what to say on your 21st birthday speech

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Free 21st Birthday Speeches - Celebrate in Style

Free 21st birthday speeches - celebrate this magical milestone in style.

Less can sometimes be more - especially at a 21st birthday party where speeches have the potential to overwhelm the occasion.

Free 21st Birthday Speeches

A meaningful 21st birthday speech to honor and celebrate a great day is a necessity. But, let's face it, everyone wants to party!

And why not - champagne, flowers, innovative 21st birthday gift ideas to surprise your friends and loved ones , excellent catering and creative decor design -  they all come together to create a night to remember.

So, keep it short and simple - then let the party begin!

Good evening Ladies, Gentlemen, family and friends -

What a truly special evening it is that we are celebrating this evening - an evening all the more special  because we are sharing this celebration with all of you.

A warm welcome to everyone and thank you so much for sharing [insert name]'s 21st birthday with us tonight. It just wouldn't have been the same without all of you - all the people who have played such an amazing role in [his / her] life.

Tonight is [insert name] night and we hope it will be a night that [he / she] remembers fondly in the years ahead.

Twenty one years have seen [insert name ] through many milestones. We've seen [his /her] baby years turning into toddling years. We've seen [insert name] learning to talk and walk - unsteadily at first but growing in confidence daily.

And those determined  footsteps have continued through elementary and secondary school,  through sporting teams and academic achievements. We seen obstacles overcome and accolades accomplished and we've witnessed such remarkable growth and development in every facet of [insert name] life.  * [highlight some of their achievements here to make your speech personal and meaningful]

Daily, incrementally and exponentially,  we've seen [insert name] walking steadfast and purposefully through tears and laughter, in and out of relationships and onwards towards [his / her] goals still to be achieved.

Through all of these magical milestone [insert name] has remained positive and empathetic.  [He / She]  embodies a passion and zest for life that is infectious and we have all shared in these moments - they have been magical and many and everyday!

What an honor and a privilege it has been to witness this amazing young [man / lady] and their journey  towards adulthood. And tonight, [insert name] as you stand on the brink of a new chapter in your life, please know that we are so incredibly proud of you and we love you.

May you continue to walk as sure-footed as you always have, may you remain as grounded as you have always been...and may you stay in mind and spirit, forever young .

Happy birthday!

Free 21st birthday speeches - done and dusted.

Now get to work on buying or making an incredible dress or tuxedo for that million dollar babe[or dude]look and planning a great party with easy party ideas and games - your complete guide to the perfect party or birthday with fun games, themes, invitations, recipes and more!

Let's not forget an amazing birthday cake and candles. All about Cupcakes has creative and innovative ideas to further enhance what is going to be a very special evening .

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Cheers to 21 Years: Speech Writing Tips for the Perfect 21st Birthday Toast

Stepping into the age of 21 is a significant milestone – a transition from adolescence to adulthood, a moment to celebrate achievements, and an opportunity to look forward to the adventures that lie ahead. If you find yourself tasked with delivering the perfect 21st birthday toast, fear not! In this article, we’ll explore speech writing tips that will help you craft a memorable and heartfelt toast that captures the essence of the occasion.

Start with a Warm Greeting: Setting the Tone

Begin your toast with a warm and genuine greeting to acknowledge the birthday celebrant. Consider incorporating a personal anecdote or a shared memory that highlights the significance of the day. Connecting with the audience from the start will create a comfortable and engaging atmosphere.

Reflect on Milestones: Celebrating Achievements

Take a moment to reflect on the achievements and milestones of the birthday honoree. Whether it’s academic accomplishments, personal growth, or unique experiences, acknowledge the journey that has led them to this moment. Highlighting these successes adds depth to the toast and underscores the significance of turning 21.

Share Anecdotes and Memories: Adding Personal Touches

Infuse your toast with personal anecdotes and cherished memories that showcase the celebrant’s personality, quirks, and positive qualities. Whether it’s a funny story from the past or a heartwarming moment, sharing personal experiences will resonate with the audience and make the toast more relatable.

Express Gratitude: Acknowledging Friends and Family

Acknowledge the importance of friends and family in the celebrant’s life. Express gratitude for the support, love, and shared experiences that have enriched their journey. This not only highlights the value of relationships but also involves the audience in the celebration.

Look to the Future: Embracing the Next Chapter

As the celebrant embarks on the journey of adulthood, express optimism and excitement for the future. Offer words of encouragement, share aspirations, and convey confidence in their ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This forward-looking perspective adds a hopeful and inspirational touch to the toast.

Inject Humor: Keeping the Atmosphere Light

A touch of humor can enhance the toast, creating a lighthearted and enjoyable atmosphere. Incorporate witty remarks or funny anecdotes that celebrate the celebrant’s sense of humor or playfully tease them in good spirits. Just ensure that the humor aligns with the celebrant’s personality and the tone of the celebration.

End with a Toast: Raising Your Glass to 21 Years

Conclude your speech by proposing a heartfelt toast. Encourage everyone to raise their glasses in celebration of the birthday honoree’s journey and the exciting years that lie ahead. A well-crafted toast not only wraps up the speech on a positive note but also invites everyone to actively participate in the celebration.

Crafting the perfect 21st birthday toast is an opportunity to celebrate the individual, share memories, and inspire hope for the future. By incorporating personal touches, expressing gratitude, and infusing humor, your toast can resonate with the audience and make the celebration truly memorable. So, raise your glass, offer your best wishes, and let your words create a moment that the birthday celebrant will cherish for years to come. Cheers to 21 years!

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How to Craft the Perfect Birthday Speech: Tips and Examples

Crafting the ideal birthday speech might feel daunting. Trust me, I understand the struggle. Joining Toastmasters International was a game-changer for me, teaching me how to craft speeches that not only engage but resonate on a personal level.

This article is designed to guide you through those steps, offering tips and examples that will ensure your next birthday speech isn’t just heard, but remembered. Prepare yourself for some well-deserved applause !

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Always know the type of birthday party and who will be there before writing your speech. This helps you choose the best words and stories.
• Personalize your speech with special memories or jokes that show how much you care about the person celebrating their birthday.
• Keep your speech short but full of heart. Practice it ahead of time so you feel confident when speaking.
• Avoid talking too much about age or sharing embarrassing stories without permission to keep the atmosphere positive.
• End with a toast that celebrates the person’s achievements, wishes them well, and fits their personality.

Tips for Crafting the Perfect Birthday Speech

Crafting the perfect birthday speech involves identifying the type of celebration and deciding on the tone and audience . It also requires personalizing the speech, keeping it concise and heartfelt, as well as practicing beforehand .

Identify the type of birthday celebration

Figuring out the birthday celebration type is my first step. Is it a big party or a cozy gathering at home? This guides me in picking the right words for my speech. A grand celebration might need a formal tone, while a family dinner allows for more personal stories and jokes.

Next, I consider who will be there. Is the audience close friends and family or a mix of different people from the celebrant’s life? Knowing this helps me choose stories and messages that connect with everyone.

I always aim to make my speeches memorable by matching them to the vibe of the party and making sure they resonate with all guests.

Decide on the tone and audience

When crafting a birthday speech, it’s important to consider the tone and audience in order to make sure your message resonates with everyone present. Your tone should be upbeat, optimistic, and easily understandable by all.

Avoid using complex language or inside jokes that not everyone may understand. Remember that the audience might include people of different ages and backgrounds, so keep your speech clear and relatable for everyone.

Personalize the speech

Crafting a heartfelt birthday speech involves tailoring it to the celebrant’s personality and style, making it more memorable. Adding personal anecdotes or shared memories helps create a special and unique speech that resonates with the audience.

It’s important to consider the celebrant’s preferences and the type of celebration when crafting the speech, ensuring it reflects their individuality while being engaging for everyone present .

Next, let’s explore examples of birthday speeches for different milestones .

Keep it concise and heartfelt

Crafting the perfect birthday speech means sharing memories and funny experiences to make it personal. Keep it short and genuine while avoiding mentioning the celebrant’s age. Practice beforehand and speak clearly, ensuring everyone can understand.

Use free templates for inspiration , tailor your speech to suit the celebrant’s style, and engage the audience by including them in the celebration.

Examples of Birthday Speeches for Different Milestones

Practice beforehand.

Before giving a birthday speech, it’s essential to practice beforehand . This will help you feel more confident and comfortable when delivering the speech. Rehearse in front of a mirror or with a friend to work on your delivery and make any necessary adjustments to the content.

Practicing beforehand ensures that you can speak clearly and effectively, captivating your audience’s attention. Remember, practicing beforehand helps reduce nervousness and boosts your confidence when it’s time to deliver the perfect birthday speech.

Explore a 21st birthday speech and a milestone speech for a best friend or loved one in the blog.

21st birthday speech

Crafting a 21st birthday speech means starting with a warm greeting and using personal anecdotes or shared memories . It’s important to tailor the speech to the celebrant’s style and preferences.

Avoid mentioning their age, and ensure it is appropriate and engaging for everyone present.

Milestone speech for a best friend or loved one

Crafting a milestone speech for a best friend or loved one involves reminiscing about shared memories and highlighting their positive traits . It’s important to keep the speech upbeat and celebratory, avoiding any references to age.

Incorporate personal anecdotes and inside jokes to make it heartfelt and memorable. Tailor the speech to reflect the personality of your friend or loved one, ensuring it resonates with them while being engaging for everyone present.

By doing so, you will create a special and meaningful moment that celebrates their milestones and brings joy to all.

Birthday toast

When crafting a birthday toast , it’s important to keep it concise and heartfelt . Personalize the toast with warm wishes and positive memories shared with the celebrant. Avoid referencing age and focus on celebrating the person and their accomplishments.

Tailor your language to suit the celebrant’s personality and ensure it engages everyone present at the celebration. Incorporate humor or inspirational messages based on what resonates best with the audience.

Crafting a memorable birthday toast involves personalizing well-wishes, sharing heartfelt memories, engaging all attendees, tailoring language to match personalities, avoiding references to age in conversations, incorporating appropriate humor or inspiration based on audience preference for an impactful celebration of milestones.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Birthday Speech

Avoid focusing too much on age and creating discomfort. Be sure to prepare and practice your speech in advance.

Focusing too much on age

Crafting a birthday speech that resonates with everyone present requires thoughtful consideration of the celebrant’s journey, experiences, and aspirations. While acknowledging the passage of time is significant, avoiding an emphasis on age in the speech maintains a positive and uplifting atmosphere .

Remember that highlighting timeless qualities, cherished memories , and future hopes can make for a more heartfelt and inclusive birthday speech. By focusing on the person rather than their age, you can create a meaningful tribute that celebrates who they are without fixating on numbers or passing years.

Not preparing or practicing

Practice and prepare your birthday speech beforehand. This will help you feel more confident and deliver a heartfelt message . Rehearsing also ensures that your speech flows smoothly , making it engaging for everyone present .

