How to write "vote of thanks"? Vote of thanks for a function is given during the end of function. It is a brief talk given on behalf of the organization as group to a specific person or group of people.
For a formal function, the organizing secretary or an equivalent member who is involved in the function from beginning till end is the best person to give away the vote of thanks.
Just like a welcome speech, vote of thanks should also be brief. As thanksgiving is the concluding session, everyone including the person who is giving the "vote of thanks" may be tired and bored especially if it is for the valedictory function. The aim of vote of thanks is not to summarize the programme or to bore anyone else but to thank everyone who has made the show a success.
The order of speech for "vote of thanks" As in welcome speech, there should be an order of thanking according to the importance. For a formal function, it is best to thank the chief guest first, then the dignitaries on the dais, people in the front row and then everybody down the hall.
While drafting the speech, thanks should be given to each individual who is responsible for the arrangements, catering, setting up event, organizing the event etc. It ends with a call to applause from the crowd for all the efforts taken for the successful organization of programme.
Think about people who are responsible for:
invitations stage * setting and lighting * catering
technical arrangements * musicians * the press and media contacts
To be avoided
Avoid too much of thanking own people from the organisation.
For example; when you deliver vote of thanks for an annual day or college day, one of the faculties who was involved in the organisation may be given the responsibility to give away the vote of thanks. It may not look appropriate to keep thanking the entire departmental faculty for their active participation in the programme, because they might have done it as part of their job responsibility and it may not look appropriate to pat our own shoulder in the public.
Take care not to be critical or evaluative about the day's events in thanks giving speech.
A vote of thanks speech is not an attempt at summarizing the events for the day.
Instead it should be a way of showing appreciation with heartfelt words of gratitude.
It can also be used as an opportunity to respond to the remarks, requests or promises made by the chief guest.
Specify exactly what you are grateful for and it should be expressed in a sincere manner using suitable words.
You will feel more confident if you have a small card with points written on who you want to thank and which phrase or words to be used for a particular person.
Rehearsing the speech also helps in gaining confidence.
Have eye contact with the audience and talk to the audience.
Speak slowly with confidence and deliberately as you look around the hall.
Use body language and gestures to emphasize the sincerity of your words.
Smile on your face will enhance your appearance as well as leave the guests at ease.