how to write a good 21st birthday speech

Cheers to 21 Years: Speech Writing Tips for the Perfect 21st Birthday Toast

Stepping into the age of 21 is a significant milestone – a transition from adolescence to adulthood, a moment to celebrate achievements, and an opportunity to look forward to the adventures that lie ahead. If you find yourself tasked with delivering the perfect 21st birthday toast, fear not! In this article, we’ll explore speech writing tips that will help you craft a memorable and heartfelt toast that captures the essence of the occasion.

Start with a Warm Greeting: Setting the Tone

Begin your toast with a warm and genuine greeting to acknowledge the birthday celebrant. Consider incorporating a personal anecdote or a shared memory that highlights the significance of the day. Connecting with the audience from the start will create a comfortable and engaging atmosphere.

Reflect on Milestones: Celebrating Achievements

Take a moment to reflect on the achievements and milestones of the birthday honoree. Whether it’s academic accomplishments, personal growth, or unique experiences, acknowledge the journey that has led them to this moment. Highlighting these successes adds depth to the toast and underscores the significance of turning 21.

Share Anecdotes and Memories: Adding Personal Touches

Infuse your toast with personal anecdotes and cherished memories that showcase the celebrant’s personality, quirks, and positive qualities. Whether it’s a funny story from the past or a heartwarming moment, sharing personal experiences will resonate with the audience and make the toast more relatable.

Express Gratitude: Acknowledging Friends and Family

Acknowledge the importance of friends and family in the celebrant’s life. Express gratitude for the support, love, and shared experiences that have enriched their journey. This not only highlights the value of relationships but also involves the audience in the celebration.

Look to the Future: Embracing the Next Chapter

As the celebrant embarks on the journey of adulthood, express optimism and excitement for the future. Offer words of encouragement, share aspirations, and convey confidence in their ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This forward-looking perspective adds a hopeful and inspirational touch to the toast.

Inject Humor: Keeping the Atmosphere Light

A touch of humor can enhance the toast, creating a lighthearted and enjoyable atmosphere. Incorporate witty remarks or funny anecdotes that celebrate the celebrant’s sense of humor or playfully tease them in good spirits. Just ensure that the humor aligns with the celebrant’s personality and the tone of the celebration.

End with a Toast: Raising Your Glass to 21 Years

Conclude your speech by proposing a heartfelt toast. Encourage everyone to raise their glasses in celebration of the birthday honoree’s journey and the exciting years that lie ahead. A well-crafted toast not only wraps up the speech on a positive note but also invites everyone to actively participate in the celebration.

Crafting the perfect 21st birthday toast is an opportunity to celebrate the individual, share memories, and inspire hope for the future. By incorporating personal touches, expressing gratitude, and infusing humor, your toast can resonate with the audience and make the celebration truly memorable. So, raise your glass, offer your best wishes, and let your words create a moment that the birthday celebrant will cherish for years to come. Cheers to 21 years!

• EVENTS (30)
• FAMILY (20)
• Healthy and Insta-Worthy Lunches, That’s the Bento Lunch Box Magic!
• Australia’s Flourishing Event Scene: Exploring the Bustling Business of Function Rooms and Event Venue Hire
• A Calendar of Events: Experience the Vibrancy of Australia
• Office Xmas Party Ideas: Celebrate the Season with Festive Fun
• 4 Engagement Party Ideas Everyone Will Love
• Cheers to 21 Years: 21 Unforgettable Ideas for Your 21st Birthday Bash!
• Turning 21: Unleashing the Fun with Unforgettable Birthday Themes
• Crafting an Irresistible Menu: A Guide to Creating Culinary Allure
• A Down Under Love Affair: Unveiling a Romantic Valentine’s Day Menu
• Sipping for a Purpose: Exploring Negroni Week Cocktails for a Cause

21st Birthday Speech

Amy has a B.A. in Communications and has worked in a wide variety of industries.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Toast your friend or family member on his birthday with a great speech that celebrates what turning 21 is all about. Whether your friend is planning to have a few drinks or just wants to celebrate this milestone occasion, tailor your speech to suit your friend's birthday style. Each speech is editable and can be downloaded using Adobe Reader .

Make Your 21st Memorable Speech

A 21st birthday is often one that stands out in people's minds for years, simply because of the milestone year. For a fun-loving birthday gal or guy who is excited to have a first alcoholic drink, this is definitely one s/he will remember for years. Bring up some past birthday moments and allude to making more in your speech.

• 105+ Heavenly Birthday Quotes for Family or Friends
• 21 Things to Say on the First Birthday After the Death of a Loved One

Exciting Adulthood Ahead Speech

Not every 21-year-old is going to have a birthday bash that involves a wild party. Instead, they may simply want a low-key adult birthday party. A speech for this celebrating 20-something and friends can focus on their full entrance to adulthood, past accomplishments, and future endeavors. It should be optimistic and celebratory.

Tips for Customizing Your Speech

Tailor the speech to suit your friend's personality and the specific party theme. For example:

• At a party with a theme, such as tropical oasis or retro 90s, tie the speech into the theme. Work in related phrases and even rhymes!
• For a truly unique birthday speech, consider writing a list of 21 "things" about your friend or family member. This could be related to anything; for example, you could talk about 21 funny moments in their life or 21 things you love about him or her.
• Don't make too many jokes about drinking unless you know it's okay with the birthday person. This can be something he or she is worried or nervous about, and you don't want to add stress to the event.
• Keep things clean; don't include raunchy or risque jokes, even among friends at a party where people are imbibing. You don't want to give a speech in poor taste, especially if someone is recording the event.
• End the speech by raising your glass in a toast. If the birthday person isn't a drinker, end by wishing him or her Happy Birthday and invite others to join you.

Toasting the 21st Birthday

A great birthday speech for a 21st birthday is one that honors the birthday person and suits his or her personality. Add a few light-hearted jokes, and you're sure to give a speech that makes them feel great about this milestone celebration.

• Words with Friends Cheat
• Wordle Solver
• Word Unscrambler
• Scrabble Dictionary
• Anagram Solver
• Wordscapes Answers

Make Our Dictionary Yours

Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get:

• Grammar and writing tips
• Fun language articles
• #WordOfTheDay and quizzes

By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy .

We'll see you in your inbox soon.

Birthday Speech Writing: Tips for an Unforgettable Speech

• DESCRIPTION woman giving birthday speech
• SOURCE Ghislain & Marie David de Lossy / Cultura / Getty Images
• PERMISSION Used under Getty Images license

Writing a great birthday speech requires you to have a great topic and to deliver the information in a way that will capture the attention of the audience. It is not difficult to write a birthday speech if you follow some well-tested tips.

Tips on Birthday Speech Writing

Birthday celebrations are good times to celebrate life, friends and family. A great speech or toast can have a lasting impression and be an appreciated gift. Here are some tips to help your speech or toast become an enduring and perfect gift.

Do Your Research About the Birthday Party

Before sitting down to write your speech , find out some important information about the event, such as the following details.

• Who is coming? Will the party be family only, or will friends also be invited? You may want to ask close friends or family members if there is anything in particular they want included in your speech.
• Will the birthday party be formal or informal?
• Will you be the only speaker? If you are not the only speaker, ask about the speaking order and think about what the others are likely to talk about.
• How long will you be expected to speak?

Consider the Tone of Your Birthday Speech

A speech for a birthday party should be light, entertaining and positive. Your language should be PG-rated, unless it is a very small group of close friends. Even then, you should not get too risqué or personal.

Organize the Content of Your Speech

You should organize your speech before you begin writing. You need an introduction, body and conclusion.

• introduction - Capture the audience’s attention with a fun anecdote, little joke or quote. The birthday speech introduction can include thanking everyone for coming and their gifts, thanking the person who asked you to make a speech, and thanking the people who planned the party. You might think about thanking the host for your invitation and congratulating the guest of honor.
• body - In the body of your speech, you’ll cover the main points. This could be anything from memories you’ve shared with the guest of honor to wishes for the future.
• conclusion - You may want to end with a toast. You can sum up the speech, thank everyone again and congratulate the guest of honor, or toast to the honoree's health.