Remember to practice and prepare your birthday speech in advance to boost your confidence in delivering a heartfelt message. Rehearsing will also make sure that your speech is smooth-flowing, engaging, and enjoyable for the audience.

Moving on to “Examples of Birthday Speeches for Different Milestones”…

Sharing embarrassing stories without permission

When preparing a birthday speech, avoid sharing embarrassing stories about the celebrant without their permission. Respect their privacy and ensure that your anecdotes are uplifting, respectful, and considerate of their feelings .

It’s essential to craft a speech that reflects positivity and celebrates the person’s achievements and virtues, ensuring everyone present feels comfortable and happy.

Crafting an engaging speech involves considering the audience’s comfort level too. Embrace personal stories that bring joy without crossing boundaries or causing discomfort. By doing so, you can create a heartfelt and memorable experience for all involved in the celebration while upholding respect for the birthday person.

Crafting the perfect birthday speech is a skill worth mastering. Following tips on recognizing the celebration type, setting a tone, personalizing content, and practicing can turn any speech into a memorable highlight.

Examples tailored for milestones like a 21st birthday or that of a close friend showcase how diverse these speeches can be. Avoiding pitfalls such as overemphasis on age or lack of preparation ensures the speaker remains respectful and engaging.

Mistakes are common but avoidable with careful planning and empathy towards the celebrant and audience. Ensuring speeches are concise, heartfelt, and include personal anecdotes makes them resonate more with audiences.

By considering these aspects diligently, anyone can deliver an inspiring birthday speech that honors the celebrant uniquely and memorably.

Practice combined with genuine affection for the person celebrated transforms words into cherished memories. With guidelines in place to refine public speaking skills specifically for birthdays, crafting captivating birthday speeches becomes less daunting—a journey from nervousness to confidence filled with joyous celebrations along the way.

Ryan Nelson is the founder of Speak2Impress, a platform dedicated to helping individuals master the art of public speaking. Despite having a crippling fear of public speaking for many years, Ryan overcame his anxiety through diligent practice and active participation in Toastmasters. Now residing in New York City, he is passionate about sharing his journey and techniques to empower others to speak with confidence and clarity.

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Birthday Speech Tips: How to Write the Perfect Speech

As a professional birthday speechwriter, I have written many milestone birthday speeches, including 21st, 40th, 50th, 80th and more. When it comes to creating an entertaining and memorable speech for a birthday party, you might not be sure how to begin. Here are a few tips for creating a birthday speech, whether it’s for your birthday or that of a colleague, friend or loved one.

Is it for your birthday or someone else’s birthday?

This will make a big difference in how you create this speech. If it’s for yourself, the speech will include thanking people for attending, sharing your memories (successes and challenges), mentioning the impact of your friends and family, and looking to the future. For example, if you are delivering a 50th birthday speech, you will cover important events and people in your life, thank people who have helped you along the way (parents, spouse, other family and friends, etc) and speak about plans for the future. It’s a big day of your life, so you’ll want to think about, plan and write a birthday speech well in advance. 

If a speech is directed at someone else who’s celebrating their birthday, the speech will be a bit different. In this case, it’s to honour that person and help them celebrate. This could include an overview of their life, major achievements and milestones, and best wishes for the future. Everybody loves funny birthday speeches, so it’s always a good idea to include some humour. The best way to do this is to tell funny stories about the person. If it’s a birthday speech for a best friend, it could include funny things that happened to you. 

21st birthday speech

Typically, this is delivered at a 21st birthday party by one of the parents or a close friend. The speaker reflects on the 21 years and offers best wishes for the future. If you are a parent giving a 21st birthday speech, you could mention their birth, what they were like as a baby, key milestones from the childhood and young adult years, and challenges and achievements. The best part of a 21st birthday speech is the opportunity for humour. Think back to all the funny things that happened over the years and include a few of these. Avoid things that might be too embarrassing or you might not speak to your child again. But seriously, a 21st birthday speech is a great time to honour a family member as they enter the next phase of their life. 

Here’s an example of a funny story from a 21st birthday speech for a daughter: 

Tanya has always known exactly what she wants and moves mountains to get it. When she was little, that included mountains of clothes! Sometimes it took us 45 minutes to an hour to get Tanya dressed for kinder in the morning. Her bedroom floor at home may have looked as though a tornado had ripped through it, but Tanya always stepped into kinder in style with a perfectly co-ordinated outfit. 

If you choose to include funny stories, it helps if your audience members have a sense of humour. 

Milestone speech for a best friend or loved one

Whether it’s for a friend’s 40th, 50th, 60th or 70th birthday, you can highlight your relationship with them and how you’ve been through thick and thin together. Speak about the best qualities of your amazing friend and provide a few examples or stories to support this. 

The birthday toast

Whether it’s for your child’s, spouse’s or friend’s birthday, the birthday toast is an essential closing to the speech. Depending on your relationship, it could be a serious or funny birthday toast. Here’s one example from a husband to his wife on her 50th birthday: 

Please join me in a toast to Belinda. Belinda, I am truly grateful for the wonderful times we have had and I anticipate many more to come. You mean so much to me, our family and our friends. As we grow older and our love grows stronger, I look forward to supporting each other, sharing good times and creating more happy memories together. Happy Birthday, Belinda!

Get in touch for birthday speech help

If you are stuck and wondering how to write a 50th birthday speech or how to write a speech for a friend’s birthday, we offer birthday speech writing services to create fun and memorable birthday speeches. 

Please contact us on 1300 731 955 or send us an email to discuss your requirements. 

How to Write a 21st Birthday Speech

Write your speech for a loved one's 21st birthday ahead of time so you're prepared and don't embarrass the birthday celebrant or yourself. Your speech should reflect your personality and your relationship with the birthday celebrant. Your speech can be sentimental, funny or both depending on how comfortable you are speaking in front of everyone and what message you want to convey to the birthday celebrant. Use your speech to touch on the celebrant's passage into adulthood on his 21st birthday.

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Make a list of the key sentiments, memories, wishes or ideas you want to include in the speech. If you've known the celebrant her entire life consider sharing something from different stages to touch on her growth into the adult she is becoming on her milestone birthday. Any stories or memories you include should not be embarrassing to the celebrant.

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Create an outline for your speech. It should include an introduction, which tells guests who you are to the birthday celebrant. Share any key events in his life that you were there for, such as a humorous story about how you met or a favorite moment you shared with him. Close with a toast, such as wishing him luck on his future endeavors, how you look forward to being a part of the rest of his life or a toast to his first legal drink.

Write your speech on paper or a computer, whichever you prefer. Leave a break in the speech so you can comment on the party, such as thanking guests for coming if you're organizing the party or thanking the host for inviting you to give a speech. Comment on something relevant at the party if you're comfortable coming up with something on the spot.

Read your speech to yourself out loud a few times to make sure it sounds smooth and feels comfortable. The speech should be short and to the point to highlight the birthday celebrant without dragging it out so long that guests get bored. Make any tweaks necessary to shorten the length of the speech or make it sound more natural.

Copy your speech on small index cards to take to the party with you in case you get stage fright and need the help. Try to memorize your speech so it sounds more natural.

If you are the birthday celebrant, thank your guests for coming, thank the host or hostess of the party, thank anyone significant who helped you make it to your 21st birthday and let everyone know what you plan on doing in the future, or simply make a statement, such as "I hope to see you all again next year."

• Speech Topics Help: Birthday Speech
• Find the Words: Free 21st Birthday Speeches - Celebrate in Style
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What to Write In a 21st Birthday Messages - 69 Different Ideas

Turning 21 is a big birthday! It’s one we take very seriously in western cultures, as after an 18th birthday, it’s the next birthday that signifies your arrival to adulthood. When we turn 18, most age restrictions don’t apply to us, but still a few. At 21 the world is your oyster!

Any big birthday, and especially a 21st birthday, deserves a gift and most importantly a birthday greeting card. However, knowing what to write on a 21st birthday isn’t always that easy.

Even a short 21st birthday message needs a bit of consideration. How close are you to the recipient, and what is your relationship with them? Can they see the humour in your card and can they take a joke, or should you stick to being friendly and celebrative? Do they like heartwarming messages, or do they prefer to keep it light?

Luckily for you, we have curated some of the best messages to write in a 21 st Birthday card to take all the pressure off your shoulders.

Funny Things To Write In A 21st Birthday Card

Most 21 year olds will take a joke, and most likely won’t be insulted with a card being humorous about their age. Funny birthday card messages would be perfect from siblings and friends - we can leave the gushing heartwarming messages for the parents and grandparents! Choose one of our funny 21st birthday wishes below, and personalise it where you see fit. Perhaps use some personal details that you and the recipient share, for example a trip that you both went on, or how you both met all those many years ago.

• Enjoy turning 21 today - it’s all downhill from now on!
• By 21, Jane Austen had written Pride and Prejudice. But you’re still doing great!
• By 21, Steve Jobs had founded Apple. But you’re still doing great!
• You’re 21! You are officially an adult… and old.
• 21 years of being a muppet.
• 21 looks good on you.
• Look out world, here you come!
• 21 today! Time to get your sh*t together.
• Happy 21st Birthday! Drink responsibly… don’t spill any of it.
• Time to get drunk and forget you’re getting old. Happy 21st!
• Time to grow up! Happy Birthday.
• Happy 21st Birthday! Don’t grow up… it’s a trap!
• Here’s your annual reminder of how thoughtful I am - Happy 21st Birthday!

Heartwarming Things To Write In A 21st Birthday Card

Perhaps humour isn’t the way to go, but instead a heartfelt and thoughtful message will work. You could use this opportunity to wish them a happy 21st birthday, and let them know how proud you are of them and what they mean to you. This is officially their entrance into adulthood, and that means a lot!

• Have a wonderful day today on your 21st Birthday.
• How time flies - Happy 21st Birthday.
• So proud of who you have become over these 21 years.
• You are such a beautiful person, inside and out. Happy 21st!
• 21 - This is big! So proud of you and all you have accomplished so far.
• So proud of what you have achieved and what you are going to achieve. Happy 21st birthday!
• Life isn’t about finding yourself - it’s about creating yourself. Happy birthday!
• Can’t quite believe you are 21! I remember you running around in nappies.
• 21 and amazing.

Happy 21st Birthday Message for Daughter

Your daughter is turning 21. This is the perfect opportunity to wish them a happy birthday, and explain how proud you are of them and why. This greeting card you send may well become a keepsake card for them, that they will treasure for a number of years after this birthday. Choosing a beautifully designed card and well thought out personal message is a must!

• We are so proud of you - Happy 21st Birthday daughter.
• To the most amazing daughter we could have wished for - Happy 21st Birthday!
• I can’t wait to see what your future holds for you!
• So proud of the woman you have become.
• No matter what, you’ll always be our little girl.
• You’ll always be our princess!
• You make us so proud, each and every single day.
• I know that the path ahead for you is bright – you deserve every success
• You know I’ll always be here for you son, cheering you on, with a shoulder to cry on.
• I can’t believe the little baby girl I held in my arms is turning 21 today.

