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42 Conference Opening Remarks Examples 

By: Grace He | Updated: December 01, 2023

Here is our list of the best conference opening remarks examples.

Conference opening remarks examples are statements that introduce your meeting to attendees. Examples include serious opening conference remarks, funny opening conference remarks, and inspirational opening conference remarks. The purpose of these remarks is to set the tone for your conference while welcoming attendees to the meeting and introducing your topics for discussion.

These ideas are similar to examples of opening and closing remarks for meetings , check-in questions for team meetings , and team building programs .

This list includes:

• short opening remarks for a program
• opening remarks for a virtual conference
• serious opening conference remarks
• funny opening conference remarks
• inspirational opening conference remarks

Let’s get to it!

List of conference opening remarks examples

From short messages to inspirational remarks, here are our top opening statements for conferences.

Short opening remarks for a program

• On behalf of our hosts, welcome to our conference! We have an engaging lineup of topics and activities for the day. Without further ado, let’s jump right into it!
• Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for taking the time to attend our conference today. We look forward to a fun and engaging time together.
• Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to our conference. Today, we will learn about team building, company culture, and employee engagement. Let’s get started!
• Greetings! Today’s conference is all about team building, and we are so excited to have you here with us today!
• Hi, team. Thank you all for taking time out of your schedules to join our conference today! We know many of you are busy, so we truly appreciate the effort to attend.
• Hi, we’re so glad to see all of your smiling faces at our conference today. Let’s have a great time!
• Hello, team. We are so glad to have you at our event today! We have exciting news and company updates to share, and we cannot wait to get started.
• Welcome to our event! Please know that you are in for a fun and action-packed day. You can refer to the agenda to stay on track with our activities and sessions. Without further ado, let’s get started!
• Good afternoon, all! We are so thrilled to have you join us for today’s conference. Thank you for attending, and we hope to have a great event.
• Hi, everyone! Thank you for joining today’s program. Let’s have a great time together!

Opening remarks for a virtual conference

• Good morning to all of our virtual conference attendees! We are so glad you could join us today. Before we get started, we would like to thank you for clearing your schedules to attend our event. Thanks to video conferencing technology, we are able to meet with so many colleagues, regardless of location and time zones. We promise to make this event worth your while and are very excited to get started!
• Greetings to all of our online conference attendees! We are so pumped that you could join us on Zoom today from around the world. Technology plays a major role in allowing us to get together while being so far apart. We could not be more excited to get started with our event.
• We want to start our conference by giving a big virtual high-five to all of the team members joining us. Hello! You are in for an exciting and action-packed event today. First, we will discuss critical company updates. Next, we will review new HR processes that benefit all employees. Last, we will open up the virtual floor for a roundtable discussion and Q&A session where you can voice your opinions and ask questions.
• Hi, team! Thank you for your enthusiasm in joining our virtual conference today. It is so great to see you all on camera and in your home offices. Before starting today’s program, we have a few special announcements to go over. We will also have a special guest speaker joining us later in the day to talk about innovation and creativity in tech. This speaker is a well-known figure in the tech space. Can you guess our special guest’s name? Well, you will just have to wait and find out!
• Greetings, cyber crew! How great is technology? We are all here joining the same conference from different places worldwide. Remote work is the future, and we are so glad we could host this event virtually. As we go through the conference, please refer to our agenda to follow along. The agenda deck will help you remain aware of which sessions to attend. If you have any questions or are experiencing technical issues, please stop by our virtual IT helpdesk. We have a team of experts on standby, ready to help you troubleshoot any and all tech issues.
• Welcome, everyone, to our virtual conference. We would like to sincerely thank you all for joining us today from your home offices around the world. Please follow along with our event agenda, and do not hesitate to reach out to our virtual IT helpdesk with any questions or troubleshooting needs. Once again, thank you for your attendance, participation, and engagement!
• Hello, and welcome to our conference! Although our event is virtual, we have worked hard to make this year’s conference as fun and engaging as possible. We hope you find today’s program rewarding and insightful.
• Just because you are not physically near your teammates does not mean you have to give up on building real relationships. Today, I want to share with you all the secrets to team building while working in a virtual setting.

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Serious opening conference remarks

• I would like to extend a warm welcome to those who could attend our conference today. We are constantly experiencing changes and innovations in technology and strategy, so it is important to host conferences like this to keep us all in the loop. Let’s begin this meeting by reviewing our notes from the last session.
• What keeps us healthy as we go through life? If you were going to invest in your future self, where would you put your time and energy?

• So, I know the secret to getting anything you want in life.

• As all of you are aware, we are in the midst of a crisis like no other.

• Thank you all for joining us today. As one of the event organizers, I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak with each and every one of you today. Conferences like this play a critical role in bringing teams together when necessary. Although it is no easy task, we are grateful for the opportunity.
• Hi, team, and welcome to today’s conference. The purpose of this event is to get our employees engaged and active. We have invited guest speakers and professionals in the field to discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Please remain attentive throughout the event and leave any questions until the end of the presentation. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and participation.
• As I’m sure you all know, our company is undergoing some major changes. We wanted to call this conference to discuss what the future looks like for employees as well as the company as a whole. Please hold any questions for the end, as we may cover what you’re wondering about.
• Hi, everyone. We have decided to call this conference to discuss the upcoming merger and the redundancies within the new firm. We have a plan in place to keep as many of you on board as possible, and we’d like to review that with you today.
• Thank you all so much for taking the time to attend this conference. As you may be aware, our firm is facing a lawsuit. We have laid out everything we know about it along with what we plan to do moving forward. Please refer to the agenda to help us stay on track as we cover the details.
• Hi, team, and thank you for being here. We have organized this conference to discuss harassment in the workplace. This information will show you what harassment may look like and how to respond if you believe it is happening to you. If anyone needs a break at any point, please feel free to step out and rejoin the group when you are ready.

Funny opening conference remarks

• As I was getting ready for today’s meeting, I realized that there’s one thing you and I have in common: neither of us knows what I’m going to talk about today.
• I want to tell you the story of a man who started a new job at a new company. When he met his supervisor, the two hit it off immediately. The supervisor was always there to answer any questions and clear up any confusion for the new hire. In fact, the two got along so well that the supervisor said to the employee, “Don’t think of me as a boss, but rather as a friend who is always right and never wrong.”
• As I was preparing my speech for today, my partner gave me some great advice: “Don’t try to be too charming, intellectual, or funny. Just be yourself!”
• What is the top way to ruin a Friday, you ask? Remembering it’s only Thursday.
• I don’t always trust people who have squeaky clean work desks. Do you know why? Well, because a clean desk is usually a sign of messy desk drawers—or worse, a cluttered mind.
• Staring at my computer screen, I couldn’t help but say to my boss, “Wow, this show is so boring!” To which my boss responded, “That’s because this is a Zoom meeting.”
• Do you hate it when a person answers their own questions? I certainly do. Don’t worry. That’s the only time I’ll answer my own questions during today’s conference. Is it really? Yes. Maybe.
• I gave a speech last week. Afterward, my boss came up to me and said I was both original and good. However, the original parts were not good, and the good parts were not original. So, I have some work to do.
• What do you call a meeting for the Knights of the Round Table? A sir conference.
• Synergy. Collaboration. Team building. You will hear a lot of corporate buzzwords today. Throughout today’s event, just remember: don’t sweat the small stuff.

Inspirational opening conference remarks

• You may have heard the saying, “There is no ‘I’ in teamwork.” This statement holds true, especially as we gather today for our annual company conference. This team excels in working together to achieve our collective goals. Teamwork and team building are critical to our success as a company, so thank you for all of your contributions. Now, let’s build on this positive momentum and keep reaching toward success!
• One of the most inspirational quotes I can think of comes from American author and poet Maya Angelou. She said, “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.” This quote makes me think of the goals and material objects many people chase today. I want you to ask yourselves: what truly makes you happy? Money and materials, or a life well lived?
• Opportunities do not just fall into place. Many times, you have to create your own opportunities and work hard to achieve your goals. If you face obstacles along the way, then these roadblocks simply serve as tests to show how hard you are willing to work toward your goals. I advise you not to let these obstacles get in the way of your success. Think about how far you are willing to go in order to reach your goals.
• When you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. During today’s conference, we are going to talk about how to reach a point where you feel happy and accomplished at work. We will also discuss how we, as a company, can do better to keep our employees satisfied and engaged each day.
• I would like to begin the conference by saying thank you to all of our attendees. I feel honored and privileged to be addressing you today. Before we begin, I would like to pose a question to the audience: what personal accomplishment are you most proud of? Think about your answer and reflect for a moment. Now, remember how you felt when you accomplished this action. I want each of you to save that feeling and use it as your main source of motivation when you are facing obstacles.
• “The power of one, if fearless and focused, is formidable, but the power of many working together is better.” These wise words from Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, serve as a great reminder of the importance of teamwork and persistence.
• Today, we are here to celebrate our collective accomplishments as a team. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are so fortunate to have each of you on this team. Each member of this team inspires me to work hard and accomplish greatness. Today, we celebrate you all.

Conference opening remarks are crucial in setting the tone for your meeting. For example, positive remarks can motivate attendees to engage more actively with the material. Serious remarks, on the other hand, can signal to attendees that the conference’s subject matter is more somber or significant in tone.

We recommend using your opening remarks to alert attendees to your conference’s main topic or theme. You can also share your meeting agenda and encourage participants to follow along throughout the event. Opening remarks create the perfect opportunity to give team members a warm welcome and introduction to start your event on the right foot.

Next, check out team building quotes for work and team building activities for conference calls . You can also check out our team building meeting guide .

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FAQ: Conference opening remarks examples

Here are answers to common questions about conference opening remarks examples.

What are conference opening remarks?

Conference opening remarks are opening statements, introductions, and sayings to welcome attendees to your event. These remarks can add an element of organization to your event by giving participants an idea of the topics and themes you will cover.

What are good examples of conference opening remarks?

Conference opening remarks are important in setting the tone for your meeting while keeping participants engaged. The best conference opening remarks should motivate and inspire attendees to pay close attention and participate in your event.

For example, your conference opening remarks can include an overview of the event’s agenda, motivational quotes, or reasons for your meeting.

How do you write a good opening address for a conference?

Writing a good opening address for a conference can be difficult. To simplify the process, we recommend restating critical information and reminding attendees of the event’s agenda. Your opening remarks should give participants a better understanding of the goal and purpose of your event.

Author: Grace He

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com. Grace is the Director of People & Culture at teambuilding.com. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com.

Grace is the Director of People & Culture at teambuilding.com. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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Conference Opening Speech Example

We’ve all been there, sitting through a dull opening at a conference, waiting for the moment things get interesting. The beginning sets the tone; if it’s lackluster, it can affect the entire event.

Unfortunately, many forget the importance of that initial spark, leading to uninspired attendees and a less impactful conference. But imagine if the opening speech was so compelling that it captured the audience’s attention and set a dynamic tone for the whole event.

That’s where a well-crafted conference opening speech example comes into play. By drawing inspiration from a solid model, organizers can ensure they kick off their event on the right note, making it memorable and setting the stage for valuable sessions to follow.

Taking a Brief Look at the Conference’s Opening Speech

A conference opening speech is more than just a formality. It’s the pulse-setter, a tone-defining moment that can inspire or deflate. Crafting it requires insight, clarity, and precision.

The first words uttered at any conference bear the weight of anticipation. They serve as a mirror, reflecting the event’s ethos, aims, and expectations. Engage well, and you spark an energetic dialogue; falter and enthusiasm might wane.

Successful opening remarks often blend the past, present, and future seamlessly. They recount previous achievements, detail current objectives, and paint visions ahead. This narrative arc ensures continuity and builds anticipation for what’s next.

Most reputable global conference organizer must ensure that the speech resonates with the audience, effectively bridging the gap between speakers and attendees. It’s more than just words; it’s a call to collective action, a gentle nudge towards shared goals. When crafted carefully, it becomes the heartbeat of the event, driving momentum and fostering engagement.

What Makes the Opening Speech Memorable?

The opening speech of any conference is its heartbeat. Its rhythm, tone, and pace can either captivate or lose the audience. So, what renders it unforgettable?

Emotional Resonance

Connecting emotionally strengthens any message delivered. An opening speech that taps into feelings will linger long in attendees’ minds. Evoking empathy, excitement, or motivation ensures engagement.

Clarity of Message

In the sea of words, clarity shines. A memorable speech delivers its core message without ambiguity or needless jargon. Simplicity paired with purpose often leaves a lasting impression.

Relevance to the Audience

Understand who listens; tailor the message accordingly. A speech that speaks directly to its audience’s interests and needs stands out. Personalized touches often differentiate routine speeches from memorable ones.

Compelling Narrative

Stories draw people in, providing context and color. By weaving a compelling narrative, the speech becomes more than just words. It transforms into an experience, capturing imagination and attention.

Authenticity and Passion

Genuine enthusiasm is infectious. A speech delivered with authenticity and enthusiasm captures hearts. When speakers believe in their message, their conviction becomes palpable, making the content memorable.

Setting the right tone at a conference’s commencement is pivotal. A compelling opening speech captivates and prepares the attendees for the journey ahead. Let’s explore five unique approaches.

1. The Inspirational Opener

“Good morning, everyone. Remember, every gathering like this has the potential to change our world. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together, believing in the power of collaboration.”

2. The Questioning Approach

“Have you ever wondered what drives innovation? As we congregate today, let’s explore that very curiosity, pushing boundaries and expanding our collective knowledge.”

3. The Reflective Start

“Years ago, when this conference first began, we had but a simple dream. Today, we’ve grown, learned, and evolved. Let’s celebrate our past and eagerly step into our future.”

4. The Challenge-Led Introduction

“In the face of pressing challenges, how do we respond? This conference aims to not just discuss but also design actionable solutions. Together, we’ll pave the path towards a brighter, better tomorrow.”

5. The Gratitude-Focused Beginning

“I stand before you, humbled and honored. Your presence, passion, and dedication make events like this possible. Let’s dive into these sessions, grateful for each shared insight and innovation.”

Perks of a Having Successful Opening Speech

An impactful opening speech isn’t mere rhetoric. It’s the catalyst that fuels conference engagement , setting the stage for everything to follow. Its benefits extend far beyond mere formalities.

Establishes a Positive Atmosphere

An eloquent and engaging opening speech casts a magnetic spell over the audience. It sets an enthusiastic and vibrant tone, ensuring attendees feel welcomed and valued.

Moreover, it can transform a room full of strangers into a unified assembly, ready to engage, share, and learn from the journey that lies ahead.

Promotes Networking and Builds Community

A compelling opener can help attendees find common ground or shared interests. When they resonate with the initial message, it becomes a conversation starter, promoting interpersonal interactions and networking.

As participants discuss the speech’s key points, a sense of community forms, enhancing collaborations and facilitating deeper connections throughout the conference.

Bolsters Speaker and Event Credibility

Opening with conviction and clarity sets a standard. It not only enhances the credibility of the speaker but also elevates the stature of the entire event.

With such a solid beginning, attendees are more likely to trust and value subsequent discussions, viewing them through a lens of respect and anticipation.

Sharpens Focus on Conference Objectives

A well-articulated opening speech reinforces the conference’s objectives, making them clear and prominent. This ensures that attendees grasp the core themes, aligning their participation accordingly.

As the event progresses, this clarity fosters a more cohesive and goal-oriented approach, ensuring the conference remains on track and achieves its intended outcomes.

Ensures Long-term Audience Engagement

When an event kicks off memorably, it captures and retains attention. Attendees, enthralled from the outset, are less likely to drift off or become passive observers.

This initial engagement not only boosts the success of the current event but also sows the seeds for future participation, ensuring a loyal and eager audience for subsequent editions.

Tips for Writing a Successful Opening Speech

Crafting an opening speech is an art that marries content with delivery. It sets the stage, ensuring the audience’s captivation and setting the event’s tempo.

