Carmen E. answered • 10/02/19
Speech Language Pathologist with 13+ years of experience
Good afternoon! (with enthusiasm)
How are you? (with enthusiasm and wait 7 seconds for a response with expectant look). (Continue whether there is a response or not after the 7 seconds of wait time.)
I am so glad you made a choice to be here today because we are going to...
The above response is a possible opening.
It helps if you are passionate about the occasion for which you are providing the welcome speech. Also knowing your audience will help to gauge the tone you want to strike. Think about why people may have come and what they can receive from the information that will be provided, and so be specific as to what the purpose for the event and what they could possibly gain.