Happy 21st Birthday Message for Son

So your son is finally turning 21, and where has that time gone! Choosing the perfect message for their birthday card is a great way to let them know how proud you are of who they have become over these 21 years. 

• We are so proud of you - Happy 21st Birthday Son.
• To the most amazing son we could have wished for - Happy 21st Birthday!
• So proud of the man you have become.
• No matter what, you’ll always be our little boy.
• You’ll always be our prince charming!
• You know I’ll always be here for you son, cheering you on, with a listening ear, and doing your ironing.
• I can’t believe the little baby boy I held in my arms is turning 21 today.

Happy 21st Birthday Message for Sister

Happy 21st Birthday Sister - Forever looking up to you!

Happy 21st Birthday Little Sister. I still remember when we used to dress up!

I’m so lucky to have a sister like you.

Forever my partner in crime.

So lucky to have a sister and a best friend in one.

Happy 21st Birthday Message for Brother

Happy 21st Birthday Brother - Forever looking up to you!

Happy 21st Birthday Little Brother. I still remember when we used to wrestle!

I’m so lucky to have a brother like you.

Bro - I can’t believe you’re 21! Happy Birthday.

Inspirational 21st Birthday Message

Using a more inspirational message is always appropriate when you are truly proud and impressed by the recipient, and what they have achieved or overcome in their time. It might be that the recipient has had a tough time up until their 21st birthday, but yet they have persevered and overcome their challenges. It may be that the recipient has achieved a great deal in a relatively short amount of time - this could be related to starting their own business, buying their own home, striving to help others through charitable work etc. 

• I’ve always looked up to you and I’m so proud of the person you have become. It’s a blessing to have you in my life.
• On your 21st birthday, you deserve all of the happiness and joy that life can bring.
• You have always inspired me. With all you’ve been through so far, you persevere and move forward. Stronger than ever on your 21st birthday.
• All you’ve accomplished in your 21 brief years on this earth - it’s astounding!
• You have accomplished so much in such little time! What a role model you are for those that know you. I’m so proud of the grown-up you have become.
• What does life have in store for you? An adulthood filled with joy, happiness and success is my birthday wish for you.
• You’ve so many choices left to make as you turn the corner past 21. Whatever path you take, may it provide all of the happiness and success that you deserve.
• What an impressive person you have become.
• Go now, and do amazing things!

21st Birthday Quotes

Sometimes you can say all you need to say with a quote. Below we have compiled a list of quotes that can be applied to reaching that 21st birthday milestone. Of course, you could always accompany a message along with one of these 21st birthday quotes.

• “Always remember – you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and more loved than you know.” – Christopher Robin, Pooh’s Grand Adventure
• “All the world is a birthday cake, so take a piece, but not too much.” George Harrison
• “21, if truth be told, is partly young and partly old.” Unknown
• “Birthdays are good for you, the more you have the longer you’ll live.” Unknown
• “Don’t just count your years, make your years count.” – George Meredith
• “Whatever with the past has gone, the best is always yet to come.” – Lucy Larcom:
• “Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!” – Doctor Seuss
• “Youth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.” – Franz Kafka

Hopefully the above 21st birthday best wishes have inspired you in some way. Choosing any of the above messages should be a great place to start from in writing the perfect 21st birthday card. The one tip we could give is to personalise the message to a memory or connection you have with the recipient. This will make it a truly personal and unique message that they are sure to love and treasure. If you are stuck on finding the perfect 21st birthday card, then please take a look at our collection of birthday greeting cards. There are a number of designs to choose from.

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21st Birthday Speech

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Introduction:

“Good evening, everyone. Thank you all for being here to celebrate [Birthday Person’s Name]’s 21st birthday. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], [Birthday Person’s Name]’s [relation, e.g., friend, sibling, parent]. It’s an absolute honor to stand before you all and say a few words about someone who means so much to us.”

Personal Anecdote: “I’ve had the privilege of knowing [Birthday Person’s Name] for [number] years, and in that time, we’ve shared countless amazing moments. One of my favorite memories is [insert a meaningful or humorous anecdote, e.g., ‘the time we went on a spontaneous road trip. We got lost, but it turned into one of the best adventures we’ve ever had, filled with laughter and unforgettable experiences.’]”

Highlighting Qualities: “[Birthday Person’s Name], you have grown into an exceptional young adult. Your [mention key qualities, e.g., ‘kindness, determination, intelligence, and sense of humor’] are just a few of the many qualities that make you so special.”

Expressing Emotions: “Watching you grow up and reach this milestone has been a remarkable journey. Your passion for life, your resilience, and your ability to bring joy to those around you are truly inspiring. You’ve achieved so much already, and I am incredibly proud of the person you have become.”

Offering Well-Wishes: “As you embark on this new chapter of adulthood, I want to wish you all the happiness and success in the world. May your future be filled with exciting opportunities, new adventures, and wonderful memories. Always believe in yourself and follow your dreams.”

Conclusion:

Summarizing Key Points: “To sum up, [Birthday Person’s Name], you are an amazing individual, and we are all so fortunate to have you in our lives. Your future is incredibly bright, and I can’t wait to see all the fantastic things you will accomplish.”

Toast: “Now, if everyone could please raise their glasses… Here’s to [Birthday Person’s Name]! May your 21st year be filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Happy 21st Birthday! Cheers!”

Closing: “Thank you all for being here to celebrate this special day. Let’s continue to enjoy the evening and make more beautiful memories together. Happy Birthday, [Birthday Person’s Name]!”

Text prompt

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Birthday speech

Putting a birthday speech together can be a very daunting process, especially if you have to write it for someone else.

Like many of us, unless you have a natural talent, it’s not uncommon to go blank when it comes to this topic. The usual spiel of thanking everyone and telling them to enjoy their night is satisfactory though can be quite boring and leave everyone yawning.

But dont worry, by following these easy tips and examples of speeches, you will be able to ensure your birthday speech is one that captivates your audience and makes the moment a memorable one.

5 tips to help you with your next birthday speech

1. write it all down.

Take a few moments to list all the qualities and funny moments in dot points to give you an understanding of what you want to highlight. After listing them all down, take the time to elaborate on the points.

2. Find a sample speech that works

Find a sample birthday speech that you feel is suitable for the occasion. Use the points and information that you had written previously and incorporate them into the sample speech. By using the sample speech as a template, you have the benefit of following a proven recipe. It allows for the speech to be structured so it becomes fluent and highlights your points more concisely.

3. Engage your audience

Add humor to the speech to captivate your audience with a few laughs to enhance the vibe of the event. Not sure what to add? Why not take a moment to ask a close friend or relative of some funny moments they have experienced with the birthday person. If the stories are not suitable or non existent, then consider looking up some great one liners and add them into your speech to lighten the mood.

Your aim is to ensure the audience is actively engaged in your speech by focusing on the qualities of the birthday person which they can relate to. Bringing up memorable stories which highlight great times or milestones helps to resonate qualities of the birthday person and Incorporating a story or two can also make a point of enhancing the qualities which resonates what that person is really about.

4. Show sincerity

Towards the end of the speech, mention a few kind words to show them that you care. Thank everyone for coming, especially those who helped out in organising the event.

5. Keep it short

When people are at a party, they tend to have a short attention span and that’s if they haven’t had a drink yet. A speech which is between 2-5 minutes long is more than sufficient. By keeping it short, deep and meaningful, you can be sure to have your audience’s attention.

How to give a birthday speech – From friend to guest of honor

Here are a few examples of free birthday speeches for your next occasion:

Birthday speech example 1 – Thank you speech

Firstly I would like to thank you all for coming to celebrate this milestone with me. I am not one to come out and say a speech, this is actually the first for me. Normally I would shy off, though I feel today is a time where it must be done.

The reason why you are all here is that in one way or another, you have been apart of my life and moulded me to the person I am today. I would truly like to thank you all for that.

I would like to thank both my mom and dad for not only putting up with me but being there when it counted and making me who I am. Thank you! Also to those who I have grown up with and have helped me over the years, you know who you are… I can say that I am truly blessed to have you all in my life!

Last but not least, I need to say thank you to everyone who has helped to set up and make today happen. Now that’s enough of me saying thank you. I hope everyone enjoys themselves. Lets all have a drink and have a great time.

Birthday speech example 2 – Thank you speech

I want to take a moment to say thank you for everyone who has come down to come celebrate this birthday with me. It means a lot that you have all taken the time and I must say that I am blessed to have each and every one of you in my life. Thank you

Birthday speech example 3 – Thank you speech

A birthday is very important to a child. The cake, the candles and gifts are something which they which they look forward to weeks on end. As we get older, we begin to realize that more important than materialistic things are the things we celebrate to those who are most closest to us. I would like to say thank you for not only your best wishes and lovely gifts but for being here and making it the night that it is. Thank you.

Birthday speech example 4 – Coming of age and gratitude

I have to say that I am not one to perform any birthday speeches though with the amount of work which was put into making this night and the sheer turnout of people, I simply could not live with myself if I didn’t at least say a few words.

I would like to give a big shout out to all people involved it the planning of this special day of mine. As you all can see, a lot of time and effort has been spent to make this venue look beautiful and I am truly appreciative. Thank you.

For all of you who made the effort to come down here and celebrate this milestone of mine. I could not be happier as all of you in one way, shape, or form have shaped me to be the person I am today and for that I am eternally grateful. Through good times and bad, through sickness and in health, I have been supported and guided every step of the way and that has only reassured to me what really matters in life.

I have been quick to learn that all the flashy and shiny things in life slowly begin to fade, though the one thing that continues to shine in my world is the true connections and relationships I have formed with my family and friends.

So enough about all this sentimental nonsense. It’s time to put the music back on and get everyone back on this dance floor. Thank you all for coming and I hope you enjoy the night. Thank you!

Birthday speech example 5 – Coming of age

So whilst I am up here talking about this amazing day today we are celebrating, I have to say all the beautiful memories don’t I? Wrong. All I remember is the most embarrassing moments because I laughed so hard my glasses fell off my head, then I wasn’t too happy because I had to buy new ones.

So where do I start, my memory isn’t the best the older I get, that’s why my wife makes me do a crossword puzzle a day. Little does she know that I cheat from the answers on the bottom of the cross word page Ha-Ha. So as I get older and reflect, I would have to say best moments through out my life would have to be drawn to three main beautiful ones.

First would be marrying this beautiful lady I call my cook… I mean wife Ha-Ha.

Second would be becoming a father to these beautiful children standing in front of me, I am blessed to have the opportunity to raise these amazing children of mine and have never been more proud.

