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What are the best ways to say thank you to someone for speaking at a funeral, wedding, conference, and more? You may want to write a thank you card, shoot over an email, or send a gift to this terrific speaker.
Instead of a basic “thank you for speaking” message, why not opt for a more personal, meaningful thank you?
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Why is it Important to Thank Someone for Speaking at Your Event?
- How to Thank Someone For Speaking at a Funeral or Memorial Service
- How to Thank Someone For Speaking at a Wedding
- How to Thank Someone For Speaking at a Professional Event, Panel, or Conference
- How to Thank Someone For Speaking at Another Type of Event
Why is it Important to Thank Someone for Speaking at Your Event?
When you're crafting a message to say thank you to someone for speaking at your event, it can help to keep in mind the reasons why giving such thanks is important. Here are some of the key reasons why it's so important to thank someone for getting up to speak.
Acknowledgment of effort: Expressing gratitude shows that you recognize and appreciate the time and effort the speaker invested in preparing their words.
Emotional support: Speaking at events like funerals or weddings can be emotionally challenging. Thanking the speaker provides emotional support and encouragement.
Encourages future participation: Gratitude encourages the speaker to participate in similar events in the future, contributing to the overall success and warmth of the occasion.
Fosters a positive atmosphere: Expressing thanks contributes to a positive and appreciative atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience for everyone.
Promotes community and connection: Thanking someone for speaking fosters connection among the audience, the speaker, and the event itself.
Recognition of personal sacrifice: Public speaking often involves personal sacrifice, whether it's overcoming nerves or adjusting personal schedules. Expressing thanks acknowledges and respects this sacrifice.
Sets a polite tone: Offering thanks is a simple act of courtesy that sets a positive tone for the event, creating a respectful and considerate atmosphere.
Models gratitude: Thanking speakers sets an example for others present, encouraging a culture of gratitude and appreciation within the community or group.
Strengthens relationships: Gratitude builds and strengthens relationships. By thanking a speaker, you contribute to a positive connection between the event organizer, the audience, and the speaker.
Boosts confidence: Knowing that their efforts are appreciated boosts the speaker's confidence, making them more likely to share their thoughts and experiences openly in the future.
How to Thank Someone for Speaking at a Funeral or Memorial Service
A person who steps up in times of loss and grief deserves a heartfelt thank you. By being a part of this event, this person says, “I’m here for you.” Thanking the speaker should go further than a simple thank you. Include your gratitude and how much it means to you with these alternative phrases.
1. “Thank you for finding the words.”
This thank you is an acknowledgment that the speaker said the right things and could find the words they couldn’t find in the depth of their grief.
2. “Thank you for helping me through this grief.”
Speaking at a funeral or memorial service might include personal memories or a Bible verse. Whatever it is, it will be comforting to hear and by taking the burden of speaking off of you, you can fully grieve.
3. “Thank you for making me smile during this sad time.”
The speaker may have shared a fun anecdote or fun memory of the deceased. It’s always good to celebrate the deceased with a smile, and thanking the speaker for putting a smile on your face is a sweet thing to do.
4. “Thank you for your beautiful words.”
This simple phrase says it all. Exchange “beautiful” with thoughtful, perfect, sweet — whatever is most appropriate.
5. “I appreciate your help during this tough time.”
End-of-life celebrations require a lot of planning, and any help you can get is welcomed. Let the speaker know how much it was appreciated.
6. “I appreciate you remembering [xyz] in such a beautiful way.”
Speaking about the deceased is tough, but if the speaker captured your loved one’s life and personality, let him know.
How to Thank Someone for Speaking at a Wedding
Speakers at a wedding typically include people from the wedding party and maybe a family member. The pressure is on for a funny, engaging speech. Plenty of people will pass on the opportunity to speak just because of the intimidating stakes. Thank your speakers with more than a thank you!
7. “Thank you for entertaining us and our guests!”
