t being reported at all. But threats of doom and destruction don’t motivate people.  

What does motivate people is hearing about work that’s being done to tackle the crisis at all levels – whether it’s by leaders like the people here today on stage or in the audience, or the people running the 100s of events happening across the city this week. 

All of us who are working on this are motivated because we know that every 0.1 degree matters. That if we miss keeping the global temperature under 1.5 degrees, we won’t give up – we will try for 1.6. We must find a way to convey to people that there is still a point in keeping going, in fighting, in doing more. 

And to that point, I want to take the opportunity to cover some fantastic news from Climate Group. This year, we’ve appointed a new Executive Director for North America, Angela Barranco. We also have a new President and Chair of our US board, Governor Bill Ritter.  

Both of them are here this week, and I would encourage all of you – but especially those based here in the US – to reach out. We’re delighted to have such strong leadership in North America and we’re excited to work with you all.  

To close, I’d like to take a moment to thank our sponsors, who allow us to put this week on for you every year. 

As we go through this week we will keep coming back to these three key themes: Accountability. Justice. Urgency. 

What can I, and what can you, do to deliver these? That is what Getting It Done is all about. 

Thank you. 

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Full text of President Xi's speech at opening of Belt and Road forum

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation in Beijing, capital of China, May 14, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Following is the full text of the keynote speech given by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation:

Work Together to Build the Silk Road Economic Belt and The 21st Century Maritime Silk Road

Speech by H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

At the Opening Ceremony of

The Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation

14 May 2017

Distinguished Heads of State and Government,

Heads of International Organizations,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends,

In this lovely season of early Summer when every living thing is full of energy, I wish to welcome all of you, distinguished guests representing over 100 countries, to attend this important forum on the Belt and Road Initiative held in Beijing. This is indeed a gathering of great minds. In the coming two days, I hope that by engaging in full exchanges of views, we will contribute to pursuing the Belt and Road Initiative, a project of the century, so that it will benefit people across the world.

Over 2,000 years ago, our ancestors, trekking across vast steppes and deserts, opened the transcontinental passage connecting Asia, Europe and Africa, known today as the Silk Road. Our ancestors, navigating rough seas, created sea routes linking the East with the West, namely, the maritime Silk Road. These ancient silk routes opened windows of friendly engagement among nations, adding a splendid chapter to the history of human progress. The thousand-year-old "gilt bronze silkworm" displayed at China's Shaanxi History Museum and the Belitung shipwreck discovered in Indonesia bear witness to this exciting period of history.

Spanning thousands of miles and years, the ancient silk routes embody the spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit. The Silk Road spirit has become a great heritage of human civilization.

-- Peace and cooperation. In China's Han Dynasty around 140 B.C., Zhang Qian, a royal emissary, left Chang'an, capital of the Han Dynasty. He traveled westward on a mission of peace and opened an overland route linking the East and the West, a daring undertaking which came to be known as Zhang Qian's journey to the Western regions. Centuries later, in the years of Tang, Song and Yuan Dynasties, such silk routes, both over land and at sea, boomed. Great adventurers, including Du Huan of China, Marco Polo of Italy and ibn Batutah of Morocco, left their footprints along these ancient routes. In the early 15th century, Zheng He, the famous Chinese navigator in the Ming Dynasty, made seven voyages to the Western Seas, a feat which still is remembered today. These pioneers won their place in history not as conquerors with warships, guns or swords. Rather, they are remembered as friendly emissaries leading camel caravans and sailing treasure-loaded ships. Generation after generation, the silk routes travelers have built a bridge for peace and East-West cooperation.

-- Openness and inclusiveness. The ancient silk routes spanned the valleys of the Nile, the Tigris and Euphrates, the Indus and Ganges and the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers. They connected the birthplaces of the Egyptian, Babylonian, Indian and Chinese civilizations as well as the lands of Buddhism, Christianity and Islam and homes of people of different nationalities and races. These routes enabled people of various civilizations, religions and races to interact with and embrace each other with open mind. In the course of exchange, they fostered a spirit of mutual respect and were engaged in a common endeavor to pursue prosperity. Today, ancient cities of Jiuquan, Dunhuang, Tulufan, Kashi, Samarkand, Baghdad and Constantinople as well as ancient ports of Ningbo, Quanzhou, Guangzhou, Beihai, Colombo, Jeddah and Alexandria stand as living monuments to these past interactions. This part of history shows that civilization thrives with openness and nations prosper through exchange.

