SOCIAL SKILLS III

II. MAKING A SPEECH AT A DINNER

1. PHRASES FOR OPENING A SPEECH

Opening a speech

Most speeches begin by greeting the audience.

Good evening, everyone, and a warm welcome to everyone on the team.

Good evening, everyone, and a warm welcome who could make it. 

Then you should state the purpose of the speech.

We are here tonight to celebrate the success of our newest product line.

We are here tonight to celebrate the anniversary of our company. 

Start with a relevant quote to engage the audience's attention.

I'd like to begin with a quote from the famous guitarist Jimi Hendrix.
I think this quote articulates why we have been so successful this year.
I think this quote articulates the attitude we need to keep in the upcoming year. 

A speech at a dinner will likely be more casual and friendly than a proper business presentation, but you'll speak to your audience differently than if you were chatting with a group of friends. There will be little or no opportunity to engage in a dialogue. You can ask for audience feedback, but this should be kept to a minimum, and most if not all of the speaking is your responsibility.

Good evening , ladies and gentlemen, and a warm welcome to our visitors from our offices on the East Coast. We're here tonight to celebrate 50 years of business in the shipping industry. I'd like to begin with a quote from Warren Buffet, who said that someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago. I think this quote articulates why our company has lasted so long. Rather than focus on short-term profits, our priority has always been to remain the industry leader for as long as possible.



2. COMPLIMENTING YOUR TEAM

Complimenting others

Compliment others by acknowledging the contributions they've made. Say more than just 'thank you' – explain how they've contributed.

Our growth is thanks to the tremendous effort of this team. Our growth is thanks to Sam's hard work.  All of you have played your part in transforming a small idea into a huge success. All of you have played a part in our success.  Your contribution is the reason we are here tonight. Your innovative ideas are the reason we're here tonight.  I demanded high standards and you went beyond them. This time it is my turn to applaud you. Thank you for your hard work and commitment.

Of course, we couldn't have made it this far on our own. Our 50 years in the industry is thanks to the dedication that our staff has brought to work every day. Your loyalty and hard work is the reason we are here tonight. I demanded high standards and you went beyond them . This time it is my turn to applaud you . Thank you for choosing to be a part of our company – not just a company, a family


3. LEAVING YOUR AUDIENCE MOTIVATED

Providing motivation

One way to motivate staff is to show that the future will be bright, if their hard work continues.

I am going to be asking more of you in the months to come. I can promise you that the rewards will be even greater. Use logical connectors throughout your speech to make it easier to understand.  Draw attention to things and explain them more clearly using now and what this means is …. Now, with this new challenge, we have a new goal to reach. What this means is that I am going to be asking even more of you.

Use not only …, but also …and as well as to point out additional information.

Not only will we have to work harder, but also teamwork will be more important.
We're here to celebrate our past, as well as get ready for a new future.

Use however to point out contrast.

It was a great year for us. However, I can promise that next year will be even better.

Draw attention to the end of your speech with in closing.

In closing, I would like to share another relevant quote with you.


Thanks for your attention, everyone. In closing , I would like to talk a little about what the futureholds for us.  Now , we've done great this year;  however  we can't take iteasy just yet. Not only do we need to continue working hard, but also we need to be team players.That'll ensure we keep our position in the market now as well as in the future.


III. IMPLEMENTING CONVERSATIONAL STRATEGIES

1. PUTTING PEOPLE AT EASE

Greeting people

Sometimes you might be familiar with someone from phone or email communications, but it's the first time you're meeting face to face.

We've talked on the phone.

It's nice to put a face to the name.

It's nice to finally meet you in person.

A. Let me begin by saying it's a real pleasure to meet you.

B. The feeling's mutual. 

Sometimes you may wish to use a more casual tone.

Can we drop the formalities?

Please, call me Nathan.

Show that the person is well-respected and you've already heard positive things about him or her.

Your reputation precedes you.

 The feeling's mutual. - to indicate a similar feeling

Can we drop the formalities? - to ask to speak more casually

Your reputation precedes you. - to say that you've heard of the person before

It's nice to put a face to the name. - when meeting someone you've only spoken to on the phone or emailed. 

- It's nice to finally meet you in person.- 

The feeling's mutual, Robert. It's nice to put a face to the name.
- So, should I just call you Margaret or Ms. Henderson?
- Can we drop the formalities? Please, call me Maggie.
- OK, Maggie it is.
- Your reputation precedes you, Robert.

2. ESTABLISHING RAPPORT

Establishing rapport

When making new friends, it's important to make the person feel comfortable. One way to do this is to ask about and speak well of mutual acquaintances.

Will Joe be joining us? I'd like to compliment him on his latest work.

Ask easy questions about the person's opinion.

How does it feel to be back in London?

Have you noticed any changes?

How long has it been?

You can also invite the person to meet outside the context of work.

What are your plans for the rest of the week?