Keep Your Birthday Speech Short

The exact length of your birthday speech will depend on the party and the situation. However, it’s best to keep your speech to under 10 minutes. Birthday speech writing should be concise and memorable.

Practice Giving the Birthday Speech

Write your speech on index cards or cue cards and practice it a few times. Are there places you stumble? Does the flow of the speech get interrupted at any point? Take some time to revise these problem areas so the speech will be polished and perfect for the big day.

Tips and Ideas for Using Jokes and Quotes in Birthday Speeches

Jokes and quotes can help make your birthday speech entertaining. They are a great way to start off your speech or transition into a birthday toast. Keep these tips in mind when you use jokes and quotes in your birthday speech.

• Use only one or two jokes in a speech. The speech should be about the guest of honor, not just about getting a laugh.
• Use quotes sparingly. One quote is plenty for an entire speech.
• Remember, it is proper to mention the author of the quote in your speech.

Ideas for Jokes

Starting your speech with a joke allows you to set the mood. Here are some examples to try.

• Speech-making is like prospecting. If you don't strike oil in 10 minutes, stop boring.
• The best speech makers follow three simple rules: Stand up, speak up, and then very quickly, shut up.
• How do turtles spend their birthdays? Shellebrating!
• I know you couldn’t possibly want any other gifts, since being related to me is the best give you could receive.

Ideas for Birthday Quotes

Here are some examples of entertaining birthday quotes.

• "Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." - Mark Twain
• "A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman's birthday but never remembers her age." - Robert Frost
• "Middle age is when you still believe you'll feel better in the morning." - Bob Hope
• "The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age." - Lucille Ball
• "Youth is a wonderful thing. What a crime to waste it on children." - George Bernard Shaw

Tips for Choosing a Topic for a Birthday Speech

Finding a great topic is important, and these tips can help. Here is a list of potential topics to talk about in your speech. These are just suggestions, so you can use as many as you wish.

Talk About the Past

Your shared past makes a great speech topic. Reminisce about shared experiences or milestones, especially funny ones. Look back to this day in history for interesting things that happened. This could be interesting to the guests. You could mention the circumstances of the birth of the honoree.

Discuss The Party and Guest of Honor

Mention any special circumstances, like an age milestone, how many people are there, or the setting of the party. Summarize the honoree's interests, talents, achievements, or hobbies. A very brief summary of his or her life could work, too.

Consider Gentle Teasing

You could "roast" the guest of honor a bit, as long as it is just slight teasing. This is best for people you know really well, such as close friends or family members. Don't say anything too embarrassing.

Talk About the Future

You can use your birthday speech to mention any hopes or desires of the honoree. Be positive and supportive.

Birthday Speech Example

If you need some inspiration as you write a birthday speech, this example can help. You can use it as a starting point to write a speech for your own event.

As soon as I was asked to give a speech for Jennifer’s birthday, I knew I couldn’t refuse. We’ve been friends since preschool, and fortunately, she’s come a long way from the little girl who used to eat paste and lie about it to the teacher. Through some twist of fate or karma, now she’s a teacher herself! People complain about aging, but there’s a lot to be said about the wisdom we gain from living in this world for many years. Jennifer embodies that wisdom. She’s helped hundreds of first graders learn to read, opening an entire world of literary magic for their young minds. She has raised two beautiful children, now adults, and she’s preparing to welcome her first grandchild in May. But the way that Jennifer has really demonstrated her wisdom is in her response to challenge and change. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago, Jennifer acknowledged her fear and feelings but kept such a positive attitude that she inspired her family and friends. Her laughter and zest for life helped her get through the ordeal, and she has come out the other side stronger than ever. When those of us who love her look at Jennifer, we realize that aging is a gift. We truly celebrate with her as she turns 60. Please join me in raising your glasses to wish Jennifer a happy birthday!

Make It a Memorable Speech

Knowing how to write a birthday speech is easy if you think about what makes the guest of honor special. Before the event, review some tips for giving a great speech . The honoree and your audience will thank you.

• Your City: Brisbane

Speech Writing Tips For Your 21st Birthday

21st Birthday Speech Writing Tips

Birthdays: cake, presents, parties … speeches. Yep, Dad’s getting on and wants to reminisce, friends are celebrating their 21st birthday party  and want jokes that’ll dull the pain, and your third cousin just wants some filler while the candles are being lit. If you’ve been “privileged” with the task of presenting for a shindig, we’ve lined up a few birthday speech writing tips to keep the event as quick and painless as possible for everyone involved.

Scan the room

Ask the party planner about the guests rocking up. If toddlers or grandparents with heart conditions are in the front row, you may want to steer clear of any risqué anecdotes. Your buddy’s wife probably doesn’t want to hear an extended speech about his dating record, either. Know your crowd.

Let everyone get a few drinks in

Barring drunk uncle Larry, who’s bound to have tottered in half-cut anyway, most guests will probably take a little while to loosen up. Give them an hour or so to pound back a couple of beers before trying your hand at entertainment. Trust us: the jokes will seem infinitely funnier.

Request Pricing From Unique Event Venues

• Special Pricing
• Priority Availability
• Unique Venues
• Multiple Options

Chuck in a joke

On that note, it’s a good idea to keep birthday speeches light and fluffy. Let’s face it, half the guests are probably annoyed at how long the cake’s taking, and the other half are probably trying to break up a family brawl across the room. A funny speech can set a great vibe and act as a welcome distraction.

Sadly, you’re not immortal

Before you start teasing the birthday boy or girl relentlessly, be aware that you probably don’t have the power to stay 29 forever. Your time will come, and they will find you.

The best speeches end with a toast to the guest of honour. Whether that’s in an effort to tug at everyone’s heartstrings or simply dull the pain with a tonne of alcoholic beverages, it doesn’t really matter. Grab a boozy drink, raise your glass, and breathe easy. You’re done.

Our best tip? Tell Dad you’re out of town for next year’s festivities.

Unique Function & Event Venues in Aus

Celebrate in style with our unique selection of Australia's best event venues

• Unique Function Venues

PROPOSAL REQUEST FORM

Request pricing & availability from the most unique function venues, fill in your details below and we will help you celebrate your event in style with our unique selection of australia's best event venues., step 1) please tell us about your event.

• Event Location * Please Select Sydney Brisbane Melbourne Perth Canberra Adelaide New South Wales Victoria Queensland Western Australia
• Type of Event * Please Select Wedding Birthday Engagement Corporate Christmas Party Other
• Preferred Event Date *
• Preferred Time* *
• Number of Guests * Numbers only. You can provide a number range in the comments below.
• Business Name (optional)
• Tell Us About Your Event

Step 2) Please Fill in Your Details

• Your First Name *
• Your Last Name *
• Your Email *
• Contact Number *
• Your Date of Birth (optional) Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Month 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Year 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941 1940 1939 1938 1937 1936 1935 1934 1933 1932 1931 1930 1929 1928 1927 1926 1925 1924 1923 1922 1921 1920 Receive free venue vouchers
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Speak 2 Impress

No products in the cart.

How to Craft the Perfect Birthday Speech: Tips and Examples

Crafting the ideal birthday speech might feel daunting. Trust me, I understand the struggle. Joining Toastmasters International was a game-changer for me, teaching me how to craft speeches that not only engage but resonate on a personal level.

This article is designed to guide you through those steps, offering tips and examples that will ensure your next birthday speech isn’t just heard, but remembered. Prepare yourself for some well-deserved applause !

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Always know the type of birthday party and who will be there before writing your speech. This helps you choose the best words and stories.
• Personalize your speech with special memories or jokes that show how much you care about the person celebrating their birthday.
• Keep your speech short but full of heart. Practice it ahead of time so you feel confident when speaking.
• Avoid talking too much about age or sharing embarrassing stories without permission to keep the atmosphere positive.
• End with a toast that celebrates the person’s achievements, wishes them well, and fits their personality.

