How to Write
How to Write a Gratitude Speech
1. Brainstorm a list of the ideas you want to include in the speech; then, if appropriate, consult others who wish to express their gratitude and jot down what they have to say. For example, if a corporation has made a donation to a nonprofit organization, the employees might each be able to tell you how the gift will impact what they do. If a service group has joined in your company's efforts to clean up a derelict part of the city, residents of that area may want to tell you what the clean-up meant to them.
2. Write an introduction that clearly and specifically states what you are expressing gratitude for, and, if you are speaking on behalf of a group, why you are delivering the speech. If there is a monetary amount involved, you may have to make a decision about whether or not to say the exact amount or whether to simply use the term "generous gift."
During the opening of the speech give the name of the company or organization you are thanking and express gratitude to as many individuals within that group as possible. For example, if a company sponsored a dinner at a homeless shelter, single out those who did the shopping, those who cooked, and so on. If you are expressing gratitude for support of your organization over a period of years, mention specific individuals who have helped at various times.
3. Express your gratitude by talking specifically about the effects of the gift, support, or assistance. For example, you might say that because of a company's generous gift, dozens of school children who had never been to a concert before attended a performance of the symphony; if possible, include some of the kids' comments about their experiences. Members of an organization that spent a weekend sprucing up the interior of a senior center would be interested in knowing what impact their volunteer work had on both the staff and the clients.
4. Include slide shows or other graphics in your speech when possible.
1. Brainstorm a list of the ideas you want to include in the speech; then, if appropriate, consult others who wish to express their gratitude and jot down what they have to say. For example, if a corporation has made a donation to a nonprofit organization, the employees might each be able to tell you how the gift will impact what they do. If a service group has joined in your company's efforts to clean up a derelict part of the city, residents of that area may want to tell you what the clean-up meant to them.
2. Write an introduction that clearly and specifically states what you are expressing gratitude for, and, if you are speaking on behalf of a group, why you are delivering the speech. If there is a monetary amount involved, you may have to make a decision about whether or not to say the exact amount or whether to simply use the term "generous gift."
During the opening of the speech give the name of the company or organization you are thanking and express gratitude to as many individuals within that group as possible. For example, if a company sponsored a dinner at a homeless shelter, single out those who did the shopping, those who cooked, and so on. If you are expressing gratitude for support of your organization over a period of years, mention specific individuals who have helped at various times.
3. Express your gratitude by talking specifically about the effects of the gift, support, or assistance. For example, you might say that because of a company's generous gift, dozens of school children who had never been to a concert before attended a performance of the symphony; if possible, include some of the kids' comments about their experiences. Members of an organization that spent a weekend sprucing up the interior of a senior center would be interested in knowing what impact their volunteer work had on both the staff and the clients.
4. Include slide shows or other graphics in your speech when possible.