What would you say if I took a few days off to show you around?

People might decline the invitation at first, to be polite. Reassure the person that it wouldn't be an inconvenience, but don't push the issue.

A. What would you say if I took a few days off to show you around?

B. I wouldn't want to impose.

A. Oh, it would be no imposition at all. B. In that case, I'd love to.

A. What would you say if I took a few days off to show you around?
B. I wouldn't want to impose.
A. Oh, it would be no imposition at all.
B. Thanks for the invite, but my schedule is quite full this week.
A. I understand. Just let me know if you change your mind.

3. OPINIONS AND CHANGING THE SUBJECT

Expressing yourself

Sometimes you may want to express an opinion that you think the speaker will disagree with. Soften the opinion by using these phrases before it.

To be honest, I didn't like his designs.

To be frank, I thought the designs were unoriginal.

I have to say, I wasn't so impressed.

You can change the subject, but it's rude to do it abruptly. Use these phrases to make the change smoother.

That reminds me, I have a funny story about Joe.
On a different note, what would you like to see while you're here?
Speaking of which, have you seen his new designs?
Before I forget, are you free for lunch on Saturday?

Used to express an opinion 

I have to say
To be frank
To be honest

Used to change the subject 

Speaking of which,
On a different note
That reminds me 

A: What do you think about the lifestyle here?

B: Well, to be frank , it's a bit slow for me. I like to relax, but I have to say , sometimes it gets a bit boring here.

A: I actually agree with you. To be honest , a lot of locals would leave at the first chance they got! On a different note , have you tried any of the food in the area?

B: Yes! I went to a great little restaurant yesterday. Speaking of which , would you have time to have lunch sometime next week?

A: Definitely! Let's go.

IV. DEALING WITH CONFLICT

1. BROACHING A DIFFICULT SUBJECT

Workplace conflict

When dealing with a workplace conflict, try to prevent emotions from becoming heated. Promise to deal with the situation professionally, and remind others to stay professional as well.

Can you come to my office so we can have a word in private?

I'd like to have a word with you in private. 

I want to address these issues as soon as possible.

We need  to address these issues as soon as possible.

Let's take a deep breath here.

Let's all just take a deep breath.

I would like us all to deal with the issue like mature adults.

Can you calmly and precisely tell me what has been going on between you two?

Be fair by promising to listen to the problem from both people involved, and not taking into account workplace gossip.

There are two sides to every story.

I want to hear it straight from the horse's mouth.

I'd like to hear it straight from the horse's mouth.

A: Mike, can you come into my office, please? I'd like to have a word with you in private.

B: Sure. Is this about what's happening between Kiki and me?

A: Yes, that's it.

B: Oh no. OK.

A: Now, let's just take a deep breath . We all know that there are two sides to every story, and I'd like to hear it straight fromthe horse's mouth . And it's important that we address the issue as soon as possible.

2. MEDIATING

Mediating conflict

Keep both individuals calm and remind them to stay polite and keep their emotions stable. Both people should be given a chance to speak and shouldn't interrupt each other.

First of all, you both need to calm down.

Let's try to avoid any rudeness here.

You'll get your chance to speak in a moment.

Ask for details when relevant, and ask each person involved to verify that the other person is describing things correctly.

I need you to be more specific.

Is this an accurate account, do you think?

Let's try to avoid any rudeness here. - asking for politeness 
Is this an accurate account, do you think? - asking if someone agrees with the information presented 
I need you to be more specific. - asking for more detail

You'll get your chance to speak in a moment. - asking for someone to wait his or her turn

First of all, you both need to calm down. - keeping emotions stable 

3. THE LANGUAGE OF CONSENSUS 

Suggestions

show better leadership to his team

be friendlier

keep his area cleaner

wear headphones when listening to music 

communicate better

agree on air conditioner usage 

take some responsibility

need some consensus

reach an agreement

work as a team

address issues directly

take on board suggestions 

work things out

move forward 

Language of consensus

There are several common phrases used when encouraging people to reach a consensus in a conflict.

It's important that we move forward now. You need consensus before adjusting the office temperature. I hope you take on board my suggestions. You should try to work things out among yourselves first. You need to take responsibility for your workspace.

I suggest you start working as a team.

It's vital that you work to resolve these conflicts. You can reach an agreement if you try a little harder.

Suggest specific courses of action to resolve the problem.

The way I see it is you need to be friendlier with each other. I would go so far as to say you owe him a formal apology. It's vital you talk to each other before coming to me. I would suggest you work on keeping your desk area clean. 1. Let's try to move  forward from this incident. 2. You should try to work things out in private. 3. I suggest you start working as a team  . 4. You should take  responsibility for your workspace. 5. I would go  so far as to say you've treated him as an outsider.

I would suggest you start working as a team.
You need consensus before you do things to affect the workplace.
It's vital you reach an agreement on project roles.
I agree, but now it's time to move forward from the incident.