Welcome Speech for Chief Guests - Samples and Tips

A welcome speech is more than a formality. It creates the first impression of your event, expresses gratitude, and sets a respectful tone for the chief guest. Whether it’s a school function, national celebration, or college fest, this guide will help you craft and deliver the perfect welcome address.
Below are curated samples, opening lines, a writing format, and tips to help you prepare with confidence. At the end, explore how PlanetSpark can help your child become a confident speaker.
Sample Welcome Speeches for Chief Guest
Welcome Speech for Chief Guest at a School Event
Good morning everyone present here – respected Principal, teachers, parents, students, and our most distinguished chief guest.
It is an absolute honour to welcome among us Dr. Prakash Nair, an educational leader, innovator, and a passionate advocate for student-driven learning. His contributions to the Indian education sector, especially in integrating technology with traditional classrooms, have transformed how thousands of students across the country learn and grow.
Sir, your very presence here today has lifted the spirit of our Annual Day function. We believe that the learnings you bring, through your words and your journey, will inspire every student here to aim higher and dream bigger.
Today, as we celebrate the achievements of our school, from academic excellence to co-curricular brilliance, we could not have asked for a more relevant and inspiring chief guest. You are someone who exemplifies hard work, intellectual brilliance, and above all, a commitment to empowering the youth.
We are indeed grateful to you for accepting our invitation amidst your busy schedule. Your presence adds tremendous value to this event and motivates our school community to continue striving for excellence.
On behalf of the entire school fraternity, I once again extend the warmest welcome to you, sir. We look forward to your address and the motivation it will spark in every young mind present here.

Want to deliver your welcome speech with confidence? Explore PlanetSpark’s 1:1 public speaking classes
Welcome Speech for Chief Guest on Independence Day
A very happy Independence Day to everyone
It is a proud moment for all of us to welcome a guest who has served our nation with utmost bravery and dedication, Colonel Rajesh Batra, our esteemed chief guest today.
Sir, your presence here today adds tremendous meaning to our Independence Day celebration. You are not just a decorated officer of the Indian Army but also a living example of sacrifice, resilience, and honour. Your journey, from training to leading regiments in tough terrains, reflects the values we hold close as a nation: courage, unity, and service.
As young students, we read about freedom fighters in our books. But today, we have the privilege of hearing firsthand from someone who protects that hard-earned freedom. Your words will not just inspire us but will also instill a deeper love for our country.
On behalf of our school, our staff, and our student community, I welcome you with heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for being with us, and thank you for your selfless service to our nation.
Welcome Speech for Chief Guest at a College Fest
A very warm evening to one and all gathered here for our much-awaited college fest.
It gives me immense pride and joy to welcome Ms. Radhika Mehra, our distinguished chief guest for this evening and a proud alumnus of our institution. From these very lecture halls, she went on to build her startup that now impacts the lives of over 2 million users.
Ma’am, your success story is not only inspiring but also deeply motivating for each student present here. You have shown us that passion, when combined with perseverance, leads to unmatched success.
Our college fest is a platform where talent meets opportunity. From cultural performances to entrepreneurial showcases, this event is a reflection of everything our students stand for, energy, creativity, and ambition. Having you here today is a dream come true for many of us who aspire to walk in your footsteps.
On behalf of our faculty and student council, I extend our sincerest thanks for accepting our invitation. We eagerly look forward to hearing your story and learning from your journey.
Short Welcome Speech for Chief Guest
Good morning everyone
It gives me great joy to welcome our respected chief guest Mr. Anil Kapoor, an environmentalist and policy expert who has dedicated the last two decades of his life to preserving our planet.
Sir, your work on sustainable urban development, climate advocacy, and eco-conscious youth programs has changed the way our generation thinks about nature. Today, we feel honoured to host someone who leads by example and continues to inspire young changemakers.
Thank you for joining us on this special occasion. Your insights and presence will surely enrich the minds of everyone present here.
We look forward to your address with great anticipation. Welcome once again, sir
Long Speech - Annual Day Welcome Speech for Chief Guest