• Know Your Audience : Understand your audience’s expectations and preferences. Tailoring your message to resonate with them ensures better engagement.
• Embrace Storytelling : Narratives captivate human minds. Weave a relevant story into your speech, making your message memorable and relatable.
• State Clear Objectives : Establish the purpose of your conference early. Providing clarity on objectives ensures attendees grasp the event’s essence quickly.
• Inject Authenticity : Genuine passion and belief shine through words. Deliver your speech with authenticity, ensuring it’s heartfelt and sincere.
• Avoid Overloading Information : Less often speaks more. Avoid cluttering your speech; focus on key messages to ensure clarity and maintain interest.
• Engage with Rhetorical Devices : Questions, pauses, or metaphors can amplify impact. They not only enhance delivery but also facilitate better audience connection.
• Practice, Practice, Practice : Even the best-written speech can falter without rehearsal. Familiarize yourself with content and refine delivery through multiple practices.
• Seek Feedback : Before the main event, seek feedback. Colleagues or friends can offer valuable insights to polish and refine your speech.

Final Considerations

Crafting an effective conference opening speech is a delicate dance of precision, passion, and relevance. When done right, it transforms a gathering of individuals into a unified audience primed for engagement.

Drawing insights from a well-crafted conference opening speech example can be the linchpin to ensuring an event’s success. By focusing on elements like emotional resonance, audience relevance, and clear messaging, organizers can set a resonant tone that continues to echo throughout the conference.

As we’ve seen, an impactful beginning isn’t just about words; it’s about creating a shared experience, fostering community, and igniting a collective passion for the content to follow.

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Welcome Speech for a Scientific Conference: Examples & Tips

Published on 15 Feb 2022

Having a well written welcome speech that you’re confident about goes a long way in overcoming public speaking nervousness.

A great welcome speech sets the tone for the conference. It makes everyone feel welcome and creates the appropriate environment for the exchange of knowledge. The speech should broadly outline the contents of the event and, most importantly, make everyone feel excited for what’s to come.

In this article, you will find our best tips to create a successful welcome speech and some examples with analysis for inspiration.

Quick Tips for a successful welcome speech

Formal vs. informal language.

The first thing you should decide is whether you want to use formal or informal language. For larger events that include scientists of various fields where everybody might not know each other, you may want to use formal language. For smaller yearly conferences for researchers in your field where most people know each other, it’s common to use informal language.

I find that, in general, a rather informal or casual speech is more successful. That way you set the tone and bring everyone to the same level, promoting questions, comments, and socialization during the event.

Greet and welcome everyone

Start with a warm welcome. As alluded before, this can range from very formal (“Good morning to all attendees”) to informal (“Hello and welcome, everyone!”). These will be your first words, so you need to grab everyone’s attention—use a clear, strong voice.

A smile goes a long way to make everyone feel welcome and in a good mood. Make eye contact as you start addressing the room.

It can be great to inject a bit of humor, if appropriate. It could be something as simple as, “We are lucky to be in such a beautiful location with so many beaches close by. I hope that is not the main reason you’re here!”.

Talk about the event’s history and purpose

Is it a first-time event, a yearly conference put on by a scientific organization? In any case, you’ll want to mention the motivation behind the conference, what brings you together. If the event is related to a specific organization, you can mention its history and purpose.

Mention any distinguished guests

It is common for scientific conferences to have one or more distinguished guests or speakers. Mention them and thank them for accepting the invitation to participate. Make sure you have their names, credentials and affiliations correct.  

Thank creators and/or organizers

If the event is being held for the first time, thank the creators by name. Give some words of appreciation to the organizing committee. You don’t need to mention every single person involved, but rather the essential ones.

State the main topic(s)

Mention the main topic(s) of the conference, the common interests for all attendees. For annual conferences of scientific organizations, a specific subject within the field is usually chosen for each year. For example, for an annual meeting of an immunology organization, the year's topic could be “Infectious Diseases” or “Immunotherapies.”

Touch on the agenda

Briefly outline the event’s agenda. You can mention whether there will be sessions with specific (sub)topics, poster presentations, spaces for exchange and networking. Don’t get  into too many details. You can direct people to the conference brochure, if there is one, for specifics on the schedule.

Motivate everybody

End your speech on a high note by getting everyone excited about the talks to come. Highlight all the strengths of the conference: any high-impact research that will be shown, the variety of topics that will be covered, the great number of attendees, the different countries represented.

Introduce the first speaker

If the first speaker follows your welcome speech, don’t forget to introduce him or her. Introduce them with their full name and credentials and give a brief description of their career achievements.

Rehearse a few times

Practice with colleagues and friends to get some feedback and familiarize yourself with your speech. You want to be familiar enough that you don’t need to look down at your notes constantly. However, don’t over rehearse. You don’t want to sound robotic, but rather natural and conversational.

Be sure you know how to pronounce all the names in your speech. Make eye contact with the audience and with specific attendees as you mention their names.

Keep it brief

In general, you should keep your speech short, usually around 5 minutes. Consult with the organizing committee so you know how long they expect you to talk.

In-person vs. virtual event

Virtual events are very common right now and likely will be for a while. This creates some challenges when giving a welcome speech. Making eye contact with the attendees is not possible when you’re on a video call. That being said, you can still give a great speech and get people excited virtually. Just make sure that people can clearly see and hear you before you start.    

Welcome speech examples

1. welcome and opening remarks - 2015 coast/ssew symposium.

In the above example of opening remarks for a scientific symposium , the speaker starts by welcoming everyone with a smile and lots of eye contact. It seems the attendees are in the same field of research and among familiar faces. Accordingly, her language is informal. She adds a bit of humor when she talks about collecting money in a bowl.

She follows by explaining the origin of the organization that the symposium is for, along with the main topics that will be covered. In the middle, she asks  the audience some questions to keep them engaged. Finally, she creates positive expectations by presenting a “sneak peek” of brand-new research and mentioning “leaders” in the field of microbiome.    

 2. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering Welcome Speech

Read this welcome speech for an annual international conference.

This seems to be a scientific conference with attendees from various countries and from a broad range of fields. The formal language used is therefore appropriate. The speaker welcomes the attendees and introduces the distinguished keynote speakers.

The origins and goals of the conference are outlined. He broadly describes the topics that will be discussed. Then, he thanks the organizing committee, companies and volunteers involved. Finally, he mentions “internationally notorious speakers,” a great way to spark people’s interest.   

 3. Welcoming Address | Dale Mullennix

In this welcoming address, the speaker starts by warmly welcoming the audience. He uses rather informal language since it seems this is a regularly held event where most people know each other. He throws in some humor, directly addresses the audience, and asks them questions to grab their attention at the beginning.

By conveying the value that the attendees will find in the lectures to come, he creates anticipation. He makes lots of eye contact throughout and doesn’t even have notes! By the end, he tells a personal story and connects it to the theme of the event.

With these tips and examples, we hope that you are inspired to write a great welcome speech.  Remember to keep it brief, conversational, and not overly formal, unless necessary. Eye contact and a smile go a long way.

If you’re looking for more general conference presenting tips, you should read our 15 Best Tips for Presenting at a Conference . 

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Opening speech sample, How to start presentation in scientific events?

When you stand in front of a crowd of attendees and you want to start your speech; sometimes you wonder how to start the presentation. This problem is more challenging at a scientific event . You must welcome the audience and be focused on the content? How should you start talking? What should you tell people? In this post, we have listed tips and opening speech samples. Those are useful for conferences and seminars and webinars .

Opening speech sample: Useful guide

1) mention the event organizer.

All the experts in opening Speech examples recommend that start the presentation with an appreciation to the event organizer. You can tell that you are thankful that the event planner has invited you to speak at the scientific event.

Benefits of this tip

The event organizer will be so happy and delighted to invite you to the next events . The other reason to thank the planner is that the audience connects and trust you better.

2) Make a positive statement

Start your speech by telling the audience how much they will enjoy this presentation. Speaking is an art. be creative about what they would love to hear.

3) Provide some compliments

One of the best opening speech samples is complimenting the audience, Remember to be polite and members sincerely mention the challenges in the situation you`ll want to talk about.

4) Talk about a famous person

Use You can start by quoting a well-known person or publication that recently made an important statement.

5) Refer To A Historical Event

Especially the lives and campaigns of the great generals and the decisive battles they won. One of the best opening speech sample in historical examples is Alexander the Great.

6) Refer To A Well Known Person

You can start by quoting a well-known person or publication that recently made an important statement.

7) Refer To A Recent Conversation

Start by telling a story about a recent conversation with someone in attendance.

8) Make A Shocking Statement

You can start your talk by making a shocking statement of some kind.

9) Quote From Recent Research

You can start by quoting a recent research report.

10) Start Your Speech By Giving Them Hope

The French philosopher Gustav Le Bon once wrote, “The only religion of mankind is, and always has been hoping.” When you speak effectively, you give people hope of some kind.

Remember, the ultimate purpose of speaking is to inspire people to do things that they would not have done in the absence of your comments.

Do you want to have a speech at the upcoming education conferences ? There are various conferences in the field with interesting themes and topics to join.

You can attend top-ranked business conferences where very interesting opening speeches are being delivered by experts in business, management, and leadership.

Very useful suggestions

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• Welcome speech

How to write a welcome speech in 3 steps

With a printable welcome speech planner, outline and a sample welcome speech

By:  Susan Dugdale  

So, you've been asked to give a short welcome speech for an event. Congratulations! And now you want to be doubly sure you get it right. The right content. The right tone. Plus, the right length!

You'll find everything here you need to do that easily, from start to finish. 

Jump in. You are just three steps away from a completed welcome speech. Shall we start?

The fastest and best way to get your speech done is to:

• skim read this page to get an overview of the speech writing process, ( the welcome speech template and the planner you're going to use), to  read the example welcome speech , and to find out more about the function of a welcome speech and the importance of its tone .
• then download, print and complete the welcome speech planner .
• and lastly, use the notes you made in the planner to write your welcome speech . To help with that, you can download and print the outline of my example welcome speech to use.  Edit, and add your information to make the speech your own.

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The welcome speech template

To be effective your welcome speech needs to meet expected, as well as any specific, requirements dictated by the occasion.

The 6 standard welcome speech content ingredients

There are six common or standard content items in a good welcome speech.

• Greetings to welcome everyone and thanking them for coming along.
• Acknowledgement of special guests, if there are any.
• An introduction of the event itself and a brief overview of special highlights the audience will want to know about.
• Any important housekeeping information, for instance: where the bathrooms are, where lunch will be served and when...
• An introduction for the next speaker, if there is one.
• Thanking everyone for coming once more and then concluding having made everybody feel at ease, eagerly anticipating what is to come.

Numbers 1, 3, and 6 are basic essentials you cannot do without. Numbers 2, 4 and 5 may, or may not, be applicable. Pick what you need from them to fit your occasion.

Short sample welcome speech for a conference 

Now let's put all six ingredients into an example of a short welcome speech to open a conference that you can adapt for your own speech.

* (This speech is pure fiction! I made it up to show you how it's done. You'll see its tone is formal rather than informal to fit the occasion. I don't think there is a group called Parents United. However, there are others with a similar mission: 10 Inspiring Organizations that Promote Literacy and Education .)  

Example welcome speech - "Readers by Right"

"Sue-Ellen Thomas, Jim Smith, Jane Brown and all of our guests, good morning!

My name is April Molloy, and it's my privilege and great pleasure on behalf of Parents United to welcome you all here today.

We are delighted to have you with us to participate and share in this special occasion, our 5th annual Children's Day Conference. Thank you for coming. That many of you have willingly traveled long distances to be here serves as a reminder to us all just how important our work is.

Parents United is committed to actively raising the quality of life for every child. We want all children, regardless of race, creed or circumstance to achieve their full potential. Our task is to make it possible. Our mission is to provide practical, step by step assistance.

This year our theme is literacy. We've named the day 'Readers by Right'.

Thanks to the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are aware of 'rights' in many spheres, including education.  Article 26 declared it should be compulsory and free for children.

That goal is as pertinent today as it was then. And it's a goal I know we all share - the full development of every child. As a body, Parents United recognizes good reading skills established in childhood as the foundation of fulfilling, and ongoing education.

We are honored to have Sue-Ellen Thomas, Jim Smith and Jane Brown with us today. All three are esteemed specialists in teaching young children to read.

Sue-Ellen has worked for a long time with educational authorities to establish programs putting in place necessary pre-reading skills. Her hard work needs no introduction. The results speak for themselves.

Jim and Jane bring their passion, and knowledge of how to reach those in our communities who are frequently overlooked or bypassed. Their work among disadvantaged English-as-a-second-language families has bridged gaps that were deep dark chasms.

Prepare yourself to be challenged, excited and inspired.

And before I handover to Lesley Watts, our coordinator for 'Readers by Right', who will outline the day's various events, I want to say once more on behalf of the Parents United organizing committee, welcome. It's wonderful to see so many of you here." 

Get your welcome speech started

To shortcut wondering, "Should I say this?" or "Maybe I should say that?" and "Then again there's also ...", I have a very simple solution for you.

Get yourself a printable welcome speech planner

Download and print my  special greeting address planner .

It covers ALL the necessary ingredients that go into preparing a successful welcome speech. It's simple to use and easily filled out. Once it's done, writing your speech will be a lot less hassle as you'll have the core content ready to work with.

Writing your welcome speech

Tips to help you get your speech right.

When you're entering information into your speech planner:

• ensure you've got all the names of individuals or special guests you need to mention specifically and, that you know how to pronounce each of them. Also check that you know and use their preferred pronouns: them/they, she/her, he/him...
• double check the remarks you're going to make about them, or anything else, are factually correct.

Use your introduction of your guests/or the event, as a "teaser" for what is going to come. It will help create anticipation in the audience. Don't ruin it by giving too much away! Just enough to tempt and no more.

Keep it brief. One to two minutes is generally sufficient.

(The word count of my sample welcome speech is 357. It will take approximately 2 minutes to say .) 

Use the S-S-S formula for success: Short, Simple and Sincere. Your listeners will appreciate it.

Get a printable welcome speech outline

If you would like to use and adapt the structure I used in my sample speech as the foundation for your welcome speech, click the link to download the printable: welcome speech outline .

Then edit; delete, amend and add, until you are done.

Get a hand with vocabulary

If you're stuck for words, here's a large selection of  adaptable welcoming phrases with example s entences.  Reading through them could help you to find exactly what you want.

What does a good welcome speech do?

An effective welcome speech has three important functions. It:

• signals the official beginning of an event . It says to the audience, hush, sit down, stop talking and listen. What you came for is starting!
• sets the tone for the occasion through the choice of language used . For example, using light-hearted and informal words to welcome guests to a dear friend's birthday party may be completely appropriate.  However, the same type of language to welcome family and friends to a memorial service is unlikely to be. In that setting, people generally expect a more solemn and formal word choice. They could be deeply offended and think the use of casual language is disrespectful.  Understanding and getting tone right is a key element in the overall success of your welcome speech.  
• unites the audience . It draws everyone together in the common purpose at the heart of the occasion. For example, at a birthday party, the welcome speech invites everyone to join in celebrating the person whose birthday it is. The welcome speech opening a specialist conference will affirm its principal purpose: the coming together of people with mutual interests to meet and share new knowledge. Or if a welcome speech is given to newcomers in a workplace, club or educational setting, its purpose is to give an introductory overview of how things work to help them feel more at ease in their new situation - to help them develop a sense of belonging.

Getting the tone right for an event

What is tone.

Tone is the combined impact of the words chosen to express something, with how they are structured and, delivered.  All three elements come together to create tone * . 

Get tone wrong, and your welcome speech is a disaster.

Get it right, and it's a triumph!

(Yes, that's hyperbole but I'm sure you get the idea. ☺)

* Tone - a mood, quality or feeling

How to choose the right words

The beginning of getting tone right is to think about your audience and the event itself. Your goal is to unite and bring them together in the main purpose at the core of the occasion. What type of language will do that most appropriately and easily?

To answer that question, think about the common interest everybody shares - the principal reason behind them getting together.  It will help guide your language choice.

Is it a fun event like a birthday party for close friends and family? If so, then informal language is likely to be the most apt.

