This document provides guidance on delivering effective welcome remarks when introducing a group to an organization or event. It emphasizes that welcome remarks should connect the audience to the sponsoring group in a brief but engaging manner focused on the audience's benefits rather than the speaker. The document outlines considering the rhetorical situation and linking the audience and organization. It also provides a three-part structure for organizing remarks, including introducing yourself and the sponsor, previewing highlights, and concluding by looking ahead to the next part of the event.

1. Chapter 8.3
Welcome Remarks
Copyright © 2022 W. W. Norton & Company

2. Introduction
• Welcome remarks are often delivered when a group of people
visit or join a school, company, or organization or to kick off
special events or occasions
• Welcome remarks require preparation and practice, just like any
other form of presentation speaking
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3. Key Features
• Welcome remarks connect your audience to the organization or
event
• Welcome remarks are not about you
• Welcome remarks highlight your organization
• Welcome remarks are brief (but not too brief)
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4. A Brief Guide to Welcome Remarks
• Consider the rhetorical situation
• Linking your audience and your organization
• Organizing welcome remarks
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5. Consider the Rhetorical Situation
• Occasion: A group of visitors or guests have arrived at an
organization and need someone to make them feel welcome
• Speaker: Audience members need to know who you are and why
you are welcoming them
• Audience: Look for characteristics, concerns, interests,
experiences, and expectations your audience shares with the
organization you represent
• Purpose: Make your audience feel welcome
• Content: Use a simple organizational pattern that features an
engaging introduction and memorable conclusion
• Delivery: Be natural and friendly and establish immediacy
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6. Linking Your Audience and Your Organization
• Answering the following questions can help you connect the group
you represent to members of the visiting audience:
• How much does the audience know about your organization?
• Why is the audience attending this event, and why is your
organization hosting it?
• What is the visiting group’s mission, goals, and reputation, and
how is it similar to or different from your organization’s?
• Are the characteristics, attitudes, beliefs, values, and goals of
audience members similar to those in your organization?
• What are the expectations of your guests for the event and
your organization?
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7. Organizing Welcome Remarks
I. Introduction
A. Introduce yourself (and your title or function) to the audience.
B. Welcome the audience (and, if applicable, their organization) to
the occasion or name of the event and to the host/sponsor, and
thank the audience for coming.
C. Provide a brief description of the host/sponsor (the business,
organization, agency) and the occasion/event.
II. Body
A. Preview highlights of the event or occasion.
B. Explain how audience members can benefit by attending and/or
participating.
C. Welcome and answer questions.
III. Conclusion
A. Briefly review the agenda/schedule and make any
announcements, if needed.
B. Introduce the next speaker, if appropriate.
C. Conclude by generating enthusiasm and appreciation for what’s
to come.
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8. Keep in Mind . . .
• Adapt Your Speaking Style to Your Audience: Adjust your level of
formality based on factors like familiarity with the audience
• Highlight Benefits: Emphasize important features that will occur
during the event and how audience members can benefit
• Acknowledge Important Individuals: Recognize the visiting group’s
leader or other important audience members by name somewhere
in your welcoming remarks
• Stick Around after You Finish Speaking: Stay at the venue for a few
minutes, as it will further extend the goodwill created by your
welcome and may prompt the audience to ask questions or seek
help
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9. Credits
This concludes the Lecture PowerPoint presentation for Chapter 8.3.
For more resources, please visit The Norton Field Guide to Speaking:
http://digital.wwnorton.com/nfgspeaking.
Copyright © 2022 W. W. Norton & Company