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How to give a welcome speech/welcome address

How to give a welcome speech/welcome address

Welcome speech is the most important speech in any function because it sets the mood of the function. An appealing welcome speech has its effect permeated throughout the function; beginning till end. A welcome speech in English uses certain terminologies to express the proper meaning on different occasions. For example, a wedding welcome speech and a graduation welcome speech will be totally different in the phrases and terminologies used. This hub describes how to do a formal welcome speech

Characteristics of a welcome speech:

Welcome speeches in general should be brief. It is important to state the objectives or the purpose of the meet in the beginning itself. Chief Guest (welcome speech for chief guest) of the formal function should be welcomed first followed by other important guests on the dais. People sitting on the dais should be addressed first followed by guests on the front row and then everybody down the hall. A variety of expressions should be used during the speech to make it livelier; but at the same time it should not be overdone. Most importantly, a sincere and confident approach from the speaker will create a feeling of unity and purpose among the audience.

How to start a welcome speech

Usually a welcome speech starts with greeting the chief guest, guests on and off the dais. This is followed by a brief description about the objectives of the meet. On some occasions, if the chief guest is not a known person, a brief introduction of the chief guest is also given by the person who gives the welcome speech. Of course this depends on how long the introduction of chief guest should be.

The following are some common "welcome quotes"

I extend a hearty welcome

I offer a warm welcome

I accord a genial welcome

I salute him with a winsome welcome

I welcome him with the loving hearts of all present

I welcome him with my whole heart

I welcome him with all my heart

I am delighted to offer a happy welcome

Let me offer you a pleasant welcome

Please permit me to offer you a fraternal welcome

I request the members of the audience to join me in offering a warm – hearted welcome

We feel honored in offering you a cheerful welcome

How to conclude a welcome speech

A welcome speech should not be concluded by thanking. That is the job of the person who gives the vote of thanks. Welcome speech should be the one leaving the participants at ease and eagerly waiting for the upcoming events. Maximum duration of welcome speech can be three to four minutes. If it is extended beyond that the guests may feel bored and it will kill the anticipation for the events to follow.

Vote of thanks speeches

Giving away a welcome speech and "vote of thanks" are some of the responsibilities bestowed on us if we work in an organisation.

Alas! I am faced with the puzzle of how to give vote of thanks.

Did you have to face this situation? Well, you need not panic.

First and foremost, we need to understand that there is no vote of thanks template, be it a vote of thanks for farewell party or a vote of thanks for teachers’ day. But of course we need to keep in mind certain guidelines before preparing for a speech and presentation.

Vote of thanks for a function is given during the end of function. For a formal function, the organising secretary or an equivalent member who is involved in the function from beginning till end is the best person to give away the vote of thanks.

How to write "vote of thanks"?

Many people search for vote of thanks examples. The most important point is that "Vote of thanks" should be very brief. Remember! Everyone who was involved including the person who is giving the "vote of thanks" may be tired and bored especially if it is for the valedictory function. The aim of vote of thanks is not to bore them further; but to give a sincere attempt to thank everyone who has made the show a success.

What should be the order of speech for "vote of thanks"?

There should be an order of thanking according to the importance as in welcome speech. For a formal function, it is best to thank the chief guest first, then the dignitaries on the dais, people in the front row and then everybody down the hall.

What to avoid in the speech of "vote of thanks"?

Avoid thanking own people from the organisation. For example when you write vote of thanks for annual day or college day, one of the faculties who was involved in the organisation may be entrusted with the responsibility to give away the vote of thanks. It may not look appropriate to keep thanking the other entire departmental faculty for their active participation in the programme, because they might have done it as part of their job responsibility and it may not look appropriate to pat our own shoulder in the public

Avoid praising anybody. Expressing heartfelt thanks need not be about praising a particular person or organisation.

While choosing words for the speech, take care not to be critical or evaluative about the day's events.

A vote of thanks speech is not an attempt at summarizing the events for the day. Instead it should be a way of showing appreciation with heartfelt words of gratitude. It can also be used as an opportunity to respond to the remarks, requests or promises made by the chief guest.

Vote of thanks for inaugural function

Here you can mainly address the chief guest and guest of honour if any and express your words of gratitude. Specify exactly what you are grateful for and it should be expressed in a sincere manner using suitable words. Vote of thanks for inaugural function should not kill the anticipation of the participants. You can also connect or link to the upcoming events by a brief attempt.

How to give (deliver) a "vote of thanks"?

The person who is giving away the vote of thanks should have a pleasant disposition. You will feel more confident if you have a small card with points written on who you want to thank and which phrase or words to be used for a particular person. Rehearsing the speech also helps in gaining confidence.

