“I left because they were still giving speeches an hour later� so said the guest at the opening of a new sports pavilion. Speeches can add to an occasion or totally spoil it. A social occasion is not the time for lengthy speeches. A warm welcome, a few gracious words of thanks to those who have worked hard and a sincere good luck wish for the future is usually enough. Obviously if you can add in a few topical comments so much the better. Guests are there to enjoy themselves not as a captive audience.

Check out our sample speeches