how to write a thank you for a speech

Thank-You Speech

Thank you speech generator.

Crafting a heartfelt thank-you speech is an art that requires eloquence and sincerity. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the nuances of expressing gratitude effectively. Discover a selection of speech examples , each tailored to inspire and assist in conveying your appreciation with impact and grace. Whether for a formal event or a personal occasion, these examples serve as a blueprint for creating a memorable and meaningful message. Let’s embark on this journey of gratitude together, exploring the art of thank-you speeches.

What is Thank You Speech? A thank you speech is a short talk where you express your gratitude towards people or organizations for their support, help, or contribution to a particular event, achievement, or occasion. It’s a way to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and kindness of others, often highlighting specific examples of how they’ve assisted or influenced you. This speech can be given at various events, like award ceremonies, weddings, retirements, or any occasion where you want to publicly thank those who have helped you.

Download Thank You Speech Bundle

Have you ever heard of an old saying, “No man is an island”? We probably heard that a million times. That saying is actually true because when we became successful, we usually achieve that because someone has helped us. And our thank-you speech skills could be the best thing we can do in return. You may also see presentation speech examples. A thank-you speech template is your chance to express how truly and sincerely grateful you are to all the people who helped you along the way. It doesn’t matter how long your thank-you speech is, as long as you speak from the heart and making your thank-you speech a heartfelt and meaningful one.

Thank You Speech Format

Introduction.

Start with a warm greeting to the audience. Mention the occasion or reason for your speech.

Acknowledgment of the Audience

Acknowledge the presence of important guests, if any. Express your appreciation for everyone who has taken the time to be there.

Expression of Gratitude

Specify the person or group you are thanking. Describe the support, gift, or contribution they have made. Explain how their support was significant to you or the event/achievement.

Personal Reflections

Share a brief personal story or reflection that illustrates the impact of the support or contribution. Highlight the personal qualities of the individuals you are thanking, if appropriate.

Summarize your feelings of gratitude. End with a warm closing statement, wishing everyone well or expressing hope for the future.

Example of Thank You Speech

“Good evening, everyone. I stand before you today filled with immense gratitude. First and foremost, I want to express my deepest thanks to the organizing committee for this wonderful event and the opportunity to address this gathering. I am truly honored and humbled by the overwhelming support and encouragement from my colleagues, friends, and family. Your unwavering belief in me has been a constant source of strength and motivation throughout this journey. I also want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the mentors and teachers whose guidance has shaped my path and instilled in me the values of perseverance and determination. A special thanks to the incredible team whose hard work and dedication made today possible. Your commitment and collaboration have been instrumental in achieving our collective goals. Lastly, to each person in this room, your presence here tonight signifies a shared commitment to our cause. Your support has not gone unnoticed, and I am deeply grateful for your continuous encouragement and belief in our vision. Thank you all for being a part of this remarkable journey. Your support means the world to me. Thank you.”

Thank You Speech Samples to Edit & Download

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• Graduation Thank You Speech
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Thank You Speech Examples & Templates

1. thank you speech example.

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2. Thank You Speech for Students

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3. Thank You Speech for Support

4. Short Thank-You Speech Example

5. Wedding Thank-You Example

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6. Business Speech Sample Example

7. Retirement Thank-You Speech Example

8. Teacher Thank-You Example

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9. Appreciation Short Thank You Speech

11. Formal Thank-You Speech

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12. Award Acceptance Speech Example

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13. Thank-You Speech for Volunteers

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10 Lines on Thank You Speech for an Event

Parts of a Thank-You Speech

Just like any other speeches, a thank-you speech has 3 main part: the introduction speech , the body of your speech, and the conclusion.

1. The introduction

In the introduction or opening of your speech, you need to tell everyone the reason why you are giving a thank-you speech. May be you just achieve a new milestone or just want to thank everyone. You may also see informative speech examples & samples

2. The body

This is where you mention the people that helped you work your way through and the things that they did.

3. The conclusion

This is the part where summarize your speech and end it by saying thanks. You may also like motivational speech examples & samples

What to Include in Writing a Thank-You Speech?