Tips for Crafting the Perfect Birthday Speech

Crafting the perfect birthday speech involves identifying the type of celebration and deciding on the tone and audience . It also requires personalizing the speech, keeping it concise and heartfelt, as well as practicing beforehand .

Identify the type of birthday celebration

Figuring out the birthday celebration type is my first step. Is it a big party or a cozy gathering at home? This guides me in picking the right words for my speech. A grand celebration might need a formal tone, while a family dinner allows for more personal stories and jokes.

Next, I consider who will be there. Is the audience close friends and family or a mix of different people from the celebrant’s life? Knowing this helps me choose stories and messages that connect with everyone.

I always aim to make my speeches memorable by matching them to the vibe of the party and making sure they resonate with all guests.

Decide on the tone and audience

When crafting a birthday speech, it’s important to consider the tone and audience in order to make sure your message resonates with everyone present. Your tone should be upbeat, optimistic, and easily understandable by all.

Avoid using complex language or inside jokes that not everyone may understand. Remember that the audience might include people of different ages and backgrounds, so keep your speech clear and relatable for everyone.

Personalize the speech

Crafting a heartfelt birthday speech involves tailoring it to the celebrant’s personality and style, making it more memorable. Adding personal anecdotes or shared memories helps create a special and unique speech that resonates with the audience.

It’s important to consider the celebrant’s preferences and the type of celebration when crafting the speech, ensuring it reflects their individuality while being engaging for everyone present .

Next, let’s explore examples of birthday speeches for different milestones .

Keep it concise and heartfelt

Crafting the perfect birthday speech means sharing memories and funny experiences to make it personal. Keep it short and genuine while avoiding mentioning the celebrant’s age. Practice beforehand and speak clearly, ensuring everyone can understand.

Use free templates for inspiration , tailor your speech to suit the celebrant’s style, and engage the audience by including them in the celebration.

Examples of Birthday Speeches for Different Milestones

Practice beforehand.

Before giving a birthday speech, it’s essential to practice beforehand . This will help you feel more confident and comfortable when delivering the speech. Rehearse in front of a mirror or with a friend to work on your delivery and make any necessary adjustments to the content.

Practicing beforehand ensures that you can speak clearly and effectively, captivating your audience’s attention. Remember, practicing beforehand helps reduce nervousness and boosts your confidence when it’s time to deliver the perfect birthday speech.

Explore a 21st birthday speech and a milestone speech for a best friend or loved one in the blog.

21st birthday speech

Crafting a 21st birthday speech means starting with a warm greeting and using personal anecdotes or shared memories . It’s important to tailor the speech to the celebrant’s style and preferences.

Avoid mentioning their age, and ensure it is appropriate and engaging for everyone present.

Milestone speech for a best friend or loved one

Crafting a milestone speech for a best friend or loved one involves reminiscing about shared memories and highlighting their positive traits . It’s important to keep the speech upbeat and celebratory, avoiding any references to age.

Incorporate personal anecdotes and inside jokes to make it heartfelt and memorable. Tailor the speech to reflect the personality of your friend or loved one, ensuring it resonates with them while being engaging for everyone present.

By doing so, you will create a special and meaningful moment that celebrates their milestones and brings joy to all.

Birthday toast

When crafting a birthday toast , it’s important to keep it concise and heartfelt . Personalize the toast with warm wishes and positive memories shared with the celebrant. Avoid referencing age and focus on celebrating the person and their accomplishments.

Tailor your language to suit the celebrant’s personality and ensure it engages everyone present at the celebration. Incorporate humor or inspirational messages based on what resonates best with the audience.

Crafting a memorable birthday toast involves personalizing well-wishes, sharing heartfelt memories, engaging all attendees, tailoring language to match personalities, avoiding references to age in conversations, incorporating appropriate humor or inspiration based on audience preference for an impactful celebration of milestones.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Birthday Speech

Avoid focusing too much on age and creating discomfort. Be sure to prepare and practice your speech in advance.

Focusing too much on age

Crafting a birthday speech that resonates with everyone present requires thoughtful consideration of the celebrant’s journey, experiences, and aspirations. While acknowledging the passage of time is significant, avoiding an emphasis on age in the speech maintains a positive and uplifting atmosphere .

Remember that highlighting timeless qualities, cherished memories , and future hopes can make for a more heartfelt and inclusive birthday speech. By focusing on the person rather than their age, you can create a meaningful tribute that celebrates who they are without fixating on numbers or passing years.

Not preparing or practicing

Practice and prepare your birthday speech beforehand. This will help you feel more confident and deliver a heartfelt message . Rehearsing also ensures that your speech flows smoothly , making it engaging for everyone present .

Remember to practice and prepare your birthday speech in advance to boost your confidence in delivering a heartfelt message. Rehearsing will also make sure that your speech is smooth-flowing, engaging, and enjoyable for the audience.

Moving on to “Examples of Birthday Speeches for Different Milestones”…

Sharing embarrassing stories without permission

When preparing a birthday speech, avoid sharing embarrassing stories about the celebrant without their permission. Respect their privacy and ensure that your anecdotes are uplifting, respectful, and considerate of their feelings .

It’s essential to craft a speech that reflects positivity and celebrates the person’s achievements and virtues, ensuring everyone present feels comfortable and happy.

Crafting an engaging speech involves considering the audience’s comfort level too. Embrace personal stories that bring joy without crossing boundaries or causing discomfort. By doing so, you can create a heartfelt and memorable experience for all involved in the celebration while upholding respect for the birthday person.

Crafting the perfect birthday speech is a skill worth mastering. Following tips on recognizing the celebration type, setting a tone, personalizing content, and practicing can turn any speech into a memorable highlight.

Examples tailored for milestones like a 21st birthday or that of a close friend showcase how diverse these speeches can be. Avoiding pitfalls such as overemphasis on age or lack of preparation ensures the speaker remains respectful and engaging.

Mistakes are common but avoidable with careful planning and empathy towards the celebrant and audience. Ensuring speeches are concise, heartfelt, and include personal anecdotes makes them resonate more with audiences.

By considering these aspects diligently, anyone can deliver an inspiring birthday speech that honors the celebrant uniquely and memorably.

Practice combined with genuine affection for the person celebrated transforms words into cherished memories. With guidelines in place to refine public speaking skills specifically for birthdays, crafting captivating birthday speeches becomes less daunting—a journey from nervousness to confidence filled with joyous celebrations along the way.

Ryan Nelson is the founder of Speak2Impress, a platform dedicated to helping individuals master the art of public speaking. Despite having a crippling fear of public speaking for many years, Ryan overcame his anxiety through diligent practice and active participation in Toastmasters. Now residing in New York City, he is passionate about sharing his journey and techniques to empower others to speak with confidence and clarity.

Similar Posts

Discover 5 Self-Introductory Speech Samples for a Confident and Poised Presentation

Ever found your pulse skyrocketing at the mere thought of having to introduce yourself to an audience? Trust me, you’re…

Interactive Public Speaking Activities and Games for Students: Engaging Techniques to Enhance Speaking Skills

Public speaking can send shivers down the spine, and believe me, I’m no stranger to those nerves. After stepping into…

Funny and Touching: A Daughter’s Eulogy for Her Dad – A Heartwarming Eulogy for Dad from Daughter

Crafting a eulogy for your dad can feel overwhelming, something I understand all too deeply. Lucy Ann Moll once penned…

50 Unique Topics for Speeches to Impress Your Audience

Deciding on the perfect topic for a speech can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Believe…

Honoring the Memory: Writing a Heartfelt Tribute to a Son Who Passed Away

Losing a son is an unimaginable challenge, one that no parent should ever have to face. For those of us…

Understanding the Various Types of Speech: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever felt that flutter in your stomach before standing up to give a speech? You’re certainly not alone;…

Cheers To You! Your Guide To Your 21st Birthday Speech

• February 16, 2022

Congratulations! You will soon turn 21 and brace yourself up for the rest of your adult life. Your 18th birthday was unique because you reached the age of majority and became a legal adult. But your 21st birthday is a big deal, and not to forget your speech.

