Should you say “thank you” when starting a speech?
Some “experts” will tell you it’s a public speaking sin that will bore your audience and not give any momentum to your speech.
Some presenters believe you should thank everyone and their grandmother’s cow.
So what’s the answer? Should you or shouldn’t you “give thanks” at the start of your speech?
It depends.
Every speech is different. Every audience and every occasion is different. That being said, I don’t want to be irresponsible and give you a one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, I’ll offer you some scenarios in which it would be appropriate (and even advantageous) to say “thank you” when you start your speech.
1.) Elaborate Preparations Have Been Made
The most memorable “event” I’ve ever spoken at was an awards ceremony for employees of a major Canadian bank. The entire 3-hour event was planned around my speech, “Lessons in the Circle of Life”. The entire meeting room was decorated like a jungle. The bar looked like a hut from “Gilligan’s Island” and the drinks all had a jungle theme. Human statues (dressed in tribal attire) were hired to entertain throughout the event. To top is all off, even the podium looked like it was a tree stump that had been brought out of the wild! Thanking the event organizers for the time they put into the planning was the least I could do. The employees thought so to, because they applauded.
I realize this was an extreme case, but any well-planned event deserves a simple “thank you”.
2.) The Audience Has Been Hospitable
Some audiences (and organizations) treat you better than others. While you may be treated as an outsider at some speaking events, there are other events where you’ll be welcomed and treated like family. When audience members have been hospitable, extended kindness and gone out of their way to make me comfortable before I even got up to speak, I would always begin by thanking them for treating me so well. These are also the places I’ve been invited back to speak again and again.
3.) The Audience Disagrees With Your Viewpoint But Came To Hear You Anyway
Some speeches are easier to deliver than others. When everyone loves you and agrees with your point of view, you can start however the heck you want without having to worry much about “connecting”.
But what if the audience doesn’t like you and what you stand for? Do you think it would be wise to just launch into your topic without finding some common ground first? Do you think you would be more likely to connect if you acted like you owned the room? Or do you think you might find less resistance if you thanked them for taking the time to hear you out even though your points of view were different?
If you prefer to act like you own the room, I would LOVE to sit in on one of your sessions when you speak to a hostile crowd.
In addition to the three reasons I’ve listed, it’s just good manners to say “thank you”. Manners are still in style, aren’t they?
Of course, the way you start your speech depends on the audience and the event.
THANK YOU for taking the time to read this post 
