By Anu Manocha, anchor & emcee in Delhi
Last updated:
A welcome speech sets the tone in the first two minutes. The anchor greets the audience, welcomes the chief guest and dignitaries by name and designation, says why everyone has gathered, and hands over to the first item. Below are ready lines for school, corporate and wedding events, plus original welcome shayari in Hindi.
What should a welcome speech include?
- A greeting for everyone in the room
- The name and purpose of the event
- A welcome for the chief guest, guest of honour and special guests, by name and designation
- One line of thanks to the organisers
- A hand-over to the first item (lamp lighting, prayer or first speaker)
In what order should you welcome guests?
Go from the most senior guest to the audience. Confirm the order with the organiser before the event.
- Chief guest
- Guest of honour
- Special guests and dignitaries
- Head of the host organisation (principal, chairman, MD)
- Faculty, staff or members
- Parents, families and the audience
Welcome speech for a school annual function
Good evening to our respected chief guest [name], our principal [name], teachers, parents and my dear friends.
A very warm welcome to the [number] annual day of [school name]. Tonight our students will show what they have worked on all year, on stage and off it.
We are honoured to have [chief guest], [designation], with us. Thank you, [sir/ma'am], for taking out time for our children.
To begin, may I request our chief guest and principal to come to the stage for the lamp lighting.
For the full running order and prize distribution lines, see the annual day anchoring script.
Welcome speech for a corporate event or conference
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to [event name].
Today brings together [audience — our partners, dealers, team leaders] from across [region] to talk about [theme].
We are pleased to welcome [chief guest], [designation, company], and our leadership team led by [name, designation].
We have a full agenda, so let's begin on time. To set the context for the day, please welcome [first speaker].
For the anchor links after the welcome, see the anchoring script format.
Welcome lines for a wedding or family function
Good evening and a very warm welcome to all the family and friends of [bride] and [groom].
Tonight the [family name] and [family name] families come together for [sangeet / reception], and we are so glad you are here to bless the couple.
A special welcome to our elders, who have travelled from [city]. Your blessings mean everything tonight.
So grab a drink, find your seat, and get ready, because the dance floor opens soon.
For the rest of the night, see the sangeet anchoring script.
Welcome shayari in Hindi for anchoring
Use one couplet at the start, not after every line. These are original lines written for this blog, and you are free to use them at your event.
आपके आने से ये महफ़िल सजी है,
हर चेहरे पर आज नई ख़ुशी जगी है।
Aapke aane se ye mehfil saji hai, har chehre par aaj nayi khushi jagi hai.
जिनके अनुभव से हमें मिलती है राह,
उनके स्वागत में उठी है हर निगाह।
Jinke anubhav se humein milti hai raah, unke swagat mein uthi hai har nigaah.
ये शाम आपके नाम, ये मंच आपके नाम,
दिल से कहते हैं हम, आप सबको सलाम।
Ye shaam aapke naam, ye manch aapke naam, dil se kehte hain hum, aap sabko salaam.
नन्हे सपनों की ये रंगीन शाम है,
आप सबके आने से रोशन हर नाम है।
Nanhe sapnon ki ye rangeen shaam hai, aap sabke aane se roshan har naam hai.
मेहनत और लगन की ये पहचान है,
आप सबके आने से बढ़ी इस मंच की शान है।
Mehnat aur lagan ki ye pehchaan hai, aap sabke aane se badhi is manch ki shaan hai.
दो परिवारों के मिलन की ये शुभ घड़ी है,
आपके आशीर्वाद से ही ये ख़ुशी बड़ी है।
Do parivaaron ke milan ki ye shubh ghadi hai, aapke aashirvaad se hi ye khushi badi hai.
Tips for a confident welcome
- Learn the first three lines by heart so you can look at the audience.
- Read names and designations from a card. They must be exactly right.
- Smile and pause after each guest's name, so the applause can come.
- Keep it under two minutes. The welcome opens the event; it is not the event.
Want a professional to give the welcome? See Anu's anchoring services in Delhi NCR for weddings, parties and corporate events.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a welcome speech be?
One to two minutes for the anchor's welcome. If a host or principal is giving a separate welcome address, three to four minutes is the most an audience will enjoy. Longer welcomes make the rest of the programme run late.
How do I welcome the chief guest on stage?
Use their full name and correct designation, add one line about their work, and invite applause. For example: "It is our honour to welcome [name], [designation]. Please join me in a warm round of applause." Confirm pronunciation with the organiser beforehand.
Can I give the welcome speech in Hindi?
Yes. Many school, government and family events in Delhi use Hindi or a mix of Hindi and English. Keep the same order: greeting, purpose, guests by seniority, thanks, hand-over. Anu anchors in English, Hindi and Punjabi.
Can I use these shayari at my event?
Yes. The welcome shayari on this page are original lines written for this blog, and you are free to use them at your event. Use one couplet at the start of the programme rather than many through it.
