How to Give the Opening Remarks

This is a very commons speech situation since nearly all formal gatherings where a program is prepared needs someone who will give the opening remarks.

Through apparently a simple assignment, its role is of considerable importance for in a large extent it sets the tone and atmosphere of the entire proceedings.

Here are the steps suggested for easy use.

YOUR SPEECH PLAN

1.      Refer to the occasion

2.      Express goodwill

EXPLANATION

Refer to the occasion

            Tell your audience the purpose of the gathering. What is its significance to the participants, to the audience and to the community? What interesting parts of the program await you listeners? What benefits will they derive from their attendance of participation in such an affair?

Express goodwill

            This second step to your opening remarks should be a pleasant one for you.

            Here you will praise the people who have come for the occasion.

By your words and locations make your audience feel glad they came. Make them realize the importance of their presence.

            You can also extend a word of welcome if you wish.

ILLUSTRATION

OCCASION: Voice of Democracy Contest Sponsored by the Malolos Jaycees.

SPEAKER: The voice of Democracy Committee Chairman

Honored guest, members of the board of judges, heads of schools and members of the faculties of the schools represented, beloved parents, dear students, ladies and gentlemen:

Occasion:Every year the Jaycees of Malolos conduct the Voice of Democracy Oratorical contest.

The VOD, as this contest is more popularly known, is a nationwide project of the Philippine Jaycees.

            Its main purpose is to encourage third year and fourth year high school students throughout the country to speak about the democratic way of life in an atmosphere of friendly competition.

            Thus, through VOD, the youth of the nation is afforded a chance to express this idea for which democracy stands and in the process their audience, both young and old, learns of their thoughts their hopes and frustrations, their dreams.

            As to who, among these contestant, will win the three gold medals and trophies for their respective schools – your guess is as good as mine or the person beside you.

            But this we know: the best orator this afternoon will represented Malolos in the regional finals next month in San Fernando, Pampanga. There he or she will vie with other local winners to represent Central Luzon at the Grand National Finals in December to be held at the prestigious Meralco Theater in Pasig, Rizal.

            Goodwill. How happy are we indeed to have with us ten contestants from the different high schools of our town. We appreciate, too, the big number of students, faculty members and even heads of their schools in our midst.

            Of course, we acknowledge the presence of the parents, relatives and friends of our contestant. Their presence will certainly lend moral support and make the competition a keenly contested once.

            We are particularly glad that all three members of the board of judges whom we have invited all expert in the field of effective speaking – have come all the way from Manila to lend us their time and talents.

            You will no doubt agree that all these indicate another interesting VOD Oratorical Contests in our Beloved town of Malolos.

            And so, to all our audience, the Malolos Jaycees say – welcome.

            To each of our youthful and talented orators we say – the best of luck.

Source: Hands Out RBEC Seminar 2001