And thirdly, to the many people here today celebrating my birthday. I would not be the person standing here before you if it weren’t for each and everyone of you shaping me to who I am today.

I felt like writing this speech took me few minutes though I was told I was writing for most of the bloody day! Ha-Ha.

Thank you everyone for coming here today and celebrating this unforgettable night with me celebrating another year younger.

Birthday speech example 6 – For partner

Let’s face the truth. Some of us are not the best when it comes to remembering birthdays, but there is no way I could forget the birthday for the one I love. We are all here today to celebrate because (Name) has touched our lives in one way or another.

Today I want to openly say how much they mean to me. This is their birthday, and birthdays are supposed to be days which stand out in life. So (Name), I want to say thank you for being so caring over the years and making me so proud to be your partner.

Birthday speech example 7 – Birthday speech for husband

To the superman in my life. Happy birthday! Words are unable to express the amount of love I have for you. For anyone who knows you, knows how much of a kind hearted and bubbly character you are. Your generosity and strong nature are unlike no other I have ever met.

From when you came over to me over 20 years ago to ask me for my number, to building a strong relationship, falling in love, creating an incredible family, and now celebrating this milestone of yours today. It seems like a fairytale dream where I need to pinch myself every so often to believe that it is all true.

To all of you that have made the time to make it here tonight, thank you all for coming. Only people who were important to his life are here and it’s amazing how many people are actually here tonight.

Now back to my loving husband, on your birthday tonight, I want you to enjoy it without a care in the world, because a man like you deserves to be spoilt once in awhile. Happy birthday my love, may you continue to live with passion.

Birthday speech example 8 -Birthday speech for wife

To one of the most sexiest, beautiful, most amazing person apart from myself… Ha-Ha! To my incredible wife. I am unable to express how surreal it feels to have fallen in love and married such a beautiful soul. Never would I ever have thought i’d be so lucky to have such an angel like you in my life. Your smile, your character, your loving nature are just the tip of the iceberg of the many things you possess.

For all who are lucky enough to know her, understand that she is one who would do more for others than she would for herself. A quality which i’m sure we all agree is very rare these days. She always looks to see the positive in life, no matter how dark and gloomy things may be, something which she has allowed for me to adopt which has changed my life dramatically for the better, and i’m sure many others who are also here tonight.

To those who made the effort to come here today and celebrate this beautiful day today, thank you. You have made this day memorable and something i’m sure my wife will never forget. Now the party is still not over, so all of you grab a glass of champagne, and let’s party on well into the night as we celebrate this girls beautiful birthday.

Birthday speech example 9 – From mother to child

From changing your nappies to feeding you every time you cry, to making your favorite food which was always apple pie. The memories I have shared with you while growing up by your side, it was well worth the struggles and bumpy rides.

I look at you know and can’t stop smiling, for a beautiful grown boy/girl that you have become, no matter what you will always be my baby boy/girl, happy birthday and may this be another memory you will never forget like they first day we met. When you were born on this special day.

Birthday speech example 10 – 1 st birthday speech from mother

Even though your only one and you’re probably staring at me thinking what it this lady doing, my feeding time is soon. I am going to say this speech in front of all the family friends that are gathered here today to celebrate my child’s 1st birthday, where the fun times just keep getting better and better.

I remember the first day that I felt so sick and then after that my pants wouldn’t fit. I started eating everything in sight and my pantry would always start full and now and by night there was nothing left to right. After that I couldn’t sleep and I would become a grump in the morning which was nothing of the unusual Ha-Ha.

Then my feet started to swell jeez now I can’t find shoes that will fit well. So after all that complaining and whining, the day came where you were brought into this world. Your father had fainted, which was nothing unusual and all I cared about was that you were finally out!

Now, as we celebrate your 1st birthday, you don’t understand anything right now, but when you do I’ll be saying another speech like this to embarrass you. More for the loving mother that I am to make sure you never forget something so important like this day.

Birthday speech example 11 – From father to son

I guess I will start with most that I know and the beautiful things I remember. I was the happiest man when I found out you were a boy, I was filled with joy! Everyday I would buy my little man a different toy, but there was a problem. Instead of playing with them, I would find you out in the garden. Eating dirt, mud, insects and even snails. You weren’t very good at hiding your muddy trails. How sweet and cute that was.

Then you would complain of feeling sick. Sometimes you were so difficult, just like trying to use a chopstick. You would always cry when I tried to feed you, and you loved to pee on me when I tried to change you. You were a sneaky little bugger and you loved to touch. I even remember having to pull you away from someone’s crotch. These are the beautiful memories that I remember.

Though enough with me embarrassing you with these funny times, this is you birthday so let it be filled with great times. So happy birthday to my great son, never forget that you are my number one!

Birthday speech example 12 – From friend

On this milestone that you have achieved, what an honor it is to be sharing this celebration with you. As we all know, this person has been determined since they were little, to strive and be the best they can, no matter what the circumstances were.

As (Insert name) continued to grow and mature, they created beautiful memories by making each moment count and radiating the love filled passions to each one that they came across. Im sure we can all say that we are eternally grateful that you have came into our lives and that you never lose your zest for life as you grow up into adulthood.

We all love you dearly and wish you nothing but the absolute best as that is what you truly deserve. Happy birthday!

Birthday speech example 13 – 21st Funny birthday speech from friend

Can I have your attention. We are all here today to realise something special. Something so worthwhile to celebrate. Something fun, enjoyable and memorable. We have come here together to recognise and share in the joy this moment brings. I am talking about the open bar! Ha-Ha!

On a more serious note, I would like to draw your attention to one of my best of friends whose 21st birthday we are celebrating here tonight. I have known (Insert name) for more than 10 years and during that time, we have had many moments of fun, adventure and as many of you may know, mischief. Whenever together, we always seemed to find a way to get ourselves into trouble.

Just like the time we decided to play a trick on his mom by colouring in his younger brothers face an interesting shade of green. We took the time to make it look realistic and ensured it was with a permanent marker so it couldn’t be easily rubbed off. I remember the look on his mom’s face as she freaked out and rushed the brother to the hospital. After the doctor giving it the once over and explaining to his mom the cause of the problem. I remember her glaring at us in a trance like state. Lets just say I had never seen someones face go that red before. We both found it to be funny at the time though I don’t think he saw the light of day for at least a month after that incident. Ha-Ha

Anyone who knows him, knows that he will go out of his way to ensure everyone is having a laugh. Even at his own expense, he wants to ensure everyone is having a great time.

He has taken on many challenges, and succeeded many times. Not by chance, but by perseverance and heart. Anyone who knows (Insert name), knows he is full of heart.

So on this milestone may you continue to strive for all that you want and just wanted to let you know that I am grateful to have such a great friend like you. Happy Birthday.

Birthday speech example 14 – 21st birthday speech

Yay! Im finally legal! Wow, this has been a long time coming for me, I mean now i can have a drink… Legally! Ha-Ha! Mum doesn’t seem to impressed!

Firstly I’d like to give a massive shout out to my parents, for not only raising such an awesome child, Ha-Ha! But also for making me who I am, and making this beautiful day happen. To my beautiful family members who cooked up all this beautiful food and helped to decorate this place, thank you so much, it looks absolutely beautiful.

To my wacky and crazy friends. You are all a bad influence on me and I thank you for that. Don’t worry mum, i’m only joking… It’s more like the other way around… Ha-Ha! As I get older, I begin to appreciate the significance of true family and friends in one’s life. I have to say that I couldn’t consider myself any luckier to have all of you in my life.

So anyway, let’s get out the champagne and celebrate my 21st birthday!

Birthday speech example 15 – 40th birthday speech

I can’t believe my 30’s have left me… I think it’s about time I started acting more serious and more so, my age… Well, maybe after tonight…

I remember when I was much younger, I would look at someone who was 40 and say to myself, that’s an old person. Now that I have turned the big 4-0! I now realise it was just an old person who was trying to figure out where the hell all the time went! Ha-Ha! I guess time flies when you’re having fun. Well I Know it’s definitely true for me. I’ll tell you why.

Firstly I have an amazing wife who is nothing but a bundle of joy to be around, and is able to always find a way to put a smile on my face.

Secondly I have been blessed with two beautiful boys who are an absolute pain in my ass, Ha-Ha! Though I do love so dearly! Apart from my gorgeous wife, I never thought I would love these boys so much, as much as I do. It must be because they remind me so much of me when I was growing up… Ha-Ha!

And thirdly… To all of you beautiful people standing here before me today. How can I not enjoy having each and every one of you in my life. I mean how lucky can a man get to have such funny, supportive and caring friends. Blessed is the word I use to describe having all of you be apart of my journey through life. Thank you all for being here today. Its is honestly an honour to celebrate this day with all of you here tonight.

Anyway, enough with all this sentimental crap, let’s pump the music back up, all grab a drink and at least let me celebrate being 39 one more time! Ha-Ha! Thank you!

Birthday speech example 16 – 50th birthday speech

Wow, how time flies! It’s only yesterday I can remember starting my first job at McDonalds where I met my best friend. And now I have a glass of champagne in my hand, celebrating my 50th birthday in front of all of you amazing people.

Where do I start? Firstly I need to give a massive shout out to my beautiful wife who made tonight happen. To not only organise all of this, but also keep it a secret from me which I am blown away how much effort she put in. The amount of detail she has put into this venue is incredible. Such an amazing woman, and I mean look at her, even after all these years, she is still a stunner!

To my two boys, I am proud of both of you and must say you are both still a pain in my ass. Must be because you remind me of when I was a kid growing up. Ha-Ha, they do say that karma eventually comes around. I can now understand what I put my parents through when I was growing up! But jokes aside they a great boys and couldn’t wish for any better.

Obviously I need to give a shout out to mum and dad for putting up with me over my younger years. Considering i’m sure many of you agree, I was no angel growing up. I like to think I turned out alright. Ha-Ha! Though I do have to say they were always there for support and was truly blessed to have incredible parents. I love you both.

To all my close family and friends here tonight. Thank you all for coming and most importantly, thank you for being apart of my life. All of you, in one way or another have been apart of my incredible journey of being 50 years on this earth and I wouldn’t want it any way.

So everybody grab a drink and let’s turn this music up, because i’m pretty sure you will all agree that after all these years and crazy memories, who would have known I would have made it this far. Ha-Ha! Thank you all for coming and hope you enjoy your night. Thank you!

Birthday speech example 17 – From daughter to fathers 50th birthday speech

For those of you whose memories are fading or may have had a little too much to drink tonight, we are here to celebrate the birthday of my dad. Fifty years ago today, the world was given a great gift. A gift by the name of (Insert name). The first of three children, my father was and still is, a very funny and generous man. Throughout the years, he has told many of us his overly simplistic, corny jokes which keeps us all laughing to this day. Just earlier he told me a joke and had me giggling like a little girl again. He said “What do you call a cheese that’s not yours? Nacho Cheese!”. I know, corny right? But it still does the job.

