A milestone speech
It’s that time of the year again: preparations of New Year’s Speech time.
Writing a memorable New Year’s speech can feel big. It’s a very important speech that sets the tone for the rest of the year.
If you don’t know where to start? I’ve got you.
I love helping clients write NY’s speeches because of the satisfaction of seeing the message, the choice of words, the stories and the people in it all come together perfectly.
Read until the end for pro-tips and for my special offer.
The New Year’s speech is a milestone speech that not only calls for reflection on the past but also demands a vision for the future amid complexities.
Recognition, vision and guidance
Today, leaders face unique challenges; our context is changing faster than ever before, yet you need to come up with a clear vision and solid strategy.
Your audience looks to you for recognition (“Thank you for….”), vision (this is where we are going) and guidance.
You need to say something sensible about the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, geopolitical tensions, and a society grappling with fake news.
Whatever the dynamics at play in your sector, crafting a resonant message that unites and motivates your team has never been more crucial.
Despite these challenges, the New Year is an opportunity to look back on achievements, set bold goals, and express gratitude to your team.
Overall, the tone should be positive, no sugarcoating, real, honest, and positive.
Here’s how to prepare your New Year’s speech effectively
1. Define Your Intention
Start by determining what you want your audience to take away from your speech one week later. Beyond conveying information, think about the emotions you want to evoke and the actions you want to inspire.
For example:
– What will they know? That while we may celebrate last year’s successes, we must also embrace continuous changes.
– What will they feel? Inspired, proud, and equipped to tackle new challenges.
– What will they do? Approach the upcoming year with renewed motivation and a strategic outlook. A focused intention sets the foundation for your speech.
2. First, Look Back
Use the New Year as a chance to reflect on the past year.
Explore these angles:
– Spot trends: As a leader, it’s your role to interpret the landscape impacted by technological innovations. How have these developments affected your industry or organization? Be very clear, and if possible, add a little story.
– Tell stories: Personal anecdotes can resonate deeply. Share stories that reflect your main message or invoke humor and relatability. – Personal anecdote can be about a situation you were in and what you learned from it, or, other people can be the main character.
– Give credit: Recognize those who contributed to your successes, reinforcing the importance of every team member and fostering a collective spirit.
– Making people feel seen, heard and appreciated is key.
3. Then, Look Forward
Formulate resolutions that establish a clear vision for the upcoming year.
For example: With advancements in AI offering both opportunities and challenges—such as job displacement versus improved efficiency—highlight how your organization will leverage technology responsibly and ethically.
Provide direction on how your team can navigate these realities. This is your “I have a dream” moment—communicate a vision that transcends simply meeting targets; it’s about making a meaningful impact. – If there is no higher meaning, there will be no impact. Lead with purpose.
4. Keep It Light
Remember the context of your audience—refreshed post-holidays, they may appreciate a lighter, relatable tone.
Engage your team with humor and warmth to maintain focus and connection.
People always remember how you make them feel. So be very, very intentional about which emotions you steer into the room.
Even if the challenge is big, keep a positive tone that shows that you believe the team can make it happen.
5. End Clearly and on a High Note
The conclusion shapes the final impression of your speech.
Use a bridge phrase like: “As I close this toast and we step into a new year…”
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” — Dan Millman
“Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.” — Brad Paisley
PRO-tip 1: start with making your speech as short and concise as possible. First short sentences and a clear structure, and then you develop further.
PRO-tip 2 : make sure to include today’s themes and topics: AI and technology versus human, fake news, …. anything from the outside that impacts your business or organisation.
PRO-tip 3: you can come up with a slogan, e.g.: “Together we can handle everything.’, or one thematic word that you will take along in the year, e.g.: courage.
Good luck writing your New Year’s Speech!
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