No event can be held without the support of many people. If you are asked to say thank you at the end of a seminar, gathering, cultural event, or other event, you must be able to represent the organization to thank everyone who helped make the event happen. Start by delivering a strong opening sentence, thanking the audience quickly and kindly, then end your speech.
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Method 1 of 3: Making Opening Sentences
Step 1. Name the people who need to be thanked
There are many people who begin their thanksgiving by mentioning the name of the audience who contributed. Your first sentence should show the audience that you are talking to them, and make them feel included in the thank you.
You may have used this opening sentence with "Dear guests, friends and relatives…" Change the sentence according to the situation; You can change it, for example, "Mr. Principal and Deputy Principal, teachers and students who I respect…"
Step 2. Introduce yourself and your role
If you haven't mentioned names yet, this is a great time. Tell the audience that you are asked to thank them, then describe your relationship to the organization in 1 or 2 sentences. You can also mention your role in the event.
For example: “My name is Fajar, chairman of the School Anti-bullying Committee. I hope you all enjoyed the informative discussion our organization had today. It is an honor to thank everyone who helped us organize this event.”
Step 3. Name the organization that brings everyone there together
Everyone who was there certainly had an affiliation with the hosting organization. So, before moving on to the subject, it's a good idea to thank the event organizers.
For example: “We would not have been able to organize this event without the help of the school. So, first and foremost, I want to say a big thank you for the opportunity that the school has given us so that we can gather together today.”
Method 2 of 3: Writing the Keynote
Step 1. Identify the people you want to thank
This list usually consists of guests, participants, organizers, volunteers, and sponsors. Before giving your speech, decide which people and groups you will mention in your keynote so you don't forget anything later.
- Everyone, regardless of their role in an event, wants to be seen as important. When you thank someone for their time or support, emphasize the importance of their contribution to the event.
- For example: “I want to thank the teachers for taking the time to teach so that students can hear this message. This event would not have been possible without your support.”
Step 2. Don't overdo it
A sincere thank you is much more effective. Avoid giving thank-you notes that are too long and don't exaggerate anything; the audience gets bored and the person being thanked feels bad. Make sure each thank you is brief, warm, and honest.
Instead of saying “Mr. Tiswo, there are countless thanks we can give for lending us the room to practice. Your generosity and kindness towards the organizers is extraordinary and we could not do anything without you”, try to say “Mr. Tiswo, on behalf of all the committees, I would like to thank you profusely for allowing the use of your class to practice while we hard to find a place.”
Step 3. Share a memorable moment of the event, then respond
Show the speaker/viewer that you're paying attention by sharing something you remember. In a few sentences, state the ideas presented by the speaker and indicate their relevance to the overall theme of the event.
- Pick something you like and say you agree. Don't talk about something you don't agree with: you have to speak positively.
- For example: “The thing I remember most is when Karin said that children are usually bullied due to problems in their family. This event is held to raise awareness and encourage kindness. So, I think what Karin said we need to remember well.”
Method 3 of 3: Completing Acknowledgments
Step 1. List the core values of your organization
At the end of your speech, talk about what makes your organization special. You could emphasize the way the organization is helping the community, whether on a large or small scale. You must get the audience to leave the venue with positive thoughts about your group.
For example: “I want to thank everyone who helped the committee in organizing this anti-bullying event. We will never stop trying to create a safe environment in schools and events like this can help us achieve that goal.”
Step 2. Don't thank a specific person at the end of the speech
Ideally, the mention of someone specifically should be done in the main speech. When delivering closings, speak in a general context for the entire audience – don't turn your attention to someone by mentioning their name.
Step 3. Make sure your thank you note is brief
It's best to keep your thank-you note short and simple, especially at the end. This is the final part of the event so the audience doesn't want to keep waiting. Respect their time and limit what you say to what is necessary.