Why are you thankful to the speaker? Did you laugh? Did you cry? Maybe your speaker had your guests doing both — an impressive feat!
8. “We can’t thank you enough for the kind things you said at our wedding.”
If the wedding speech was heartfelt and sweet, acknowledge that it meant something to you and thank the speaker for the nice words.
9. “Thank you for sharing your love and support at our wedding”
By speaking at your wedding, the person offered love and support. Thank the speaker for having your back and rooting you on!
10. “We will always remember your lovely words.”
The wedding memories will overflow for years to come. Let the speaker know that that speech will be one of them.
11. “You set the tone for the night!”
Again, the stakes of a wedding speech are high. Be sure to confirm that the speaker did an awesome job and hit the nail on the head.
12. “Thank you from the bottom of my/our heart(s)”
This straightforward message holds more weight than the typical thank you.
How to Thank Someone for Speaking at a Professional Event, Panel, or Conference
Professional speaking can introduce another level of intimidation. They may not be speaking to people they know, but still people they respect and want to impress. There's so much to consider when planning a professional presentation – the slides, the delivery, and the message. According to Indeed, speaking at a conference requires you to convey authority while engaging the audience, and that can be tough to do.
Thank the speaker for the courage, time, and effort put into preparing and executing the speech.
13. “You nailed it! Thank you for capturing the audience so well!”
It is a relief to hear you “nailed” something you were nervous about. No doubt the speaker of a professional event will be nervous, so get those compliments ready!
14. “I appreciate your professionalism and want to thank you for the points you made and the questions you asked.”
This thank you is perfect for the person who blew away the audience with her knowledge and speaking skills.
15. “Looking forward to hearing you speak again.”
One surefire way to get the point across is to explain that you’re so appreciative that you can’t wait till next time!
16. “Thank you for giving your time.”
Time is such a gift. When someone is willing to offer their own time, they show they care. Acknowledge the sacrifice and dedication he showed.
17. “Thank you for sharing your expertise.”
If someone is speaking at a professional event, chances are that person has expertise in an area many don’t. Thank the speaker for providing himself as a knowledgeable, helpful resource.
18. “You made a difference.”
Get straight to the point — the speaker’s presence and speech were meaningful and inspirational!
How to Thank Someone for Speaking at Another Type of Event
If you are thanking someone for speaking, remember to go a little further than saying the bland “Thank you for speaking.” Make it personal and specific!
19. “We couldn’t have done it without you.”
A speech can set the tone, bring up spirits, and be a memorable part of an event.
20. “Thank you for taking on some of the stress for us!”
Speeches are stressful for a few reasons. Crafting the perfect speech is nerve-wracking, and delivering a speech to many people can be scary, too. In the grand scheme of things, a speech at an event is just one of many stressful pieces and if someone took this part off your plate, you’ll likely be feeling relieved.
21. “I appreciate your time!”
It’s really important to thank someone for this. A speaker could spend time doing something else but made the choice to help you instead!
22. “Thank you for capturing the event so perfectly.”
It’s nice to acknowledge you liked a speech. If it’s a birthday, celebration, or professional event, the speaker will feel the pressure to properly represent all people involved. Let the speaker know you’re happy with the results.
23. “I am sincerely grateful for your part in our event.”
This is short and sweet, but it’s more than a small thank you. You’re explaining the gravity of the speaker’s contribution.
24. “I couldn’t have done it better myself.”
This is quite a compliment. Without actually saying the words, you’ve explained that the speaker has done an awesome job.
25. “I’m speechless.”
The speech may have been so meaningful and amazing that you don’t want to fall short in your message. You don’t have to have the perfect thank you message, but this one does the trick.
Offer a Proper Thank You
As mentioned, speaking in front of a crowd isn’t a walk in the park. It requires preparation and some courage.
No matter the event, a proper thank you for the time and effort the speaker gave will be appreciated, and a personal aspect to your thank you makes it extra special. If the situation permits, you can offer a small gift as a bonus.
