How do you ask a chief guest to sit?

Extending a Graceful Welcome: How to Invite Your Chief Guest to the Dais

Inviting the chief guest to the stage (dais) is a pivotal moment in any event. It’s the culmination of preparations, and the smooth execution of this simple act sets the tone for the rest of the proceedings. It’s about conveying respect, gratitude, and making your esteemed guest feel truly valued. While the core purpose is always the same, the way you phrase your invitation can subtly enhance the overall experience.

The key is to balance formality with warmth, ensuring the invitation feels genuine and sincere. Here’s a breakdown of how to extend a gracious invitation to your chief guest, building on the foundational example provided:

The Foundation:

The phrase, “We warmly welcome our distinguished chief guest, [Mr./Ms./Dr./Prof. Last Name], to join us on the dais. It’s an honor to have you preside over this occasion,” is an excellent starting point. Let’s explore how we can enhance this core statement:

Key Elements to Consider:

• Clarity: Ensure the invitation is unambiguous. The chief guest should understand precisely what you’re asking them to do – to come and take their designated seat on the stage.
• Warmth and Respect: Your tone should be respectful and appreciative. Use language that conveys genuine honor at having them present.
• Specificity (If Applicable): If the dais has designated seating, you can subtly guide them without being overly prescriptive.
• Flow: The invitation should flow naturally within the context of the event. It should feel like a seamless transition rather than an abrupt interruption.

Refining the Invitation:

Here are a few variations and expansions on the original phrase, incorporating the elements above:

Option 1 (Emphasis on Appreciation):

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is with immense pleasure that we now invite our distinguished chief guest, [Mr./Ms./Dr./Prof. Last Name], to grace us with their presence on the dais. We are deeply honored to have you here to preside over this special occasion.”

Why it works: The phrase “grace us with their presence” adds a layer of elegance and highlights the honor they are bestowing upon the event.

Option 2 (Slightly More Formal):

“We would now like to extend a formal invitation to our esteemed chief guest, [Mr./Ms./Dr./Prof. Last Name], to join us on the dais. It is a privilege to have you with us today, and we are most grateful that you have agreed to preside over these proceedings.”

Why it works: The use of “formal invitation” emphasizes the importance of the guest’s presence. “Privilege” and “grateful” further underscore your appreciation.

Option 3 (More Direct, but Still Warm):

“Now, it gives me great pleasure to invite our respected chief guest, [Mr./Ms./Dr./Prof. Last Name], to take their place on the dais. Your presence here is a true honor, and we are delighted to have you preside over this event.”

Why it works: This option is more direct but still maintains a warm and respectful tone. “Take their place” is a clear instruction.

Option 4 (Adding a Touch of Personalization, If Appropriate):

(This works best if you’ve introduced the guest earlier with some background)

“Following those insightful words, we are now honored to welcome our chief guest, [Mr./Ms./Dr./Prof. Last Name], to join us on the dais. [Mention a brief relevant connection to the guest’s expertise or the event’s theme]. It is a true privilege to have you preside over this occasion.”

Why it works: This shows you’ve been paying attention to the guest’s achievements and tailor the invitation to them.

Option 5 (For Events with Multiple Dignitaries):

“And now, we extend a warm welcome to our distinguished chief guest, [Mr./Ms./Dr./Prof. Last Name], to join our other esteemed guests on the dais. We are deeply honored to have you all with us today to preside over this important event.”

Why it works: This acknowledges other dignitaries while still highlighting the chief guest’s importance.

Important Considerations:

• Non-Verbal Cues: Your body language is crucial. Maintain eye contact, smile genuinely, and gesture towards the dais in a welcoming manner.
• Assistance: Ensure someone is ready to assist the chief guest in getting to the dais, especially if there are steps or uneven surfaces.
• Microphone Etiquette: Speak clearly and at a comfortable pace.
• Context is Key: Adapt the phrasing to the specific event, audience, and relationship with the chief guest. A formal academic conference will require a different tone than a celebratory community event.

In Conclusion:

Inviting your chief guest to the dais is more than just a procedural step. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate respect, express gratitude, and set a positive tone for the entire event. By carefully crafting your words and focusing on sincerity, you can ensure your chief guest feels genuinely welcomed and honored. Remember to practice beforehand to ensure a smooth and confident delivery.

#Etiquette#Guest#Seating