You might hear something along the lines of: "Well, here we all are! The big day has finally arrived. Jean-Marie is 50! Half a century! How on earth did that happen?"

If it's a remembrance service for someone who has recently died, the language you're likely to hear is more formal.

For example: "Friends, family, colleagues, thank you for joining us today to celebrate and give thanks for our dear Jean-Marie. Your presence is gratefully appreciated." 

What is appropriate? What is expected?  Do spend some time thinking tone through. Misunderstanding and getting it wrong can be very embarrassing for everyone. If in doubt, ask someone whose opinion you trust.

Related helpful pages

Help rehearsing your welcome speech.

Get  step by step instructions on how to rehearse  including how to make and use cue cards.

And please do rehearse. It makes a huge difference! You'll sound, and look better. Taking the time to rehearse shows respect for yourself, the audience and the event. Truly.

Help to manage pre-speech jitters

Nervous? If you're shaking in your boots at the thought of having to speak in front of an audience, click  overcoming public speaking fear  for assistance. Take your time. The page has 14 tried and tested suggestions to consider.

Help with other types of welcome speeches

Or perhaps you need  welcome to the family speeches   or a  church welcome speech sample ? Click the links to find easily adaptable examples.

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Welcome Speech for Conference for Students & Children

August 7, 2021 by Sandeep

Welcome Speech for Conference: The opening speech for a conference normally explains in a brief run-through about the list of events planned for the day against a corresponding timeline. The host discusses the theme and context of the conference in a welcome speech . Speakers and delegates of the events are introduced formally.

Find below the best welcome speech for conference delegates in English, written in easy and simple words, suitable for classes 7, 8, 9, and 10 students. Below provided sample on welcome address speech can be used in delivering the speech on different occasions like for cultural program, presentation, international conference, exhibition, event, meeting, etc.

Long Welcome Speech for Conference

Find below the best sample of welcome speech for conference in English.

Welcome, Ladies & Gentleman.

Honourable chief guest, respected director & all our other guests. My name is …………. & it’s a pleasure to welcome you all to the 20th Annual Conference of ……………….. We are grateful to Mr……………… the head of the organizing committee, the members of the organizing committee & all the volunteers who have arranged such a beautiful program.

I wholeheartedly welcome all the delegates across the country. We are fortunate enough to get supported by a group of sponsors with whom we will interact in the conference. I would also like to thank our media partners. As you all know, the current scenario of the health care system in India, we all have gathered here to discuss the theme of “Health Care System in India.”

The speakers in the programme are uniquely placed to debate, discuss & highlight the key points, trends & reforms in the system for the audience. It will be great to hear from our keynote speakers about the influence, priorities, development & comparison to international standards in the same field. We have arranged a paper & poster presentation opportunity for our delegates to put forward their reforming thoughts in this vast field.

Our special judge panelists will judge them. I want to inform our delegates & moderators to be very strict about the schedule & don’t let overrun any session. All the delegates are requested to collect their conference kit & food coupons from the reception after this session. After the whole day of speculation on the most demanding field of health care, we have organized a cultural program to refresh the minds of all of you in the evening.

Thank you all!

Short Welcome Speech for Conference

Below we have provided a short welcome speech for conference example, usually given for class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 students.

Good morning to everyone over here.

I warmly welcome our honourable chief guest, speakers & delegates across the world. I …………………. welcome you all to the 12th International Conference of Environmental Issues. The theme of this particular conference is a special discussion on Carbon footprints.

A massive round of applause for our platinum, gold & silver sponsors who have contributed to this great cause & the media persons. It’s a pleasure to have you all with us. I thank all the industrialists across the globe who have joined today to describe their ongoing process & work on carbon footprint.

Today we will have sessions, debates & discussions on the greenhouse emissions by individual, event, organization, or product comparing various national & international levels. We will discuss the impact on the present & how detrimental it can be in the future. A vivid discussion on methods & suggestions for reducing the same at various levels will be discussed.

We are also eager to hear from our delegates about their ideas & innovations in reducing the carbon footprint. A detailed schedule of the three-day conference has already been shared with you in your conference kit, kindly note down your time slot & try to be exact & to the point to express your views in the time frame given to you.

I urge you all to collect the food coupon from the reception for your lunch & dinner. For the first time, we have also incorporated various industry-level models that are already working on the issue with paper & poster presentation. I urge you all to pay a visit to the exhibition section. All the sessions & exhibitions will be individually judged by our special penal.

I wish you all the best & hope you all have a pleasant stay in the city for the next three days. Thank you all for your presence & participation. I thank the organizing committee, volunteers for giving such a platform to all of us to raise the issues & go through the solutions of such a burning issue. It is a privilege for all of us to host you all in our city. I sincerely hope you all will enjoy today & the next two days of debate & networking. I declare that the conference is open for further proceedings.

Opening Speech

Opening speech generator.

Whether you are opening for a small gathering such as minor events or a big one like global conferences, public speaking always gives people stage fright. If you are nervous, you have all the reasons to feel that way. You must already know it since you are here, but one helpful tip to combat nervousness is preparation. That said, turn on your gears and practice your speech writing skills as you compose your opening speech. 

10+ Opening Speech Examples

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8. Opening Speech on Cultural Management

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11. Chairman’s Opening Speech

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What Is an Opening Speech?

An opening speech is a talk that people give to welcome guests and give a brief overview of what will happen in an event. People give this type of speech during formal and informal gatherings. Just as the name states, the purpose of an opening speech is to open programs. 

How to Compose an Impressive Opening Speech

Giving an opening statement means giving the people something to measure for their first impression. When you get on that stage and give your speech, you are doing the first performance of the event itinerary . It is your responsibility to set the vibe for the entirety of the gathering. That said, you should ensure to give a grand opening speech. 

1. Start With a Compelling Introduction

The first words that come out of your mouth when you hold the microphone are a defining factor in the quality of your speech. In writing this segment, ensure to incorporate a hook. It should be effective enough to captivate and retain the attention of your audience throughout your whole speech. One method that will help you to devise your introduction is by conducting an audience analysis . Doing this will give you an idea of how to catch the attention of your listeners. 

2. Acknowledge The Guests

Of course, one of the purposes of giving an opening speech at every event is to welcome the guests. Convey how thankful the organizers are for their acceptance of the event invitation . Also, do not forget to thank them for sparing time for the program. If there are important people on your attendance list , you should show them your appreciation by giving them a special mention. 

3. State the Purpose of the Event

The next step is to write the part where you explain the reason for holding the event. To make things interesting, you can give a very brief history or a fascinating fact about the program. Ensure to compose this segment properly. This part is what will give the audience an idea of what to expect for the ceremony.

4. Conclude Your Speech

In giving a welcome speech for guests , you should not consume too much of the people’s time. That said, after the previous steps, you should now start coming up with a conclusion. In concluding your speech, you should once again thank the guests. After that, you should introduce the next speaker or performer. 

What makes a good opening speech?

Good speech openings are those that can rouse the emotions of the audience. Despite that, you should tailor your introduction based on the formality of the gathering you are attending. For example, giving an opening speech for an event should be something that would brighten the atmosphere. On the other hand, when giving a welcome speech for conference , you should try a more formal approach and include essential meeting details.

How do you give a self-introduction speech?

Aside from mentioning your name, there are other things you should include in your self-introduction speech . Before deciding what details to add to what you will say, you should first consider your audience and the formality of the setting. Despite that, one universal tip that is appropriate for multiple circumstances is to give a brief background of yourself and your accomplishments.

What are essential things to remember when giving a speech?

In giving a speech, it is always advisable to compose a speech outline and practice what you will say. Another necessary thing that you should consider is how you will establish a connection with your listeners. One way to do this is by maintaining eye contact with your audience. Also, during your speech, you should use appropriate hand gestures.

Giving opening speeches are a heavy responsibility. Knowing that you would be the first person to go up the podium can make a person’s heartbeat twice as fast as it usually would. That said, you should prepare ahead and secure to write a killer opening speech. That way, you can walk towards the mic with confident steps.

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How to Write a Welcome Speech

Last Updated: July 29, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. 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 1,668,305 times.

Are you on welcome speech duty for an upcoming program or event? You’ve got nothing to worry about—with the right format and tone, it’s super easy to write and present a welcome speech for just about any occasion. We’ve outlined everything you need to know, from your opening greetings and acknowledgments, to establishing the right tone and nailing your closing remarks. You’ve got this in the bag!

Greeting the Audience

• Keep the tone more serious if it's an important occasion. Use more formal language and don't crack any inappropriate jokes. For example, at a wake, you might say, "We're so glad to have you all here tonight. We appreciate your presence at this difficult time."

• For an event with close friends and family, more informal language might be appropriate. Include a few jokes and keep your speech more lighthearted.

Patrick Muñoz

Grab your audience's attention with a strong opening. Start with a loud voice and a strong presence that welcomes everyone and gets them involved. Ask a question they can respond to or tell a joke — anything to connect with the audience. Do something that grabs their attention and excites them and makes them thrilled about the event.

• Special guests include any people of honor, those that may play a particularly important part in the event, or those who have traveled a long way to be there.
• Make sure that you practice all of names, titles, and pronunciations of the special guests before your speech.
• For example you could say, "We'd like to extend a special welcome to our guest of honor, Judge McHenry, who will be speaking later tonight."
• Alternatively to welcome a group of people you might say, "While we're excited to have you all here tonight, we'd especially like to say welcome to the students from Johnson Middle School."

• For an informal event such as a birthday party, you could say, "We're so happy to have you here tonight to eat, drink, and celebrate another year of Jessica's life. Now, let's get to it."
• For a more formal event such as one run by an organisation, you could say, “We are so excited to have you all here to participate in our 10th annual pet’s day, organised by the Animal Rescue Group.”

Forming the Body of the Speech

• An example of acknowledging individual people is saying, “We couldn’t have pulled off this fundraiser without the hard work and dedication of Grace and Sally, who worked tirelessly from day 1 to make today a reality.”
• Avoid reading off a long list of people or sponsors, as your audience will begin to get bored. Stick to just a handful of highlights.

• For instance, at a conference, you might point out when the dinner will be held, or where particular sessions will take place.
• At a wedding reception, you might note when dancing will start or when the cake will be served.

• Alternatively, you could end the body of your speech during an informal gathering by saying, “I can't wait to see you all out on the dancefloor!”

Ending the Speech

• You could also say that you hope that the audience takes something away from the event. For example, “I hope that today inspires ideas and discussions around the ways that we can make our city a better place!”

• At a formal event, you might say, "Now, for our speaker. Rebecca Roberts comes here from Montreal, Canada, and she is a leading expert in the study of the human brain. She'll be speaking tonight on what drives humans to make decisions. Let's welcome her."
• For a more informal event such as a party, you could say, “Next up is Sam, who has been Kyle’s best friend for 10 years strong. He has a decade of embarrassing stories about Kyle to share with us tonight!"

• Alternatively you might say, “Thank you again to everyone for being here tonight to celebrate Joe and Kathleen’s 50th wedding anniversary! Let the celebrations begin!”

• If you are unsure, ask the organiser or host what an appropriate length of time for your speech will be.

Writing Help

Community Q&A

• Practice your speech in front of trusted friends and family in the days leading up to the event. [12] X Research source Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/effective-welcome-speech
• ↑ https://www.examples.com/education/speech/welcome-speech-for-conference.html
• ↑ https://penandthepad.com/how-5574707-write-welcome-speech.html
• ↑ https://penandthepad.com/write-after-dinner-speech-8035341.html
• ↑ https://uark.pressbooks.pub/speaking/chapter/closing-a-speech/
• ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-delivery

About This Article

To write a welcome speech, start with a greeting to your audience that’s appropriate to the situation. For example, you could try “Good evening ladies and gentlemen” if you’re introducing a formal event, or “Thank you everyone for coming on this sunny day” for a more relaxed occasion. After you’ve finished the greeting, introduce the event by talking about who organized it and what its purpose is. In the main body of your speech, acknowledge 2 or 3 people who played important parts in organizing the event. You should also emphasize special parts of the event that people should pay attention to, such as where dinner will be or where a conference session will take place. When you’re ready to conclude your speech, tell the audience to enjoy the event by saying something like “I hope you all enjoy the exciting speakers to come.” Finish your speech by thanking the audience for attending. For tips on how to introduce people at a special occasion, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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15 Powerful Speech Opening Lines (And How to Create Your Own)

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking , Speech Writing

Powerful speech opening lines set the tone and mood of your speech. It’s what grips the audience to want to know more about the rest of your talk.

The first few seconds are critical. It’s when you have maximum attention of the audience. And you must capitalize on that!

Instead of starting off with something plain and obvious such as a ‘Thank you’ or ‘Good Morning’, there’s so much more you can do for a powerful speech opening (here’s a great article we wrote a while ago on how you should NOT start your speech ).

To help you with this, I’ve compiled some of my favourite openings from various speakers. These speakers have gone on to deliver TED talks , win international Toastmaster competitions or are just noteworthy people who have mastered the art of communication.

After each speaker’s opening line, I have added how you can include their style of opening into your own speech. Understanding how these great speakers do it will certainly give you an idea to create your own speech opening line which will grip the audience from the outset!

Alright! Let’s dive into the 15 powerful speech openings…

Note: Want to take your communications skills to the next level? Book a complimentary consultation with one of our expert communication coaches. We’ll look under the hood of your hurdles and pick two to three growth opportunities so you can speak with impact!

1. Ric Elias

Opening: “Imagine a big explosion as you climb through 3,000 ft. Imagine a plane full of smoke. Imagine an engine going clack, clack, clack. It sounds scary. Well I had a unique seat that day. I was sitting in 1D.”

How to use the power of imagination to open your speech?

Putting your audience in a state of imagination can work extremely well to captivate them for the remainder of your talk.

It really helps to bring your audience in a certain mood that preps them for what’s about to come next. Speakers have used this with high effectiveness by transporting their audience into an imaginary land to help prove their point.

When Ric Elias opened his speech, the detail he used (3000 ft, sound of the engine going clack-clack-clack) made me feel that I too was in the plane. He was trying to make the audience experience what he was feeling – and, at least in my opinion, he did.

When using the imagination opening for speeches, the key is – detail. While we want the audience to wander into imagination, we want them to wander off to the image that we want to create for them. So, detail out your scenario if you’re going to use this technique.

Make your audience feel like they too are in the same circumstance as you were when you were in that particular situation.

2. Barack Obama

Opening: “You can’t say it, but you know it’s true.”

3. Seth MacFarlane

Opening: “There’s nowhere I would rather be on a day like this than around all this electoral equipment.” (It was raining)

How to use humour to open your speech?

When you use humour in a manner that suits your personality, it can set you up for a great speech. Why? Because getting a laugh in the first 30 seconds or so is a great way to quickly get the audience to like you.

And when they like you, they are much more likely to listen to and believe in your ideas.

Obama effortlessly uses his opening line to entice laughter among the audience. He brilliantly used the setting (the context of Trump becoming President) and said a line that completely matched his style of speaking.

Saying a joke without really saying a joke and getting people to laugh requires you to be completely comfortable in your own skin. And that’s not easy for many people (me being one of them).

If the joke doesn’t land as expected, it could lead to a rocky start.

Keep in mind the following when attempting to deliver a funny introduction:

• Know your audience: Make sure your audience gets the context of the joke (if it’s an inside joke among the members you’re speaking to, that’s even better!). You can read this article we wrote where we give you tips on how you can actually get to know your audience better to ensure maximum impact with your speech openings
• The joke should suit your natural personality. Don’t make it look forced or it won’t elicit the desired response
• Test the opening out on a few people who match your real audience. Analyze their response and tweak the joke accordingly if necessary
• Starting your speech with humour means your setting the tone of your speech. It would make sense to have a few more jokes sprinkled around the rest of the speech as well as the audience might be expecting the same from you

4. Mohammed Qahtani

Opening: Puts a cigarette on his lips, lights a lighter, stops just before lighting the cigarette. Looks at audience, “What?”

5. Darren Tay

Opening: Puts a white pair of briefs over his pants.

How to use props to begin your speech?