I suppose the main reason why we all have a little laugh and look forward to his humor is that he always likes to remind us that life is not meant to be taken too seriously and that laughter helps to keep us grounded. To this day, I have incorporated this philosophy into my life and I am sure all of us look forward to the energy and humor that he gives us.

Married to his high school sweetheart for 28 years, and with two pretty awesome kids, Ha-Ha. Sorry but I had to add that in. He has shown to be the best role model any family could ask for.

He has always been one to lend a helping hand to anyone in need and is not shy to have a casual drink when in good company.

On this birthday, may you enjoy your night and continue to pass on your energy and happiness for many more years to come. Happy birthday dad!

Birthday speech example 18 – 60th birthday speech

I can’t believe that as I stand here before you, I have been on this earth for 60 years. Seems like a long time, though for me, it feels like only yesterday I was celebrating my 21st birthday. I ought to cut out drinking or before I know it, i’ll be 100 soon. Ha-Ha!

For me, I have experienced both the joys and miseries of life and through it all, I have been able to take one thing from it. Regardless of life’s ups and downs, its all about making the most out of each situation and being present in the moment. Because as I get older, I begin to appreciate all of the moments life has to offer and the truth of the matter is that nothing is owed to us. For every day we wake up is a blessing. And as I am now 60 years old and CONSIDERED wise… Ha-Ha! I feel that we should make the most of each passing day, and what better way with both family and loved ones.

Lucky for me, I have been extremely fortunate to have all of my nearest and dearest to me all here tonight and I have to say, I wouldn’t want to have tonight any other way. Although it may be the wine talking, I must say that I love each and everyone of you here tonight… Especially the caterer, the food served here has been delicious! Ha-Ha! Now let’s all embarrass ourselves by having a few more drinks and getting on the dance floor!

Birthday speech example 19 – From daughter to mother

Your loving touch is like no other, your smile is brightest of all. Your heart beats love and care, but sometimes truth be told you are unfair. You are the only best friend a daughter could ask for. The sacrifices you have made to make sure I have the right path of guidance. You are the best mother a daughter could ever have. Wishing you a happy birthday with many more fun filled ones to come.

Birthday Speeches – Eleven Top Tips on What to Say or Do

Articles for publication, you may publish the article on the left free of charge, but you must follow these guidelines:.

Author: Niamh Crowe

Keywords: Birthday speech, Birthday speeches, Birthday toasts, Birthday Toast, Birthday Party, Birthday Parties.

Summary: The 11 most important tips – to say or do when you are giving birthday speeches. Here is a practical and useful list of them!

• Your birthday speech should always end on a positive note. Be positive in your speech. Talk about the future and all the good things you wish for the celebrant in the days ahead. Above all your birthday speech should leave him/her with happy memories.

Niamh Crowe is the CEO of the web’s leading speech site (http://www.speech-writers.com) according to Alexa.com and Ranking.com. Online since 1994, her site has thousands of speeches for every event and occasion including birthdays, weddings, graduations etc. She lives in Ireland where she is married to Fred. The have 5 children.

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

Birthday Speech [From Celebrant or For a Guest]

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

In this article:

Birthday Speech Topics From The Celebrant

Birthday speech ideas for a guest, birthday speech topics for the celebrant and guests.

Birthday speech template including 8 samples for the celebrant and 18 for a guest at the anniversary party.

The tone is personal, congratulatory, lighthearted and sincere. So, come up with nice entertaining birthday thoughts, funny remarks and tell humorous stories or even jokes.

A guest can roast the celebrated person a little bit with giving special birthday gifts. But don’t go to far. How far you can go depends on the ambiance of the occasion.

So, it is good to know who is on the guest list:

• Do they know each other?
• How close to the celebrant are they?

Okay, I’ve made my point: don’t include insulting or smutty public speaking speech content. After all, it’s a happy day for she / he is a jolly good fellow  Just a small note before we start: were I wrote She or Her in my free birthday writing templates, you can read He or Him also.

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

Pick out the ones you like. These are sample speech topics. If you are the celebrant then speak after all other speakers. Keep your speech short.

• Welcome and thank all the guests for attending this beautiful party celebration.
• Thank all for their party gifts and best wishes.
• Thank the family members who have organized the party. Especially if it is a surprise party.
• Look back at the past. Mention one or two important milestones in your life. E.g. your partner, the birth of your children or their graduation, memorable moments with friends, trips around the world, special projects, hobbies, etc. Warm and funny birthday speech topics about family ties always do the trick.
• Thank all with one entertaining sentence, in which you capture the importance of your family and friends.
• Tell the attendants about your plans and hopes.
• What do you want to realize?
• What do you want to change? And why?

And those popular and famous speech topics bring me to the next birthday gifts idea.

• If it is a very special event – you reached a special age, for example – your 30th, 40th of 50th birthday – then pay attention to it. Tell a joke about people who reached this age related to the little surprise you want to hand over.

Otherwise, mention certain circumstances if they occur and influence the events. But do not sound sad, try to approach them in a positive way.

• End your speech with praising the guests. Just say you hope that they will be back. At the party next year…

These topic ideas are suitable for every public speaking job.

INTRODUCTION

• Thank for the invitation to be guest.
• Thank for the invitation to give a birthday speech.
• Congratulate the person who enjoys all as center of the attention.

THE PARTY ITSELF

• Mention a nice, funny or emotional moment at the annivesary till now.
• If you are one of the people who organized the party: look ahead. What’s coming up next? Lunch, dinner, you are moving to another location, room or place later this day or evening, other speakers, maybe mystery guest at the annivesary?
• Mention the special circumstances, if appropriate. For instance think about the weather, the location, the number of people who are attending the birthday party, and so on. Look around and use your imagination.
• What age? Is it a jubilee year? Is it a 18th, 21st, 40th, 50th, 60th or a 70th birthday speech, or even a 80th, 90th or 100th? Did she said something herself about reaching this age? Mention this unique number and its merits and uniqueness.
• What happened today in history?
• Are there memorable events on the date of birth?
• Was she born at a special place?
• Is she happily married? Describe this relationship.
• Children, grandchildren?
• Other notewirthy developments within the scope of the family ties? Mention those themes and don’t forget to congratulate her family.

ROAST A LITTLE BIT

Tease and roast the celebrant, but avoid any personal stuff that might upset or annoy the celebrant or a guest:

• Roast the girl or boy a little bit. Can you characterize her personality?
• What have other people said about her?
• Mention her talents, hobbies or passions.
• Are there noteworthy developments or achievements in her work and career? What has she always wanted to be?
• What are her pet peeves?
• What are her values of life? How does she propagate them?
• Look ahead to her future. What were and/or are her goals or hopes in life? Do you think she will succeed? Be optimistic and supportive. Or – if you want to spoof somewhat – tell your disagreeing point of view with a wink …
• Recapitulate the wishes and congratulations. Try to summarize all the best you wish in one well-meaned special speech topic statement.
• And then of course, at last but not least, the closer: the toast. Propose a toast to the health of the girl, so to speak.
• Give her a present or hand over the gift on behalf of all people who join. Don’t forget to tell you speak on behalf of everybody!

Have a nice party and may this information helps to enjoy preparing your birthday speech. Happy anniversary to you and to your relative or friend!

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A letter to my daughter on her 21st Birthday

As I wake early on this particular day, my heart is bursting with pride. My gorgeous daughter i s now 21! You make me proud in many ways, and I love watching you grow into the beautiful, strong young lady you have become. I say it every year, but I can not believe my baby girl is now a young adult! Another lap around the sun, another year older and another year of loving you.

It feels like yesterday when we found out I was pregnant and the joy in your father’s eye when we were told the baby moving around on the screen was, in fact, a girl. I knew at that moment that you would always be daddy’s little girl. Things haven’t changed much since then, you will always be the apple in his eye, and even when you have children of your own, you will always be daddy’s little girl.

For me, you have always been exceptional; from the first time I laid eyes on you, I knew I had fallen in love, and I knew I felt I needed to protect you forever, even if you and when you no longer need it.

As years have passed, you have developed into a kind-hearted, loyal, considerate friend, caring sister, and loving daughter. You stand up for what you believe in and never shy from competition . Your strong-minded beliefs and passionate energy makes me realise how lucky I am to call you my daughter.

Your huge smile lights up a room, and your infectious laugh ensures everyone around you is along for the ride. So don’t change for anyone! Just keep being you.

Although we may not always see eye to eye, you will always have my support in all that you do. I believe in you, and I look forward to seeing where this journey will take you. So keep reaching for those stars because someday, I know you will get there because you deserve everything that comes your way.

If I could give you three things today, it would be the courage to face all that comes your way, the confidence to love yourself during all stages of your life and the wisdom to understand how much we love you.

So happy 21st birthday to my beautiful, talented, warm-hearted daughter. May today and every day moving forward be full of love and laughter surrounded by those who love you the most.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

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2 thoughts on “A letter to my daughter on her 21st Birthday”

Gorgeous words Paula. Sounds like you’re very lucky to have each other!

Wishing you both all the best for a Happy Birthday celebration together.

Thanks, Cat, it is very special to be together during this milestone (as you are well aware). Things we once took for granted are now things we cherish more than ever x

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21 Notes to My Son on His 21st Birthday

Faith , Grant , Life

Dear Grant,

By now you well know that I can’t let big events pass without pouring out my heart through words on a page.  I’m pretty sure I just sat down yesterday to write to you on your 16th birthday.  And just a few days before that, it was your first.  But now, here we are on your 21st, and just like back then, I have some things I want you to know.  For these past 21 years since you first gave me the title of Mom, I have taken this job seriously and (wow!) it’s been a roller coaster at times.  You have pushed me to lengths I had never imagined myself going, and while not all of those moments have been pretty (Heaven knows some of them are blocked out of my memory!), all of my motives have been for one goal– that I help you become the person God made you to be.  This will be my mission forever, so don’t worry–you can be assured you will have my advice to guide you for all of my life.  This I solemnly swear, and you’re welcome!  And so I have gathered some thoughts for this milestone for you to refer to as you head into your next year of life and all of those after that.

1.  Get experience as cheaply as you can.  This is what Papa would often say.  And of course, what he meant was to learn from other people’s mistakes so that you don’t have to make your own.  This is priceless advice.  Remember it always.

2.  You will never go wrong by choosing right.  No matter what it costs you or what you may have to give up in the present, doing the right thing is always the right choice.

3.  Make your bed every day.  Not only will this do your mom’s heart good, but it sets things in order which will cause you to develop discipline which will help you in many other areas of your life.

4.  Be the first to say “I’m sorry”.  I promise you this:  if you will get into the habit of humbling yourself, even when you may not feel you were wrong, you will be amazed by the results.

