A birthday speech to acknowledge the special day of a friend, family member, or colleague introduces and honors the person and wishes them all the best of their happy day. Many birthday speech examples are available as templates to craft a birthday speech appropriate for the person celebrating.
Along with a festive song around the birthday cake, parties honoring someone celebrating a birthday often include a short toast or birthday speech. You might have the opportunity to speak if you are close to the birthday boy or girl.
How do you know if you should plan to speak? How do you choose the right words? Should you give a funny birthday speech or a serious one? As always, when you have questions, we have answers.
What Do You Say In A Birthday Speech?
When framing a birthday speech, you need to consider a few things:
- Who is the guest of honor?
- What is their relationship to you?
- Is the birthday boy or girl more likely to appreciate a serious or funny birthday speech?
- How many people are speaking?
- Will there be a set time to give birthday toasts or speeches, or will it be a simple, impromptu thing?
How Do You Start Birthday Speech Examples?
Starting a memorable occasion speech is especially easy if you are the first (or only) speaker. Then, a simple “good morning,” “good afternoon”, or “good evening” is an appropriate way to greet the guests. Once you give that traditional greeting, jump into what you want to say.
“We are gathered here tonight for a birthday celebration to honor our close friend (name). Growing up with (name), I found myself wondering if we would see our 60th birthdays.
Remember riding our dirt bikes? Jumping off of the roof into your aunt’s pool? And how could we forget our 21st birthday? But the point is we survived youth craziness, and here we are. Let’s all raise a glass to (name) on his special day. Happy birthday, my friend.”
What Do You Say In A Birthday Speech If You Are A Parent?
If you are the parent, are you hosting the event for your son or daughter? Certain milestone birthdays, such as the 16th or 18th, might still require a parent to host.
A parent giving a birthday speech might thank all of the wonderful people for coming to celebrate their son or daughter’s birthday. How you word the rest of the speech depends on how close your relationship is with your child and your child’s gender and age.
For example, a dad talking about his little girl at her Quinceanera will acknowledge that his daughter is now considered a woman. The speech will include points of pride and love for his daughter. At a Quinceanera, a tradition in Hispanic culture that happens on a young woman’s 15th birthday, it is tradition for many guests to give a short speech.
Of course, there are occasions in most cultures where a parent would give a birthday speech. Many young women celebrate a Sweet Sixteen with a party. Since most mothers hope to be their daughter’s best friend one day, this party is a lovely time for a mother to state this hope.
Here is an example birthday speech from a mom for her daughter’s sweet sixteen,
“Thank you for coming to (name’s) sweet sixteen party. My little girl is practically grown up now, and it is hard to believe because it all happened in the blink of an eye. I want to express my birthday wishes to (name). We have built many beautiful memories over your lifetime, (name).
You have grown into a beautiful young woman and quickly moved from being my daughter to being a great friend. I want to extend birthday wishes on behalf of your dad and me. Happy birthday, princess.”
What Should I Say In A Birthday Speech For A Coworker?
When celebrating a coworker’s birthday, think about your relationship before making a speech and offering a toast. It might be appropriate for you to talk about how much positive energy they add to the workplace. Another tactic could be to discuss how they are such a team player.
Never bring up anything negative at a person’s birthday party. If you find them annoying or lazy as a coworker, say nothing.
What Should I Say In My Friend’s Birthday Speech?
If it is your best friend’s birthday, there are many angles to approach for giving a great birthday speech. First, you might share some fun stories. This is especially great if you have been friends for a long time and have some great memories to talk about. Using touching quotes is another way to approach the speech.
While certain birthdays are conducive to poking fun about the person’s age, we want to caution you that not everyone takes these well. If your friend seems to be struggling with age, sharing stories might be more appropriate than pulling out the “old fart” jokes. Bring out the hilarity and jabs for friends who love a good roasting!
Do You Focus On Age In A Birthday Speech?
You certainly can focus on age in a birthday speech, but you don’t have to. If the person’s age seems essential to the angle you are taking in your remarks, mention it. However, you don’t need to.
What Do You Include In Speeches For Milestone Birthdays?
- 16th Birthday: The 16th birthday, called a sweet sixteen for girls, should include something about the guest of honor practically being an adult.
- 18th Birthday: As the official entry into adulthood in many countries, the 18th birthday is a big one. Make sure to recognize this in any birthday speech.
- 21st Birthday: Even though people can legally drink alcohol at much younger ages in other countries, in the United States, this is the magic number for being able to drink. For this reason, this birthday is often accompanied by a party. A parent often will recognize that fact in a speech or toast.
- 30th Birthday: Also called the “dirty thirty,” this is a fun milestone birthday to celebrate what many see as the end of their youth. Speeches and toasts for this birthday typically include birthday quotes about getting older and recognition of the next stage of life. You certainly can use some funny one-liner jokes, quotes, or tidbits.
- 40th Birthday: Middle age is between 40 and 50, so this birthday is often a sensitive one, especially for women. It is always appropriate to wish the birthday person a long life and health. If you know the person well enough to be sure they will handle gentle ribbing well, you could make some “getting old” jokes in your speech.
- 50th Birthday: When giving a 50th birthday speech, people commonly start to make “old fart” jokes and give gag birthday gifts. Everything “over the hill” is appropriate for celebrating a loved one’s “Happy 50th birthday.”
- 60th Birthday: Wishing someone good health and happiness as they turn 60 are relevant topics for this birthday speech. Another birthday where people often joke about how old the person is, don’t be surprised if the birthday cake’s theme is “older than dirt.” When giving a speech at a milestone birthday for someone older, take your cues from others. If the guest of honor is struggling with getting older or in poor health, give a touching speech rather than one full of jokes.