The reason props work so well in a talk is because in most cases the audience is not expecting anything more than just talking. So when a speaker pulls out an object that is unusual, everyone’s attention goes right to it.

It makes you wonder why that prop is being used in this particular speech.

The key word here is unusual . To grip the audience’s attention at the beginning of the speech, the prop being used should be something that the audience would never expect. Otherwise, it just becomes something that is common. And common = boring!

What Mohammed Qahtani and Darren Tay did superbly well in their talks was that they used props that nobody expected them to.

By pulling out a cigarette and lighter or a white pair of underwear, the audience can’t help but be gripped by what the speaker is about to do next. And that makes for a powerful speech opening.

6. Simon Sinek

Opening: “How do you explain when things don’t go as we assume? Or better, how do you explain when others are able to achieve things that seem to defy all of the assumptions?”

7. Julian Treasure

Opening: “The human voice. It’s the instrument we all play. It’s the most powerful sound in the world. Probably the only one that can start a war or say “I love you.” And yet many people have the experience that when they speak people don’t listen to them. Why is that? How can we speak powerfully to make change in the world?”

How to use questions to open a speech?

I use this method often. Starting off with a question is the simplest way to start your speech in a manner that immediately engages the audience.

But we should keep our questions compelling as opposed to something that is fairly obvious.

I’ve heard many speakers start their speeches with questions like “How many of us want to be successful?”

No one is going to say ‘no’ to that and frankly, I just feel silly raising my hand at such questions.

Simon Sinek and Jullian Treasure used questions in a manner that really made the audience think and make them curious to find out what the answer to that question is.

What Jullian Treasure did even better was the use of a few statements which built up to his question. This made the question even more compelling and set the theme for what the rest of his talk would be about.

So think of what question you can ask in your speech that will:

• Set the theme for the remainder of your speech
• Not be something that is fairly obvious
• Be compelling enough so that the audience will actually want to know what the answer to that question will be

8. Aaron Beverley

Opening: Long pause (after an absurdly long introduction of a 57-word speech title). “Be honest. You enjoyed that, didn’t you?”

How to use silence for speech openings?

The reason this speech opening stands out is because of the fact that the title itself is 57 words long. The audience was already hilariously intrigued by what was going to come next.

But what’s so gripping here is the way Aaron holds the crowd’s suspense by…doing nothing. For about 10 to 12 seconds he did nothing but stand and look at the audience. Everyone quietened down. He then broke this silence by a humorous remark that brought the audience laughing down again.

When going on to open your speech, besides focusing on building a killer opening sentence, how about just being silent?

It’s important to keep in mind that the point of having a strong opening is so that the audience’s attention is all on you and are intrigued enough to want to listen to the rest of your speech.

Silence is a great way to do that. When you get on the stage, just pause for a few seconds (about 3 to 5 seconds) and just look at the crowd. Let the audience and yourself settle in to the fact that the spotlight is now on you.

I can’t put my finger on it, but there is something about starting the speech off with a pure pause that just makes the beginning so much more powerful. It adds credibility to you as a speaker as well, making you look more comfortable and confident on stage. 

If you want to know more about the power of pausing in public speaking , check out this post we wrote. It will give you a deeper insight into the importance of pausing and how you can harness it for your own speeches. You can also check out this video to know more about Pausing for Public Speaking:

9. Dan Pink

Opening: “I need to make a confession at the outset here. Little over 20 years ago, I did something that I regret. Something that I’m not particularly proud of. Something that in many ways I wish no one would ever know but that here I feel kind of obliged to reveal.”

10. Kelly McGonigal

Opening: “I have a confession to make. But first I want you to make a little confession to me.”

How to use a build-up to open your speech?

When there are so many amazing ways to start a speech and grip an audience from the outset, why would you ever choose to begin your speech with a ‘Good morning?’.

That’s what I love about build-ups. They set the mood for something awesome that’s about to come in that the audience will feel like they just have to know about.

Instead of starting a speech as it is, see if you can add some build-up to your beginning itself. For instance, in Kelly McGonigal’s speech, she could have started off with the question of stress itself (which she eventually moves on to in her speech). It’s not a bad way to start the speech.

But by adding the statement of “I have a confession to make” and then not revealing the confession for a little bit, the audience is gripped to know what she’s about to do next and find out what indeed is her confession.

11. Tim Urban

Opening: “So in college, I was a government major. Which means that I had to write a lot of papers. Now when a normal student writes a paper, they might spread the work out a little like this.”

12. Scott Dinsmore

Opening: “8 years ago, I got the worst career advice of my life.”

How to use storytelling as a speech opening?

“The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller.” Steve Jobs

Storytelling is the foundation of good speeches. Starting your speech with a story is a great way to grip the audience’s attention. It makes them yearn to want to know how the rest of the story is going to pan out.

Tim Urban starts off his speech with a story dating back to his college days. His use of slides is masterful and something we all can learn from. But while his story sounds simple, it does the job of intriguing the audience to want to know more.

As soon as I heard the opening lines, I thought to myself “If normal students write their paper in a certain manner, how does Tim write his papers?”

Combine such a simple yet intriguing opening with comedic slides, and you’ve got yourself a pretty gripping speech.

Scott Dismore’s statement has a similar impact. However, just a side note, Scott Dismore actually started his speech with “Wow, what an honour.”

I would advise to not start your talk with something such as that. It’s way too common and does not do the job an opening must, which is to grip your audience and set the tone for what’s coming.

13. Larry Smith

Opening: “I want to discuss with you this afternoon why you’re going to fail to have a great career.”

14. Jane McGonigal

Opening: “You will live 7.5 minutes longer than you would have otherwise, just because you watched this talk.”

How to use provocative statements to start your speech?

Making a provocative statement creates a keen desire among the audience to want to know more about what you have to say. It immediately brings everyone into attention.

Larry Smith did just that by making his opening statement surprising, lightly humorous, and above all – fearful. These elements lead to an opening statement which creates so much curiosity among the audience that they need to know how your speech pans out.

This one time, I remember seeing a speaker start a speech with, “Last week, my best friend committed suicide.” The entire crowd was gripped. Everyone could feel the tension in the room.

They were just waiting for the speaker to continue to know where this speech will go.

That’s what a hard-hitting statement does, it intrigues your audience so much that they can’t wait to hear more! Just a tip, if you do start off with a provocative, hard-hitting statement, make sure you pause for a moment after saying it.

Silence after an impactful statement will allow your message to really sink in with the audience.

Related article: 5 Ways to Grab Your Audience’s Attention When You’re Losing it!

15. Ramona J Smith

Opening: In a boxing stance, “Life would sometimes feel like a fight. The punches, jabs and hooks will come in the form of challenges, obstacles and failures. Yet if you stay in the ring and learn from those past fights, at the end of each round, you’ll be still standing.”

How to use your full body to grip the audience at the beginning of your speech?

In a talk, the audience is expecting you to do just that – talk. But when you enter the stage and start putting your full body into use in a way that the audience does not expect, it grabs their attention.

Body language is critical when it comes to public speaking. Hand gestures, stage movement, facial expressions are all things that need to be paid attention to while you’re speaking on stage. But that’s not I’m talking about here.

Here, I’m referring to a unique use of the body that grips the audience, like how Ramona did. By using her body to get into a boxing stance, imitating punches, jabs and hooks with her arms while talking – that’s what got the audience’s attention.

The reason I say this is so powerful is because if you take Ramona’s speech and remove the body usage from her opening, the entire magic of the opening falls flat.

While the content is definitely strong, without those movements, she would not have captured the audience’s attention as beautifully as she did with the use of her body.

So if you have a speech opening that seems slightly dull, see if you can add some body movement to it.

If your speech starts with a story of someone running, actually act out the running. If your speech starts with a story of someone reading, actually act out the reading.

It will make your speech opening that much more impactful.

Related article: 5 Body Language Tips to Command the Stage

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Final Words

So there it is! 15 speech openings from some of my favourite speeches. Hopefully, these will act as a guide for you to create your own opening which is super impactful and sets you off on the path to becoming a powerful public speaker!

But remember, while a speech opening is super important, it’s just part of an overall structure.

If you’re serious about not just creating a great speech opening but to improve your public speaking at an overall level, I would highly recommend you to check out this course: Acumen Presents: Chris Anderson on Public Speaking on Udemy. Not only does it have specific lectures on starting and ending a speech, but it also offers an in-depth guide into all the nuances of public speaking. 

Being the founder of TED Talks, Chris Anderson provides numerous examples of the best TED speakers to give us a very practical way of overcoming stage fear and delivering a speech that people will remember. His course has helped me personally and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to learn public speaking. 

No one is ever “done” learning public speaking. It’s a continuous process and you can always get better. Keep learning, keep conquering and keep being awesome!

Lastly, if you want to know how you should NOT open your speech, we’ve got a video for you:

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How to write a MUN Opening Speech

With Examples

Writing an opening speech in MUN can be a bit challenging.

Common questions we get from delegates before going to a conference. “What should I say in my opening speech?” “Should I read out my Positions Paper?” “How do I take all the research I did  and fit it into a short opening speech?”

Before you start working on your MUN opening speech, you should know the topic, done some research, and preferably already have written a position paper . 

A MUN opening speech should cover the following:

• Problem The specific problem you want to solve – 1 line.
• Clash Solution – What you want to do about the issue – 1 line.
• Information Back up your views on the issue and solutions with facts from research . – 2 lines
• Action Solution Details – The step by step how to solve the issue. – 3 + lines

What not to do:

Do not repeat the problem . Everyone knows what it is. Repeating the problem is a great way to waste precious speech time. Your first sentence should be what you want to do. That is what the other delegates are more interested in.

Your first sentence should be a clear clash. To impact the committee it is not enough to bring vague ideas. There needs to be engagement between delegates and your ideas need to be discussed by others.

You know your idea is important when countries that oppose your idea fight against it while countries who are on your side support it. Other delegates’ ideas clashing with yours is what gives them both life and makes them interesting and relevant.

For this reason, a good MUN opening speech needs to have:

Information

Clash is your solution in one specific sentence. The Clash is framed as a two-sided solution which the other side can object to. Information is properly used facts. Call to Action is the policy you want to see implemented. The guide below will explain how the CIA formula works and how to use it to create your influential, informative, and rhetorically sound opening speech. Let’s get to it!

• Intro to CIA
• Opening Speech Structure
• Topic Types
• Opening Speech Examples

Introducing CIA

CIA is the foundation for any MUN opening speech. A strong CIA speech, will convey a clear and consistent message to your fellow delegates that you know what you are talking about and have a plan. Clear communication is the key to  successful MUNing in your committee. Missing your C lash, I nformation or A ction can result in confusion about where you stand on the matter and your outlook on how to solve the issue at hand. 

Just Remember CIA:

I nformation

C la sh – What you want to do in one specific sentence. .

I nformation – Relevant facts. numbers, that support your speech. Information can also be facts about your country that justify your position.

Call to A ction – How you will carry out the one line “what” you states in the Clash.

Before we explain how each part of CIA works, it is vital to understand clashing with at least a few other delegates is an important litmus test for how relevant your talking points are.

Why 100% Agreement = Irrelevance

A Model United Nations opening speech should present a problem, as you perceive said problem, and give one or more practical policy proposals on how you propose to solve it. However, if everyone agrees with you, no one will talk about your ideas.

When no one talks about your ideas, they will fade from the discussion. This is why your framing of the problem needs to clash with the world view of other delegates. The debate between you and those who oppose your ideas will keep both ideas alive. Hours later, if you find a compromise with the other side, you will get credit for making the biggest difference. If you cannot find a compromise, you get credit for sticking to your principles. In both cases, if your clash is central to what takes place in the committee, you will get the credit for shaping the discussion and bringing the ideas that led the direction the committee took.

This is why it is not enough to say what is correct, or even important. It needs to arouse some kind of response to remain relevant and important. Ideally, the way you frame the debate will be so relevant and well presented that the committee clashes along the lines you set and the rich and relevant discussion takes up a central place in the committee, or at least is relevant to enough delegates to keep it going as a secondary discussion. For this reason, the first part of your MUN opening speech is called a Clash.

What you want to do.

Clash definition: A confrontation of solutions.

We cannot censor people who incite violence in a country with freedom of speech. Vs We must censor people to ensure physical safety from those who successfully incite violence.

You cannot censor and not censor at the same time and there you have a strong clash.

For something to be a clash, delegates from your committee need to be on either side of it. If there are no two sides, the committee won’t debate it. Instead, your ideas will either unanimously go straight to the unimportant clause section of the resolution or fall entirely out of discussion. Either way, it will not be central to determining the direction the committee goes.

Examples of Clash:

Revoking asylum status for anyone who does not agree to get vaccinated at the border.

Advocating for megacities to have their own independent legal system.

The United Nations should fund water filtration in countries that suffer volcanic eruptions.

In all of these examples, there is a clear ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question. The answer to these questions will be the main one to divide the committee room.  

An idea that everyone agrees on is Off Clash . Off Clash statements (Like the Ebola virus is bad or tornados are dangerous) are a waste of precious speech time that could be further used to develop your Clash or Call to Action. (More on Clash and Off Clash in the expanded explanation below)

Which clash should you choose?

  Some topics have many possible clashes. In those cases, you should choose the one you feel will be most relevant to the discussion.

Committee : World Health Organization

Topic: Combating the Zika Virus

Clash 1: Increase the number of doctors sent to Peru to treat Zika.

Clash 2: Remove patent restrictions to let countries locally develop medicines to counter Zika.

Clash 3: Suggest countries around the world teach children about the world’s top deadliest diseases.

 The general concept of combating Zika is an Off Clash topic. No one will say the Zika virus is a good thing. To find the Clash you need to go one level deeper and decide what type of discussion will best serve our country’s interests.

It is clear that Clash 3 will save the least leaves and bring the least immediate benefit. It will also likely get little or no discussion time.

When choosing between Clash 1 and Clash 2, Paraguay would open for Clash 2, as creating generic medicines would be cheaper not only for fighting Zika but could also make medical treatment cheaper across the board. This idea would also be of interest to Angola, who faces similar constraints on creating generic medicines, even though they do not have the Zika virus. As a rule of thumb, it is better to choose a clash that is not only relevant to your country but many others can also agree with it.

Information = Hard facts that support your case

A strong MUN speech needs to have relevant facts and numbers that support parts of your speech.

Without information, your fellow delegates can only rely on your word, which might not give enough credibility to what you have to say. Numbers, names, dates and hard facts show what we are saying exists in the real world and is not an opinion. Numbers are the best form of information to use and the hardest to argue with.

No “Information”

The coral reefs are very important. Huge numbers of people who live near a reef. Corals also protect the shoreline of many countries. Also, many countries, like the US, and make a lot of money from tourism.

With “Information”

The coral reefs are very important. 962 million people (Roughly an eighth of the world’s population) lives within 60 miles of a reef. Additionally, corals protect 100,000 miles of shoreline in over 100 countries from being batters by the ocean’s force. The coral reefs also generating billions of dollars in tourism revenue. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service estimates the annual commercial value of U.S. fisheries from coral reefs to be over $100 million.

Which sounds smarter?

Information does not exist in a vacuum. There is no such thing as facts for facts sake. 

Information in a CIA speech should always do one of the following:

• Supports why your Clash is the most relevant
• Shows why your Call to Action is the most important
• Shows why your country has the position it does
• Disproves information brought by another delegate

Information in follow up speeches usually moves between these four. In earlier speeches the “I” focuses more on your own world-building and less on countering other countries. However, MUN simulation has a lot going on and the Information should be used, as deemed appropriate, on a case by case basis.

Call to Action (CtA) is a statement designed to give instructions for an immediate response.

In MUN, your CtA is the practical policy to solve the issue you set up in your clash.

Without a clear CtA other delegates will not know what to do with the Clash and Information you presented. Worse, they can use what you set up in your speech to justify other CtA’s.

A Call to Action needs to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time Bound (SMART). 

Your CtA needs to be specific as to:

• Where you will get funding from
• Which organizations will be involved
• What you will send

Clash: Let’s send teachers to the refugee camps in Ethiopia.

