welcome speech

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "welcome speech" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a speech made at a formal occasion to greet and welcome the guests in attendance. For example, "At the opening ceremony of the school year, the principal made a short welcome speech to welcome the students and their families."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

This is a welcome speech which has been long awaited.

The Guardian - Opinion

The first will immediately follow the welcome speech.

University of California, Berkeley

"I am here as Charles' representative on earth," she said in her welcome speech.

Independent

That has now been corrected in a welcome speech from David Cameron.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still smiling broadly, scarlet sarong launches into a welcome speech that Sam translates.

The Guardian - Travel

Dressed like Harry Potter in a black cape and black-rimmed glasses, Tseng delivered a welcome speech to her guests.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

After welcome speeches, he prayed at the tomb containing relics of John Paul II, his predecessor-but-one and revered by the public in his home country.

The Guardian

After a brief exchange of gifts and a private meeting over glasses of fizzy water and squash, the two sovereigns stepped outside for welcome speeches where the Pope lost no time in setting out his agenda for the visit.

Independent

They're just not prepared to accept one of Don's patented "Do it my way because I'm the best; you're welcome" speeches coming from a woman, and that may be unfair, but she's accepted it.

Huffington Post

Opened by the welcome speeches of the UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan Hanaa Singer and the deputy minister of Internal Affairs Orudj Zalov, the training will last until October 7, 2005 as part of the national level initiative on juvenile justice and partnership agreement between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and UNICEF.

Unicef

Welcome speeches were given by EP President Martin Schulz, International Charlemagne Prize Foundation Vice Chairman Bettina Leysen and Rector of Aachen University Ernst Schmachtenberg.

European Parliament

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Keep your “welcome speech” concise and engaging by highlighting the key points that are relevant to your audience. Avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information.

Common error

Don't start with a bland, overused opening. Instead of "Welcome, everyone," try something more specific and engaging, such as "It's fantastic to see so many familiar and new faces today."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "welcome speech" functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI shows that it identifies a specific type of speech given to greet and introduce attendees to an event or gathering. It is used to formally acknowledge and express pleasure at the presence of guests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "welcome speech" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe a speech given to greet attendees at an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase and is most frequently found in news media, academic, and formal business contexts. To enhance your writing, tailor the speech to the specific audience and occasion, and avoid generic openings. Alternative phrases such as "opening address" or "introductory remarks" can add variety to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

welcoming address

Swaps the order of the words while retaining the same meaning and function.

address of welcome

A more traditional or slightly archaic phrasing of the original term.

opening address

Replaces "speech" with a more formal term, suggesting a scheduled talk at the start of an event.

introductory remarks

Focuses on the initial comments made to introduce an event or speaker.

opening statement

Similar to "opening address", but can also apply to legal or formal contexts.

greetings

A simpler, more concise way of referring to the act of welcoming.

formal greeting

Highlights the formality of the welcome, suitable for very official settings.

initial presentation

Focuses on introducing information rather than just welcoming people.

keynote address

Suggests a more significant and central speech than a simple welcome.

inaugural speech

Suitable for official inaugurations, implying a commencement or beginning.

FAQs

How do I start a "welcome speech"?

Begin with a warm and genuine greeting to acknowledge the audience and set a positive tone. You might say, "Good morning, everyone, and thank you for being here," or "It's a pleasure to welcome you all today."

What should I include in a "welcome speech"?

A "welcome speech" should briefly introduce the occasion, express gratitude to the attendees, and set expectations for the event. You might also highlight key goals or benefits for the audience.

What can I say instead of "welcome"?

You can use alternatives such as "greetings", "salutations", or "a warm reception" depending on the formality and context.

How long should a "welcome speech" be?

A "welcome speech" should be concise and to the point, ideally lasting no more than 3-5 minutes. This ensures the audience remains engaged and the event can proceed smoothly.