For school events
Welcome speech for annual day, and an anchoring script
Being chosen to give the welcome speech or anchor the annual day is a big moment. Below are a short and a longer welcome speech, an anchoring script with transitions between performances, and a vote of thanks. Replace the blanks with your school's details.
By the Eloqova team · Updated 25 October 2026
Short welcome speech (about 1 minute)
A very good evening to our honourable chief guest ___, our respected principal ___, teachers, dear parents and my dear friends. On behalf of ___ School, I warmly welcome you all to our Annual Day celebration.
Tonight is the result of weeks of practice, rehearsals and teamwork. Every dance, song and play you will see has been prepared with love by our students and teachers. Your presence makes this evening truly special.
So please sit back, relax and enjoy the show. Once again, a very warm welcome to all of you. Thank you.
Longer welcome speech (2 to 3 minutes)
Good evening to our esteemed chief guest ___, our guest of honour ___, our respected principal ___, members of the management, teachers, parents and my dear friends.
It is my honour to welcome you all to the ___ Annual Day of ___ School. Every year, this evening is the day we look forward to the most. It is the day our school celebrates not just marks, but talent, effort and togetherness.
This year has been full of achievements. Our students have done well in academics, sports, art and competitions, and we have learned that success comes from small efforts made every day. None of this would be possible without the guidance of our principal, the patience of our teachers and the support of our parents.
A special welcome to our chief guest, ___. Thank you, sir / ma'am, for taking time out of your busy schedule to be with us and to inspire us.
Tonight's theme is ___. Through dance, music and drama, our students will bring it to life on this stage. We hope you enjoy every moment. Once again, a very warm welcome to all of you. Thank you.
Anchoring script for annual day
Opening
Anchor 1: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! The lights are on, the stage is set and the excitement is in the air.
Anchor 2: Welcome to the Annual Day of ___ School! I am ___, and with me is my co-anchor ___. We will be your guides for tonight's journey.
Lamp lighting and prayer
Anchor 1: Every good beginning starts with light. May I request our chief guest, principal and guests of honour to kindly come forward for the lamp lighting ceremony.
Anchor 2: Let us now begin with a prayer, presented by the students of Class ___.
Transitions between performances
- "That was wonderful! Let's give them a big round of applause."
- "From the little stars of the primary wing, here comes a dance that will make you smile: ___."
- "Music speaks when words cannot. Please welcome the school choir with ___."
- "And now, a short play that carries a big message: ___, by the students of Class ___."
- "Get ready to tap your feet, because the next performance is full of energy!"
Chief guest's address and prize distribution
Anchor 1: And now the moment we have all been waiting for. May I request our chief guest, ___, to kindly address the gathering.
Anchor 2: Hard work deserves to be celebrated. We now move to the prize distribution ceremony. As your names are called, please come up to the stage.
Vote of thanks and closing
Anchor 1: Every great evening needs a heartfelt thank you. We thank our chief guest for gracing the occasion, our principal for the guidance, our teachers for their tireless effort, the parents for their support, and every student who made tonight shine.
Anchor 2: We hope you take home beautiful memories. Please stand for the national anthem. Thank you, and good night!
Tips for anchors
- Print the script in big letters on cue cards, one card per segment.
- Learn the opening by heart. A confident first line settles the nerves.
- Check every name and pronunciation with the teacher in advance.
- Pause after a performance and let the applause finish before speaking.
- Smile, stand straight and hold the microphone a fist's width below the chin.
For more stage practice, see our stage fear guide and thought of the day for assembly.
Help your child speak confidently on stage
Eloqova runs live 1:1 online public speaking classes for UKG to Grade 8. A trainer can rehearse your child's welcome speech or anchoring script with them in a free 1:1 demo session, working on voice, pauses and stage presence.