Good morning to one and all gathered here today – respected Principal, teachers, honoured parents, dear students, and our distinguished chief guest, Dr. A P Mehta
It is with immense pride and happiness that I stand before you to welcome our chief guest to this grand Annual Day celebration of [School Name]
Dr Mehta is a renowned educationist, a thought leader in child psychology, and the recipient of the National Teacher’s Excellence Award. With over 35 years of experience in shaping academic policies and mentoring educators across India, he is a name synonymous with innovation in education. Sir, we are truly honoured by your presence today
Annual Day is a time when the school pauses to celebrate everything it stands for – not just achievements in academics, sports, or arts, but also the culture, values, and unity that define our learning environment. And who better to preside over such a meaningful celebration than someone who has devoted his life to nurturing young minds?
This year has been nothing short of remarkable. Our students have not only excelled in their board results but have also made us proud at district-level sports meets, inter-school debates, and national-level science fairs. It has been a year of exploration, creativity, and resilience
Our Annual Day is not just an event; it’s a reflection of our identity. The performances, exhibitions, and speeches you will witness today are the result of months of planning, practice, and passionate dedication by both students and teachers
Dr Mehta, your presence here will not only inspire our students but will also validate the efforts they have put in. Your words today will echo in their hearts for a long time, encouraging them to pursue excellence, stay curious, and contribute meaningfully to society
On behalf of our entire school fraternity, I extend a warm and respectful welcome to you, sir. Thank you for accepting our invitation and for being here to witness this day of celebration
To our parents present here today, thank you for trusting us with your children and for supporting their dreams unconditionally
To our dedicated teachers, thank you for turning chalk into motivation and classrooms into sanctuaries of learning
And to our dear students – this is your day. Let it be a celebration of your hard work, your potential, and your journey
Let the performances begin, let the hall resonate with applause, and let us make this Annual Day one to remember
Once again, a heartfelt welcome to you, Dr Mehta, and to everyone present. Thank you

15 Lines to Start Your Welcome Speech
Good morning everyone. It’s a day of great honour as we welcome a very special guest
On behalf of our school or college, I extend a heartfelt welcome to our chief guest
It is with immense pride that we greet our esteemed chief guest today
We are delighted to have among us a person whose achievements speak for themselves
Thank you for being here, sir or ma’am. Your presence makes this event truly meaningful
Today, we are blessed with the presence of a remarkable individual
We extend a warm welcome to our respected guest, whose work has inspired many
It’s not every day that we get to learn directly from someone we look up to
We’re honoured by your acceptance of our invitation and your kind presence
Your journey, dedication, and values will surely enlighten us today
A very special welcome to our chief guest, whose work has touched countless lives
May this occasion be remembered for your inspiring message to us all
As we gather here today, your presence adds value and dignity to our event
We are thankful to be in the company of a leader and a role model
Your participation in our event will forever remain a cherished memory
From welcome speeches to TED-style talks, PlanetSpark helps kids master every format. Book A Free Public Speaking Demo Class Today!
10-Line Structure to Write a Welcome Speech
Greet the audience
Acknowledge the occasion
Introduce yourself briefly
Name and title of the chief guest
Mention the chief guest’s achievements
Express gratitude for their presence
Explain the guest’s relevance to the event
Express excitement about their address
Wish the audience and guest a great day
Close with a warm welcome and thank you
Tips to Deliver the Speech Confidently

Practice your speech aloud and with expression
Rehearse your speech multiple times so that you are comfortable with the flow and tone. Practice in front of a mirror or a friend to ensure your voice is clear, expressive, and engaging. This builds confidence and helps with natural delivery.
Maintain eye contact with the audience
Instead of looking down at your notes or staring into space, try to make eye contact with different parts of the audience. It helps you connect better with listeners and makes your words feel more personal and impactful.
Use open hand gestures and stand with a calm posture
Stand tall with your shoulders relaxed. Use hand gestures to emphasise points, but make sure they are natural and not overdone. Avoid crossing your arms or pacing too much. A confident posture shows that you are in control and prepared.
Do not rush through your lines. Pause and smile occasionally
Speak at a steady pace so the audience can follow you easily. Use pauses to let important points sink in and smile to appear warm and approachable. This also helps reduce nervousness.
Familiarise yourself with the speech’s structure rather than memorising it word-for-word
Understand the flow and key points of your speech. Instead of trying to remember every line, focus on the ideas behind them. This way, even if you forget a word or two, you can continue naturally without getting stuck.
Why PlanetSpark Is the Best Platform for Public Speaking
PlanetSpark’s Public Speaking Course is designed for school-age children who want to improve stage confidence, clarity, and communication skills. It covers everything from writing speeches to delivering them with impact
What you get with PlanetSpark:
1:1 Personalised coaching with trained professionals
Structured curriculum covering speeches, debates, storytelling, anchoring and more
Spark Diary to help kids draft and revise their speeches
Live peer interactions - debate clubs, make your own podcasts, and virtual events
Regular feedback, progress reports and parent-teacher meetings
Gamified activities to build speaking skills in a fun and engaging way
Book a free trial session to see how your child can become a confident speaker
Final Thoughts
A welcome speech sets the tone for an event and reflects the speaker’s respect and preparation. Use these formats, samples, and tips to create a meaningful address and deliver it with poise.
To help your child become an eloquent and fearless speaker, consider enrolling in PlanetSpark’s 1:1 Public Speaking Program. The right training today builds tomorrow’s confident communicators