What Do I Say For A 21st Birthday Speech?

A 21st birthday is generally a pretty big occasion so people might expect you to give a speech. It is actually easier than it sounds and doesn't require too much time or effort. However, it is good to get something prepared beforehand.

A speech is a good chance to thank your family and friends and show them the love you feel for them. You might start by saying thanks to everyone who's there and those who organized or helped you organize the party. You could add a funny anectode about past birthdays, the current one, or things that happened during the past year that you think might interest them. You could end by saying thanks for the presents, the people who came and by wishing everybody a good time!

Keep it short and simple and you will be fine. Hope this helps!

This answer is split into two parts, a speech for the birthday person, and a speech for the best friend.

About yourself:

Thank your friends for their support and trust, no matter how long you’ve known them. Make sure you say something nice about all of them (or if that takes more than a couple of minutes, single out one friend and thank them. Alternatively, you could give a ‘blanket thank’, and say thank you to your friends in general).

Next, mention any close relatives (brothers, sisters, cousins etc.) that you would like to mention. This doesn’t need to be too long, but if it’s an older sister you’re mentioning, flowers are a nice gesture. Explain to everyone what they’ve done for you.

Thank your parents for raising and caring for you - accompany this with a bottle of wine and a bunch of flowers. See a professional florist for flower ideas. As for the wine, make sure it’s a good vintage; French wines are great. If they’re going to drink it at the party, choose a sparkling wine or champagne. If they’re likely to save it for later, the best idea is to go with a red.

After that, you can say something about how you feel about everyone, for example “I love spending time with all of you. It’s great that you’re here tonight to help me celebrate my 21^st birthday. Everyone here has helped me develop into who I am today, and I love you all.”

This should take no more than four minutes (including clapping, giving gifts etc.)

About a friend:

INTRODUCTION

Basically, this is where you say how and when you met each other. Use this formula:

1)How long you’ve known each other

2)Where you met

3)How you met

4)How you came to be friends

Start off with something like:

James and I have known each other for nearly TWELVE years now. We first met at/in THE BELL HOTEL IN FRANCE, where we WERE BOTH ON HOLIDAY. We got chatting and REALISED WE LIVED ABOUT A MILE AWAY FROM EACH OTHER. We met up back in LONDON, and have been friends ever since.

HISTORY

Here, you tell everyone the journey you’ve been on since you met. Maybe include something humorous:

When my father passed away, James was there to help and comfort me… and when his turtle died, I was there to comfort him. He’s the best friend anyone could have.

A STORY

This needs to be something that really wakes everyone up. Talk about the time you experimented with man love, or the time you both set your flat on fire etc. Something to create an interesting discussion point after the speech.

SENTIMENT

This is where you need to squeeze out a tear, thank the friend and tell them how ‘truly amazing’ they are. This part should last for about 15 seconds.

Then raise your glass, and you’re done.

Overall, it should take no more than 2 minutes.