-- Mutual learning. The ancient silk routes were not for trade only, they boosted flow of knowledge as well. Through these routes, Chinese silk, porcelain, lacquerwork and ironware were shipped to the West, while pepper, flax, spices, grape and pomegranate entered China. Through these routes, Buddhism, Islam and Arab astronomy, calendar and medicine found their way to China, while China's four great inventions and silkworm breeding spread to other parts of the world. More importantly, the exchange of goods and know-how spurred new ideas. For example, Buddhism originated in India, blossomed in China and was enriched in Southeast Asia. Confucianism, which was born in China, gained appreciation by European thinkers such as Leibniz and Voltaire. Herein lies the appeal of mutual learning.

-- Mutual benefit. The ancient silk routes witnessed the bustling scenes of visits and trade over land and ships calling at ports. Along these major arteries of interaction, capital, technology and people flowed freely, and goods, resources and benefits were widely shared. The ancient prosperous cities of Alma-Ata, Samarkand and Chang'an and ports of Sur and Guangzhou thrived, so did the Roman Empire as well as Parthia and Kushan Kingdoms. The Han and Tang Dynasties of China entered the golden age. The ancient silk routes brought prosperity to these regions and boosted their development.

History is our best teacher. The glory of the ancient silk routes shows that geographical distance is not insurmountable. If we take the first courageous step towards each other, we can embark on a path leading to friendship, shared development, peace, harmony and a better future.

From the historical perspective, humankind has reached an age of great progress, great transformation and profound changes. In this increasingly multi-polar, economically globalized, digitized and culturally diversified world, the trend toward peace and development becomes stronger, and reform and innovation are gaining momentum. Never have we seen such close interdependence among countries as today, such fervent desire of people for a better life, and never have we had so many means to prevail over difficulties.

In terms of reality, we find ourselves in a world fraught with challenges. Global growth requires new drivers, development needs to be more inclusive and balanced, and the gap between the rich and the poor needs to be narrowed. Hotspots in some regions are causing instability and terrorism is rampant. Deficit in peace, development and governance poses a daunting challenge to mankind. This is the issue that has always been on my mind.

In the autumn of 2013, respectively in Kazakhstan and Indonesia, I proposed the building of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which I call the Belt and Road Initiative. As a Chinese saying goes, "Peaches and plums do not speak, but they are so attractive that a path is formed below the trees." Four years on, over 100 countries and international organizations have supported and got involved in this initiative. Important resolutions passed by the UN General Assembly and Security Council contain reference to it. Thanks to our efforts, the vision of the Belt and Road Initiative is becoming a reality and bearing rich fruit.

-- These four years have seen deepened policy connectivity. I have said on many occasions that the pursuit of the Belt and Road Initiative is not meant to reinvent the wheel. Rather, it aims to complement the development strategies of countries involved by leveraging their comparative strengths. We have enhanced coordination with the policy initiatives of relevant countries, such as the Eurasian Economic Union of Russia, the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity, the Bright Road initiative of Kazakhstan, the Middle Corridor initiative of Turkey, the Development Road initiative of Mongolia, the Two Corridors, One Economic Circle initiative of Viet Nam, the Northern Powerhouse initiative of the UK and the Amber Road initiative of Poland. We are also promoting complementarity between China's development plan and those of Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Hungary and other countries. China has signed cooperation agreements with over 40 countries and international organizations and carried out framework cooperation on production capacity with more than 30 countries. During the forum, a number of cooperation agreements on policy connectivity and action plans will be signed. We will also launch Belt and Road cooperation initiative on trade connectivity together with some 60 countries and international organizations. Such policy connectivity will produce a multiplying effect on cooperation among the parties involved.