In a thank-you speech, there are three major essentials to include. You may also like award speech examples

1. Who are you thanking?

Note all the people that helped you achieve a personal or career milestone. It helps to rank them—the most important first.

2. What are you thanking them for?

Write the things that you are grateful about. It will make your thank-you speech more meaningful and significant. You may also see special occasion speech examples & samples

3. How much their gifts, lesson, time, guidance, and encouragement mean to you.

Appreciate and praise all the things people gave you that help you become successful.

How to Write a Thank-You Speech

The most exhausting part in writing a thank-you speech is that you have to remember the people who helped you along the way. But that shouldn’t stop you from giving them a thank-you. Follow these steps to write a meaningful thank-you speech for them. You may also check out appreciation speech examples & samples

• Prepare a thank-you speech outline.
• Make a complete list to all the people you should be thanking and arranged them according to their level of priority.
• Write what are you thanking them for.
• And, state your heartfelt appreciation for their gifts, time, and encouragement.

If you are looking for other kinds of speeches, we have wedding speech examples here as well.

Tips for Writing a Thank-You Speech

Your thank-you speech should be one of the most memorable keynote speeches you ever talk. That’s because it highlights the people and the things they did that means so much to you.

Do you have a thank-you speech coming up soon? Follow these tips and you’ll be fine.

• Always be prepared ahead of time.
• Write as if you are talking to one person only.
• Keep your thank-you speech short and sweet.
• Don’t be too formal. You are not writing a retirement speech . Include some funny events too.
• Practice and rewrite your speech.

How to Deliver a Thank You Speech for an Award or Special Occasion

• Begin with a warm greeting and express gratitude to the audience for their presence.
• Acknowledge the significance of the award or occasion. Express genuine appreciation for the recognition.
• Thank the individuals or organization presenting the award. Acknowledge their role and the value of the honor.
• Acknowledge and thank those who contributed to your success or the event’s success. Mention mentors, colleagues, or loved ones.
• Share briefly how the award or occasion has impacted you personally or professionally.
• Offer a brief inspirational message or reflect on the significance of the award or occasion.
• Conclude by expressing heartfelt thanks once again. Reiterate your gratitude and end on a positive note.
• Rehearse your speech to ensure a confident and sincere delivery. Maintain eye contact and speak clearly and passionately.

What do you say in a thank you speech?

• Acknowledging the Occasion: Recognize the significance of the event or award.
• Thanking the Hosts/Organizers: Express appreciation to those who organized the event or granted the award.
• Recognizing Supporters: Acknowledge the contribution of mentors, colleagues, or loved ones.
• Personal Impact: Share briefly how the occasion or award has affected you.
• Inspiring or Reflecting: Offer an inspirational message or reflect on the importance of the occasion.
• Closing with Thanks: Conclude by reiterating heartfelt gratitude and end positively.

FAQ’s

How do you start a thankful speech.

Begin a thankful speech by warmly greeting the audience, acknowledging the occasion’s significance, and expressing heartfelt gratitude toward the hosts, organizers, supporters, and attendees.

Is a thank you speech just meant for expressing gratitude?

While a thank you speech primarily expresses gratitude, it also acknowledges support, shares appreciation, reflects on significance, and inspires, fostering a deeper connection and meaningful engagement with the audience.

Does a thank you speech have to be formal?

A thank you speech can range from formal to informal, depending on the occasion. It should match the event’s tone, audience, and context while maintaining sincerity and respect.

How do you say thank you in speaking?

In spoken English, you can express gratitude by saying “Thank you,” or use variations like “Thanks a lot,” “Thank you so much,” “I really appreciate it,” or “I’m grateful.” Each phrase communicates appreciation in different levels of formality.

In the closing section, summarize your main points, reiterate your thanks, and end on a positive, forward-looking note. For detailed guidance on crafting each of these parts, you might find the following resources helpful. Harvard University offers practical tips on public speaking, which can be adapted for thank-you speeches. More information can be found on their website  Harvard Tips for Public Speaking .