5.  Forgive. It could save you from wasting a perfectly good life.

6.  Be punctual.  It speaks volumes.

7.  Do what you say you will do.  Don’t cancel plans with someone unless it is absolutely unavoidable.  Otherwise, you are sending the message that the other person’s plans are not as important as yours.

8.  Be a servant.  You should never feel comfortable sitting if someone else is up working.  Offer to help, and if they refuse, be sure to be overtly grateful.

9.  Protect your family name.  Your actions will affect how your family is viewed, whether you think it’s fair or not.  So don’t be the one to tarnish a good name.  (Proverbs 22:1)

10.  Don’t ever get a tattoo.  Just because your mother said so.  Just don’t.

11.  Never get caught up in the feeling of entitlement.  The person beside you has the same God-given rights you do.  It’s only by His grace that we enjoy every blessing we have.  Never forget that.

12.  Strive for humility.  From having humility and the fear of the Lord, come riches and honor and life.  (Proverbs 22:4)

13.  Speak life.  Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21), and words, both positive and negative, can stay with a person for a lifetime.

14.  Regard your relationships as treasures and don’t do anything to damage them.  As someone we love has said, relationships and the word of God are the two most important things in this world.

15.  Live every single day with integrity.  This one thing is the key if you want your own children to be blessed.  My life is living proof of this principle, as I hope yours will be.  The just man walks in integrity, and his children are blessed because of it. (Proverbs 20:7)

16.  Be the one to smile first.  You have no idea what it could mean to the other person.

17.  Don’t whine.  There are few things more disgraceful than a grown man who is whining.

18.  Look past a person’s offenses toward you in an effort to understand the reason behind their actions instead.  Then ask God to help you know how to help them.

19.  Never take for granted the immeasurable blessings of the many wonderful influences that have been poured into your life.  And then thank God for them by choosing to influence others in the same way.

20.  Restore the faith of our country toward Millennials.  Keep your respect for America, its flag, its freedoms, and every valuable person who has sacrificed to give us these things.

21.  Live like Jesus and make it your life goal to help others know Him.

I’ll be working on my my list for when you’re 42.  And maybe even 84.

And be assured that I’ve taken note of the many things you’ve taught me as well throughout your 21 years.  Thank you for helping me become a better person through the lessons I’ve learned from you.  Dad and I are so proud of you and very honored that God chose us to be your parents.  When we chose your name, we knew that it meant “Great”, and we told you we knew God had something great in store for your life.  Now, here we are watching it unfold, and it truly is something great to behold.

I Love you–

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25 comments.

Priceless gift!

Yes, he is! 🙂

Wow. . . These are truly beautiful words – overflowing with wisdom & love – expressed from the heart of a mother with the purest motives.

Happy Birthday, Grant – I love you.

So glad you’re on my team. This job is hard sometimes! 🙂

Beautiful words that speak life for all people.

Thank you, Stacie!

Truly beautiful – it’s something all of us can live by regardless of our age………hope he has a wonderful 21st birthday!

Thank you so much! 🙂

Julie, this is really such a treasure for your son and such a blessing and reminder for the rest of us of what motherhood is all about. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

You’re welcome. And thanks so much for the kind words, Lee 🙂

Happy Birthday Grant! Praying you continue to be “God’s Man’ and be an extension of His light and love to all He brings across your path! What a wonderful Godly heritage you have! A true blessing from the loving hands of our Lord! Be blessed in every area of your life! P.S. Just a beautiful tribute Julie! So precious!!

Thanks so much for this, Liz!

I’m sending this to my daughter for my newborn granddaughter! What precious words to live a godly and fulfilling life. Thank you for sharing and Happy Birthday to your son!

I’m so glad this spoke to you. Congratulations on your new granddaughter!

Grant will have these precious words for all his life. He is a great young, Godly man. What a great tribute to Grant, Julie!

Thank you! I appreciate the kind words! 🙂

Oh my, such wisdom you have shared. I hope you don’t mind but I’ll be passing these on to loved ones who will be blessed by these precious words of love. btw I have recently been privileged to get to know your mother and I know that she has many wonderful words of wisdom also. May God Bless!

So sweet. I know my mom has enjoyed getting to know you as well!

This is so sweet and special and everything I would want my sons to know. I hope you won’t mind if I pass these words of wisdom on to them. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful letter.

Very kind. I’d be honored for you to share. 🙂

I love this post!! Grant is a great guy. I know the Lord has big plans for him. Keep looking to the Lord Grant. I am praying for you.

Powerful and beautiful. I too will use this for my son. Thanks for sharing, God bless you and your family.

Heartfelt thanks for sharing this well thought-out list of wisdom every son, rather child should hear.

Powerful indeed

Thanks for sharing

Wow, this is one of the most beautiful parenting letters I have ever read. I don’t make a habit of replying to anyone on social media. But I want you to know that I really treasure what you wrote to your son. I was looking up ideas for what to write to my son on his 21st which is coming up in February. I am going to keep in mind the words of wisdom you shared with Grant as I write my own. Your son is really fortunate to have you as a mom! Wishing him and you and your daughters all happiness!

Wow, I am a single father who raised my son will be 21 and and my daughter already 23 on my own for a long period of divorce and turmoil. I hope you don’t mind me using some of this content on my sons 21st. English is my second language and your beautiful words are so suitable to my life as a christian who believe all blessing are coming from God. Thank God for your talents so someone like me can use your contents to tell my true story to others.

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15 Fun 21st Birthday Party Themes For Your Best Shindig Yet

Brittany Barber

Contributor

Throwing a 21st birthday party is all about celebrating this milestone with style, fun and pizzazz. First and foremost, you’ll want to start by choosing a fun 21st birthday party theme. Whether it’s a trendy Brat summer party , a laid-back wine tasting or an epic masquerade ball, make sure to go all out on this one — 21 is a big deal, after all.

Once you’ve decided on your theme, choosing a party venue, entertainment and decor will all fall into place. Same goes with your food and drink menus, too! So, if you’re ready to start planning your 21st birthday party , have a look through these party themes to get the ball rolling.

Casino Night

Create a glamorous casino-themed party with poker, blackjack and roulette tables, complete with dealers and an Elvis impersonator .

Serve finger foods and elegant cocktails as guests play and mingle, and decorate with playing card motifs, velvet tablecloths and golden accents. 

FIND AN ELVIS IMPERSONATOR

Transform your 21st birthday party venue into a wild west saloon with cowboy hats, hay bales and country music . Serve BBQ dishes, cornbread and whiskey cocktails to set the scene.

Party entertainment can include line dancing, a mechanical bull and games like horseshoe toss or kubb. 

FIND A COUNTRY BAND

Murder Mystery Party

Set the stage for a thrilling 21st birthday party by throwing a murder mystery party with themed invitations, decor and costumes (don't forget the fake blood).

Provide guests with character roles and clues to solve the mystery, and serve appetizers and drinks while guests mingle and piece together the clues.

FIND MURDER MYSTERY ENTERTAINMENT

Disco Fever

Transform your venue into a disco haven with glittering mirror balls, colorful lights and 70s-inspired decor. Play classic disco hits and set up a dance floor for guests to show off their moves.

Serve retro snacks and cocktails for a groovy time, and maybe even invite a 1970s dance band or DJ to play for the disco party . 

FIND A DANCE BAND

Masquerade Ball

Host an elegant 21st birthday party with a masquerade ball. Think opulent decorations, chandeliers, velvet drapes and a champagne tower.

Guests should don masks and formal attire while enjoying a live DJ  or band on the dance floor. Offer a variety of hors d'oeuvres and themed cocktails for a sophisticated touch.

Wine Tasting

If you’ve always been intrigued by wine, why not organize a vino tasting party? Hire a sommelier to set you up with a selection of red, white and sparkling wines, and pair them with gourmet cheeses and charcuterie.

Lay out cozy, vineyard-inspired decor with fairy lights and comfortable seating. Provide tasting cards and encourage guests to share their favorites!

FIND A SOMMELIER

Decade Theme

Choose a favorite decade, like the 70s, 80s, or 90s, and deck out your 21st birthday party venue with era-specific decor and costumes.

Play music hits from the chosen decade and set up a dance floor. Serve popular snacks and drinks from that time period for an authentic feel.

FIND LIVE MUSIC

Brat Party 

When it comes to party trends of 2024 , you can't go wrong with a Charli XCX Brat party . Channel her style with neon green, punk-inspired decor and a playlist of her hits.

Offer simple snacks and signature drinks to keep the energy high all night, along with party games like music-related trivia or karaoke .

Bridgerton Themed Party

Throw a Bridgerton -inspired party with Regency-era decorations, elegant table settings and classical music. Encourage guests to dress in period costumes and offer a high tea menu with delicate sandwiches, pastries and champagne.

Consider hiring a caterer to help you finesse your menu, as well as a string quartet to set the tone of the evening. 

FIND A STRING QUARTET

White Party

Host a chic and sophisticated all-white 21st birthday party with white decorations, including flowers, drapes and fairy lights. Invite guests to dress in white attire and serve light appetizers and white-themed cocktails.

When it comes to party entertainment , consider hiring a live DJ or band to keep the energy upbeat, as well as a photo booth to commemorate the special occasion.

Tropical Party

Whether you host your 21st birthday at the beach, a pool or right at home, you can create a tropical-themed party with palm leaves, tiki torches and vibrant flowers. Serve fruity cocktails, grilled skewers and fresh fruits like pineapple and mango.

Entertainment can include limbo contests, hula dancing and a lively playlist of beach tunes. 

Host an elegant high tea party with vintage tea sets, floral arrangements and delicious pastries. Offer a selection of teas, finger sandwiches and scones, along with drinks like champagne, mimosas or kir royales.

Decorate with lace tablecloths and pastel colors to create a sophisticated look, and don’t forget to tell your guests to wear their Sunday best! Hire a photographer to capture the event in all its glory. 

FIND A PHOTOGRAPHER

Carnival Theme

If you want to turn 21 with a bang, why not host an exciting carnival birthday party? Curate the vibe with bright colors, fun games and festive balloon decor .

Set up booths for activities like ring toss, face painting and cotton candy. Serve classic carnival treats like popcorn, hot dogs and lemonade-based cocktails. 

FIND A FACE PAINTER

Speakeasy Party

Transport guests back to the Prohibition era with a speakeasy-themed 21st birthday party. Decorate with vintage decor, dim lighting, and, if you can swing it, a venue that features hidden entrances (think sliding bookshelf doorways).

Serve classic cocktails and have a jazz band or DJ playing 1920’s music to set the mood.

FIND A JAZZ BAND

Festival Theme 

Bring a Coachella vibe to your 21st birthday party with funky decorations, floral crowns and plenty of outdoor seating.

Set up stages or areas for live music, a DJ or even karaoke. Offer festival-style food trucks or food stands with a variety of trendy eats and drinks to keep the party going strong all day long. 

FIND A FOOD TRUCK  

Find more birthday party ideas here on The Bash. 