-- These four years have seen enhanced infrastructure connectivity. Building roads and railways creates prosperity in all sectors. We have accelerated the building of Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, China-Laos railway, Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway and Hungary-Serbia railway, and upgraded Gwadar and Piraeus ports in cooperation with relevant countries. A large number of connectivity projects are also in the pipeline. Today, a multi-dimensional infrastructure network is taking shape, one that is underpinned by economic corridors such as China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor and the New Eurasian Continental Bridge, featuring land-sea-air transportation routes and information expressway and supported by major railway, port and pipeline projects.

-- These four years have seen increased trade connectivity. China has worked with other countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative to promote trade and investment facilitation and improve business environment. I was told that for Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries alone, customs clearance time for agricultural produce exporting to China is cut by 90%. Total trade between China and other Belt and Road countries in 2014-2016 has exceeded US$3 trillion, and China's investment in these countries has surpassed US$50 billion. Chinese companies have set up 56 economic cooperation zones in over 20 countries, generating some US$1.1 billion of tax revenue and 180,000 jobs for them.

-- These four years have seen expanded financial connectivity. Financing bottleneck is a key challenge to realizing connectivity. China has engaged in multiple forms of financial cooperation with countries and organizations involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has provided US$1.7 billion of loans for 9 projects in Belt and Road participating countries. The Silk Road Fund has made US$4 billion of investment, and the 16+1 financial holding company between China and Central and Eastern European countries has been inaugurated. With distinctive focus, these new financial mechanisms and traditional multilateral financial institutions such as the World Bank complement each other. A multi-tiered Belt and Road financial cooperation network has taken an initial shape.

-- These four years have seen strengthened people-to-people connectivity. Friendship, which derives from close contact between the people, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. Guided by the Silk Road spirit, we the Belt and Road Initiative participating countries have pulled our efforts to build the educational Silk Road and the health Silk Road, and carried out cooperation in science, education, culture, health and people-to-people exchange. Such cooperation has helped lay a solid popular and social foundation for pursuing the Belt and Road Initiative. Every year, the Chinese government provides 10,000 government scholarships to the relevant countries. China's local governments have also set up special Silk Road scholarships to encourage international cultural and educational exchanges. Projects of people-to-people cooperation such as Silk Road culture year, tourism year, art festival, film and TV project, seminar and think tank dialogue are flourishing. These interactions have brought our people increasingly closer.

These fruitful outcomes show that the Belt and Road Initiative responds to the trend of the times, conforms to the law of development, and meets the people's interests. It surely has broad prospects.

As we often say in China, "The beginning is the most difficult part." A solid first step has been taken in pursuing the Belt and Road Initiative. We should build on the sound momentum generated to steer the Belt and Road Initiative toward greater success. In pursuing this endeavor, we should be guided by the following principles:

First, we should build the Belt and Road into a road for peace. The ancient silk routes thrived in times of peace, but lost vigor in times of war. The pursuit of the Belt and Road Initiative requires a peaceful and stable environment. We should foster a new type of international relations featuring win-win cooperation; and we should forge partnerships of dialogue with no confrontation and of friendship rather than alliance. All countries should respect each other's sovereignty, dignity and territorial integrity, each other's development paths and social systems, and each other's core interests and major concerns.

Some regions along the ancient Silk Road used to be a land of milk and honey. Yet today, these places are often associated with conflict, turbulence, crisis and challenge. Such state of affairs should not be allowed to continue. We should foster the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and create a security environment built and shared by all. We should work to resolve hotspot issues through political means, and promote mediation in the spirit of justice. We should intensify counter-terrorism efforts, address both its symptoms and root causes, and strive to eradicate poverty, backwardness and social injustice.

Second, we should build the Belt and Road into a road of prosperity. Development holds the master key to solving all problems. In pursuing the Belt and Road Initiative, we should focus on the fundamental issue of development, release the growth potential of various countries and achieve economic integration and interconnected development and deliver benefits to all.

Industries are the foundation of economy. We should deepen industrial cooperation so that industrial development plans of different countries will complement and reinforce each other. Focus should be put on launching major projects. We should strengthen international cooperation on production capacity and equipment manufacturing, and seize new development opportunities presented by the new industrial revolution to foster new businesses and maintain dynamic growth.

Finance is the lifeblood of modern economy. Only when the blood circulates smoothly can one grow. We should establish a stable and sustainable financial safeguard system that keeps risks under control, create new models of investment and financing, encourage greater cooperation between government and private capital and build a diversified financing system and a multi-tiered capital market. We should also develop inclusive finance and improve financial services networks.