Have eye contact with the audience and talk to the audience. Beginners make a common mistake of talking to themselves rather than communicating to the audience. Speak slowly and deliberately as you look around the hall.

Use body language and gestures to emphasise the sincerity of your words. Smile on your face will enhance your appearance as well as leave the guests at ease.

Common expressions used for vote of thanks speech

I thank……

I am grateful to……

Let me express my gratitude….

I take this opportunity to thank…..

We remain grateful to…….

Our words may not be capable of communicating our sense of gratitude to….

We offer our sincere thanks to….

Permit me to mention our appreciation to

I bow my head in gratitude…..

May I take this occasion to salute him with…..

We are happy to mention our obligation to….

We express our gratefulness to…

Please avoid

Cliches

like “On my behaf, On behlf of all concerned………., “ I will be failing in my duty if ….”, “ Last but not least……..” etc.

Good Luck!!

Good luck with your programme!

At the end of the programme, you will feel more assured and energetic that you could give away the vote of thanks sincerely and confidently!

School Celebrations-Gandhi Jayanti - A tribute to 'Father of the Nation'

Gandhi Jayanthi celebrations in India by Vinayadhar Raju on Mixcloud

Gandhi Jayanti - A tribute to 'Father of the Nation'

Gandhi Jayanti or Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti is observed every year as a national holiday to commemorate the birth of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (October 2, 1869 - January 30, 1948). His non-violence or satyagraha continues to influence political leaders and movements till date. The celebration and essence of Gandhi Jayanti is not restricted within India and also observed by the United Nations as the International Day of non-violence that aims to disseminate his philosophy, principle and believe in non-violence through proper education and public awareness.

Celebration of Gandhi Jayanti is also a moment to relive Mohandas Gandhi's life and contribution in India's Independence. Born in a small coastal town Porbandar in Gujarat, Gandhi married Kasturbai Makhanji at the age of 13. His childhood memories and experiences are vividly depicted by him in his autobiography My experiments with truth. Gandhi at the age of 18 went to England to study law and returned to India in 1915. After his homecoming, he led nationwide stir for achieving Sawaraj, abolition of social evils, empowering women rights and improving economic conditions of peasants and farmers. He further strengthened his movement against the British Raj and led Indians in protesting Dandi March Salt in 1930 that was later followed by the popular Quit India in 1942 calling British to leave India.

At Raj Ghat, New Delhi, and across India, people gather to observe Gandhi Jayanti in innovative ways that includes offering flowers on Gandhi's pictures, statues and singing his favourite devotional song Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram.

The government offices, banks, schools and post offices remain closed on Gandhi Jayanti to pay homage to 'Father of the Nation'. Additionally, as a tribute to this great soul, the Indian government mint rupee notes and also issue postage stamp depicting Mahatma Gandhi's photo. In May 19, 2011 at Geneva, a 1948 10 Rupee Mahatma Gandhi stamp was auctioned for a whopping price of US $205,000 making it a world record as the most pricey modern postal stamp from any country.

Many ardent followers make effort to preserve Gandhi's belongings, works and writings through various means with the support of governments and non-profit organizations. Online portals are also acting as major contributors in preserving and providing information on Mahatma Gandhi and about Gandhi Jayanti celebration.

The significance of Gandhi Jayanti celebration transcends beyond commemorating Mahatma Gandhi's birth and his life as followers renounce violence and entirely devote themselves to Gandhi's philosophy and principles of Ahimsa i.e living a life by following non-violence.


The celebration of Gandhi Jayanti conventionally kicks off by singing prayers, offering flowers, lighting candles and garlanding Gandhiji's photo or statue. Mahatma Gandhi's life and principles has inspired lives of all ages. And if you are enthusiastic to explore more about him and Gandhi Jayanti, then Gandhi Jayanti 2012 is the right time to become familiar with his perpetual and valuable philosophy, and also his role as an architect of Indian Independence.

Independence day speech (audio file)

INDEPENDENCE DAY "Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we will redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.... We end today a period of ill fortune, and India discovers herself again." - Jawaharlal Nehru (Speech on Indian Independence Day, 1947) On 15 August 1947, India attained freedom from the British Rule. Every year, August 15 is celebrated as the Independence Day in India. This national festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country. The Independence Day of any country is a moment of pride and glory. On this special occasion, rich tributes are paid to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives and fought to free their motherland from the clutches of the oppressors - British who ruled the country. The British, had initially come for trade but gradually took over the total administration of the country. At the stroke of midnight of the August 15, 1947, India shook off the shackles of British Rule and became free. It was a night of celebration all over the country. Commemorating the day India attained freedom (15th August); Independence Day is celebrated with flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programmes all over the country. The main program is held at the Red Fort where the Prime Minster unfurls the National Flag and it is saluted by Guns. The Prime Minister's speech at the Red Fort in Delhi is a major highlight. Patriotic presentations by school children add colors to the celebrations. Delhi’s skyline gets dotted with thousands of kites taking to the sky this day. Similar programmes are held at all the State capitals also. The preparations begin a month in advance. Roads are decorated with flags and buntings. Buildings of national importance are illuminated.