CtA : Hiring 300 teachers who specialize in teaching English and Math, to United Nations run high schools at the 3 refugee camps in the Tigray region in Ethiopia.

We can’t send “teachers” as we don’t know what types how many, where to send them or what they are going to do. However, when we look at the CtA, we can guestimate the cost of 300 teachers who specialize in English and Math and now know where to send them.

A good Call to Action explains the problem, the solution and what it’s going to do.

Specific actionable policy ideas will allow you to direct the discussion, and later take credit for the ideas when everyone else has the same general stance (ex. “humanitarian aid”).

Structure of an opening speech

The opening speeches at most MUN conferences are 60 seconds. 

However, you should ask your conference team if you are unsure about the opening speech times since this could differ. Take into considerations, a delegate could motion to change the opening speeckers time during the course of the conference or a chair could change the time due to other unforeseen reasons …. So  even if the opening speech is as short as 30 seconds, or as long as two minutes, the structure remains the same.

• Information – Sprinkled throughout

Call to Action

Clash breaks into two parts, clashline and explanation.

How to start an MUN opening speech

A good MUN opening speech goes straight to the point. The longer you take the more of a risk you run that they’ll find someone else to focus on like passing a note, writing an opening speech of their own, chatting to the delegate next to them, etc. Your strong opener is your Clashline.

Clashline – Your first few lines. It tells the listener what clash you want to focus on. Shouldn’t be more than 10 seconds.

Examples of Clashlines:

Syrian refugees who spent over three years in refugee camps should get work visas Countries should be responsible for their own epidemics The UN should send food aid to the people of North Korea

Clash explanation – Your next few seconds should explain why what you are speaking about is important by showing why your clash is the correct one.

Examples of Explanation: Clashline: “The UN should send unconditional food aid to the people of North Korea.” Explanation: “The leadership is stable and not looking to change any time soon. Life will continue the same for the elites as the people are starving. This is why the food should be sent now.”

This is a good example of getting straight to the point. Within four sentences we have a clear idea that human rights come second to the leadership of the DPRK. This clarity of Clashline and Explanation can be used in any MUN committee from the General Assembly, ECOSOC, DISEC, SOCHUM and WHO to the Security Council and even a crisis committee.

Information Facts in your speech always have a purpose. That purpose is almost always one of the following: – Show why your Clash is the most relevant – Show why your Call to Action will make the biggest difference – Explain why your country has the position it does – Disprove information brought by another delegate

Use of information to strengthen a speech

Clash: The UN should send unconditional food aid to the people of North Korea. Kim Jong Un is 35 years old. He’s not going anywhere anytime soon. At the same time, 10.5 million people, which is 41% of the total population, are undernourished. Life will continue the same for the elites as the people are starving.

You should describe your policy / solution halfway through your speech at the latest. This is because you need time to elaborate on your solution. No idea is clear in one sentence. You will need time to explain why it is important and why it is going to work.

Use of Call to Action

The United Nations should send 240 million tons of food aid to the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea. This food should be sent over two years. 30 million should be sent every three months as long as Kim Jong Un abides by the following.

• Regular scheduled UN inspections every six months.
• Surprise inspections are accommodated.

This text can be turned into clauses for a draft resolution. The main idea is clear.

Closing your Opening Speech

After your Call to Action, a summary sentence can be a nice way to close your speech.

However, this should not come at the expense of your content or important details of your Call to Action. Style should never trump substance.

What if you have extra time in my opening speech?

If you find yourself with extra time in your opening speech, and you used the CIA format in your speech.

Do the following:

• Elaborate on additional points you didn’t get enough time to introduce.
• Set up ideas that you can follow up in your next speech.
• Reinforce your main points.
• End your speech early if you really have nothing to add.

It should be rare to have extra time in your opening speech if you planned wisely, when you happen to find yourself with extra time use it strategically.

Types of MUN Topics

How it impacts your opening speech.

There are three types of MUN topics, Open, Semi-Open and Closed.

Types of MUN Topics:

Open Open topics are very broad and should be significantly narrowed to create the clash in an opening speech.

Example – Combatting the Slave Trade

This topic is very broad and could be about anything that has to do with slavery in the world today.  What does slave trade mean? It could be child slavery, forced labor or the sex trade. It could be placed in the developed world or developing world. It could be about countries of origin, transit countries or destinations. To be debatable the opening speech needs to move from the topic to something specific to set the Clash.

Semi-Open Semi-Open topics are similar to open topics and should be narrowed and focused. They have more direction than open topics but you are still required to choose from a few directions to set the clash.

Example – The right to the internet of children in developing countries

There is an understanding of what types of countries and populations that we’re focusing on but there is still work needed to set a Clash. What ages are the children? Who is providing the internet, government, the UN or an NGO? What about the devices to use the internet?

Closed topics have a clear main clash. Most, or all, of the countries in the committee will fall onto one side or the other. For closed topics, countries without a clear point of view still need to pick a side before they can begin discussing the issue.

Example – Sending aid to the people of North Korea.

While you still need to decide what types of aid, how much and what conditions, the question of “should we send aid” is a yes or no question that each country should have an opinion on and which strongly influences their starting point in the discussion.

You can learn more about the three types of MUN topics here.

Below are MUN opening speech samples for an open and closed topic.

MUN Opening Speech Examples

The following MUN speech examples show both good and bad opening speeches. After the speech, there will be a breakdown according to CIA and an analysis of the speech evaluating what worked, what didn’t and why.

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MUN Opening Speech Example – Open Topic

Committee: World Food Program

Topic: Eradicating Global Hunger

Country: Norway

Honorable chair distinguished delegates,

The first step to stopping starvation is improving access to clean water, critical for food growth. Half of the 800 million people without access to clean water live in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Kingdom of Norway believes that the WFP’s efforts should focus on community-oriented aid to promote self-sufficient living. Norway thinks self-operated water harvesting devices are a good way to do this. The University of Akron in Ohio developed a water harvester that produces 10 gallons of drinking water per hour from thin air. The UN should purchase, and distribute, water harvesters to the countries most in need such as Niger, Burundi and Mozambique. For the UN to ensure long term success, the WFP should transfer harvesters and not funds to the countries in need.

The Breakdown

The first step to stopping starvation is improving access to clean water , critical for food growth. Half of the 800 million people without access to clean water live in Sub-Saharan Africa . The Kingdom of Norway believes that the WFP’s efforts should focus on community-oriented aid to promote self-sufficient living. Norway thinks self-operated water harvesting devices are a good way to do this. The University of Akron in Ohio developed a water harvester that produces 10 gallons of drinking water per hour from thin air . The UN should purchase, and distribute, water harvesters to the countries most in need such as  Niger, Burundi and Mozambique . For the UN to ensure long term success, the WFP should transfer harvesters and not funds to the countries in need.

Clash – Improving access to clean water is how we tackle global hunger.

When asked in a question, “Does stopping starvation means providing access to clean water as the first priority?” Some countries will agree and some will not.

Information – 400 million people don’t have access to water in sub-Saharan Africa. (Numbers) Water harvester in the University of Akron produced 10 gallons of water per hour. (Numbers and names) Niger, Burundi and Mozambique are countries that could use this. (Names)

Call to Action – The UN should replace cash with water harvesters and give them directly to the people in need.

This Call to Action has two parts. In a follow-up speech, Norway can say that they give $975 million in aid to sub-Saharan countries. This can support why they want to make sure their investment is spent correctly. Also, even if the committee doesn’t go for water harvesters, or even water, the idea of not sending cash to the countries in need can still be central to the discussion.

Speech Analysis

Norway is hedging her bets and, while going in strong, leaves room to maneuver. The subtext of her case is countries should use whatever they are given responsibly and handing cash to governments is not an effective means. As long as whatever policy is chosen is done more responsibly (by what Norway considers responsible) she can still have a strong impact on the committee even if none of her policies go through.

MUN Opening Speech Example – Closed topic

Committee: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Topic: Changing visa policy to combat illegal migration

Country: United Kingdom

Honorable chair distinguished delegates, 

The United Kingdom is strongly against making visa access easier. While the death of the 39 Chinese found inside a refrigerated lorry from Bulgaria on October 23rd, 2019 is regrettable, our only option is informing potential migrants of the danger to themselves.

Illegal migration into Britain is around 650,000—give or take a couple hundred thousand. Many of these enter countries on tourist visas and then stay. Changing the laws will only give smugglers more opportunities.

Britain proposes the UN create translated online platforms to apply for legal visas, while also showing the dangers of illegal migration. The UN should invest in the proliferation, so this information reaches the right people. The smugglers who get past our x-ray machines, canine units, heartbeat monitors and carbon-dioxide sniffers are extremely resourceful. If we loosen visa laws, they will adapt and continue to take money from the poor but now with the white hats, we handed to them.

Honorable chair distinguished delegates,  The United Kingdom is strongly against making visa access easier . While the death of the 39 Chinese found inside a refrigerated lorry from Bulgaria on October 23rd, 2019 is regrettable, our only option is informing potential migrants of the danger to themselves . Illegal migration into Britain is around 650,000 —give or take a couple hundred thousand. Many of these enter countries on tourist visas and then stay . Changing the laws will only give smugglers more opportunities.

Britain proposes the UN create translated online platforms to apply for legal visas, while also showing the dangers of illegal migration . The UN should invest in the proliferation , so this information reaches the right people. The smugglers who get past our x-ray machines, canine units, heartbeat monitors and carbon-dioxide sniffers are extremely resourceful. If we loosen visa laws, they will adapt and continue to taking money from the poor but now with the white hats, we handed to them.

Clash – Do not change the visa laws. Like at all.

Information – 39 victims inside a lorry from Bulgaria (numbers and names), Illegal migration into Britain + – 650,000 (number), x-ray machines, canine units, heartbeat monitors and carbon-dioxide sniffers (specific names of detection methods.)

Call to Action – UN online platform in local languages explaining the visa process and warning of dangers. UN should create a mechanism to make sure the platform reaches relevant people. (How to reach people needs elaboration in later speeches) 

This speech starts with the UK clearly stating that they are against changing visa status, which shows which side of the main clash he is on. He brings information which he knows those who want to change visa status to save lives will bring up and says, despite that, he is against.

The UK brings many new stakeholders into the discussion such as the resourceful smugglers and how most illegal migrants come with tourist visas and stay.

As draft resolutions are practical policies, it isn’t enough to be against changing visas. The UK also needs to propose something proactive. The online resource is a good policy proposal in that it gives the IOM sometimes to advocate for which does not require a change in visa law. All countries that don’t want to change their immigration policy can get behind this idea that does not really change anything. It’s a position that many countries could back and might even get a majority. By putting the focus on resourceful smugglers, the UK is moving away from the danger to human life by saying the real enemy is the smugglers, who will be empowered by changing visa law.

Examples of Bad MUN Opening Speeches

Example bad opening speech - #1.

Committee : ECOSOC

Country : Egypt

TOPIC :  Rebuilding the Middle East

We, the Arab Republic of Egypt believe that we should help rebuild the Middle East and specifically Syria .

While the 580,000 casualties of the civil war in Syria are extremely regrettable, the real victims are the people trying to stay alive in the conflict zone that is modern Syria. More than 6.2 million people are displaced . 13.1 million are still in need of humanitarian assistance . The estimated unemployment rate stands at 54 percent . Also, 83.5 percent of the 19,454,263 Syrians live below the poverty line . Cities have been engulfed in crime, police stations closed down and the overall police personal dropped from 100,000 officers to 20,000 . Rates of theft increased, with criminals looting houses and stores. To fix this problem we need to rebuild the Middle East by rebuilding Syria!

Clash – Rebuilding the Middle East = Rebuilding Syria 

Information – A lot of facts about how difficult life is in Syria.

Call to Action – There is none.

This speech starts with the clash going half way. It focuses the rebuilding efforts on Syria. This excludes Iraq, and other candidate states, but is also a fairly predictable option which could be expected from a majority of delegates (at least if the committee takes place late 2019).

After the place setting in Syria, the speech brings many facts. This shows research but a clear lack of focus. The facts shows life in Syria is difficult, but the knowledge that life is difficult for Syrians is something everyone in the committee probably knows. The information is scattered between those who need aid, those who are unemployed and the information about dropping police forces. There is no Call to Action to make use of the data so the listener is left with the conclusion that life in Syria is hard, which they knew before the committee began.

Furthermore, the information in this speech can be used to support almost any Call to Action, from sending emergency humanitarian aid workers throughout the country to giving 100% support to Bashar Assad to reassert full control. This is the danger in giving a speech with a sort of Clash, Information and no Call to Action. Anyone can use your facts to support their own agenda.

Example Bad Opening Speech #2

Country : Ireland

The Republic of Ireland declares that we need to rebuild the Middle East ! Ireland believes that we should take action against the war and apply sanctions against the rebel terrorists in Syria and even resort to military action if necessary to stop the war. Syria is in such a poor condition because of the west’s irresponsible behavior regarding the war. The millions who died and fled are directly our fault. This is the same level of neglect seen after the Vietnam war in 1975 , when we left over 2 million as the casualty count and fled to lick our wounds and rebuild ourselves. Once the war is over, we should send financial aid to rebuild Syria again and prevent any future wars from happening. 

Clash – Unclear. 1) Rebuild the Middle East (off clash), 2) Apply Sanctions against rebel terrorists in Syria, 3) Resort to military action.

Information – Vietnam war ended in 1975. Casualty count of over 2 million.

Call to Action – Send financial aid.

This speech is a mess of mixed messages. The Clashline is Off Clash, as there likely isn’t a country who would say they do not support the idea of rebuilding the Middle East (whatever that means). We then hear “we should apply sanctions against the terrorists in Syria” with no further explanation of how this will work or who they are. We then hear “resort to military action to stop the war” with no explanation about who we are taking action against. It could be the undefined terrorists mentioned before. It could be the Syrian army. It could be someone else.

The information in this speech is about the Vietnam war. The example is extremely dated, and the numbers undefined and possibly incorrect. However, the larger issue with the information is that it doesn’t serve a purpose. The west abandoning the Middle East is never even hinted at in the beginning of the clash. It also has nothing to do with the one liner Call to Action that comes later.

The Call to Action, if we can even call it that, has nothing to do with any previous part of the speech. If anything, sending aid is the opposite of sanctions and war, both of which have nothing to do with the American withdrawal from Vietnam in 1975.

Overall, this is a confusing speech where each part sends a different message from the other parts. This speech is very open to highjacking by another delegate who will say that this speech supports their ideas. Another option is this speech is ignored. What is clear is the direction the committee takes will likely not be set by this speech.

Example Bad Opening Speech - #3

Committee : ECOFIN

Country : Peru

Topic : Responsible Usage of Arctic Resources

Peru believes that every Arctic country has the sovereignty to use their resources .

However, because of the climate changes, we should create a special committee that will discuss this subject and find ways to decrease the ecological damage. The Arctic region contains major reserves of uranium, copper, tungsten, gold, diamonds and most importantly gas and oil . In addition, it’s one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in the world. Climate changes and release of contaminants in the Arctic have potential to affect European and global weather patterns. The Arctic is particularly sensitive to the effects of global warming, and icebergs are melting at a rapid rate. Scientists fear that it will cause a significant rise in sea levels around the world, and that in the 20th of the 21 century there will be no ice zone at all during the summer.

Clash – Countries can use resources within their territory.

Information – Names of resources in the arctic and some more scattered data.

Call to Action – Create a special committee.

This speech starts with a pretty clear Clash, that countries who have access to the arctic can use their resources as they please. The next line contradicts the first and presents either an alternative Clash or a Call to Action in the form of creating a “special committee” to find ways to decrease egonolical damage (first time this is mentioned).  The rest of the speech is an array of information that doesn’t really point at anything. Some of it counts as Information in the form of new facts but most of what is said doesn’t really serve a purpose. At the end of the speech we are left wondering what was the point. From the third sentence the speech rambles on with no connection to the Clash or Call to Action which end up forgotten by the end of the speech..

