Opening a Speech
Call the listeners, thank the hosts, then say why you are speaking.
How It Works
| Call | Suits |
|---|---|
| Estimataj gesinjoroj | a formal gathering |
| Sinjorinoj kaj sinjoroj | a formal gathering, naming both |
| Karaj geamikoj | a warm gathering of friends |
The prefix ge- names both sexes together, so gesinjoroj are ladies and gentlemen and geamikoj are friends of both sexes. A call has no la, no -n and no preposition. After it comes a comma or an exclamation mark.
Next, thank the people who made the event possible. Danki takes the person as its object, and pro names the reason: Mi dankas vin pro la invito.
Then say what the occasion is. Short sentences are easy to hear, and a speech is made to be heard. End with Dankon pro via atento (thank you for your attention).
Examples (5)
- Estimataj gesinjoroj, mi ĝojas bonvenigi vin al nia kongreso.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am glad to welcome you to our congress.
The call comes first and has no la.
- Karaj geamikoj, hodiaŭ ni festas la naskiĝtagon de Zamenhof.
Dear friends, today we celebrate the birthday of Zamenhof.
Geamikoj names friends of both sexes.
- Mi dankas vin pro la invito.
I thank you for the invitation.
Vin is the object of dankas, and pro gives the reason.
- Mi dankas ankaŭ la gastigantojn, kiuj preparis ĉi tiun salonon.
I also thank the hosts, who prepared this hall.
Gastigantojn is the object, and kiuj starts the clause about them.
- Sinjorinoj kaj sinjoroj! Ĉe la malfermo de nia kongreso vi atendas de mi ian parolon.
Ladies and gentlemen! At the opening of our congress you expect a speech from me.
PMEG quotes this call from a congress speech by Zamenhof (Originala Verkaro).
Common Mistakes
Putting la before the call.
La estimataj gesinjoroj, mi ĝojas vidi vin.Estimataj gesinjoroj, mi ĝojas vidi vin.A call to the listeners never takes la. It also takes no -n and no preposition.
How It Connects
Learn This First
A speech opening builds on formal writing and on ge-.
Related Patterns
Practice Opening a Speech in Bubblegum
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