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The Ultimate Guide to Giving a Thank You Speech: Examples and Tips

Are you feeling anxious about giving a thank you speech? I get it – public speaking can be nerve-wracking. But, fear not! I have been there too, and after years of practice and research, I’ve put together the ultimate guide to help you craft and deliver a memorable thank you speech. Whether it’s for an event or acknowledging the support of friends and family , this guide has got you covered. So, let’s get started on making your next thank you speech one to remember !

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Practice makes perfect . Practicing your thank you speech helps build confidence and improves delivery. Use a mirror, record yourself, or rehearse in the actual setting to get comfortable.
• Be genuine and specific when expressing gratitude. Mentioning specific examples of how someone helped you makes your speech more impactful and meaningful.
• Connect with your audience from the start. Acknowledge their presence and effort to attend, making them feel valued and important right from the beginning.
• Share personal stories or anecdotes to make your thank you speech relatable and memorable. This approach strengthens your connection with the audience.
• Proper preparation is key for a successful delivery. Prepare an outline, maintain good eye contact, use positive body language, manage nervousness, speak clearly at a moderate pace, use expressive gestures, take pauses when necessary, and handle mistakes gracefully .

Express gratitude and honor

Showing gratitude is key in a thank you speech. I learned this both from my own experiences and while crafting the ultimate guide on giving thank you speeches. It’s about honoring those who’ve supported, encouraged, or helped us reach our goals.

In every thank you speech, it’s crucial to acknowledge these individuals sincerely and specifically.

I start by greeting the audience warmly before expressing genuine appreciation for the honor or opportunity given to me. Sharing personal stories makes my gratitude more impactful, connecting with my audience on an emotional level.

By thanking specific people for their unique contributions, I show true acknowledgment and respect for their support and encouragement in my journey.

Understanding the Purpose of a Thank You Speech

Understanding the Purpose of a Thank You Speech is essential. It’s about acknowledging the audience and connecting the gesture to a bigger picture.

Acknowledge the audience

Starting your thank you speech by acknowledging the audience sets a welcoming tone . You show them their presence matters. Say something like, “I’m thrilled to see so many familiar faces here today.” This makes everyone feel included and important right from the start.

You must also recognize the effort people made to attend . Mention, “Your support by just being here is greatly appreciated.” It instantly connects you with your listeners , making your words more impactful.

Acknowledging the audience isn’t just polite; it’s crucial for making your speech memorable and engaging.

Connect the gesture and reward to a bigger picture

When expressing gratitude, connect the gesture of thanks to a bigger purpose or impact . Show how the act of thanking someone is part of a larger cycle of kindness and support in our lives.

By linking the gesture and reward to a wider context , such as the impact on your work, relationships, or community, you create a more meaningful and resonant thank you speech that goes beyond simple words of appreciation.

Now let’s dive into how to write an impactful thank you speech for different occasions.

How to Write a Thank You Speech

Identify who to thank and reflect on what you are thanking them for. Express the significance of their gifts or support .

Identify who to thank

When crafting a thank you speech, it’s crucial to identify everyone who deserves appreciation. This includes colleagues, friends and family members , as well as any other supporters or benefactors .

Acknowledging their contributions is an important part of delivering a meaningful thank you speech that truly expresses gratitude. Now let’s delve into reflecting on what you are thanking them for in the next section.

Reflect on what you are thanking them for

In my thank you speech, I reflect on the reasons for expressing gratitude . It’s essential to articulate why we are thankful, whether it’s for support during a difficult time or acknowledgement of hard work and dedication.

This provides depth and sincerity to the expression of appreciation. By reflecting on what we are thanking them for, we ensure that our gratitude is specific and heartfelt , making it more meaningful for both the speaker and the audience .

By thoughtfully considering what we’re thanking others for, we can craft a genuine message that resonates with our listeners. Whether it’s acknowledging their unwavering support through challenging times or recognizing their outstanding contributions , reflecting on the reasons behind our gratitude brings authenticity to our thank you speech.

Express the significance of their gifts or support

Now, let’s talk about why it’s important to express the significance of the gifts or support you’ve received. When acknowledging someone’s contribution , it’s crucial to explain how their help made a difference.