- 100th Birthday: Living this long is a very big deal, and a 100th birthday is likely to be met with many people who want to say a few words. At this age, leave all jokes aside. Celebrate the centenarian’s life with birthday quotes and stories of special places and events you have seen together.
Birthday Speech Examples For Yourself
- The Reflective Celebration
“Hello everyone! Thank you all for coming to celebrate my birthday. Another year has passed, and I’m grateful for all the wonderful experiences and lessons learned. I’ve had my share of ups and downs, but with amazing friends and family like you, every challenge seems easier.
This year, I’ve decided to embrace new adventures and maybe even pick up a hobby that doesn’t involve Netflix. To those who’ve supported me, laughed with me, and shared these moments, thank you. Here’s to another year of fun, growth, and creating more memories together. Cheers to all of you, and happy birthday to me!”
- The Optimistic Outlook
“Hello everyone! First, let me thank you all for being here to celebrate my birthday. It’s been a fantastic year, filled with laughter, a few tears, and a lot of personal growth. I’ve decided that this year, I’ll focus on positivity and embracing life’s surprises.
I’m excited for what’s to come, and with friends and family like you by my side, I know it’s going to be an incredible journey. So, let’s raise a glass to making every moment count and to cherishing the amazing people around us. Cheers, and happy birthday to me!”
- The Lighthearted Take
“Hey, everyone! Thanks for joining my birthday bash. It’s another year older, wiser, and hopefully funnier. I’ve been reflecting on the past year and realized I should’ve bought stock in coffee and stress balls. But hey, I made it!
This year, my goals are simple: more adventures, less worrying, and maybe learning to cook something that isn’t cereal. Thanks to each of you for the laughs, support, and unforgettable moments. Let’s make this year even better. Here’s to good times, great friends, and celebrating every little victory. Cheers to another fabulous year, and happy birthday to me!”
Birthday Speech Template
- Introduction: Introduce yourself and state how you know the guest of honor.
- Body: Tell a couple of stories or share a special birthday quote.
- Conclusion: Every speech needs to be wrapped up. You might do this by offering up a birthday toast or simply by giving a closing remark like, “I am so blessed to be your friend, (name) and hope you have a beautiful celebration.”
Examples Of Funny Birthday Speeches
Self-Deprecating Humor
“They say you don’t truly appreciate your youth until it’s gone. Well, guess what? I’m here to appreciate my ever-lasting youth… which everyone keeps mistaking for middle age!”
Or
“They say you don’t get older, you just level up in life. Well, consider me a level-grinding champion because another year has flown by! But hey, at least the high score for wrinkles keeps getting higher!”
Poking Fun At The Guest Of Honor’s Age
“I wasn’t sure what kind of cake to get [Name] this year. One with a ton of candles seemed a bit of a fire hazard, so I went with [playful suggestion of a much smaller cake or alternative dessert]. But hey, at least you’re getting closer to unlocking the senior discounts, right?”
Or
“Happy Birthday to [Name]! They may not be jumping hurdles these days, but hey, at least they can still appreciate a good nap. Here’s to celebrating another year of wisdom, experience, and strategically placed furniture for optimal lounging!”
Embarrassing Story
“Happy Birthday, [Name]! They may be a culinary genius now, but there was definitely that time you tried to make [insert dish] for the family dinner, and it ended up looking (and smelling) like something out of a science experiment. Let’s just say takeout saved the day! But hey, at least you learned a valuable lesson in the kitchen (and maybe a newfound respect for following recipes).”
Funny Anecdote About The Gift
“Hi everyone! We’re all here to celebrate [Name]’s birthday, and we all know that [Name] loves a good lazy day. So, we thought, why not embrace that passion to the fullest? Introducing the Ultimate Lazy Day Kit! Inside, you’ll find a pair of the fluffiest socks known to humankind, a blanket that feels like a hug from a cloud, and a selection of snacks that require zero effort to consume.
Oh, and the pièce de résistance: a remote control holder so you never have to get up to look for it again. Because, let’s be honest, if anyone deserves to chill in maximum comfort, it’s you, [Name].
Playful Exaggeration
“Today, we gather to celebrate [Name], our very own tech wizard. If your computer crashes, your phone dies, or your Wi-Fi goes down, [Name] is the first person we call. It’s like they were born with a microchip in their brain.
So, to make sure you stay at the top of your game, we’ve got you the latest gadgetry and a year’s subscription to ‘Tech Wizard Monthly.’ [Name], your ability to fix anything with a screen is nothing short of magical, and we can’t wait to see what tech sorcery you perform next. Happy Birthday, and may your gadgets always be cutting-edge!”
Remember that any stories you choose to tell should highlight the guest of honor’s good qualities, even if they’re embarrassing. You should ideally get their permission to tell the story beforehand. Remember to keep it lighthearted and avoid anything that could be hurtful.
How Do You Say Thank You For A Birthday Speech?
As the guest of honor, you will be expected to say a few words at your own birthday celebration. Acknowledging those who have shared kind words and stories about you is appropriate. This does not have to be long. You can say, “I appreciate everyone for coming to share in my special day, especially everyone who said such lovely things about me. Thank you all for coming.”
You should also acknowledge whoever hosted the party. For example, “Thank you to my husband and best friend for throwing this lovely surprise party for me. I appreciate all the work that went into planning every detail, from the venue to the food to everyone who spoke. I appreciate you all.”