Writing your 21st birthday speech can be a daunting task as you have hit a significant milestone. As your friends and loved ones gear up to celebrate your special day, this is an opportunity to share exciting anecdotes with them and show them you care.

If you are wondering how to put it all together, don’t worry, as we have some fantastic tips that will make your 21st birthday speech unforgettable.

Why Your 21st Birthday Should Be Memorable

Youngsters are very excited to turn 21 as this is the age where you are officially a responsible adult. From a historical perspective, the 21st birthday was celebrated as a momentous occasion during mediaeval times when a boy became a knight . However, 21st birthdays are no longer gender exclusive but are still considered a significant milestone. Traditionally young people were given the key to the family’s house at 21, making the event all the more special.

Enhance Your 21st Birthday Speech with These Amazing Tips!

Your 21st birthday speech should charm your audience and make your special occasion memorable. If you are looking for some terrific 21st birthday speech ideas, follow these tips to enthral your audience.

Be Prepared and Write It All Down

Make a list of all the wishes, memories, and sentiments you want to include in your speech. This will give you a clue on what you want to focus on in your speech. Once you have listed all the points, you can elaborate on them.

Prepare your speech in advance and practice it a couple of times till you are confident of presenting it to friends and family. If you think that you might forget something, write your speech word-to-word so that you don’t miss out on anything. But make sure not to read out the entire speech from the paper as your guests might die of boredom!

Let Everyone Get a Few Drinks In

Give everyone some time to sit back and enjoy so that they are ready to get entertained. Your jokes will seem funnier once your mates chug a few beers and loosen up.

Thank the Key Players

So many people, including your parents, siblings, and friends, have come together to make this occasion memorable. It is good to start your speech by thanking all the guests for coming. Make sure that you thank the host and let everyone know that you appreciate their efforts. After all, gratitude nurtures your relationships.

Chuck In a Joke

Grab some eyeballs with a funny anecdote ; after all, everyone is here to enjoy your special evening.

It’s okay if humour doesn’t come naturally to you; think about the last time you laughed uncontrollably. Share one of the dumbest things you did on a trip or a plan that went incredibly wrong, and you will take the entertainment quotient up a notch! But make sure not to crack a joke that offends anyone.

Here are a few sample funny 21st birthday speech ideas:

“Happy 21st birthday to my best friend/sibling/child! I can’t believe you’re finally legal… now we can get into all sorts of trouble together! Just kidding, please don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Or wait, scratch that. Do everything I wouldn’t do because that’s probably more fun. Either way, happy birthday and here’s to many more years of mischief and mayhem!”

“Welcome to the adult world, [name]! It’s a weird place filled with responsibility and boring things like paying bills and doing your own laundry. But on the bright side, you can finally drink alcohol! Just remember, it’s all fun and games until someone pukes on the carpet. Happy 21st birthday!”

“Happy 21st birthday, [name]! You’re finally old enough to do all the things your parents told you not to do when you were younger. Just kidding, please don’t actually do those things. But on a serious note, congratulations on reaching this milestone and cheers to many more years of good times ahead!”

Show Sincerity

It is good to have some kind words at the end of your speech. You can share briefly how your friends and family have added meaning to your life and show how much you care for all the people who’ve gathered to make your birthday memorable.

Keep Your Birthday Speech Short

Make your speech short and simple as people have other things vying for their attention. Wondering how long your speech should be? Ideally, it shouldn’t be more than five minutes, so avoid log stories and keep it to the point. Have a party playlist ready, as your guests might be in the mood to hit the dancefloor right after.

Keep Them Wanting More

Twenty-one years is a truly momentous occasion, and you can make it all the more special with a short and exciting speech. Your birthday speech is a great way to express gratitude to your family and friends for their endless support. Moreover, you can also share your future plans with them. The best advice is to make it crisp, straightforward, and funny.

Are you looking for the perfect venue for your 21st birthday bash? We manage all the nitty-gritty details so that you can have a fun bash! Check out Navarra Venues for Hire in Sydney to celebrate in style.

Other Articles

Your Perfect Rustic Wedding at the Romantic Curzon Hall

Hope For Cambodia Charity Event

Planning Your Next Corporate Event

Enjoyed this article.

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop with all news related to weddings, lifestyle & events.

• Conca D'oro
• Curzon Hall
• Oatlands Estate
• 1300 235 568

LET’S START PLANNING YOUR SPECIAL EVENT

• School Speeches
• Introductory Speech
• Anniversaries
• Funeral Speeches
• Graduation Speech
• Persuasive Speech
• Wedding Speech
• Speech Tips
• Special Days
• Speech Topics
• Demonstrative
• About Author
• Privacy Policy

Free 21st Birthday Speeches - Celebrate in Style

Free 21st birthday speeches - celebrate this magical milestone in style.

Less can sometimes be more - especially at a 21st birthday party where speeches have the potential to overwhelm the occasion.

Free 21st Birthday Speeches

A meaningful 21st birthday speech to honor and celebrate a great day is a necessity. But, let's face it, everyone wants to party!

And why not - champagne, flowers, innovative 21st birthday gift ideas to surprise your friends and loved ones , excellent catering and creative decor design -  they all come together to create a night to remember.

So, keep it short and simple - then let the party begin!

Good evening Ladies, Gentlemen, family and friends -

What a truly special evening it is that we are celebrating this evening - an evening all the more special  because we are sharing this celebration with all of you.

A warm welcome to everyone and thank you so much for sharing [insert name]'s 21st birthday with us tonight. It just wouldn't have been the same without all of you - all the people who have played such an amazing role in [his / her] life.

Tonight is [insert name] night and we hope it will be a night that [he / she] remembers fondly in the years ahead.

Twenty one years have seen [insert name ] through many milestones. We've seen [his /her] baby years turning into toddling years. We've seen [insert name] learning to talk and walk - unsteadily at first but growing in confidence daily.

And those determined  footsteps have continued through elementary and secondary school,  through sporting teams and academic achievements. We seen obstacles overcome and accolades accomplished and we've witnessed such remarkable growth and development in every facet of [insert name] life.  * [highlight some of their achievements here to make your speech personal and meaningful]

Daily, incrementally and exponentially,  we've seen [insert name] walking steadfast and purposefully through tears and laughter, in and out of relationships and onwards towards [his / her] goals still to be achieved.

Through all of these magical milestone [insert name] has remained positive and empathetic.  [He / She]  embodies a passion and zest for life that is infectious and we have all shared in these moments - they have been magical and many and everyday!

What an honor and a privilege it has been to witness this amazing young [man / lady] and their journey  towards adulthood. And tonight, [insert name] as you stand on the brink of a new chapter in your life, please know that we are so incredibly proud of you and we love you.

May you continue to walk as sure-footed as you always have, may you remain as grounded as you have always been...and may you stay in mind and spirit, forever young .

Happy birthday!

Free 21st birthday speeches - done and dusted.

Now get to work on buying or making an incredible dress or tuxedo for that million dollar babe[or dude]look and planning a great party with easy party ideas and games - your complete guide to the perfect party or birthday with fun games, themes, invitations, recipes and more!

Let's not forget an amazing birthday cake and candles. All about Cupcakes has creative and innovative ideas to further enhance what is going to be a very special evening .

Return from Free 21st Birthday Speeches to Words of Wisdom 40th Birthday Speech - Flaunting Fabulous Forties Birthday Card Sayings - Congratulate and Celebrate Birthday Wishes Sample - Fellowship and Celebratory Words Funny Birthday Sayings - Congratulations... Subtle And Tasteful Humor Birthday Phrases - Here's To A Great Day Free Birthday Speech - Creating Carefree Celebrations Happy Birthday Quotes - Famous Words Of Wisdom

How to nail your 21st birthday party speech

21st birthday parties  are a big deal, not to mention the all-important speech. It’s a tricky one: how do you find that perfect balance of sassy sarcasm and a serious expression of gratitude for the people around you? At  VenueNow , we’ve all been through it! And our crack team of venue experts plenty of tips to ensure you nail your have 21st birthday party speech.