This helps them understand the impact they’ve had and reinforces your gratitude . By highlighting the value of their support, you show sincerity and deepen your connection with your audience.

It also adds depth to your speech and makes it more meaningful for both you and your supporters.

Remember, expressing the significance of their gifts or support can elevate your thank you speech from a simple acknowledgment to a heartfelt recognition that resonates with everyone involved.

Delivering a Thank You Speech

Prepare and practice for a successful delivery . Read on to learn more about tips for delivering a thank you speech!

Preparation and practice

To prepare for delivering a thank you speech, I recommend practicing in front of a mirror or recording yourself to improve your delivery. Start by preparing an outline with key points and practice speaking naturally without memorizing every word.

Remember to focus on maintaining good eye contact , using positive body language, and managing any nervousness through controlled breathing . Additionally, rehearse in the actual setting if possible to get comfortable with the space and equipment you’ll be using during your speech.

After preparation comes practice; this is where confidence grows. Aim for clarity and articulate speech by slowly pronouncing each word while keeping a steady pace. Practice expressing gratitude sincerely and avoid rushing through your words during the real thing.

Tips for a successful delivery

After thorough preparation and practice, it’s time to focus on delivering your thank you speech. Maintain good posture and make eye contact with the audience to establish a connection.

Speak clearly and at a moderate pace so everyone can follow along without feeling rushed or bored. Engage your audience by using expressive gestures and varying your tone of voice to emphasize key points.

Remember to breathe and take pauses when necessary – this allows for impactful delivery while maintaining composure.

To ensure an engaging delivery, be genuine in expressing gratitude, letting it shine through in every word you say. By being authentic, you’ll captivate your audience’s attention and leave a lasting impression.

Examples and Templates

Explore diverse sample thank you speeches for various occasions and learn how to personalize your speech – for more insights, read the full blog!

Sample thank you speeches for different occasions

Here are some sample thank you speeches for different occasions. For a graduation speech , I would begin by thanking the faculty and staff for their dedication to our success. Then, I will express my appreciation to my fellow students for their friendship and support.

In a thank you speech at an event, start with thanking the organizers for their hard work and attention to detail. Next, recognize the guests for attending and making the event memorable.

When it comes to acknowledging colleagues , emphasize how their collaboration has contributed to success in challenging projects or tasks. When expressing gratitude towards friends and family , share heartfelt anecdotes or memories that illustrate why they hold a special place in your heart.

Tips for personalizing your speech

Consider sharing personal stories or anecdotes to make your speech more relatable and impactful. Relate the gratitude you’re expressing to specific instances or experiences that made a difference.

Connect with your audience through genuine emotion and sincerity , using language that feels natural to you.

When thanking people, be specific about their contributions . Highlight particular instances where their support was especially meaningful. This specificity adds depth and authenticity to your expression of gratitude, making it resonate more with both the recipients and the audience.

The Ultimate Guide to Giving a Thank You Speech: Examples and Tips offers practical advice. Dr. Avery Thomas, a renowned expert in communication and public speaking with over 20 years of experience, assesses the guide’s utility.

Holding a PhD in Communications from Stanford University, Dr. Thomas has contributed significantly to speechwriting methodology.

Dr. Thomas highlights the guide’s structured approach for crafting speeches that genuinely express gratitude while connecting on a personal level with the audience. According to him, incorporating personal stories as suggested enhances relatability and impact.

He praises the safety measures concerning ethical acknowledgments and transparency about sources of inspiration or help received . Dr. Thomas points out that adherence to such principles ensures speeches are respectful and inclusive.

For daily use, he recommends practicing components of the guide in everyday interactions to bolster confidence and grace when publicly expressing thanks.

Dr. Thomas gives a balanced view on its applicability compared to other resources available, noting its straightforwardness but urging readers also to seek experiences outside their comfort zone for growth.

His final judgment declares this guide exceptionally helpful for beginners in public speaking by providing solid foundations for effective thank-you speeches .