Infrastructure connectivity is the foundation of development through cooperation. We should promote land, maritime, air and cyberspace connectivity, concentrate our efforts on key passageways, cities and projects and connect networks of highways, railways and sea ports. The goal of building six major economic corridors under the Belt and Road Initiative has been set, and we should endeavor to meet it. We need to seize opportunities presented by the new round of change in energy mix and the revolution in energy technologies to develop global energy interconnection and achieve green and low-carbon development. We should improve trans-regional logistics network and promote connectivity of policies, rules and standards so as to provide institutional safeguards for enhancing connectivity.

Third, we should build the Belt and Road into a road of opening up. Opening up brings progress while isolation results in backwardness. For a country, opening up is like the struggle of a chrysalis breaking free from its cacoon. There will be short-term pains, but such pains will create a new life. The Belt and Road Initiative should be an open one that will achieve both economic growth and balanced development.

We should build an open platform of cooperation and uphold and grow an open world economy. We should jointly create an environment that will facilitate opening up and development, establish a fair, equitable and transparent system of international trade and investment rules and boost the orderly flow of production factors, efficient resources allocation and full market integration. We welcome efforts made by other countries to grow open economies based on their national conditions, participate in global governance and provide public goods. Together, we can build a broad community of shared interests.

Trade is an important engine driving growth. We should embrace the outside world with an open mind, uphold the multilateral trading regime, advance the building of free trade areas and promote liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment. Of course, we should also focus on resolving issues such as imbalances in development, difficulties in governance, digital divide and income disparity and make economic globalization open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all.

Fourth, we should build the Belt and Road into a road of innovation. Innovation is an important force powering development. The Belt and Road Initiative is new by nature and we need to encourage innovation in pursuing this initiative.

We should pursue innovation-driven development and intensify cooperation in frontier areas such as digital economy, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology and quantum computing, and advance the development of big data, cloud computing and smart cities so as to turn them into a digital silk road of the 21st century. We should spur the full integration of science and technology into industries and finance, improve the environment for innovation and pool resources for innovation. We should create space and build workshops for young people of various countries to cultivate entrepreneurship in this age of the internet and help realize their dreams.

We should pursue the new vision of green development and a way of life and work that is green, low-carbon, circular and sustainable. Efforts should be made to strengthen cooperation in ecological and environmental protection and build a sound ecosystem so as to realize the goals set by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Fifth, we should build the Belt and Road into a road connecting different civilizations. In pursuing the Belt and Road Initiative, we should ensure that when it comes to different civilizations, exchange will replace estrangement, mutual learning will replace clashes, and coexistence will replace a sense of superiority. This will boost mutual understanding, mutual respect and mutual trust among different countries.

We should establish a multi-tiered mechanism for cultural and people-to-people exchanges, build more cooperation platforms and open more cooperation channels. Educational cooperation should be boosted, more exchange students should be encouraged and the performance of cooperatively run schools should be enhanced. Think tanks should play a better role and efforts should be made to establish think tank networks and partnerships. In the cultural, sports and health sectors, new cooperation models should be created to facilitate projects with concrete benefits. Historical and cultural heritage should be fully tapped to jointly develop tourist products and protect heritage in ways that preserve the distinctive features of the Silk Road. We should strengthen exchanges between parliaments, political parties and non-governmental organizations of different countries as well as between women, youths and people with disabilities with a view to achieving inclusive development. We should also strengthen international counter-corruption cooperation so that the Belt and Road will be a road with high ethical standards.

China has reached a new starting point in its development endeavors. Guided by the vision of innovative, coordinated, green, open and inclusive development, we will adapt to and steer the new normal of economic development and seize opportunities it presents. We will actively promote supply-side structural reform to achieve sustainable development, inject strong impetus into the Belt and Road Initiative and create new opportunities for global development.

-- China will enhance friendship and cooperation with all countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. We are ready to share practices of development with other countries, but we have no intention to interfere in other countries' internal affairs, export our own social system and model of development, or impose our own will on others. In pursuing the Belt and Road Initiative, we will not resort to outdated geopolitical maneuvering. What we hope to achieve is a new model of win-win cooperation. We have no intention to form a small group detrimental to stability, what we hope to create is a big family of harmonious co-existence.