It’s the milestone birthday that you’ve been waiting 20 long years to celebrate, and EVERYONE is going to be there to celebrate your significant milestone. Your best mates, oldest friends, new beau and extended family are expecting you to be on-game for the big occasion.

You definitely don’t want to slip up when it gets to crunch time, so how do you avoid a flop during your birthday speech? There are a few things you can do to make sure you rise to the occasion and deliver a tasteful speech that will be remembered. A few words of thanks are the least you can do; so let’s figure out how to make that moment a memorable one, and start with these tips.

Be prepared

The party is in full swing, you’re lost for the right words, but everyone is egging you on. This scene is very common, but it’s not where you want to be on the big day. Prepare your 21st birthday speech well ahead of time and practice it at least a few times before presenting it to the party. The most effective way to get your entire speech into your head is to practice!

If you’re forgetful, a little vague, or know you’re not a great speaker, it’s definitely worth having notes to prompt you during the speech. Some people prefer to write their speech out word-for-word to maximise efficiency and minimise the chance of forgetting key details, but your speech will actually flow better, and be heaps more engaging if you’re not looking down at a page for the entire time.

How much does a 21st cost?

Calculate the price of your 21st Birthday cost in under 5 minutes.

Thank the key players

Your 21st birthday party speech isn’t a chore, but an opportunity to acknowledge the things and people that have made you the adult that you’ve become. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and forget to thank the key players in the narrative that is your life. Your birthday speech is a great way to express gratitude to your family and friends for their endless support. To ensure you don’t forget to acknowledge mum and dad, a family member, your oldest pals, your best friend, or your lover, position the thank-yous at the start of your speech. It will be a great joy to watch their faces light up when you thank them.

Funny comes naturally to some of us, but if you’re not blessed with the humour gene, it’s easy to get some laughs with an anecdote from your past. Think of the time you laughed the hardest, the dumbest thing you did on that Contiki tour across Europe, or the holiday that went horribly wrong, then build a story around it to include in your speech. The trick here is to tell a genuinely hilarious story but avoid offending anyone in attendance. Your own speech should be cheeky but don’t cross a line when talking about people in your life.

The first time you got wasted and threw up on mum’s favourite gnome may be funny for some, but if your elderly grandparents are around, you’ll completely spoil their image of you as the angelic, innocent grandchild. Instead, have a dig at yourself, and try including an anecdote about that time you failed to read 24-hour time and ended up stranded at a bus stop in sleepy Somerset at 2 am on the last day of your holiday.

Know your audience and craft a speech with tasteful humour that will get the laughs, not the room-silencing, disapproving glares on your very day.

Choose your topic

Say something meaningful, interesting and relevant to your audience. Choose a topic that you know your guests can relate to, like the importance of friendship, lessons you’ve learnt over the past year or how much you’ve matured as a person since turning 21. Alternatively, if you want to keep it light-hearted and fun, tell a few stories about your most cherished memories from childhood, or how you’ve been affected by the people in your life. Keep it short and sweet, but make sure that every sentence packs a punch and resonates with your audience.

Say your birthday wish

Be sure to include your birthday wish in your speech as well. Make a thoughtful and heartfelt request or hope for the year ahead, be it world peace, an end to poverty or an abundance of career opportunities. And if you’re feeling brave, make it unique and personal like a romantic gesture or a plea for never-ending friendship!

While your guests are definitely expecting a speech on your special day, they’re not here to listen to you mumble about the great life that you live or tell dumb long-winded stories about the people that you love. They’re here to party, and party they will, as long as you don’t kill the vibe with an uncomfortable speech.

After a few drinks, and a bit of dancing, the attention span of your mates is likely to dwindle, so it’s important to keep things brief. Stick to a couple of minutes, and prepare a dancey playlist to lift the atmosphere and get the dance floor going post-speech.

The best speeches are those that are obviously prepared but allow room for a little flexibility. Who knows what’ll happen on the day. Your best mate or mum might interrupt with their own anecdote just as you’re getting to the best bit.

If your nearest and dearest are a talkative bunch, let them know your plan before the big day so that you (and your guests) are not bombarded with five boring, overly sappy speeches. This situation is a guaranteed mood killer and a sure-fire way to have your 21st birthday party remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Brace yourself, praise your party, cut the crap and add a bit of humour. You’ll be nailing that 21st birthday party speech in no time at all! Happy birthday!

The speech writing is underway, but where will you actually celebrate your birthday? Choose from 2000+ of Australia's top venues on VenueNow >>

Looking for a 21st Birthday Party Venue?

VenueNow has you covered with over 2,000 venues across Australia ranging from large event spaces to small meeting rooms. Find your perfect venue for hire faster than anywhere else.

Home About us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Blog Collections

How it Works for Corporates Business Loyalty Program Top Venues in Australia Sitemap

How it Works for Venues List Your Venue

Want to get in contact?

Call our support team on 1300 647 488  during business hours AEST or chat online.

© Copyright VenueNow 2024 | SPARE GROUP PTY LTD | ABN 22 607 830 302

Birthday Speech Tips: How to Write the Perfect Speech

As a professional birthday speechwriter, I have written many milestone birthday speeches, including 21st, 40th, 50th, 80th and more. When it comes to creating an entertaining and memorable speech for a birthday party, you might not be sure how to begin. Here are a few tips for creating a birthday speech, whether it’s for your birthday or that of a colleague, friend or loved one.

Is it for your birthday or someone else’s birthday?

This will make a big difference in how you create this speech. If it’s for yourself, the speech will include thanking people for attending, sharing your memories (successes and challenges), mentioning the impact of your friends and family, and looking to the future. For example, if you are delivering a 50th birthday speech, you will cover important events and people in your life, thank people who have helped you along the way (parents, spouse, other family and friends, etc) and speak about plans for the future. It’s a big day of your life, so you’ll want to think about, plan and write a birthday speech well in advance. 

If a speech is directed at someone else who’s celebrating their birthday, the speech will be a bit different. In this case, it’s to honour that person and help them celebrate. This could include an overview of their life, major achievements and milestones, and best wishes for the future. Everybody loves funny birthday speeches, so it’s always a good idea to include some humour. The best way to do this is to tell funny stories about the person. If it’s a birthday speech for a best friend, it could include funny things that happened to you. 

21st birthday speech

Typically, this is delivered at a 21st birthday party by one of the parents or a close friend. The speaker reflects on the 21 years and offers best wishes for the future. If you are a parent giving a 21st birthday speech, you could mention their birth, what they were like as a baby, key milestones from the childhood and young adult years, and challenges and achievements. The best part of a 21st birthday speech is the opportunity for humour. Think back to all the funny things that happened over the years and include a few of these. Avoid things that might be too embarrassing or you might not speak to your child again. But seriously, a 21st birthday speech is a great time to honour a family member as they enter the next phase of their life. 

Here’s an example of a funny story from a 21st birthday speech for a daughter: 

Tanya has always known exactly what she wants and moves mountains to get it. When she was little, that included mountains of clothes! Sometimes it took us 45 minutes to an hour to get Tanya dressed for kinder in the morning. Her bedroom floor at home may have looked as though a tornado had ripped through it, but Tanya always stepped into kinder in style with a perfectly co-ordinated outfit. 

If you choose to include funny stories, it helps if your audience members have a sense of humour. 

Milestone speech for a best friend or loved one

Whether it’s for a friend’s 40th, 50th, 60th or 70th birthday, you can highlight your relationship with them and how you’ve been through thick and thin together. Speak about the best qualities of your amazing friend and provide a few examples or stories to support this. 