Example Bad Opening Speech - #4

Country : Cuba

The Arctic states are completed and integrated by customary international sea law and several treaties. The Arctic includes areas of the national sovereignty. Cuba fully respects these sovereign rights and will be ready to play their role to confront global challenges with its scientific and technological expertise and leading companies to contribute to a sustainable Arctic development while respecting the ecosystem and indigenous people.

In this frame, Cuba expects the extending bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the Arctic, in the framework of international law to create a committee to cooperate in the following subjects : wider access of geo- strategic interest , scientific cooperation on climate change and environmental protection , economic expertise in the use of mineral resources , cooperation on human lives in extreme climate conditions .

Clash – None.

Information – None.

Call to Action – Create a committee to do basically everything.

This speech opening with what is clearly not a clashline. Cuba then says they “fully respect sovereign rights” and continue with a run on sentence (specifically how they will “ play their role to confront global challenges” using “scientific and technological expertise and leading companies” to “contribute to a sustainable Arctic development” while “respecting the ecosystem and indigenous people.”)

This delegate’s opening speech, unknowingly, tries to cover everything. The same can be seen in their call to action where the committee is created to do 5 separate things, which could each be an entire Call to Action in its own right.

This speech is hard to follow and tries to commit to so many different things. As a result, almost any other delegate can say that Cuba supports them. There are buzzwords like terms that have no clear link between them such as “sustainable Arctic development”,  “ecosystem”, “indigenous people” and more. Overall, it is a difficult speech to follow where the listener is left without a clear idea of what the delegate wants, unless if what they want is absolutely everything.

Country : Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic says we have to take care of the arctic . It is important because there are many resources there which the world will be sad to lose. It also has endangered species.

We have not been careful with the arctic. Countries could also go to war over it. We need to be responsible. This means setting up mechanisms to protect the environment. We should also create treaties to protect nature and the natural resources there.

We owe it to our children and their children to take care of the arctic . We will have failed them if they ask us “why were you not responsible”. We need to be able to have an answer. As ECOFIN, we need to make sure the United Nations ensures that its member states use the arctic responsibly or do not use it at all. If we want an arctic when we are older we need to protect it today!

Clash – The clash in this speech is off clash.

Information – There are zero facts in this speech.

Call to Action – “take care of the arctic” which could mean anything.

This speech could have been written by someone who only read the name of the topic. Everything in it is general. No fact is present and no original idea is presented.

The only merit of this speech is that it can be read dramatically but even then there is nothing to remember except for lines like “we owe it to our children and their children to take care of the arctic.” At best, this speech shows eloquence and a knack for drama. What it does not do is set or drive debate in any way. Coming away from this you can assume no research was done and there is possibly a lack of understanding of how a MUN works.

Adapting Your Opening Speech in Real Time 

At this point, you should be able to understand the different parts of a MUN opening speech and how they work together. Inspired by the examples and opening speech analysis, the patterns and characteristics of a good MUN opening speech should be clear. The final part of the opening speech process is the modifications you will sometimes need to do to adapt your speech to the previous speeches that came before yours.

MUN RULE: Always ready to adapt in real-time. This rule applies to your opening speech.

Just because it’s your first speech , doesn’t mean it’s the first speech in the committee room. 

Ideas will come up from the very first opening speech in the committee. Once a delegate utters the words,“Honorable chair distinguished delegate” you should be ready to make a few modifications to your opening speech. Adapting  to the room and the ideas is key to success in MUN.

Factor in the speaking order

Opening speeches are usually heard alphabetically. Other options are reverse alphabetical , in order of seating or completely at random . 

Write your speech to build on top of others

Take note of the first letter of your country, write your speech with your place in the speaking order in mind. Countries with the letters A through C often give the first speeches, since not every committee has interviews countries with every letter in the alphabet. : )

(Remember although most conferences have opening speeches in alphabetical order, this is not a guarantee) 

The countries who start their opening speech have first crack at defining the terms, setting the Clash and introducing the first Calls to Action.

More delegates on your Clash = Better

If you are not the first delegate making an opening speech, it is very possible you will join an existing Clash. Joining other delegates with the same idea is not a bad thing. The more delegates who subscribe to your world view the better chance you have to get a majority.

Hearing your Clash by another delegate in previous speeches is a very good thing. This lays the foundation to start building your coalition already during the opening speech stage through a tactic called echoing .

If you are not the first delegate making an opening speech, think what is likely to have been said and add to it. It is very possible you will join an existing Clash. This is not a bad thing. The more delegates there are who subscribe to your world view the better chance you have to get a majority.

As long as it isn’t Off Clash, hearing your Clash in some of the previous speeches is a very good thing. This means you can start building your coalition already during the opening speech stage through a tactic called echoing.

Echo others

Echoing is mentioning another country by name in your speech. You can echo that you agree with them or disagree. You can directly quote or paraphrase. Echoing is not limited to opening speeches but it is a very potent strategy to use when you aren’t the first speaker.

How to Echo:

Echoing in an opening speech is usually best done right before your clash. You can also echo a country in the middle of your speech but it has a larger chance of getting missed.

Echoing in an opening speech can look something like this:

“Portugal agrees with Denmake, France and Haiti and disagreed with Russia and Pakistan.”

When you mention another country by name their ears perk up and they listen. You want allies and the opposing bloc to listen. You definitely want the countries you mention by name to listen.

Echoing in an opening speech needs to have a purpose. The purpose is usually to start putting your coalition together. Mentioning someone else in your speech grants you street credit with them. On a secondary level echoing helps set the Clash. Other countries will see that a number of delegates see your Clash as the issue to discuss and can choose to come on board, or at least acknowledge the Clash as something to be addressed.

If you are not one of the first speakers echoing it is also a way to show other delegates that you’re listening. If you mention countries who spoke at the beginning when you’re one of the later delages to speak, it sounds like your stopped listening at the beginning. It’s better to echo a country from the beginning, middle and a few speakers before you. This way the delegates in the room know your are attentive. 

Echoing other delegates as a way to communicate with them from within your opening speech. Those extra words can help you start building coalitions, and agreeing on what reality the committee is taking place in, before the opening speeches end.

Finally, remember that echoing is part of your word count . If you’re going to echo, factor that into your speech time. A strategy some delegates use is writing their opening speech with 10 words less than fits a minute to leave room for echoing.

Saying CtA Best > Saying CtA First

Some MUN topics have a limited number of policies that can be implemented. If you’re a further down the opening speech list it is very likely someone said your policy, or something like it. This too is a good thing. When the topic has only three or four viable policies, it should be expected that some ideas will repeat themselves.

If you’re dealing with an earthquake there are only so many ways to rescue people from under the rubble.

If you’re dealing with a virus, there are only so many ways to vaccinate and research an antidote.

This is why would should not worry about saying the Call to Action first. On some topics, if you’re the only one to say it, you likely have a much larger problem

This is where going into detail and SMART policy come into play. You can echo the other countries who mentioned your policy idea in one line and develop it. If they gave one line at the end of their speech but you take 25 seconds to explain, the credit will go to you.

Remember that your opening speech is not the end, it’s a beginning. The delegate who best develops the idea, and pushes it the furthest over time, is the one who gets the credit. Also, you don’t need to do it alone. Having one or two strong allies will make a big difference when it comes to getting your Call to Action a central place of the draft resolution. MUN is a team activity and there is no promise of an easy ride to a majority. That is also part of the fun and the magic that is MUN. Be open to working with others and see the other delegates who try to set your Clash or introduce your Call to Action as an opportunity. CIA alone is more work for you. Others joining and supporting  your CIA is the essence of cooperation and leveling up in Model United Nations.

There you have it. The secret to writing a great MUN opening speech. Remember, a speech alone is not though. You need to combine it with proper country representation , good coalition work, and resolution writing . However, if you give a bad opening speech you will need to work extra hard to catch up afterward. This can potentially be especially hard in an expert room.

You will also have to give other speeches after the first one. There are all types of follow up speeches that are needed to keep your CIA going. Once the ideas are out, their repetition is key to keeping your ideas on the table and yourself relevant. However, now that you gave a great opening speech, you have a much better chance to influence the direction the committee takes.

You should also use the tools of CIA speech writing to critically listen to others. Listen to hear what they are missing, whether it’s a Clash, a Call to Action or data to back it up. Write notes on their speeches and factor that into your general strategy.

The tools you gained here are relevant for high school MUN, college or university MUN as well as for other platforms that involve public speech. More importantly, these tools can also be used outside of MUN. After all, being relevant, interesting and driving conversation are even more important outside of a Model UN committee simulation. Make these tools second nature and they should serve you well for a long time.

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Lessons from the MUN Institute: How to Write an Opening Speech

Public speaking is a highly valuable skill you have the opportunity to develop through Model United Nations. Knowing how to prepare and deliver well-organized and thoughtful speeches will help you in school, your future career, and the rest of your life.

At an MUN conference, you will have many opportunities to give speeches. As the representative of your assigned country, you will be expected to speak about your country’s policy on the committee topics and your proposed solutions.

There are two main opportunities to make speeches in Model UN:

• Speakers List: When the committee begins, the chair will create a list of delegates who wish to give speeches. These speeches are typically about the how each country feels about the topic, and range from 1-2 minutes long. The first time you speak on the speakers list is referred to as your opening speech . You should prepare this speech before the conference. After your first speech, you can sent a note to the chair to request to be put on the Speakers List again.
• Moderated Caucus: Whereas the speakers list is about the topic in general, a moderated caucus is about a specific part of the topic. A moderated caucus has no Speakers List; delegates must raise their placards and wait for the chair to call on them to speak. Each delegate typically gets 30 seconds to 1 minute to speak, and have to focus on the topic of the caucus.

Public Speaking Structure

One of the easiest way to organize your speeches in Model UN, especially for opening speeches, is to use the following three-part formula:

• Hook: An engaging way to grab your audience’s attention;
• Point: Your country policy on the topic; and,
• Call to Action: Possible solutions to the topic.

The beginning of a speech should grab your audience’s attention. It should give your audience a reason to listen to you – otherwise they won’t. An attention-grabbing introduction is often called a “hook.” There are many different types of hooks, but here are a few common ones that work well in Model UN.

Question: Asking the audience a question is often an easy way to get their attention.

Example: “Do you think it is possible for us to live in a world without poverty? The people of my country think so. We believe we can achieve the end of poverty.”

Quote: A quote engages the audience when they recognize the figure you’re quoting.

Example: “Fifty years ago, United States President John F. Kennedy said, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.’ Today, ask not what the world can do for you, but what you can do for the world.”

Statistic: A statistic can grab an audience’s attention if it is surprising or interesting.

Example: “Over 1 billion people around the world live on less than US$1.25 a day. Over 1 billion people live in extreme poverty.”

Story: A story is the oldest form of communication and if told well, can certainly grab an audience’s attention. But speeches in MUN are typically very short, so keep the story brief!

Example: “Several years ago, in rural Pakistan, a girl was walking to school when a gunshot rang out – and she was shot in the head. The Taliban any girls to go to school. But that girl survived, and today she fights for girls’ right to education around the world. That girl’s name was Malala.”

The point is the purpose of your speech. It is the reason why you’re speaking. Once you have your audience’s attention, you should deliver your point. MUN speeches are often short, so stick to one point. Make it significant but simple to understand. It is better to say one thing well than many things poorly.

In opening speeches in MUN, the “point” is to state your country policy on the topic. Then offer 2-3 reasons explaining why your country had adopted this policy.

Example: “The Republic of Korea believes that education is a human right, and that all people should have access to education. Education is a pathway out of poverty for millions in developing countries, like Korea was just a few decades ago. Education is the driver of change and development in this world, and education is critical for the human race to continue to thrive and grow.

3. Call to Action

Good speeches end with a “call to action,” which is when you tell your audience to go and do something. Your call to action is your specific solution to the problem.

Example: “To provide universal access to education, Korea proposes the creation of an international fund called ‘Education For All’ that will support 3 programs in developing countries: building more schools, training new teachers, and preventing girls from dropping out of school. We call upon the international community to create and donate to this fund, so we can guarantee education as a right globally.” 

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• Welcome Speech for Conference

Welcome Speech for Conference for Students in English

A welcome speech is usually given in the beginning and guests are welcomed by giving an introduction of their names. A welcome speech for a conference is given to inaugurate an event that is held for a certain amount of time. A welcome speech for a conference should include important points like the importance of participating and what a person can gain from it.

Here, we have provided long and short welcome speeches for the conference and, along with that, we have also given 10 line pointers about the welcome speech for the conference. Students can refer to these speeches and note down all the important points which could help them to deliver a good speech.

Long Welcome Speech for Conference Delegates

Good morning to everyone present here! Thank you in advance for joining us at this 5-day International Personal Development Conference, 2021.

It is my pleasure to introduce to you all the speakers and the personality trainers who have come from all across the country today to share their knowledge and teach all the techniques to improve your personality. Today’s conference has around 5000 enthusiastic students from more than 20 schools around the country. This will make our personality development conference truly country level.

Our personality development conference was started in 2005, almost 15 years back, and it was the time when phones were first introduced in the market and the internet was a luxury for many people. So, our personality development conference was the only way students could improve their personality and make a good first impression.

Our personality development conference has come a long way since 2005. Many like us come and perish, but we have stood tall against all the challenges that we faced. We understood and adapted to the changing technological trends in the industry. From having only 25 students in 2005, we have come a long way in making this conference a huge success by having almost 5000 students participating in this 5-day conference at various schools.

We are proud to announce that we will be partnering with Vedantu to reach and teach all the students who are at home. Vedantu provides us with the platform to do so. Through Vedantu you can access our personality development course and learn all the courses that will allow the students to build a positive first impression. All you have to do is to subscribe to Vedantu on youtube or visit their official website and you can access all the courses for free. Our goal is not only to teach the 5000 students present here but to reach all the students across the country.

The main aim of the conference is to enhance your personality. The program is divided into three stages. The first stage is a group discussion, where a group consisting of 20 students will be formed. Each group will be monitored by our expert speakers that will help each student to improve their public speaking skills.

The second stage is an informative session in which tips and tricks about personality development will be shared by our personality experts. The do’s and don'ts taught by our personality expert will help the students to improve their personalities.

The third stage is about a one-on-one debate with our personality development trainers. Students will be provided with an opportunity to speak with the trainer personally and clear all their doubts. This stage is designed to help the student overcome anxiety and the fear that students might face when they speak.

The main aim of this conference is for the betterment of all the students and like every year we hope students will give the best in all the stages and overcome all their fears. Last but not the least, I would like to thank all personality development speakers, the school authorities across the country, and the Education Department of Karnataka. Without your constant support and belief through all these years, this program would not have been possible.

To conclude I wanna ask all the students to give and try their best and overcome all their fears and insecurities. I wish everyone all the best.

Short Welcome Speech for Conference Delegates

Good morning to everyone present here. I welcome you all to this 5-day conference on personality development.

It is my honour to introduce to all of you the trainers and speakers of today’s event. They have come from across the country to share their valuable knowledge of personality development. Everybody, please give a round of applause to every speaker here on the stage. So, why is this conference a big deal? Well, today’s conference includes 20 schools from all around the country and around 10,000 students participating.

In 2005, we started our journey and it has been almost 15 years; as the years passed we have accomplished greater heights and have expanded our family.  We only had 50 students when we started this conference in 2005 and now, we have more than 10,000 students participating from more than 20 schools from all around the country.

Vedantu has joined hands with us as our digital partner to help all the children to attend this conference from the comfort of their homes. All you have to do is subscribe to Vedantu on youtube or visit their official website and you can attend the conference for free.

The main aim of this program is to enhance your personality and to make you speak without fear. The program is divided into three stages. The first stage is a group discussion, the second stage is an informative talk with our personality development trainers, and the third stage is a one-on-one debate with the personality development trainers. All of these stages will assist you in facing your worries, which will help you develop your speech and listening abilities.

In conclusion, I want to ask all students to do their best to conquer all their insecurity and fear. I wish you all the best. Thank you.

10 Lines on Welcome Speech for Conference Delegates

A welcome speech for the conference is given for an event that is held for a certain amount of time.

Thank you in advance for joining the given day international conference on personality development.

