DO DON’T . . . Involve some light humour in your speech. * Cracking a few self-deprecating jokes can get the crowd laughing without offending others. * Gentle, affectionate teasing of family or friends who are in attendance may be appropriate if the event involves people you know very well. * It’s okay to include humour in a welcome speech even if your event is a serious one; just strive for balance. . . . Use harsh or crass humour in your speech. * Avoid saying anything that could hurt people’s feelings. Err on the side of caution: If you think a joke could ruffle some feathers, it’s probably best to leave it out. * Avoid jokes that might make anyone uncomfortable. * For example, if you are giving a welcome speech at your brother’s second wedding, avoid bringing up his ex-wife. . . . Include necessary logistical information. * For example, people may need to know the sequence of events for the evening, or they may need to know when they will be asked to stand up and give toasts themselves. . . . Let logistical information completely overwhelm your welcome speech. Keep your tone more warm than business-like. * Be selective about the information you share. For instance, the audience can probably figure out where washrooms are on their own. . . . Offer an enthusiastic, warm message in order to make your audience feel valued. * Offering your guests a friendly welcome can go a long way to setting a positive tone for the entire event. . . . Gush for a lengthy amount of time; a few brief, heartfelt messages go a long way. * In general, try to keep your speech under 5 minutes. People’s attention spans are short, especially in a party setting. . . . Be as genuine as possible; speak in a way that feels natural to you. * Giving a speech can be intimidating, but there is no need to use extremely formal language. Aim for a conversational but polished style of speaking. . . . Strike an unpolished tone with your speech. * Your audience should get the sense that you have practiced your speech and that you know exactly what you intend to say. * Avoid language that gives the impression that you’re thinking out loud, such as: “So . . . Um, yeah. I guess that’s all I have to say, for now.”