How to Make a Birthday Speech – from celebrant

A birthday speech from the celebrant should be light-hearted, sincere and thankful in tone. The celebrant should poke a little gentle fun at himself or herself.

What to include in a birthday speech:

• An interesting opening to catch the attention of the guests.
• A welcome to the guests
• A thank you to the guests for their gifts and best wishes.
• A glance back at the past.
• A mention of hopes for the future
• Sometimes it is appropriate to thank a family member for organizing the party.

What should not be included:

• Anything blue or smutty or offensive
• A mention of anything personal that might upset a family member or guests (e.g. alcoholism)

How to end:

• The birthday speech from a celebrant should end on a positive note of praise for birthday guests and the hope that there will be another party next year.