We have international speakers and a personality development trainer that will share their knowledge on how to speak freely on stage without any fear.

This five-day conference on personality training has more than five thousand students from twenty schools around the country. 

Fifteen years ago, our first personality development conference was started and only twenty-five students attended during that time. After years of hard work and dedication, our programs have helped thousands of students all across the country.

We are very proud to announce that we will be partnering with Vedantu to help the program reach every student all across the country. Vedantu provides us with a platform through which students can freely access our personality development course. 

The main aim of the personality development course is to mould his or her personality.

The personality development course is divided into three stages: the group discussion which will help the students to face their biggest fear of a huge crowd.

The second stage is an interactive session in which the gurus of personality development will share the tricks on how to mould a personality to speak without fear on the stage. 

The third stage allows the person to have a one-on-one personal session with a personality development trainer.

A welcome speech for conference should be memorable enough. You can ensure the same by planning and practicing your speech in advance, speaking slowly and clearly, and engaging with your audience. While delivering the speech, also ensure you have a confident body language. You can also divide your speech into sections, keep it short, and include jokes or any personal story to prevent boredom. Using visual aids also helps. Also, refrain from making any grammatical mistakes.

FAQs on Welcome Speech for Conference

1. What phrases can be used for welcome speech for a conference?

Here's a hearty welcome, big and warm enough to surround you all!

To say we are excited to see you is an understatement."

"It's my happiness to extend a friendly welcome to you all!

Your presence makes us very happy."

Glad to welcome you. 

Generous welcome. 

Gracious welcome. 

Respectful welcome.

2. How to prepare a speech for a conference?

There are a number of things that you need to consider when preparing a presentation. It includes the aim of the presentation, the subject matter, the audience, the venue or place, the time of day, and the length of the talk.

3. What things should be considered while delivering a speech for conference?

Use your voice expressively and meaningfully.

Minimize the uhs, ums, likes and y'knows.

Enunciate words clearly. Don't mumble or garble them.

Speak with appropriate loudness and speed. Consider the audience, place and topic.

Use variations in speed, inflexions, and force to enhance your meaning and hold the audience attention.

4. How to finish your speech for conference?

Use your conclusions as an opportunity to summarize the gist of your speech. 

Do not repeat important points word for word. Instead, paraphrase the important issues and discussions you have just presented.

Consider ending the speech with an additional anecdote or quote that captures the topic of the speech.

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SRB Legal Conference 2024: Navigating legal frontiers in the EU Banking Union and beyond

Opening speech at the srb annual conference 2021 by elke könig.

[Check against delivery]

[Introduction]

Good morning ladies and gentlemen, fellow speakers; and good morning to our audience joining us online, from around the world.

First, may I thank each of our speakers for taking part in this event – the quality and calibre of speakers this year is outstanding. I also want to thank all of you for connecting this morning, and I hope you are looking forward to the discussions as much as I am.

[Optimistic outlook]

This is the second year that we are holding our major annual event in a hybrid format, with no audience physically in the room. But this year, I am speaking to you in a much more positive context, both in terms of the public health situation and the economic outlook.

We can look to the future with cautious optimism, buoyed by progress in vaccinations and recent economic and earnings forecasts.

As we come together today, with the theme of ‘Delivering for financial stability’, I would like to mention three other reasons to be cheerful.

First , the banks under the SRB’s remit have delivered good progress towards resolvability and, particularly, in building up loss-absorbing capacity. Overall, we can say that banks and regulators have worked well together to overcome the crisis in the past year.

Second , I’m glad to say that the SRB has delivered over the past year. We have delivered on resolution planning for banks , setting clear expectations and monitoring progress on resolvability.

And third , we have seen that our financial stability framework has delivered during this terrible crisis.

[Work still to do]

However, even if I open on a cheerful note, I would not like to give the impression that our work here is done. Far from it.

There is much to do over the coming years, particularly as we get ever closer to the milestone of full resolvability for all banks by 2023 .

Our expectations are clear. We have set the benchmarks. It is now time for banks to complete their ‘to do’ lists and demonstrate that they are fully resolvable.

Here at the SRB , we also have a mission for the next year, to provide clear guidance and set priorities, both for individual banks and the sector as a whole. In 2022 , our focus will be, in particular, on liquidity and funding in resolution, separability and reorganisation plans as well as information systems and data capabilities. Our resolvability heat-map will help gauge and assess performance in these, and other, areas.

[Bigger picture – Banking Union]

We are ready to deliver , and we are proud of the work done together with the banks, the national resolution authorities and our other partners.

But when we zoom out to look at the overall Banking Union picture , we see there is much still to deliver on that front.

Our framework contributed to helping the EU cope with a huge health crisis, and to avoiding it becoming a broader financial crisis. But we are not bringing the full benefits of the Banking Union to European citizens or to the banking sector while it is not yet complete.

I very much welcome the Commission and the Eurogroup’s shared focus on carrying out the reforms needed for more efficient, fair and effective solutions for bank failures, which will also contribute to cross-border financial integration and stronger banks. Let us continue to deliver for financial stability.

[Conclusion]

Ladies and gentlemen, let me once again thank our fantastic speakers for giving their time and insight today. And I hope all of you watching enjoy the conference.

It is now my very great pleasure and honour to introduce our first speaker , European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union, Mairead McGuinness.

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Welcome speech for church conference examples

You been looking for welcome speech for church conference examples?

Welcome to our page for some samples that can help you as you prepare for the up coming conference in your church.

We understand that this might be your first time you been tasked to prepare for welcome speech for the church conference and that is the reason we created this page to cater for people like you who need help.

If you are used to giving church speeches and are only here because you want some insights as partains to giving a speech in church, you will also learn one or two things.

Mostly we take care of church members who is their first time to deliver an occasion speech and they really need help on how to go about it.

We have created sample speeches that will help them to have a glimpse how an occasion church speech looks like and we also help them to create a church speech if they want.

Therefore welcome to our page and below is a welcome speech for church conference examples that you can have a look at.

welcome speech for church conference examples

I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus, good morning!

Let me take this chance to thank our heavenly Father for allowing us to congregate here today for this church conference,

We have fasted and prayed for this wonderful occasion and finally the Lord has enabled us to see it, we want to give Him honor and glory for the provision and opportunity to see one another as we share love together.

As we start the day, let me welcome each and every one of you who found time to attend the conference that is unique and life changing.

Feel at Jesus feet and stay blessed.

church annual convention welcome speech

Here is the  church annual convention welcome speech to help you as you prepare for the occasion.

I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus.

what a joy to stand before you today as I welcome you to our annual convention. It is an event we have looked forward to and want to thank our heavenly Father for allowing us to be here today.

We have traveled from far and wide, finally we are here because of the mercies of the Lord who granted us the grace to travel here safely.

Feel at Jesus Feet and know that the love of God is with us.

As we begin the program of the day, want to thank the Lord for the gift of life.

All our guests including the speakers are all present and are going to feed us with the word of God that proceeded from the mouth of God.

Let us all examine ourselves so that when we leave,God shall have fill us with the knowledge of truth and understanding.

Thank you for listening to me and God bless in the period you are going to be here.

We hope the above speech sample has helped you.

If you wanted some specifications that were not included in the sample above then you can contact us now using the contact form below here and we shall be able to create one from scratch and send you through email.

This is only when you don't have time and want something quick to help you during the occasion.

Here is the contact form that you can use to send your details so  that we can help you write one.

If you also want a guidance that give you a step by step from scratch until you do the delivery in the conference then you can download our 35 page eBook that can give you a great assistance.

Here is the eBook that you can download instantly, how to write and deliver a church speech.

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Opening speech at the Global Conference on Primary Health Care

Thank you Minister Birtanov,

Your Excellency, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan,

Excellency, Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal,

Executive Director of UNICEF,

Ministers, commissioner of EU

Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, I would like to express how happy I am to be with you this morning.

I thank His Excellency the Prime Minister and the Government of Kazakhstan for your hospitality, and for hosting this very important meeting.

I would actually like to start by answering Yana Panfilova’s request. She said “We need universal health coverage with quality services.”

I fully agree with you Yana, and that is what we are saying here today.

The only thing we are stressing is universal health coverage, with primary health care as its foundation.

So we would like to assure you that we go for health for all, for universal health coverage and for quality. 

And I will start by paying tribute to my predecessor, Halfdan Theodor Mahler, by the way whose middle name is the same as my name, who passed away just a couple of years ago.

In the history of public health, Dr Mahler is a giant.

And also I would like to recognise the presence of Dr Sharmanov, who was in 1978 the architect of primary health care.

I am glad to have someone in person to witness what it felt like 40 years ago.

We are here in large part because of the vision of these giants, and the vision of the other architects of the Alma-Ata declaration.

But we’re also here because we must acknowledge that we have not achieved that vision.

Instead of health for all, we have achieved health for some.

On one hand, we have made enormous progress.

In the past 40 years, life expectancy has increased dramatically;

we have reduced maternal mortality by almost half, and child mortality by more than half;

we’ve turned the tide on the HIV epidemic, malaria deaths have halved – and we could list many more successes.

But progress has been uneven and unfair, both between and within countries.

There is still a 31-year discrepancy between the countries with the shortest and longest life expectancies.

Some people enjoy the benefits of cutting edge medical technologies, while others don’t have the basics.

At least half the world’s population lacks access to essential health services.

And every year, almost 100 million people are pushed into extreme poverty by the costs of paying for care out of their own pockets.

In the forty years since Alma-Ata, we have allowed the vision of health for all to become too small, too diluted.

We have allowed ourselves to become too focused on fighting specific diseases, at the expense of strengthening health systems.

We have allowed ourselves to become too focused on treatment, at the expense of promoting health and preventing disease.

We’re here this week to do something about it.

We’re here to recommit to primary health care as the foundation of strong health systems and universal health coverage.

The declaration we’re endorsing commits us to putting people at the centre of health care, not diseases or conditions.

It commits us to empowering people to take care of their own health, and to advocate for it.

It commits us to taking action across sectors to address the social, economic and environmental determinants of health.

And it commits us to building sustainable primary care, with services that meet people’s needs, throughout their lives.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

On Friday last week I had the honour of having an audience with His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican.

I would like to use this opportunity to thank him for his statement through his ambassador here.

His Holiness affirmed to me what we all believe – that health is a human right for all people, not a privilege for those who can afford it.

The world has changed dramatically since 1978 – socially, economically, politically and in many other ways.

But the right to health has not changed.

We are one human race. We share the same blood, the same hopes and aspirations, the same DNA.

Some of us are born to privilege. Some are born to deprivation.

Some of us have big ambitions, big dreams. Some just dream of making it through the day, a matter of survival.

But the one hope we all share is to live a healthy life.

Health should not be the prize you win for climbing to the top of the pile.

It should be the gift we’re all given; the gift that enables us to realise our dreams and fulfil our potential.

Because it’s a fundamental human right.

Health is the foundation for individuals and families to flourish, communities to prosper and nations to thrive.

That’s why it is a fundamental human right.  

And primary health care is the foundation of better health;

Health care that focuses on promoting health and preventing disease, as well as treating it;

Health care that empowers people to become active participants in their own health, instead of passive recipients.

Achieving health care like that is a political choice, but health is not a political toy.

Politics must always be a tool for advancing health, not for impeding it.

The question we all face is, can we realise that vision?

Can we succeed where we have failed before?

I believe the answer to that is a resounding yes, and I hope you will agree with me. Otherwise I would not be here today.

Today, I see three reasons for optimism.

First, I see I see a new era of cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In Berlin two weeks ago, we launched the Global Action Plan for Healthy Lives and Well-Being.

So far, 11 leaders of global health agencies – including Unicef and others in this room – have come together in support of the plan, to commit to working together in closer cooperation, instead of in a fragmented and disjointed way.

Second, I see new technologies that offer us the opportunity to reach everyone with health services and health information, from the biggest cities to the remotest villages.

And third, I see you. I see the people in this hall. I see us. I see the people I have met all over the world who share a singular commitment to achieving better health – for themselves, for their families, their communities, their nations and their planet. 

You are our hope. No one else will achieve the ambitious vision of health for all. It’s up to us.

History will record us as the generation that was given a second chance of achieving health for all. Will it record that we wasted the opportunity? Or will it record that we made it happen?

Let’s start writing that history now. Let’s make it happen.

Yesterday we walked the talk for physical activity. Now we must walk the talk for primary health care as a foundation. And for universal health coverage, for true health for all.

Next year we will gather at the United Nations General Assembly for the High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage.

This is a unique opportunity to rally world leaders in support of health for all.

I urge each of you to use your influence – however small or large it may be – to ensure your head of state or head of government is there.

But we don’t need to wait for next year. We can take action now. And we should start taking action now.

Each of us must do whatever we can to realise this vision in our own sphere of influence.

Together, we must learn from the mistakes of the past, embrace the opportunities of the present and shape the future we all want.

We must engage in open discussion.

We must listen to the voices of health professionals, nurses, midwives, doctors and carers.

We must allow the courage, ideas and innovations of patients and communities all over the world to inspire us.

Palpable change will come by empowering and enabling people to take ownership of their health and healthcare.

We must refocus our efforts to ensure that everyone everywhere is able to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health.

Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,

The human race is capable of amazing achievements and terrible deeds – from exploring the universe to waging destructive war.

Now is the time to change history. Now is the time act. Now is the time to achieve a healthier, safer, fairer world for all.

If we want it, what it takes is political commitment, it’s a political choice.

And it’s up to us.

How to Deliver an Effective Closing Speech for a Scientific Conference

In the world of scientific conferences, delivering a well-crafted closing speech is an important task. In this post, we will guide you through the key sections of a successful closing speech, helping you leave a lasting impression on the attendees and wrap up the conference on a high note.

Key Highlights and Breakthroughs

As the conference comes to an end, it's crucial to provide a concise summary of the main highlights. Reflect on the significant themes, breakthroughs, and notable research contributions discussed throughout the event. By summarizing the conference, you reinforce the key takeaways for the attendees and remind them of the value gained from their participation.

Recognizing Organizers and Contributors

Expressing gratitude is an essential part of any closing speech. Take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and dedication of the conference organizers. Recognize their efforts in creating a platform that fosters knowledge exchange and supports scientific advancement. This is also an opportune time to thank the speakers for sharing their expertise and the attendees for their active participation.

Spotlight on Inspiring Presenters

Highlighting the contributions of the keynote speakers and presenters adds a personal touch to your closing speech. Briefly mention some of the standout speakers and their presentations, emphasizing the significance of their research and the value it added to the conference. This recognition not only acknowledges their efforts but also provides a sense of accomplishment and appreciation for their contributions.

Thanking the Active Conference Participants

Expressing gratitude towards the attendees is crucial, as their presence and engagement play a pivotal role in the success of the conference. Thank them for their active participation, thought-provoking questions, and valuable discussions. Emphasize that their collective presence contributed to the vibrant and intellectually stimulating atmosphere of the event.

Personal Insights and Takeaways

In this section, share your own reflections on the conference. Discuss the most memorable, interesting, or impactful moments that stood out to you personally. Highlight how the conference has contributed to the advancement of knowledge in the field and inspired further research. By offering your insights, you encourage others to reflect on the value and impact of the conference as well.

Keep momentum, keep the community

As the conference draws to a close, it's important to inspire and motivate the attendees to continue their scientific endeavors beyond the event. Encourage them to maintain the spirit of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and research excellence that the conference exemplified. Emphasize the importance of sustained efforts and continued engagement to drive scientific progress in the future.

In the closing section, provide your final remarks and wrap up the speech. Reiterate your gratitude to the attendees, organizers, and speakers for their contributions. Leave them with a positive and uplifting message that reinforces the significance of their involvement and participation in the conference.

Delivering a compelling closing speech for a scientific conference requires careful planning and execution. By following the structure outlined in this post, you can create a memorable and impactful closing speech that leaves a lasting impression on the attendees. Remember, a well-crafted closing speech not only signifies the end of a conference but also acts as a catalyst for future collaborations, research endeavors, and scientific advancements.

We hope this guide helps you deliver an effective closing speech at your next scientific conference. Best of luck with your future presentations.