Meet Alex Kolek, your guide through the treacherous world of not sucking at public speaking. Once a sweaty-palmed, tongue-tied disaster in the corporate jungle, Alex spent years perfecting the art of blending into boardroom walls. But after one too many career-threatening presentations, he decided to grab the corporate bull by the horns. Through sheer desperation and a healthy dose of humor, Alex transformed himself from a public speaking coward into a presentation powerhouse. He climbed the corporate ladder, leaving a trail of impressed executives and engaged audiences in his wake.

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How to Deliver a Thank You Speech for an Award or Special Occasion

Last Updated: March 14, 2024 Fact Checked

Composing Your Speech

Practicing your speech, delivering your speech, sample thank you speeches.

This article was co-authored by Deb DiSandro and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain . Deb DiSandro is the Owner of Speak Up On Purpose, an organization dedicated to improving and teaching public speaking. Deb has over 30 years of experience as a national speaker and has presented at the Erma Bombeck Writer’s Conference and the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. She was awarded the National Speakers Association Member of the Year 2007 and has been published in Writer's Digest, Daily Herald, Women's Day, and Better Homes & Gardens. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,447,159 times.

If you need to give a thank you speech, you must be receiving an award or you're being publicly honored—congratulations! If you’ve never given a speech like this before, you're probably a bit nervous, but we're here to help you with that. In this article, we'll walk you through how to craft the perfect thank you speech for any occasion. We'll also include tips on how to connect with your audience so your gratitude comes across loud and clear. To get started on writing a speech that will be remembered and cherished, scroll on down!

Things You Should Know

• Begin the speech by expressing your gratitude for being honored and your appreciation for the people who are honoring you.
• List a few people by name who played a crucial role in your success. If you have a brief story or highlight from your experience, share it with the audience.
• End the speech with something inspirational or dedicate the award to someone special if you feel moved to do so.
• Write the speech on a note card and bring it with you if you need to. Be sure to practice your speech ahead of time so you feel confident and prepared.

• The type of honor you're receiving. To give thanks for an award or professional honor, say something like "I'm so honored to be here tonight, and grateful to be the recipient of this award."
• The formality of the event. If it's a more casual event, like an anniversary party thrown by your friends and family, your expression of thanks can be a bit warmer. For example, you could say "I can't express how grateful I am to have all of you here with us tonight."

• If you're being honored by your company, talk about the great work the organization does, and what a pleasure it is to work there.
• If you're receiving an award from an outside party, like an arts organization awarding you for a film you directed, talk about how honored you are to be recognized by such a great organization.
• If you're giving a speech to thank friends and family for honoring you, say a few words about what a special group of people you're lucky to have in your life.

• You could tell a story about a funny mishap that happened during a big project you worked on, or an obstacle you had to overcome to accomplish your goals.
• Try to bring other people into the story, too, instead of just talking about yourself. Talk about something that involves your coworkers, your boss, your kids, or other people in the audience.
• If you want, you can start your speech with this story and build up to your thank yous.

• You can introduce the list by saying, "I'm especially grateful to a few amazing people whose support is the reason I'm up here right now." Then recite the list of people who helped you.
• Take the audience into consideration, too. If you know your boss will be sitting in the front row, you might want to make sure you thank them.
• This part of thank you speeches can often get tedious. Don't leave anyone important off of your list, but don't list everyone you know, either. Keep it limited to people who actually helped you.
• Watch speeches from award shows like the Oscars or Emmys for inspiration on how to gracefully thank multiple people.

• Say something inspirational. If you're accepting an award for achievements you made for the nonprofit you work for, you could say, "Our work is far from over, but what we've accomplished together has made a difference in hundreds of people's lives. Let's roll up our sleeves and continue this journey with more dedication than ever. If we've made this much progress in just one year, think what we can do in three."
• Dedicate the honor. You can give special appreciation to a loved one or mentor by dedicating your award to that person. Say something like, "And lastly, I want to dedicate this award to my mother. When my teachers told her they thought my dyslexia would prevent me from ever learning to read, she scoffed and told them I'd be a brilliant writer one day. It's because of her faith in me that I'm up here today accepting my first Pulitzer. I love you, mom."