The birthday toast

Whether it’s for your child’s, spouse’s or friend’s birthday, the birthday toast is an essential closing to the speech. Depending on your relationship, it could be a serious or funny birthday toast. Here’s one example from a husband to his wife on her 50th birthday: 

Please join me in a toast to Belinda. Belinda, I am truly grateful for the wonderful times we have had and I anticipate many more to come. You mean so much to me, our family and our friends. As we grow older and our love grows stronger, I look forward to supporting each other, sharing good times and creating more happy memories together. Happy Birthday, Belinda!

Get in touch for birthday speech help

If you are stuck and wondering how to write a 50th birthday speech or how to write a speech for a friend’s birthday, we offer birthday speech writing services to create fun and memorable birthday speeches. 

Please contact us on 1300 731 955 or send us an email to discuss your requirements. 

Mega Birthday Ideas. com

The best birthday ideas

Birthday speech

Putting a birthday speech together can be a very daunting process, especially if you have to write it for someone else.

Like many of us, unless you have a natural talent, it’s not uncommon to go blank when it comes to this topic. The usual spiel of thanking everyone and telling them to enjoy their night is satisfactory though can be quite boring and leave everyone yawning.

But dont worry, by following these easy tips and examples of speeches, you will be able to ensure your birthday speech is one that captivates your audience and makes the moment a memorable one.

5 tips to help you with your next birthday speech

1. write it all down.

Take a few moments to list all the qualities and funny moments in dot points to give you an understanding of what you want to highlight. After listing them all down, take the time to elaborate on the points.

2. Find a sample speech that works

Find a sample birthday speech that you feel is suitable for the occasion. Use the points and information that you had written previously and incorporate them into the sample speech. By using the sample speech as a template, you have the benefit of following a proven recipe. It allows for the speech to be structured so it becomes fluent and highlights your points more concisely.

3. Engage your audience

Add humor to the speech to captivate your audience with a few laughs to enhance the vibe of the event. Not sure what to add? Why not take a moment to ask a close friend or relative of some funny moments they have experienced with the birthday person. If the stories are not suitable or non existent, then consider looking up some great one liners and add them into your speech to lighten the mood.

Your aim is to ensure the audience is actively engaged in your speech by focusing on the qualities of the birthday person which they can relate to. Bringing up memorable stories which highlight great times or milestones helps to resonate qualities of the birthday person and Incorporating a story or two can also make a point of enhancing the qualities which resonates what that person is really about.

4. Show sincerity

Towards the end of the speech, mention a few kind words to show them that you care. Thank everyone for coming, especially those who helped out in organising the event.

5. Keep it short

When people are at a party, they tend to have a short attention span and that’s if they haven’t had a drink yet. A speech which is between 2-5 minutes long is more than sufficient. By keeping it short, deep and meaningful, you can be sure to have your audience’s attention.

How to give a birthday speech – From friend to guest of honor

Here are a few examples of free birthday speeches for your next occasion:

Birthday speech example 1 – Thank you speech

Firstly I would like to thank you all for coming to celebrate this milestone with me. I am not one to come out and say a speech, this is actually the first for me. Normally I would shy off, though I feel today is a time where it must be done.

The reason why you are all here is that in one way or another, you have been apart of my life and moulded me to the person I am today. I would truly like to thank you all for that.

I would like to thank both my mom and dad for not only putting up with me but being there when it counted and making me who I am. Thank you! Also to those who I have grown up with and have helped me over the years, you know who you are… I can say that I am truly blessed to have you all in my life!

Last but not least, I need to say thank you to everyone who has helped to set up and make today happen. Now that’s enough of me saying thank you. I hope everyone enjoys themselves. Lets all have a drink and have a great time.

Birthday speech example 2 – Thank you speech

I want to take a moment to say thank you for everyone who has come down to come celebrate this birthday with me. It means a lot that you have all taken the time and I must say that I am blessed to have each and every one of you in my life. Thank you

Birthday speech example 3 – Thank you speech

A birthday is very important to a child. The cake, the candles and gifts are something which they which they look forward to weeks on end. As we get older, we begin to realize that more important than materialistic things are the things we celebrate to those who are most closest to us. I would like to say thank you for not only your best wishes and lovely gifts but for being here and making it the night that it is. Thank you.

Birthday speech example 4 – Coming of age and gratitude

I have to say that I am not one to perform any birthday speeches though with the amount of work which was put into making this night and the sheer turnout of people, I simply could not live with myself if I didn’t at least say a few words.

I would like to give a big shout out to all people involved it the planning of this special day of mine. As you all can see, a lot of time and effort has been spent to make this venue look beautiful and I am truly appreciative. Thank you.

For all of you who made the effort to come down here and celebrate this milestone of mine. I could not be happier as all of you in one way, shape, or form have shaped me to be the person I am today and for that I am eternally grateful. Through good times and bad, through sickness and in health, I have been supported and guided every step of the way and that has only reassured to me what really matters in life.

I have been quick to learn that all the flashy and shiny things in life slowly begin to fade, though the one thing that continues to shine in my world is the true connections and relationships I have formed with my family and friends.

So enough about all this sentimental nonsense. It’s time to put the music back on and get everyone back on this dance floor. Thank you all for coming and I hope you enjoy the night. Thank you!

Birthday speech example 5 – Coming of age

So whilst I am up here talking about this amazing day today we are celebrating, I have to say all the beautiful memories don’t I? Wrong. All I remember is the most embarrassing moments because I laughed so hard my glasses fell off my head, then I wasn’t too happy because I had to buy new ones.

So where do I start, my memory isn’t the best the older I get, that’s why my wife makes me do a crossword puzzle a day. Little does she know that I cheat from the answers on the bottom of the cross word page Ha-Ha. So as I get older and reflect, I would have to say best moments through out my life would have to be drawn to three main beautiful ones.

First would be marrying this beautiful lady I call my cook… I mean wife Ha-Ha.

Second would be becoming a father to these beautiful children standing in front of me, I am blessed to have the opportunity to raise these amazing children of mine and have never been more proud.

And thirdly, to the many people here today celebrating my birthday. I would not be the person standing here before you if it weren’t for each and everyone of you shaping me to who I am today.

I felt like writing this speech took me few minutes though I was told I was writing for most of the bloody day! Ha-Ha.

Thank you everyone for coming here today and celebrating this unforgettable night with me celebrating another year younger.

Birthday speech example 6 – For partner

Let’s face the truth. Some of us are not the best when it comes to remembering birthdays, but there is no way I could forget the birthday for the one I love. We are all here today to celebrate because (Name) has touched our lives in one way or another.

Today I want to openly say how much they mean to me. This is their birthday, and birthdays are supposed to be days which stand out in life. So (Name), I want to say thank you for being so caring over the years and making me so proud to be your partner.

Birthday speech example 7 – Birthday speech for husband

To the superman in my life. Happy birthday! Words are unable to express the amount of love I have for you. For anyone who knows you, knows how much of a kind hearted and bubbly character you are. Your generosity and strong nature are unlike no other I have ever met.

From when you came over to me over 20 years ago to ask me for my number, to building a strong relationship, falling in love, creating an incredible family, and now celebrating this milestone of yours today. It seems like a fairytale dream where I need to pinch myself every so often to believe that it is all true.

To all of you that have made the time to make it here tonight, thank you all for coming. Only people who were important to his life are here and it’s amazing how many people are actually here tonight.

Now back to my loving husband, on your birthday tonight, I want you to enjoy it without a care in the world, because a man like you deserves to be spoilt once in awhile. Happy birthday my love, may you continue to live with passion.

Birthday speech example 8 -Birthday speech for wife

To one of the most sexiest, beautiful, most amazing person apart from myself… Ha-Ha! To my incredible wife. I am unable to express how surreal it feels to have fallen in love and married such a beautiful soul. Never would I ever have thought i’d be so lucky to have such an angel like you in my life. Your smile, your character, your loving nature are just the tip of the iceberg of the many things you possess.

