Preparing a thank-you speech

How to give a thank-you speech

A thank-you speech prepared and given with sincerity means so much to those you acknowledge.
'No man is an island'. When we achieve, we usually do so because others have helped. Your speech is the gift you give in return for what was given you.

thankyou How to prepare a thank-you speech

Generally these are not spontaneous. You will have some forewarning and time to consider what you want to say and who you want to mention.

Although the occasions vary hugely (thank-you for coming to my party, thank-you for for the promotion, thank-you for the award, thank-you for your gifts, thank-you for coming to the opening of my new business ...) the essentials of a thank-you speech are the same.

WHO are you thanking?
Note their names in ranking order- the most important first
WHAT are you thanking them for?
Be specific rather than general. Naming what you are grateful for gives your thanks more meaning.

WHAT did their gift of time, expertise, encouragement...mean to you?
Be specific. This is your chance to compliment or praise.

Now that you've sorted out who you wish to thank and what for, you are ready to write your speech.

Like any other form of speech you need 3 parts:- an opening, the body or middle where you put all your acknowledgements, and a conclusion.

In your introduction or opening give the reason for the occasion and why it is you're going to thank everyone. Depending on the size of your thank-you list and the amount of time you have you might like to include a small story about the lead-up making this event possible.

In the body of your speech, start at the top of your 'thank-you' list and work your way through it. Take care to give the most important people the most time. For those whom you want to mention but don't have enough time for consider grouping them according to function.
Example: 'To Alex, Mary, Judy and Sam, thank-you for making me remember to laugh. You helped me keep my sanity and perspective when the going was tough.'

In the conclusion, summarize your main points and finish.

Before you begin finalising the content, perhaps you'd like to see some 'thank-you quotes'. These can give you different ways of expressing your gratitude. You may find just what you need to spark your creativity or to give you the thread you need to unite your speech. My collection of 30 thank-you quotes is at your service.

Rehearse your thank-you speech

Giving yourself several rehearsals, firstly by yourself and then in front of friends or family, will help you get it right.

Time yourself as you say your speech out loud at a normal speaking rate. If it's too long, look for areas you can cut. Maybe you need to group a few more people together or perhaps you need to shorten some of the specific examples about why it is you're thanking someone. If it's too short, add more detail. Repeat until you get the timing right.

Write the main points of your speech on cue cards. (If you don't know about cue cards, find out here) To ensure you don't miss anyone out note in order each person's name and the reason you're thanking them.

Practice your speech in front of a mirror and then in front of someone whose judgement you trust. Ask for feedback on whether or not you've included everybody you should, how the speech links together, how your delivery could be improved. Being well prepared will give you confidence.

Do you need more information about giving your thank-you speech? Perhaps you'd like to know how to stop your knees from knocking when you stand to speak or maybe you'd like a few suggestions to slowing a racing speech rate. You'll find those effective public speaking tips and a whole lot more here. Giving your speech should be fun. Enjoy it!

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