• Don't write out the speech word for word. When you deliver it, you'll be looking down at the paper the whole time instead of addressing the audience. You'll come off as nervous and stiff instead of sincerely grateful.
• Alternatively, if there is a phrase or sentiment that you want to make sure you get absolutely right, write out that part in full. Practice this part so that you can say it smoothly.
• Try writing out just the first line of each paragraph you want to say. Then, when you glance down at your card, that first line will jog your memory.

• As a general rule acceptance speeches are very short. Acceptance speeches for Academy Awards, for example, are limited to 45 seconds or less. Going over two or three minutes is going to end up boring people, so no matter what, aim to keep it to the point.
• When you practice your speech, set a timer to see how long it takes. You might want to record yourself so you can listen to the speech and identify parts you can shave off if your speech is too long. The most essential part of the speech is the expression of gratitude; the rest can be lopped if necessary.

• Solicit feedback from the people listening to your speech. Ask them which parts drag on too long, or if there's anything you didn't say that should be included.
• Make sure you deliver the speech to at least one person you trust to give you totally honest feedback.

• To help yourself eliminate the filler words, listen to a recording of yourself talking. Try to catch the spots where you tend to fill in the blank with "um" or "uh." Practice saying those lines without filler until you're able to deliver the whole speech that way.

• Try visualizing yourself delivering the speech without stumbling. Imagine the room in as much detail as you can. If you know who will be in the audience, pretend that they are there as you practice. Deliver the whole thing in your head without a hiccup. This technique can help you feel less anxious when it comes to the real thing.
• Some people find it helps to laugh heartily before giving a speech. It puts you in a more relaxed mood.
• If you have the opportunity to do some vigorous exercise before the event, that's another great way to release nervous energy.

• Making eye contact will help you deliver the speech with more feeling. You can pretend like you're giving it to a friend, rather than a faceless crowd of people.
• Rotating between more than one person is important. When you look at more than one spot in the audience, the whole group will feel more included in what you're saying.

• If it's possible to look at the people you're thanking as you say their names, try to do so. For example, if you're thanking a colleague who's sitting in the first row, your gratitude will be more apparent if you're able to focus on her while you're talking.
• Don't be embarrassed if you tear up a little. It happens all the time during thank you speeches.

• When the event is over, people may approach you to say positive things about your speech. Be sure to thank them and give them a few moments of your time.

Community Q&A

• Practice your speech in front of a friend or small audience, then ask for feedback on the content, tone, and delivery (including voice, body language, sincerity, and timing). Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 3
• Rehearse your speech until you’re familiar with every word. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2
• Acknowledge your audience and thank them for being there with you. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 3

• Remember that the organizers of the event have decided to honor you. Avoid questioning their decision, even jokingly, since this could be seen as disrespectful. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
• Be cautious when using humor in your speech. Don’t mock or denigrate yourself too much. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://youtu.be/R9LUQio1g2Y?t=61
• ↑ https://youtu.be/R9LUQio1g2Y?t=94
• ↑ https://youtu.be/R9LUQio1g2Y?t=115
• ↑ https://youtu.be/R9LUQio1g2Y?t=171
• ↑ https://youtu.be/R9LUQio1g2Y?t=221
• ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-delivery
• ↑ https://www.gvsu.edu/speechlab/practicing-presentations-33.htm
• ↑ https://mitcommlab.mit.edu/be/commkit/public-speaking-how-to-practice
• ↑ https://mitcommlab.mit.edu/be/commkit/public-speaking-how-to-practice/
• ↑ https://courses.aiu.edu/Public%20Speaking/Sec%209/SEC%209%20PUBLIC%20SPEAKING.pdf

About This Article

To give a thank you speech, open with an expression of gratitude, like "I'm so honored to be here tonight." Then, acknowledge the people that are honoring you by thanking them. To warm up the audience, tell a funny or moving story that's related to your award or recognition. After that, go on to mention the names of some people that have helped you get to this point, particularly those that are in the audience. Finally, end your speech with something inspirational, like a dedication to a loved one or a call for more work to be done. To learn more, like how to practice your speech before giving it, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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