For all who are lucky enough to know her, understand that she is one who would do more for others than she would for herself. A quality which i’m sure we all agree is very rare these days. She always looks to see the positive in life, no matter how dark and gloomy things may be, something which she has allowed for me to adopt which has changed my life dramatically for the better, and i’m sure many others who are also here tonight.

To those who made the effort to come here today and celebrate this beautiful day today, thank you. You have made this day memorable and something i’m sure my wife will never forget. Now the party is still not over, so all of you grab a glass of champagne, and let’s party on well into the night as we celebrate this girls beautiful birthday.

Birthday speech example 9 – From mother to child

From changing your nappies to feeding you every time you cry, to making your favorite food which was always apple pie. The memories I have shared with you while growing up by your side, it was well worth the struggles and bumpy rides.

I look at you know and can’t stop smiling, for a beautiful grown boy/girl that you have become, no matter what you will always be my baby boy/girl, happy birthday and may this be another memory you will never forget like they first day we met. When you were born on this special day.

Birthday speech example 10 – 1 st birthday speech from mother

Even though your only one and you’re probably staring at me thinking what it this lady doing, my feeding time is soon. I am going to say this speech in front of all the family friends that are gathered here today to celebrate my child’s 1st birthday, where the fun times just keep getting better and better.

I remember the first day that I felt so sick and then after that my pants wouldn’t fit. I started eating everything in sight and my pantry would always start full and now and by night there was nothing left to right. After that I couldn’t sleep and I would become a grump in the morning which was nothing of the unusual Ha-Ha.

Then my feet started to swell jeez now I can’t find shoes that will fit well. So after all that complaining and whining, the day came where you were brought into this world. Your father had fainted, which was nothing unusual and all I cared about was that you were finally out!

Now, as we celebrate your 1st birthday, you don’t understand anything right now, but when you do I’ll be saying another speech like this to embarrass you. More for the loving mother that I am to make sure you never forget something so important like this day.

Birthday speech example 11 – From father to son

I guess I will start with most that I know and the beautiful things I remember. I was the happiest man when I found out you were a boy, I was filled with joy! Everyday I would buy my little man a different toy, but there was a problem. Instead of playing with them, I would find you out in the garden. Eating dirt, mud, insects and even snails. You weren’t very good at hiding your muddy trails. How sweet and cute that was.

Then you would complain of feeling sick. Sometimes you were so difficult, just like trying to use a chopstick. You would always cry when I tried to feed you, and you loved to pee on me when I tried to change you. You were a sneaky little bugger and you loved to touch. I even remember having to pull you away from someone’s crotch. These are the beautiful memories that I remember.

Though enough with me embarrassing you with these funny times, this is you birthday so let it be filled with great times. So happy birthday to my great son, never forget that you are my number one!

Birthday speech example 12 – From friend

On this milestone that you have achieved, what an honor it is to be sharing this celebration with you. As we all know, this person has been determined since they were little, to strive and be the best they can, no matter what the circumstances were.

As (Insert name) continued to grow and mature, they created beautiful memories by making each moment count and radiating the love filled passions to each one that they came across. Im sure we can all say that we are eternally grateful that you have came into our lives and that you never lose your zest for life as you grow up into adulthood.

We all love you dearly and wish you nothing but the absolute best as that is what you truly deserve. Happy birthday!

Birthday speech example 13 – 21st Funny birthday speech from friend

Can I have your attention. We are all here today to realise something special. Something so worthwhile to celebrate. Something fun, enjoyable and memorable. We have come here together to recognise and share in the joy this moment brings. I am talking about the open bar! Ha-Ha!

On a more serious note, I would like to draw your attention to one of my best of friends whose 21st birthday we are celebrating here tonight. I have known (Insert name) for more than 10 years and during that time, we have had many moments of fun, adventure and as many of you may know, mischief. Whenever together, we always seemed to find a way to get ourselves into trouble.

Just like the time we decided to play a trick on his mom by colouring in his younger brothers face an interesting shade of green. We took the time to make it look realistic and ensured it was with a permanent marker so it couldn’t be easily rubbed off. I remember the look on his mom’s face as she freaked out and rushed the brother to the hospital. After the doctor giving it the once over and explaining to his mom the cause of the problem. I remember her glaring at us in a trance like state. Lets just say I had never seen someones face go that red before. We both found it to be funny at the time though I don’t think he saw the light of day for at least a month after that incident. Ha-Ha

Anyone who knows him, knows that he will go out of his way to ensure everyone is having a laugh. Even at his own expense, he wants to ensure everyone is having a great time.

He has taken on many challenges, and succeeded many times. Not by chance, but by perseverance and heart. Anyone who knows (Insert name), knows he is full of heart.

So on this milestone may you continue to strive for all that you want and just wanted to let you know that I am grateful to have such a great friend like you. Happy Birthday.

Birthday speech example 14 – 21st birthday speech

Yay! Im finally legal! Wow, this has been a long time coming for me, I mean now i can have a drink… Legally! Ha-Ha! Mum doesn’t seem to impressed!

Firstly I’d like to give a massive shout out to my parents, for not only raising such an awesome child, Ha-Ha! But also for making me who I am, and making this beautiful day happen. To my beautiful family members who cooked up all this beautiful food and helped to decorate this place, thank you so much, it looks absolutely beautiful.

To my wacky and crazy friends. You are all a bad influence on me and I thank you for that. Don’t worry mum, i’m only joking… It’s more like the other way around… Ha-Ha! As I get older, I begin to appreciate the significance of true family and friends in one’s life. I have to say that I couldn’t consider myself any luckier to have all of you in my life.

So anyway, let’s get out the champagne and celebrate my 21st birthday!

Birthday speech example 15 – 40th birthday speech

I can’t believe my 30’s have left me… I think it’s about time I started acting more serious and more so, my age… Well, maybe after tonight…

I remember when I was much younger, I would look at someone who was 40 and say to myself, that’s an old person. Now that I have turned the big 4-0! I now realise it was just an old person who was trying to figure out where the hell all the time went! Ha-Ha! I guess time flies when you’re having fun. Well I Know it’s definitely true for me. I’ll tell you why.

Firstly I have an amazing wife who is nothing but a bundle of joy to be around, and is able to always find a way to put a smile on my face.

Secondly I have been blessed with two beautiful boys who are an absolute pain in my ass, Ha-Ha! Though I do love so dearly! Apart from my gorgeous wife, I never thought I would love these boys so much, as much as I do. It must be because they remind me so much of me when I was growing up… Ha-Ha!

And thirdly… To all of you beautiful people standing here before me today. How can I not enjoy having each and every one of you in my life. I mean how lucky can a man get to have such funny, supportive and caring friends. Blessed is the word I use to describe having all of you be apart of my journey through life. Thank you all for being here today. Its is honestly an honour to celebrate this day with all of you here tonight.

Anyway, enough with all this sentimental crap, let’s pump the music back up, all grab a drink and at least let me celebrate being 39 one more time! Ha-Ha! Thank you!

Birthday speech example 16 – 50th birthday speech

Wow, how time flies! It’s only yesterday I can remember starting my first job at McDonalds where I met my best friend. And now I have a glass of champagne in my hand, celebrating my 50th birthday in front of all of you amazing people.

Where do I start? Firstly I need to give a massive shout out to my beautiful wife who made tonight happen. To not only organise all of this, but also keep it a secret from me which I am blown away how much effort she put in. The amount of detail she has put into this venue is incredible. Such an amazing woman, and I mean look at her, even after all these years, she is still a stunner!

To my two boys, I am proud of both of you and must say you are both still a pain in my ass. Must be because you remind me of when I was a kid growing up. Ha-Ha, they do say that karma eventually comes around. I can now understand what I put my parents through when I was growing up! But jokes aside they a great boys and couldn’t wish for any better.

Obviously I need to give a shout out to mum and dad for putting up with me over my younger years. Considering i’m sure many of you agree, I was no angel growing up. I like to think I turned out alright. Ha-Ha! Though I do have to say they were always there for support and was truly blessed to have incredible parents. I love you both.