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Roberto Rabasco

+10 years’ experience working for Deutsche Telekom, Just Eat or Asos. Leading, designing and developing high-availability software solutions, he built his own software house in '16

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The International Labour Organization will hold its 112th annual International Labour Conference in Geneva from 3–14 June 2024. Worker, employer and government delegates from the ILO's 187 Member States will tackle a wide range of issues, including: a standard-setting discussion on protection against biological hazards, a recurrent discussion on the strategic objective of fundamental principles and rights at work and a general discussion on decent work and the care economy. The Conference will also elect members of the Governing Body for the 2024-27 term of office

Opening of the 112th International Labour Conference

The opening sitting of the 112th International Labour Conference will elect the Conference President and Vice-Presidents, adopt the operational arrangements for the conduct of the Conference and the constitution of committees. It will hear the opening addresses of the President of the Conference, the Employers’ and Workers’ Groups Chairpersons as well as the ILO Director-General and a special address by Ms Jayati Ghosh -Development Economist- on the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philadelphia .

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SPEECHES — DG NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA

Opening Remarks

Thank you, Chair. Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is a great pleasure to join you today for this conference on Azerbaijan’s accession to the World Trade Organization.

Allow me to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to Professor Adalat Jalal Muradov, Rector of the Azerbaijan State University of Economics, for hosting us so graciously. I would also like to acknowledge the distinguished representatives from the Government of Azerbaijan, the private sector, and academia for their participation. We also have the pleasure to have with us Ambassador Alparslan Acarsoy, Permanent Representative of Türkiye to the WTO and Chairperson of the Working Party on the Accession of Azerbaijan.

I am delighted to be in Baku at the invitation of the Government of Azerbaijan. It is clear that Azerbaijan is thinking seriously about WTO Membership again. Azerbaijan reactivated its accession process at the WTO last July with the first meeting of its accession Working Party in 6 years. This meeting, chaired by Ambassador Acarsoy, injected fresh momentum into a process that was initiated 27 years ago.

Becoming a WTO Member is not easy. The accession process is an active negotiation between existing WTO Members and the acceding government to determine the specific terms of entry. Applicants are required to make significant structural reforms, from reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers, to phasing out export subsidies, altering how state-owned enterprises operate, publishing trade-related decrees, and establishing independent tribunals to review administrative action.

Reforms like these can be politically difficult. Nevertheless, analysis suggests that accession — and the reforms that go with it — pay substantial economic dividends.

WTO economists have demonstrated that members that went through the post-1995 accession process that Azerbaijan is undergoing — and the demanding reform commitments that came with it — registered substantially higher post-membership growth rates, and saw much more capital investment, than members who acceeded before 1995.  They estimate that  economies acceding to the WTO grew, on average, 1.5 percentage points faster than they would have without undertaking the reforms and commitments associated with accession.

The WTO membership process also contributes to significant improvements in the business environment. Countries that joined the WTO between 2004 and 2014 saw major progress in areas such as starting a business, getting credit, and trading across borders( 1 ). On average, these countries improved their business regulations substantially, making it easier for local businesses to thrive. Accession-related reforms improve the business climate and reduce the costs of doing business, while contributing to levelling the playing field for all economic actors, including small and medium-sized enterprises.

Such findings are corroborated by real-world examples:

Officials from neighbouring Kazakhstan suggest that the services market access commitments they undertook as part of their WTO accession complemented their investment promotion policies to attract increased foreign direct investment into non-extractive sectors of the economy. This helped drive both job creation and economic diversification after Kazakhstan became a WTO member in late 2015. Foreign direct investment in Kazakhstan's information and communication technology sector increased at an annual average rate of close to 18% between 2017 and 2023, contributing to a marked reduction in telecommunications prices and an increase in digital access. In fact, one estimate suggests that Kazakhstan has the second lowest average price for broadband in the world.

During Lao PDR's accession process — another landlocked WTO Member, though much further away from here — it simplified and automated its border clearance procedures, in addition to making them more transparent through an online portal. The changes contributed to substantial decreases in time to import and export.

Stories like these abound. Analysis of countries that have gone through the accession process indicates that they tend to experience faster output and trade growth and receive more foreign direct investment. Participation in global value chains has also tended to accelerate in the years after accession.

We have every reason to believe that Azerbaijan will benefit similarly. A recent study by the Asian Development Bank( 2 ), commissioned by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Economy, showed that WTO accession could be associated with 9% gains in real GDP and even a 30-40% increase in tariff revenue — as increased trade volumes more than offset lower import duties. Inward FDI is projected to increase by as much as 95%, helping to support trade diversification and boost participation in global value chains. Moreover, accession is projected to support a 6% increase in real wage growth, indicating important gains for people in the labor market. The analysis also suggests that sectors like electrical machinery, agriculture, fishing, and food and beverages would be poised for substantial growth.

It is probably no coincidence that Azerbaijan is once again thinking about WTO accession, as it seeks to position itself as an attractive economic hub in a shifting geopolitical and economic context. Azerbaijan's strategic location at the crossroads of the North-South and East-West trade corridors provides a unique advantage. However, to fully seize this potential, Azerbaijan will have to combine investments in hard infrastructure with investments in soft infrastructure - what we might think of as “trade policy connectivity”. The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement contributes to such connectivity by encouraging measures like the harmonization of customs and transit procedures. With WTO accession, Azerbaijan would implement core reforms in this area. Full implementation of the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement is projected to reduce trade costs by as much as 14.3%( 3 ), according to WTO estimates. Such reductions are particularly beneficial for landlocked economies like Azerbaijan.

Broadening our lens beyond border logistics, Azerbaijan can use WTO accession as a tool to modernize and diversify its oil-and-gas reliant economy.

Let me conclude by saying that the journey to WTO accession is a collaborative effort that requires the concerted action of the government, private sector, academia, and partner institutions. Conferences like this one can make a substantive contribution to the overall endeavour. The WTO Secretariat stands ready to provide the assistance and support necessary to facilitate this journey.

Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to our discussions today.

Closing Remarks

Excellencies, as I observed earlier, Azerbaijan initiated its WTO accession process 27 years ago. Over that time, it has invested significant resources in WTO accession. The groundwork has been laid.

Since Azerbaijan filed its initial letter of application in June 1997, some 33 economies — big and small — have gone through the accession process and have emerged as active Members of the Organization. Two more new Members — Comoros and Timor-Leste — will be added in the coming months, following the signing of their Accession Protocols in February.

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Monetary Policy Decision Press Conference Opening Statement

Good morning. I’m pleased to be here with Senior Deputy Governor Carolyn Rogers to discuss today’s policy announcement.

Governing Council decided monetary policy no longer needs to be as restrictive and lowered the policy interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.75%.

We’ve come a long way in the fight against inflation. And our confidence that inflation will continue to move closer to the 2% target has increased over recent months. The considerable progress we’ve made to restore price stability is welcome news for Canadians.

Since our Monetary Policy Report in April, underlying inflation has continued to ease and economic growth has resumed. With the economy in excess supply, there is room for growth even as inflation continues to recede.

Let me provide a little more detail about these dynamics.

After stalling in the second half of last year, economic growth picked up in the first quarter of this year. At 1.7%, growth was lower than projected in the April report. But consumption growth was solid at about 3%, and business investment and housing activity also increased.

In the labour market, businesses are continuing to hire workers. Employment has been growing, but at a slower pace than the working-age population. This has allowed the supply of workers to catch up with job vacancies. Elevated wage pressures look to be moderating gradually.

Inflation remains above the 2% target and shelter price inflation is high. But total consumer price index (CPI) inflation has declined consistently over the course of this year, and indicators of underlying inflation increasingly point to a sustained easing. I’ll highlight four indicators in particular:

• CPI inflation has eased from 3.4% in December to 2.7% in April
• our preferred measures of core inflation have come down from about 3½% last December to about 2¾% in April
• the 3-month rates of core inflation slowed from about 3½% in December to under 2% in March and April
• the proportion of CPI components increasing faster than 3% is now close to its historical average, suggesting price increases are no longer unusually broad-based

This all means restrictive monetary policy is working to relieve price pressures. And with further and more sustained evidence underlying inflation is easing, monetary policy no longer needs to be as restrictive. In other words, it is appropriate to lower our policy interest rate.

If inflation continues to ease, and our confidence that inflation is headed sustainably to the 2% target continues to increase, it is reasonable to expect further cuts to our policy interest rate. But we are taking our interest rate decisions one meeting at a time.

We don’t want monetary policy to be more restrictive than it needs to be to get inflation back to target. But if we lower our policy interest rate too quickly, we could jeopardize the progress we’ve made. Further progress in bringing down inflation is likely to be uneven and risks remain. Inflation could be higher if global tensions escalate, if house prices in Canada rise faster than expected, or if wage growth remains high relative to productivity.

In assessing where inflation is headed, we will continue to closely watch the evolution of core inflation. We remain focused on the balance between demand and supply in the economy, inflation expectations, wage growth and corporate pricing behaviour.

With that summary, the Senior Deputy Governor and I would be pleased to take your questions.

Bank of Canada reduces policy rate by 25 basis points

The Bank of Canada today reduced its target for the overnight rate to 4¾%, with the Bank Rate at 5% and the deposit rate at 4¾%. The Bank is continuing its policy of balance sheet normalization.

Press Conference: Policy Rate Announcement – June 2024

Interest Rate Announcement — Press conference by Governor Tiff Macklem and Senior Deputy Governor Carolyn Rogers (10:30 (ET) approx.).

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Advancing social justice, promoting decent work ILO is a specialized agency of the United Nations

4 June 2024

• Watch the video of the address

Minister Alexei Buzu, President of the International Labour Conference,

Minister July Moyo, Government Vice-President,

Mr Rajeev Dubey, Employer Vice-President,

Ms Beatrice Lestic, Worker Vice-President,

Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wish to join the Chairperson of the Governing Body and the President of the Conference in welcoming you to the 112th Session of the International Labour Conference.

I would like to begin my statement by congratulating you, President Buzu, together with your Vice-Presidents, on your election to take charge of our work.

I would like to share with you the ambivalence which is currently occupying my mind. Since our last meeting in June 2023, I have often asked myself the question as to where our world is going: on the one hand, we are making remarkable, positive and encouraging progress, and on the other we are facing a never-ending chain of challenges and crises.

Global macroeconomic prospects are stable. As you are aware, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is forecasting growth in global gross domestic product (GDP) of 3.2 per cent in 2024 and 2025, which is quite stable compared to 2023.

To varying degrees, all regions have recovered the pre-pandemic level of economic activity. The effective action taken by central banks to bring inflation under control has also made a positive contribution. In this sense, the surges in inflation should abate, with inflation decreasing from 5.8 per cent in 2024 to 4.4 per cent in 2025. I sincerely hope that this could relieve the purchasing power of workers, which has been badly affected.

At the same time, there has been no respite in geopolitical tensions. The hotspots have intensified. The appalling situation in the Middle East has been added to the already existing crises. The absolutely awful conflicts in Gaza, Yemen, Sudan, Haiti, Ukraine and the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to name but a few, continue to be major problems for humanity and, more especially, for multilateralism. Is it really necessary to lament the failure to conclude a treaty on pandemics at the World Health Organization (WHO) last week.

As regards the labour market, the ILO is forecasting a global unemployment rate of 4.9 per cent in 2024 and 2025, which is a slight fall – but a fall nevertheless – in relation to 2023, when it stood at 5 per cent. It is also a downward revision of the previous forecast of 5.2 per cent, which we made in November 2023. All in all, these encouraging prospects prevent us from “seeing the wood for the trees”. The unemployment rate of 4.9 per cent translates as a total of 183 million unemployed persons throughout the world.

As we know, the unemployment rate measurement does not include those workers who, for various reasons, have left the labour market and no longer have a job, although their profound desire to have one remains intact.

As a result, ILO specialists have devised a new index, the job gap, to make up for this failing. The job gap remains high, according to our forecasts – 402 million in 2024, although we should note that it has fallen in comparison to 2022, when it was 473 million.

The job gap for women in low-income countries stands at 22.8 per cent, as opposed to 15.3 per cent for men, while in high-income countries the rate is 9.7 per cent for women and 7.3 per cent for men. In the labour market as a whole, 45.6 per cent of women have a job, compared to 69.2 per cent of men. These inequalities are in addition to those constituted by the wage gap between women and men.

Furthermore, the battle against informal employment appears to be running out of steam. Formal employment creation has not kept up with the increase in the working-age population. The number of informal workers has increased from about 1.7 billion in 2005 to 2.0 billion in 2024.

The same duality exists in the perceptions of artificial intelligence and its consequences for the labour market. Our analyses show that most professions are enhanced by technology rather than just being automated.

Benefiting from the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence constitutes an alternative rather than a threat, provided of course that we make a decisive investment in upskilling, vocational training, the acquisition of new knowledge and retraining.

The ILO will intensify its research in this area and, in particular, in relation to the effects on the labour market and also on the intrinsic value of labour.

This duality reminds me of the Declaration of Philadelphia which stipulates, and I quote: “poverty anywhere constitutes a danger to prosperity everywhere” and “labour is not a commodity”.

It goes without saying that I am delighted that we will soon be devoting special attention to the 80th anniversary of the Declaration of Philadelphia (10 May 1944) and, in this regard, I would like to welcome Ms Jayati Gosh to join us today. We are keen to hear what she has to say.

I would like to thank all the Heads of State and Government, all the tripartite constituents, as well as all our partners who support the Global Coalition for Social Justice.

To date, we have registered 280 partners including 68 governments. We will have the opportunity to discuss this at greater length during the inaugural forum which will take place on 13 June.

I would now like to say a few words about the committees.

As is customary, the Committee on the Application of Standards will discuss the supervision of compliance with ILO standards.

The Standard-Setting Committee will hold its first discussion on biological hazards to follow up on the recommendations made by the Standards Review Mechanism Tripartite Working Group. It will examine and make recommendations intended to remedy the insufficiencies identified by that Group for the 2025 Conference.

The Recurrent Discussion Committee on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work will examine the impact of the multiple and interdependent crises on the effective implementation of fundamental principles and rights at work.

Finally, the General Discussion Committee will discuss decent work and the care economy.

On the fringes of the work of the Conference committees, we will have the opportunity to talk to the co-facilitators of the Second World Social Summit, planned for 2025 by the United Nations General Assembly. This Summit represents a unique opportunity for social equity to become one of the three major pillars of our societies, on the same level as the economic and environmental pillars.

This year again, I invite you to consider my report to the Conference in an open-minded manner.

My report pursues the theme of social justice by examining the fundamentals of a society designed to be fair, and on which the opportunities and institutions of decent work should be built. It relates to the question of the renewal of the social contract.

How can the social contract be revised at the global, regional and national levels so as to make social justice the foundation of sustainable peace, shared prosperity, equality of opportunity and a just transition? The report does not impose any preconceived ideas but its aim is to stimulate, what we hope will be, a productive and fruitful debate.

The Conference will also debate my annual report on the situation of workers of the occupied Arab territories. The current tragic conflict gives rise to the exponential loss of human lives and means of subsistence. It requires our greatest attention. The conflict must end. I will be so bold as to insist on this. I hope that the special plenary session, organized on an exceptional basis on 6 June, may contribute to this aim.

In relation to ILO governance, although this subject is not on the Conference agenda, I invite all the Member States which have not yet done so, to ratify the Instrument of Amendment to the ILO Constitution, 1986.

As a reminder, 126 countries including 2 countries which occupy non-elective seats have already ratified this Instrument of Amendment. However, its implementation remains subject to its ratification by at least three of the other Member States occupying non-elective seats.

I will conclude by citing this extract from the Declaration of Philadelphia: “all human beings, irrespective of race, creed or sex, have the right to pursue both their material well-being and their spiritual development, in conditions of freedom and dignity, of economic security and equal opportunity”.

3-14 June 2024

112th Session of the International Labour Conference

ILO Director-General Houngbo warns that multiple crises could jeopardize recent advances in the world of work

112th International Labour Conference #ILC2024

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