10 Tips for a Great Speech at the Holiday Party
By Christina McKenna
Just in time for the holidays, re-posting our all-time most popular blog with a few updates for 2023. Happy holidays everyone!
Ah, the office holiday party. It conjures punchlines of poor wardrobe choices and over-served sales reps. But in reality, it's one of the more dignified traditions to survive the modern work world.
And for bosses, it's a moment that calls for reminding everyone why they're drinking (or at least eating) on the company tab. Rather than viewing this speech as an obligation, bosses should embrace it as an opportunity to set the tone for the coming year with remarks that make the team feel both appreciated and appreciative.
Here are 10 tips for giving a great holiday speech.
Thank them. It's the whole point of the speech and, frankly, the party. If you do nothing else, be sure to thank your team for hard work throughout the year.
Thank the significant others. They've made sacrifices on behalf of your company as well, carrying the load on the home front when the employee travels, works late, or misses a teacher conference. And no one more influences your employees’ decisions whether it's to stay at the company, volunteer for big projects, or gripe about the health plan. Here is a chance to bank some goodwill with the spouses. 2023 Update: Inviting spouses to company holiday parties is less common in the post-COVID era. But regardless, do take a moment to ask your team to share your thanks with those who support them. This gracious gesture will go a long way with your employee and the significant other.
Mention milestones. Now's also the time to remind employees of what it means to work for a great company. So mention the firm's important milestones whether it's doubling sales or just staying afloat in a terrible economy. But mention some personal milestones too, like new home purchases, engagements, weddings, births and graduations. Helping employees make the connection between a great job and a high quality of life is worthwhile.
Get specific. If your team is small, mention each one along with something memorable about their year. If the team is large, you may still want to call on a few stand outs----and not just the high billers. Some "fan favorites" might be worthy of a mention too, like the IT staffer who doubled download speed or the admin who engineered the office move.
Highlight successes, say nothing of setbacks. This isn't a company meeting. It's a party.
Be brief. Remember, for them the night is about the party, not the speech.
Rehearse. You might think you can wing it, but you're wrong. Take time to draft remarks and rehearse them----aloud and at least three times.
Don't chicken out. In a weak moment you might think a party doesn't require a speech and opt just to skip it. But don't. There is a reason why companies hold holiday parties, but employees won't think about it unless you tell them.
Speak early. Wait until everyone arrives and has had a drink, but not much longer. You want folks sober and focused on you and after more than an hour or so most won't be either.
Save the cocktails for after. You may think you need a drink to calm your nerves, but you'll be better off without it. Instead, sip a soda until it's go-time, then knock 'em dead. You can bask in the glow of a great speech (and a good stiff drink) the rest of the night.
2023 Update: Above all else, keep in mind that employees’ loyalty to their employers is more tenuous than in the past. They’re keenly aware that they have options about where to invest their time and talents. So, now is the time to reassure them that they’re in the right place, that they’re valued for their contributions, and that, together, your brightest days lie ahead.
Give it a try and let us know if it works for you or what else has worked better. For more great ideas and tips for rock solid communication, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn.