How to Prepare a Vote of Thanks and Deliver with Confidence

Being asked to deliver the vote of thanks at any event can be daunting. People are asked to deliver votes of thanks after ceremonies, services and special events. However, as with any speech,

preparation and practice are important. Organizing the thought process, writing with the audience in mind and rehearsing before the event are helpful tools that will make delivering a vote of thanks much easier. 

Writing the Vote of Thanks

It is important to consider the type event that is being held. The vote of thanks should coincide with the activity being held and must express gratitude to the different stakeholders involved. As the vote of thanks is usually one of the last items on an event program, the vote of thanks should not be too long but should be creative.

• Be aware of the audience: A key rule in public speaking is knowing the audience. Therefore, be mindful of ages, religious views and other factors that could affect content. For example, in the Virgin Islands, which is predominantly Christian, speakers usually begin by thanking God and this practice is accepted and actually expected by the community.
• Use your thesaurus: There is no need to try to impress the listeners with big words. Use the dictionary and thesaurus for synonyms that still provide for an eloquent presentation and are easy to understand.
• Make a list: Have the coordinator of the event provide a list of the persons who contributed to the success of event. As it is impossible to thank everyone who assists with an event, be sure to add thanks to 'anyone who may have been inadvertently omitted'.
• Add a scripture, quote or a poem: A relevant scripture, quote or a poem can add flair to the vote of thanks. Adding these pieces shows that time was spent preparing the speech. Search on the internet for quotes or poems that coincide with the event.
• Be creative: The writer should employ as many creative elements to make the speech interesting. For example, saying 'Thank you to Mary and John who donated the passion fruit juice' is flat. A better option is 'Our palettes today have been quenched by the hard work by Mary and John who made that refreshing passion fruit juice'. A joke of good taste can also be added.

Delivering the Vote of Thanks

Taking the time to prepare a well-written vote of thanks makes for an easier delivery of the speech. Be sure to practice the vote of thanks so that the delivery is smooth and flowing. Rehearse in front of the mirror or in front of family members to gain confidence. Try to vary pitch and tone so that the speech sounds interesting and engages the listeners. According to Carol Rzadkiewicz, she encourages speakers to "vary the rate and pace by speaking faster, for example, to convey excitement (or) happiness". 

There is no need to be fearful when asked to prepare a vote of thanks. Add creativity with a scripture, joke, poem or quote to enhance the speech. Be sure to make a list of the persons to be thanked and be aware of the audience. Practice the vote of thanks before the event to ensure that the delivery will capture the audience's attention.