It’s not every day a man gets to give the toast the ladies. That’s probably just as well because most men don’t really know what to say when asked to give such a toast. They sometimes err on the side of trying to be funny and come across as being patronising instead. There is nothing more guaranteed to annoy those selfsame ladies. What they need to say instead is how charming and how delightful those ladies are and what a difference they make in the lives of their men folk. Usually such toasts are given on a social occasion so they shouldn’t be lengthy It’s appropriate too for them to be light-hearted in tone but the teasing should be directed at the poor helpless males who simply could not exist without women. It is appropriate to say that the ladies are glamorous and a shining example to men. They might mention too the many ways in which women add refinement to the lives of their partners. Toasts to the ladies should be flattering yet sincere. This is no time for male chauvinistic remarks. The short speech should end with a toast that says quite clearly that the ladies present are just simply wonderful.

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A conference is an opportunity to learn a lot. It is an occasion where you can make contacts. It may be a chance, perhaps, to sell your company’s products. The opening of such a conference then is very important because it sets the tone for what delegates can achieve, usually in a very short space of time. So it behoves the M.C. to ensure that all those present understand what an opportunity they are being given by being present. His opening speech, therefore, is very important indeed. Conferences vary of course. There are pharmaceutical conferences, medical conferences and business conferences. Each one has its own individual message to get across but there are some things that are common to all. One of those things is the attitude of those present. A good speaker will ensure that delegates realise the benefits of having an open attitude and a questioning mind. In the case of an international conference he will emphasise the fact that differences can be healthy and bring fresh ideas as well as those new contacts. He will get across the message that participation is critical at these events. He will basically, make the delegates feel welcome and ensure they become involved. At the closing of the conference he will usually speak again, summing up the advantages of being present, thanking delegates for their participation and expressing the hope that they will all meet again soon at yet another successful event.

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The right words are priceless. Whether you are speaking at the opening of an international conference, giving a funeral eulogy for a child or giving a change of command speech what you say is very important. It reflects on you and the importance you put on the occasion. You can set the tone for the conference, give comfort with your eulogy or motivate your troops. A good speech takes time to write and may involve a lot of research, which again is time consuming. Not everyone has the man-hours, the inclination or the ability to write a speech. Yet he or she may have to address an audience for many different reasons. A teacher may have to give speeches time and time again and feel that what he or she says is getting stale. A son or daughter, although unaccustomed to public speaking, may feel. For instance, that he or she should speak at a parent’s ruby anniversary. The mother of the groom might want to give her slant on her son on his wedding day even if she has never spoken in public before. Whatever the reason for the speech it is important that it does justice to the occasion in question. If this means consulting a speechwriter it is well worthwhile. He or she ought to be able to put your thoughts into words for you. He or she could certainly give you ideas and a basis for your own speech. For many people the opening line presents the writer with writers’ block. So whether you need words for a party, an award ceremony or Thanksgiving Day, consult the experts. You’ll be glad you did.

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Speaking in church is a different challenge for public speakers. If they are asked to speak at, say, the opening of a Church conference their opening remarks must make those present feel welcome and encourage them to take an active part in the conference. They must be made to feel as though this conference is particularly relevant to them. The speech should be topical and refer to the challenges facing the church at this particular time. It should explain that those present will have ideas about how problems should be tackled. Obviously those who attend are interested in church affairs and so the speaker can assume he or she knows about the subject matter under discussion. Church welcome speeches on the other hand are geared at those who are attending a church function such as a christening or confirmation ceremony some of whom will not be regular churchgoers. Again they should be made to feel welcome but the speaker must also strike a balance between what is common knowledge to those who attend church regularly and explanatory to the people who only attend on special occasions. One thing both occasions have in common though is that religion makes a difference in people’s lives either by discussing and debating at a conference or simply by being welcomed to any Christian ceremony as a guest in God’s house.

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It’s nearly the conference season again. Soon companies and organisations will be having their annual get togethers. There may be guest speakers, group discussion and questions and answers. Quite often too there may be a social side to the conference where delegates enjoy a dinner or perhaps an outing. Whether it is a medical conference, a business conference or a church conference the M.C. sets the tone for the event. It is important that he or she makes the delegates feel welcome, explains the schedule for the conference and inspires those present with the feeling that this is going to be a worthwhile or profitable event or both. Obviously then the more familiar the M.C. is with what will be happening the better. He or she should be able to make the conference seem exciting, challenging and worthwhile. A good M.C. should put it up to the delegates that the more they participate the better the conference will be. He or she should speak of the importance of new ideas and different approaches. If the speaker speaks with enthusiasm and expertise the conference will be off to a great start.

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Where are you giving your speech? Professional speakers usually give their speeches in venues that are professionally equipped. And soundproofed. For the speaker who is giving a eulogy for the death of a friend or the incoming President of a sporting organisation that may not be the case. So if you are giving a speech in less formal surroundings it is a good idea to check the venue first.
A church will usually have a microphone system but if you are speaking at a funeral home or a graveside this won’t be the case and your eulogy will have to be delivered in a loud, clear voice. Your venue may be beside a motor racing track or a nosy factory? If so, your speech could be drowned out by the sound of the engines racing or machines working and you will have to allow for the fact when speaking. Does the microphone work? It’s too late to discover it doesn’t when you start your talk. Practise using it and ask someone to check that they can hear you from the end of the room.
If you are speaking at your mother’s birthday or your grandson’s Bar M mitzvah the party may be held at home. If so you will probably not have a microphone at all and you should practise throwing your voice so that your wonderful toast can be heard by all present. Another tip would be to arrange beforehand for a little stand of some sort. When people gather around the table where the birthday cake is placed for instance you may not be seen by those in the back of the crowd. That is, of course, unless you are seven feet tall!
Even professional speakers can have problems with venues. If they are opening a business conference in a hotel for instance the room may be beside where the beer crates are unloaded and that’s a very noisy procedure. Alternatively, there may be a wedding in another room with a band belting out tunes. You need to be sure too that you won’t be interrupted while giving your speech so arrange for dishes to be cleared away before you begin. So whatever the occasion or wherever the speech is being given check out the venue first. That way you can be sure of getting your message across.

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