Getting teenagers talking

Getting teenagers talking

How I encouraged my students to give speech in English on our Head teacher's retirement function

How I encouraged my students to give speech in English on our Headmaster's retirement function

Back Ground: 

I have been working in ZPHS MANNEMPALLI in Karimnagar,AP since 2005,which is a small village most of my students are first generation learns they studied through Telugu medium from first class recently our Govt. introduces English medium in Govt.sector and named them as success schools so my students changed their medium and studied English medium from 6th class onwards,last month our school  Headmaster retired on 31st August using this opportunity I encouraged all our 10th class E/M students to give speech in English.All the students(15) in the class prepared for it but unfortunately the programme was delayed so my students didn't get any chance to deliver the speech on that day so I gave an opportunity for them to do it the same  in my class and I recorded their speeches and uploaded to my YOU TUBE account.(You can watch those videos here)

 

Strategies I followed:

1. I  asked them to prepare their own speech(rough draft) what ever language they know.

 Then I corrected their language and provided the skeleton of  a speech 

       a)  How to begin a speech or common expressions used at the beginning of the speech.

       b) About their experiences with our Headmaster.

       c) What are the different developmental activities taken up during his time.

       d) What are the different events or achievements that the school get during his time

       e) His special strengths or qualities if any....

       d) Closing the speech(provided  common expression used at the end of the speech)

 

2.Then I asked them to prepare their 2nd draft I made some corrections in grammar and vocabulary.

 

3.Given  two days time for get prepared.

 

4. Conducted rehearsals ask the students to come forward and deliver their speech in front of  their classmates and encouraged them  to stand there for about 2 to 3 minutes.(I    gave model presentations wherever necessary)

 

 5. Given opportunity for every student in the class and I made it compulsion.

 

6. This rehearsals continued for about a week(each student got at least three chances)

OUT COME:

On retirement day when I asked them to give their names all the students in class came forward.

Draw back:  

Students started using other students point in their speech finally all students speeches become all most similar.

 

Videos:(please post your comments)

CLICK HERE FOR OTHER VIDEOS

TIPS TO ENCOURAGE YOUR STUDENTS TO SPEAK ENGLISH

1. Reduce the Level of Task Difficulty

2. Give Students More Time to do Task

3. Bring the Tasks Within Students’ Experience

4.  Allow Students to Collaboratively Solve Communicative Tasks

5. Attend to Individual Students’ Needs and Ability

6. Promote Positive Attitudes among Students

7. Change Students’ Negative Beliefs and Attitudes Towards Mistakes

8. Boost Students’ Self-confidence

9.  Lower Students’ Anxiety in the Classroom

10. Encourage Peer Support in the Classroom

11.  Tolerate L1 Use When Appropriate

12. Make the Classroom Environment a Non-threatening Place

13.  Introduce Opportunities for Students to Speak English Outside the Class

14. 
    

 

 

Speaking Activity to wake up a sleepy class:

ARM exercises - speaking activity to wake up a sleepy class:

This is a great way to start a lesson with a free-speaking activity. I call it ‘ARM exercises’ which is simply short for Accept, Reject or Modify statements.
Choose a controversial statement. For example:-

• ‘Women are the best drivers’

• ‘Mobile phones should be banned from public spaces’ 

• ‘Homework should be optional’

• ‘Burgers are better than pizzas’

Either dictate or write the statement on the board. Students decide if they accept, reject or modify this statement, according to their personal opinion. When they have made their decision, you would then say ‘OK go round the room and try to find somebody who has the opposite opinion to you’ or ‘OK go round the room and find someone who has a similar opinion’. Alternatively, they could mingle in the class to find the range of opinions, like a small survey – how many students accepted, rejected, or modified the statement.

This activity can really stimulate discussion and the focus is very much on the students rather than the teacher.
To round off the activity, finish with a short whole-class feedback stage.

How to give a welcome speech

INDEPENDENCE DAY SPEECH MATERIALS

Independence speech-India by Vinayadhar Raju on Mixcloud

Asking for Repetition:

Situations: Asking for

Repetition

Speaking Situations: Asking

for Repetition

Phrases for these

situations

Excuse me? (said like a

question)

Pardon me? (rising

intonation)

What did you say (your name

was)?

Did you say . . . ?

Can you repeat that?

Could you say that again

please?

What was that again?

Sorry, I didn't catch that.

Could you speak up please?

Could you speak a little

louder?

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