This question is a little vague because you do not say who is going to be making the speech, who it is intended for, and how long the speech needs to be.
Instead of having panic attacks at the thought of having to speak in public (you must be new to it otherwise you wouldn’t be asking the question), think about what it is you are actually wanting to say, so that it can come from the heart, rather than being something that could sound artificial and hesitant.
If you are trying to make someone feel welcome, then that has got to come across as a real emotion, or the person you are intending it for may feel that you are only going through the motions and that you don’t really mean it, which would be awful, especially when you do!
Think about the reasons that you enjoy going to your church; they could be the reasons that the new person, or people, will enjoy too, so you can share some of those. If you genuinely get pleasure from these things, it will be easy to be enthusiastic about them and this will come across in your tone of voice.
Remember to look at the person that you are welcoming; if you look everywhere else but at them, maybe from embarrassment, they will not feel very welcome; and remember to smile, too. Part of welcoming somebody is to make them feel comfortable in your surroundings; they may be feeling shy, so part of any welcome is to put someone at ease.
Don’t be afraid to introduce key people, like the minister, so that they have a recognisable point of contact, but don’t overwhelm them with too many names. The main point to remember is to act naturally, be yourself, and genuinely feel welcoming.
Instead of having panic attacks at the thought of having to speak in public (you must be new to it otherwise you wouldn’t be asking the question), think about what it is you are actually wanting to say, so that it can come from the heart, rather than being something that could sound artificial and hesitant.
If you are trying to make someone feel welcome, then that has got to come across as a real emotion, or the person you are intending it for may feel that you are only going through the motions and that you don’t really mean it, which would be awful, especially when you do!
Think about the reasons that you enjoy going to your church; they could be the reasons that the new person, or people, will enjoy too, so you can share some of those. If you genuinely get pleasure from these things, it will be easy to be enthusiastic about them and this will come across in your tone of voice.
Remember to look at the person that you are welcoming; if you look everywhere else but at them, maybe from embarrassment, they will not feel very welcome; and remember to smile, too. Part of welcoming somebody is to make them feel comfortable in your surroundings; they may be feeling shy, so part of any welcome is to put someone at ease.
Don’t be afraid to introduce key people, like the minister, so that they have a recognisable point of contact, but don’t overwhelm them with too many names. The main point to remember is to act naturally, be yourself, and genuinely feel welcoming.