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Colin farrell recalls heartbreaking question he asked doctor after son’s special needs diagnosis .

Colin Farrell is opening up about his son’s rare neurogenetic disorder. 

The 48-year-old recalled the moment James was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome when he was just 2 1/2 years old.

“One of the characteristics of Angelman syndrome is outbreaks of laughter,” the Irish actor told People in an interview published on Thursday. “And the doctor saw that James was laughing a lot and doing this movement [he waves his hands].”

The tests came back positive for Angelman, to which the doctor told Farrell, “At least we had a diagnosis.”

“I remember the first two questions I asked were, ‘What’s the life expectancy and how much pain is involved?’” the “Sugar” star continued. “And the doctor said, ‘Life expectancy, as far as we can tell, is the same for you and for me, and pain, no.'”

Although there is no pain involved, Angelman causes delayed development, problems with speech and balance and mental disability, according to the Mayo Clinic .

It can also cause seizures, which is “one of the things that parents struggle with greatly,” explained Farrell. 

“Thankfully, James hasn’t had a breakthrough seizure now in about 10 or 11 years, but I’ve been in the back of ambulances, I’ve been in the hospital with him,” he shared with the outlet. “I’ve done Diastat [a sedative] up his rectum to get him out of a seizure that lasted longer than three minutes. Finding the right amount of medication that doesn’t have adverse effects — that’s all very tricky business.”

Farrell, also a father to his son Henry, 15, with ex Alicja Bachleda-Curuś, noted that he didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary with his firstborn.

“James was a very silent baby,” he recounted. “And I just thought I’d hit the lottery, and he was chill — and he’s anything but. If James had been my second child and not my first, I would’ve known sooner, because when Henry was born and I heard him cooing, I was like, ‘A baby’s supposed to coo?'”

Although James would cry if he was upset, the Golden Globe winner mentioned that “he wasn’t hitting benchmarks. He couldn’t sit up. He wasn’t crawling.”

“I think he was a year and a half when we took him to get really checked out,” Farrell — who shares James with ex Kim Bordenave — admitted, “and he was diagnosed as having cerebral palsy. It was a common misdiagnosis, because it shared a lot of the same characteristics. And that was a downer for sure.”

However, after receiving a proper diagnosis , Farrell was able to watch his eldest son, now 20, make great progress.

James’ occupational therapist approached the “Miss Julie” star two weeks shy of his son’s fourth birthday and said, “James has something to show you.”

“I knew they were working on walking and I stood over there, and she let him go, and he just came to …” Farrell recalled to People as he collected himself. “I mean, it was so profound. It was magic. I’ll never forget just the face of determination on him as he walked toward me. He took like six steps, and I burst into tears.”

Many children with Angelman syndrome are unable to walk, “so to see those first steps was just . . . I’ll never forget it,” he continued. “It was so overwhelmingly beautiful.”

These days, Farrell is looking to give back to other families in similar positions by creating the Colin Farrell Foundation, which aims to support adult children with intellectual disabilities.

As James’ 21st birthday approaches in September, the “Gentlemen” star realizes how the system ages out kids with disabilities.

“Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,” noted Farrell. “All the safeguards that are put in place, special ed classes, that all goes away, so you’re left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society and more often than not is left behind.”

But the “Banshees of Inisherin” alum is looking to change those rules and make an impact by helping young adults with intellectual disabilities receive the care they need through advocacy, education, and innovative programs.

Farrell hasn’t spoken about his nonprofit publicly before now.

“Obviously, the only reason I’m speaking is I can’t ask James if he wants to do this,” he confessed.

Farrell likes to think that James would be more than encouraging of his dad’s newest venture. 

“I can’t discern a particular answer from him as to whether he’s comfortable with all this or not,” he expressed, “so I have to make a call based on knowing James’s spirit and what kind of young man he is and the goodness that he has in his heart.”

And when it comes to promoting the foundation with a photoshoot, Farrell feels his son would be on board if he knew it would do good.

“If James knew getting his photograph in the back garden with me,” he explained, “which is not my favorite thing to do, if us doing this could help families and other young adults who live with special needs, he would say, ‘Dad, what are you talking about? Why are you even asking me? It’s a no-brainer.’”

“So that’s why we’re doing it,” stated Farrell. “This is all because of James — it’s all in his honor.”And the “Batman” lead has one wish for his son. As he put it, “I want the world to be kind to James. I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.”

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What Kamala Harris has said so far on key issues in her campaign

As she ramps up her nascent presidential campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris is revealing how she will address the key issues facing the nation.

In speeches and rallies, she has voiced support for continuing many of President Joe Biden’s measures, such as lowering drug costs , forgiving student loan debt and eliminating so-called junk fees. But Harris has made it clear that she has her own views on some key matters, particularly Israel’s treatment of Gazans in its war with Hamas.

In a departure from her presidential run in 2020, the Harris campaign has confirmed that she’s moved away from many of her more progressive stances, such as her interest in a single-payer health insurance system and a ban on fracking.

Harris is also expected to put her own stamp and style on matters ranging from abortion to the economy to immigration, as she aims to walk a fine line of taking credit for the administration’s accomplishments while not being jointly blamed by voters for its shortcomings.

Her early presidential campaign speeches have offered insights into her priorities, though she’s mainly voiced general talking points and has yet to release more nuanced plans. Like Biden, she intends to contrast her vision for America with that of former President Donald Trump. ( See Trump’s campaign promises here .)

“In this moment, I believe we face a choice between two different visions for our nation: one focused on the future, the other focused on the past,” she told members of the historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta at an event in Indianapolis in late July. “And with your support, I am fighting for our nation’s future.”

Here’s what we know about Harris’ views:

Harris took on the lead role of championing abortion rights for the administration after Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022. This past January, she started a “ reproductive freedoms tour ” to multiple states, including a stop in Minnesota thought to be the first by a sitting US president or vice president at an abortion clinic .

On abortion access, Harris embraced more progressive policies than Biden in the 2020 campaign, as a candidate criticizing his previous support for the Hyde Amendment , a measure that blocks federal funds from being used for most abortions.

Policy experts suggested that although Harris’ current policies on abortion and reproductive rights may not differ significantly from Biden’s, as a result of her national tour and her own focus on maternal health , she may be a stronger messenger.

High prices are a top concern for many Americans who are struggling to afford the cost of living after a spell of steep inflation. Many voters give Biden poor marks for his handling of the economy, and Harris may also face their wrath.

In her early campaign speeches, Harris has echoed many of the same themes as Biden, saying she wants to give Americans more opportunities to get ahead. She’s particularly concerned about making care – health care, child care, elder care and family leave – more affordable and available.

Harris promised at a late July rally to continue the Biden administration’s drive to eliminate so-called “junk fees” and to fully disclose all charges, such as for events, lodging and car rentals. In early August, the administration proposed a rule that would ban airlines from charging parents extra fees to have their kids sit next to them.

On day one, I will take on price gouging and bring down costs. We will ban more of those hidden fees and surprise late charges that banks and other companies use to pad their profits.”

Since becoming vice president, Harris has taken more moderate positions, but a look at her 2020 campaign promises reveals a more progressive bent than Biden.

As a senator and 2020 presidential candidate, Harris proposed providing middle-class and working families with a refundable tax credit of up to $6,000 a year (per couple) to help keep up with living expenses. Titled the LIFT the Middle Class Act, or Livable Incomes for Families Today, the measure would have cost at the time an estimated $3 trillion over 10 years.

Unlike a typical tax credit, the bill would allow taxpayers to receive the benefit – up to $500 – on a monthly basis so families don’t have to turn to payday loans with very high interest rates.

As a presidential candidate, Harris also advocated for raising the corporate income tax rate to 35%, where it was before the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that Trump and congressional Republicans pushed through Congress reduced the rate to 21%. That’s higher than the 28% Biden has proposed.

Affordable housing was also on Harris’ radar. As a senator, she introduced the Rent Relief Act, which would establish a refundable tax credit for renters who annually spend more than 30% of their gross income on rent and utilities. The amount of the credit would range from 25% to 100% of the excess rent, depending on the renter’s income.

Harris called housing a human right and said in a 2019 news release on the bill that every American deserves to have basic security and dignity in their own home.

Consumer debt

Hefty debt loads, which weigh on people’s finances and hurt their ability to buy homes, get car loans or start small businesses, are also an area of interest to Harris.

As vice president, she has promoted the Biden administration’s initiatives on student debt, which have so far forgiven more than $168 billion for nearly 4.8 million borrowers . In mid-July, Harris said in a post on X that “nearly 950,000 public servants have benefitted” from student debt forgiveness, compared with only 7,000 when Biden was inaugurated.

A potential Harris administration could keep that momentum going – though some of Biden’s efforts have gotten tangled up in litigation, such as a program aimed at cutting monthly student loan payments for roughly 3 million borrowers enrolled in a repayment plan the administration implemented last year.

The vice president has also been a leader in the White House efforts to ban medical debt from credit reports, noting that those with medical debt are no less likely to repay a loan than those who don’t have unpaid medical bills.

In a late July statement praising North Carolina’s move to relieve the medical debt of about 2 million residents, Harris said that she is “committed to continuing to relieve the burden of medical debt and creating a future where every person has the opportunity to build wealth and thrive.”

Health care

Harris, who has had shifting stances on health care in the past, confirmed in late July through her campaign that she no longer supports a single-payer health care system .

During her 2020 campaign, Harris advocated for shifting the US to a government-backed health insurance system but stopped short of wanting to completely eliminate private insurance.

The measure called for transitioning to a Medicare-for-All-type system over 10 years but continuing to allow private insurance companies to offer Medicare plans.

The proposal would not have raised taxes on the middle class to pay for the coverage expansion. Instead, it would raise the needed funds by taxing Wall Street trades and transactions and changing the taxation of offshore corporate income.

When it comes to reducing drug costs, Harris previously proposed allowing the federal government to set “a fair price” for any drug sold at a cheaper price in any economically comparable country, including Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Japan or Australia. If manufacturers were found to be price gouging, the government could import their drugs from abroad or, in egregious cases, use its existing but never-used “march-in” authority to license a drug company’s patent to a rival that would produce the medication at a lower cost.

Harris has been a champion on climate and environmental justice for decades. As California’s attorney general, Harris sued big oil companies like BP and ConocoPhillips, and investigated Exxon Mobil for its role in climate change disinformation. While in the Senate, she sponsored the Green New Deal resolution.

During her 2020 campaign, she enthusiastically supported a ban on fracking — but a Harris campaign official said in late July that she no longer supports such a ban.

Fracking is the process of using liquid to free natural gas from rock formations – and the primary mode for extracting gas for energy in battleground Pennsylvania. During a September 2019 climate crisis town hall hosted by CNN, she said she would start “with what we can do on Day 1 around public lands.” She walked that back later when she became Biden’s running mate.