-- China has reached practical cooperation agreements with many countries on pursuing the Belt and Road Initiative. These agreements cover not only projects of hardware connectivity, like transport, infrastructure and energy, but also software connectivity, involving telecommunications, customs and quarantine inspection. The agreements also include plans and projects for cooperation in economy and trade, industry, e-commerce, marine and green economy. The Chinese railway authorities will sign agreements with their counterparts of related countries to deepen cooperation on China-Europe regular railway cargo service. We will work to launch these cooperation projects at an early date and see that they deliver early benefits.

-- China will scale up financing support for the Belt and Road Initiative by contributing an additional RMB 100 billion to the Silk Road Fund, and we encourage financial institutions to conduct overseas RMB fund business with an estimated amount of about RMB 300 billion. The China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China will set up special lending schemes respectively worth RMB 250 billion equivalent and RMB 130 billion equivalent to support Belt and Road cooperation on infrastructure, industrial capacity and financing. We will also work with the AIIB, the BRICS New Development Bank, the World Bank and other multilateral development institutions to support Belt and Road related projects. We will work with other parties concerned to jointly formulate guidelines for financing the Belt and Road related development projects.

-- China will endeavor to build a win-win business partnership with other countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, enhance trade and investment facilitation with them, and build a Belt and Road free trade network. These efforts are designed to promote growth both in our respective regions and globally. During this forum, China will sign business and trade cooperation agreements with over 30 countries and enter into consultation on free trade agreements with related countries. China will host the China International Import Expo starting from 2018.

-- China will enhance cooperation on innovation with other countries. We will launch the Belt and Road Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Action Plan, which consists of the Science and Technology People-to-People Exchange Initiative, the Joint Laboratory Initiative, the Science Park Cooperation Initiative and the Technology Transfer Initiative. In the coming five years, we will offer 2,500 short-term research visits to China for young foreign scientists, train 5,000 foreign scientists, engineers and managers, and set up 50 joint laboratories. We will set up a big data service platform on ecological and environmental protection. We propose the establishment of an international coalition for green development on the Belt and Road, and we will provide support to related countries in adapting to climate change.

-- In the coming three years, China will provide assistance worth RMB 60 billion to developing countries and international organizations participating in the Belt and Road Initiative to launch more projects to improve people's well-being. We will provide emergency food aid worth RMB 2 billion to developing countries along the Belt and Road and make an additional contribution of US$1 billion to the Assistance Fund for South-South Cooperation. China will launch 100 "happy home" projects, 100 poverty alleviation projects and 100 health care and rehabilitation projects in countries along the Belt and Road. China will provide relevant international organizations with US$1 billion to implement cooperation projects that will benefit the countries along the Belt and Road.

-- China will put in place the following mechanisms to boost Belt and Road cooperation: a liaison office for the Forum's follow-up activities, the Research Center for the Belt and Road Financial and Economic Development, the Facilitating Center for Building the Belt and Road, the Multilateral Development Financial Cooperation Center in cooperation with multilateral development banks, and an IMF-China Capacity Building Center. We will also develop a network for cooperation among the NGOs in countries along the Belt and Road as well as new people-to-people exchange platforms such as a Belt and Road news alliance and a music education alliance.

The Belt and Road Initiative is rooted in the ancient Silk Road. It focuses on the Asian, European and African continents, but is also open to all other countries. All countries, from either Asia, Europe, Africa or the Americas, can be international cooperation partners of the Belt and Road Initiative. The pursuit of this initiative is based on extensive consultation and its benefits will be shared by us all.

An ancient Chinese saying goes, "A long journey can be covered only by taking one step at a time". Similarly, there is an Arab proverb which says that the Pyramid was built by piling one stone on another. In Europe, there is also the saying that "Rome wasn't built in a day." The Belt and Road Initiative is a great undertaking which requires dedicated efforts. Let us pursue this initiative step by step and deliver outcome one by one. By doing so, we will bring true benefit to both the world and all our people!

In conclusion, I wish the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation a full success!

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