A Handful of Tips 29 –

                         Thanking a Speaker

Five of the best tips when proposing a vote of thanks to a guest speaker

When a guest speaker has finished addressing a meeting, the chairperson usually asks a member of the audience to propose a vote of thanks.

          A speech to thank a speaker is a special type of motion and should be delivered in a formal  manner.

1. The proposer should be warned well before the speaker starts that they will be asked to propose a vote of thanks to the speaker

This allows them time to collect their thoughts and to prepare comments based on the content of the speech.

2. Address your remarks through the chairperson

If you are proposing a vote of thanks, treat it as a formal motion.

“Madam Chair, I have much pleasure in proposing a vote of thanks to ……”

3. Speak for the audience

Express an appreciation of what was said. Comment on a few points of interest in the speech and the manner of the presentation.

          Thank the speaker sincerely and modestly.

4. Do not criticise the speaker or the contents of the speech even if you disagree with it

It’s bad form to criticise a guest . 

5. Show your appreciation

Finish with, “I would like to propose a vote of thanks to ……”  (It is not necessary to have a seconder for this motion.)

          The chairman puts the motion to the audience and it is usually carried by applause.

-Geoffrey

“True hospitality is the art of making people feel at home, even if you wish they were.”

Source: “Persuasive Ways”, “Secrets of Persuasion” ( a Mandarin edition is available)