Biden has been the most pro-climate president in history, and climate advocates find Harris to be an exciting candidate in her own right. Democrats and climate activists are planning to campaign on the stark contrasts between Harris and Trump , who vowed to push America decisively back to fossil fuels, promising to unwind Biden’s climate and clean energy legacy and pull America out of its global climate commitments.

If elected, one of the biggest climate goals Harris would have to craft early in her administration is how much the US would reduce its climate pollution by 2035 – a requirement of the Paris climate agreement .

Immigration

Harris has quickly started trying to counter Trump’s attacks on her immigration record.

Her campaign released a video in late July citing Harris’ support for increasing the number of Border Patrol agents and Trump’s successful push to scuttle a bipartisan immigration deal that included some of the toughest border security measures in recent memory.

The vice president has changed her position on border control since her 2020 campaign, when she suggested that Democrats needed to “critically examine” the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, after being asked whether she sided with those in the party arguing to abolish the department.

In June of this year, the White House announced a crackdown on asylum claims meant to continue reducing crossings at the US-Mexico border – a policy that Harris’ campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, indicated in late July to CBS News would continue under a Harris administration.

Trump’s attacks stem from Biden having tasked Harris with overseeing diplomatic efforts in Central America in March 2021. While Harris focused on long-term fixes, the Department of Homeland Security remained responsible for overseeing border security.

She has only occasionally talked about her efforts as the situation along the US-Mexico border became a political vulnerability for Biden. But she put her own stamp on the administration’s efforts, engaging the private sector.

Harris pulled together the Partnership for Central America, which has acted as a liaison between companies and the US government. Her team and the partnership are closely coordinating on initiatives that have led to job creation in the region. Harris has also engaged directly with foreign leaders in the region.

Experts credit Harris’ ability to secure private-sector investments as her most visible action in the region to date but have cautioned about the long-term durability of those investments.

Israel-Hamas

The Israel-Hamas war is the most fraught foreign policy issue facing the country and has spurred a multitude of protests around the US since it began in October.

After meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in late July, Harris gave a forceful and notable speech about the situation in Gaza.

We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering. And I will not be silent.”

Harris echoed Biden’s repeated comments about the “ironclad support” and “unwavering commitment” to Israel. The country has a right to defend itself, she said, while noting, “how it does so, matters.”

However, the empathy she expressed regarding the Palestinian plight and suffering was far more forceful than what Biden has said on the matter in recent months. Harris mentioned twice the “serious concern” she expressed to Netanyahu about the civilian deaths in Gaza, the humanitarian situation and destruction she called “catastrophic” and “devastating.”

She went on to describe “the images of dead children and desperate hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time.”

Harris emphasized the need to get the Israeli hostages back from Hamas captivity, naming the eight Israeli-American hostages – three of whom have been killed.

But when describing the ceasefire deal in the works, she didn’t highlight the hostage for prisoner exchange or aid to be let into Gaza. Instead, she singled out the fact that the deal stipulates the withdrawal by the Israeli military from populated areas in the first phase before withdrawing “entirely” from Gaza before “a permanent end to the hostilities.”

Harris didn’t preside over Netanyahu’s speech to Congress in late July, instead choosing to stick with a prescheduled trip to a sorority event in Indiana.

Harris is committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, having met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at least six times and announcing last month $1.5 billion for energy assistance, humanitarian needs and other aid for the war-torn country.

At the Munich Security Conference earlier this year, Harris said: “I will make clear President Joe Biden and I stand with Ukraine. In partnership with supportive, bipartisan majorities in both houses of the United States Congress, we will work to secure critical weapons and resources that Ukraine so badly needs. And let me be clear: The failure to do so would be a gift to Vladimir Putin.”

More broadly, NATO is central to our approach to global security. For President Biden and me, our sacred commitment to NATO remains ironclad. And I do believe, as I have said before, NATO is the greatest military alliance the world has ever known.”

Police funding

The Harris campaign has also walked back the “defund the police” sentiment that Harris voiced in 2020. What she meant is she supports being “tough and smart on crime,” Mitch Landrieu, national co-chair for the Harris campaign and former mayor of New Orleans, told CNN’s Pamela Brown in late July.

In the midst of nationwide 2020 protests sparked by George Floyd’s murder by a Minneapolis police officer, Harris voiced support for the “defund the police” movement, which argues for redirecting funds from law enforcement to social services. Throughout that summer, Harris supported the movement and called for demilitarizing police departments.

Democrats largely backed away from calls to defund the police after Republicans attempted to tie the movement to increases in crime during the 2022 midterm elections.

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Five things to know about Tim Walz

On Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris decided on Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate in her bid for the White House.

Minnesota voters gathered outside Governor Tim Walz’s residence react as Walz was announced as the running mate of Kamala Harris in the U.S. presidential election. (AP Video by Mark Vancleave)

Vice President Kamala Harris has picked Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be her running mate, turning to a Midwestern governor, military veteran and union supporter who helped enact an ambitious Democratic agenda for his state.

FILE - Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, right, laughs as he stands with Fridley, Minn., Mayor Scott Lund during a visit to the Cummins Power Generation Facility in Fridley, Minn., Monday, April 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

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FILE - Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz applauds as President Joe Biden speaks at Dutch Creek Farms in Northfield, Minn., Nov. 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

FILE - Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz listens after meeting with President Joe Biden, July 3, 2024, at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a news conference for the Biden-Harris campaign discussing the Project 2025 plan during the third day of the 2024 Republican National Convention near the Fiserv Forum, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Joe Lamberti)

FILE - Minnesota Governor Tim Walz greets reporters before Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at Planned Parenthood, March 14, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Adam Bettcher, File)

FILE - Rep. Betty McCullum, D-Minn., left, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, listen as Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at Planned Parenthood, March 14, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Adam Bettcher, File)

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris has decided on Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate in her bid for the White House. The 60-year-old Democrat and military veteran rose to the forefront with a series of plain-spoken television appearances in the days after President Joe Biden decided not to seek a second term. He has made his state a bastion of liberal policy and, this year, one of the few states to protect fans buying tickets online for Taylor Swift concerts and other live events.

Some things to know about Walz:

Walz comes from rural America

It would be hard to find a more vivid representative of the American heartland than Walz. Born in West Point, Nebraska, a community of about 3,500 people northwest of Omaha, Walz joined the Army National Guard and became a teacher in Nebraska.

He and his wife moved to Mankato in southern Minnesota in the 1990s. That’s where he taught social studies and coached football at Mankato West High School, including for the 1999 team that won the first of the school’s four state championships. He still points to his union membership there.

Walz served 24 years in the Army National Guard, rising to command sergeant major, one of the highest enlisted ranks in the military, although he didn’t complete all the training before he retired so his rank for benefits purposes was set at master sergeant.

He has a proven ability to connect with conservative voters

In his first race for Congress, Walz upset a Republican incumbent. That was in 2006, when he won in a largely rural, southern Minnesota congressional district against six-term Rep. Gil Gutknecht. Walz capitalized on voter anger with then-President George W. Bush and the Iraq war.

During six terms in the U.S. House, Walz championed veterans’ issues.

He’s also shown a down-to-earth side, partly through social media video posts with his daughter, Hope. One last fall showed them trying a Minnesota State Fair ride, “The Slingshot,” after they bantered about fair food and her being a vegetarian.

He could help the ticket in key Midwestern states

While Walz isn’t from one of the crucial “blue wall” states of Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, where both sides believe they need to win, he’s right next door. He also could ensure that Minnesota stays in the hands of Democrats.

That’s important because former President Donald Trump has portrayed Minnesota as being in play this year, even though the state hasn’t elected a Republican to statewide office since 2006. A GOP presidential candidate hasn’t carried the state since President Richard Nixon’s landslide in 1972, but Trump has already campaigned there .

When Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton decided not to seek a third term in 2018, Walz campaigned and won the office on a “One Minnesota” theme.

Walz also speaks comfortably about issues that matter to voters in the Rust Belt. He’s been a champion of Democratic causes, including union organizing, workers’ rights and a $15-an-hour minimum wage.

He has experience with divided government

In his first term as governor, Walz faced a Legislature split between a Democratic-led House and a Republican-controlled Senate that resisted his proposals to use higher taxes to boost money for schools, health care and roads. But he and lawmakers brokered compromises that made the state’s divided government still seem productive.

Bipartisan cooperation became tougher during his second year as he used the governor’s emergency power during the COVID-19 pandemic to shutter businesses and close schools. Republicans pushed back and forced out some agency heads. Republicans also remain critical of Walz over what they see as his slow response to sometimes violent unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020.

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Things got easier for Walz in his second term, after he defeated Republican Scott Jensen , a physician known nationally as a vaccine skeptic. Democrats gained control of both legislative chambers, clearing the way for a more liberal course in state government, aided by a huge budget surplus.

Walz and lawmakers eliminated nearly all of the state abortion restrictions enacted in the past by Republicans, protected gender-affirming care for transgender youth and legalized the recreational use of marijuana.

Rejecting Republican pleas that the state budget surplus be used to cut taxes, Democrats funded free school meals for children, free tuition at public colleges for students in families earning under $80,000 a year, a paid family and medical leave program and health insurance coverage regardless of a person’s immigration status.

He has an ear for sound-bite politics

Walz called Republican nominee Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance “just weird” in an MSNBC interview last month and the Democratic Governors Association — which Walz chairs — amplified the point in a post on X . Walz later reiterated the characterization on CNN, citing Trump’s repeated mentions of the fictional serial killer Hannibal Lecter from the film “Silence of the Lambs” in stump speeches.

The word quickly morphed into a theme for Harris and other Democrats and has a chance to be a watchword of the undoubtedly weird 2024 election.

Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas.

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Breaking’s Olympic Debut

A sport’s journey from the streets of new york all the way to the paris games..

Hosted by Sabrina Tavernise

Featuring Jonathan Abrams

Produced by Sydney Harper Luke Vander Ploeg Shannon M. Lin and Will Reid

Edited by Lexie Diao MJ Davis Lin and Ben Calhoun

Original music by Dan Powell Marion Lozano and Diane Wong

Engineered by Alyssa Moxley

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

More than 50 years after its inception, “breaking” — not “break dancing,” a term coined by the media and disdained by practitioners — will debut as an Olympic sport.

Jonathan Abrams, who writes about the intersection of sports and culture, explains how breaking’s big moment came about.

On today’s episode

Jonathan Abrams , a Times reporter covering national culture news.

Background reading

The Olympic battles in breaking will be a watershed moment for a dance form conceived and cultivated by Black and Hispanic youth in the Bronx during the 1970s.

Breakers are grappling with hip-hop’s Olympic moment. Will their art translate into sport?

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Michael Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson, Nina Lassam and Nick Pitman.

Jonathan Abrams writes about the intersections of sports and culture and the changing cultural scenes in the South. More about Jonathan Abrams

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