The Keys to a Great Bar / Batmitzvah Speech

At the core of everything we do is a belief that each speaker, subject and audience is different. And so we don’t believe in templates. However, there are a few things that are expected at every Bar / Batmitzvah. These lists just cover those basics. Please be aware that they may not all be relevant to you (and that your Simcha may include other speakers)!

THE PARENT OF THE BAR / BATMITZVAH

1. Welcome everyone (assuming that you are actually hosting it!)
2. Mention those who have travelled a particularly long way
3. Mention any relatives who cannot be with you or who have made a particular effort to be there
4. Talk a little about your son / daughter without turning the speech into a verbal CV!
5. Talk about your wife (or your son / daughter’s mum) and any other children using appropriate levels of emotion
6. Reference the Bar / Batmitzvah’s performance in Shul
7. Attempt to weave these elements together into something seamless, fun and touching
8. Toast the Bar / Batmitzvah

THE BAR / BATMITZVAH SPEECH

1. Thank your Mum / Dad for their lovely words
2. Thank your guests for coming to Shul and the party (and for their generosity!)
3. Mention any grandparents and uncles, aunts and cousins to whom you are particularly close
4. Focus on your siblings, relationships at home and how you might change following this important landmark
5. Mention your close friends, referencing something you all have in common
6. Wish everyone a great evening

TOAST TO THE BAR / BATMITZVAH BY A FRIEND AND / OR SIBLING

1. Thank your hosts for such a brilliant day
2. Congratulate the Bar / Batmitzvah on their amazing performance in Shul
3. Explain how you know him or her
4. Include some brief stories or anecdotes that illustrate what a great person they are
5. Add something more sincere about their deeper qualities and your hopes for your future friendship
6. Toast the Bar / Batmitzvah
7. The best speeches flow seamlessly and don’t appear to be running through a list. They are tied together by a relevant and clear theme that brings everything else to life. That’s what we do!

Please call us on +44 (0)207 118 1600 – or contact us – to discuss how we can help you write and deliver fabulous speeches that nobody will ever forget!