To all my close family and friends here tonight. Thank you all for coming and most importantly, thank you for being apart of my life. All of you, in one way or another have been apart of my incredible journey of being 50 years on this earth and I wouldn’t want it any way.

So everybody grab a drink and let’s turn this music up, because i’m pretty sure you will all agree that after all these years and crazy memories, who would have known I would have made it this far. Ha-Ha! Thank you all for coming and hope you enjoy your night. Thank you!

Birthday speech example 17 – From daughter to fathers 50th birthday speech

For those of you whose memories are fading or may have had a little too much to drink tonight, we are here to celebrate the birthday of my dad. Fifty years ago today, the world was given a great gift. A gift by the name of (Insert name). The first of three children, my father was and still is, a very funny and generous man. Throughout the years, he has told many of us his overly simplistic, corny jokes which keeps us all laughing to this day. Just earlier he told me a joke and had me giggling like a little girl again. He said “What do you call a cheese that’s not yours? Nacho Cheese!”. I know, corny right? But it still does the job.

I suppose the main reason why we all have a little laugh and look forward to his humor is that he always likes to remind us that life is not meant to be taken too seriously and that laughter helps to keep us grounded. To this day, I have incorporated this philosophy into my life and I am sure all of us look forward to the energy and humor that he gives us.

Married to his high school sweetheart for 28 years, and with two pretty awesome kids, Ha-Ha. Sorry but I had to add that in. He has shown to be the best role model any family could ask for.

He has always been one to lend a helping hand to anyone in need and is not shy to have a casual drink when in good company.

On this birthday, may you enjoy your night and continue to pass on your energy and happiness for many more years to come. Happy birthday dad!

Birthday speech example 18 – 60th birthday speech

I can’t believe that as I stand here before you, I have been on this earth for 60 years. Seems like a long time, though for me, it feels like only yesterday I was celebrating my 21st birthday. I ought to cut out drinking or before I know it, i’ll be 100 soon. Ha-Ha!

For me, I have experienced both the joys and miseries of life and through it all, I have been able to take one thing from it. Regardless of life’s ups and downs, its all about making the most out of each situation and being present in the moment. Because as I get older, I begin to appreciate all of the moments life has to offer and the truth of the matter is that nothing is owed to us. For every day we wake up is a blessing. And as I am now 60 years old and CONSIDERED wise… Ha-Ha! I feel that we should make the most of each passing day, and what better way with both family and loved ones.

Lucky for me, I have been extremely fortunate to have all of my nearest and dearest to me all here tonight and I have to say, I wouldn’t want to have tonight any other way. Although it may be the wine talking, I must say that I love each and everyone of you here tonight… Especially the caterer, the food served here has been delicious! Ha-Ha! Now let’s all embarrass ourselves by having a few more drinks and getting on the dance floor!

Birthday speech example 19 – From daughter to mother

Your loving touch is like no other, your smile is brightest of all. Your heart beats love and care, but sometimes truth be told you are unfair. You are the only best friend a daughter could ask for. The sacrifices you have made to make sure I have the right path of guidance. You are the best mother a daughter could ever have. Wishing you a happy birthday with many more fun filled ones to come.

Great Ideas for 21st Birthday Speeches

Turning 21 is a milestone birthday, and one that gathers together friends and family to celebrate their loved one. The most memorable part of the birthday party is often the speeches. Anecdotal and humorous, they should share and reflect upon the delightful and distinctive characteristics of the birthday boy or girl. The speeches should start when all the guests are assembled, relaxed and fed, with a libation in hand for toasts.

Advertisement

Humorous Stories

Video of the Day

A 21st birthday speech should be engaging and make the audience laugh. Include some humorous anecdotes about things the birthday person did as a child and share some embarrassing -- but not mean -- stories from his school years. The audience will relax and warm to you and the guest of honor will likely take the ribbing in stride. Don't include overtly crude or inappropriate stories that the birthday person has told you in confidence, no matter how funny they are. Keep your humor gentle and good natured.

Achievements

Reflect on the birthday person's accomplishments. Select a few achievements that she is proud of and worked hard for. A 21-year-old is likely to have met some educational or career goals, and these are great topics to mention. Also, praise her qualities and personality traits that you find most endearing. If you've spent a minute making fun of the person, spend at least a minute building her up again and sharing what she means to you personally.

Pictures and Videos

If you can obtain an appropriate projector, show some photos of the birthday person. You can use them in your speech for comedic effect by synchronizing your speech to a slideshow or contrasting your words of praise with pictures exemplifying the opposite. Or show clips of funny home videos of childhood scenes to offer glimpses into the birthday person's history that few people would have seen. Don't let videos run for too long. Get help from a pro to edit the clips into a brief show, perhaps with a comedic title for each vignette.

Keep It Short

Twenty-first birthday speeches should be short and sweet. Party attendees won't appreciate a speech that's too long. Don't test the audience's patience by talking for more than a few minutes, especially if multiple speakers will take the floor. Prepare and practice your speech beforehand so you know how long it takes to deliver. Write it out word for word or have some notes to keep you on track. A funny, short speech is much better than one that overstays its welcome.

• Great Speech: 21st Birthday Speech
• Presentation Magazine: Quotes, Jokes & Ideas for a Birthday Speech
• Speech for You.com: 21st /18th Birthday Speeches and Toast
• Find the Words.com: Free 21st Birthday Speeches
• Toastmasters International: Toasting Tips

21st Birthday Speech

Ai generator.

Introduction:

“Good evening, everyone. Thank you all for being here to celebrate [Birthday Person’s Name]’s 21st birthday. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], [Birthday Person’s Name]’s [relation, e.g., friend, sibling, parent]. It’s an absolute honor to stand before you all and say a few words about someone who means so much to us.”

Personal Anecdote: “I’ve had the privilege of knowing [Birthday Person’s Name] for [number] years, and in that time, we’ve shared countless amazing moments. One of my favorite memories is [insert a meaningful or humorous anecdote, e.g., ‘the time we went on a spontaneous road trip. We got lost, but it turned into one of the best adventures we’ve ever had, filled with laughter and unforgettable experiences.’]”

Highlighting Qualities: “[Birthday Person’s Name], you have grown into an exceptional young adult. Your [mention key qualities, e.g., ‘kindness, determination, intelligence, and sense of humor’] are just a few of the many qualities that make you so special.”

Expressing Emotions: “Watching you grow up and reach this milestone has been a remarkable journey. Your passion for life, your resilience, and your ability to bring joy to those around you are truly inspiring. You’ve achieved so much already, and I am incredibly proud of the person you have become.”

Offering Well-Wishes: “As you embark on this new chapter of adulthood, I want to wish you all the happiness and success in the world. May your future be filled with exciting opportunities, new adventures, and wonderful memories. Always believe in yourself and follow your dreams.”

Conclusion:

Summarizing Key Points: “To sum up, [Birthday Person’s Name], you are an amazing individual, and we are all so fortunate to have you in our lives. Your future is incredibly bright, and I can’t wait to see all the fantastic things you will accomplish.”

Toast: “Now, if everyone could please raise their glasses… Here’s to [Birthday Person’s Name]! May your 21st year be filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Happy 21st Birthday! Cheers!”

Closing: “Thank you all for being here to celebrate this special day. Let’s continue to enjoy the evening and make more beautiful memories together. Happy Birthday, [Birthday Person’s Name]!”

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

• Congratulations
• Enamel pin cards
• Encouragement & sympathy
• Father's day
• Love & friendship
• Mother’s day
• Wedding & anniversary
• Personalised Hardback Notebooks
• Personalised Softback Notebooks
• Pens and pencils
• Enamel pins
• Embroidered patches
• City Map Prints
• Pillowcases
• For Baby or Child
• For Brother
• For Partner
• For Best Friend
• Just because
• Valentine's Day
• Mother's Day
• Father's Day
• Gifts £0 - £5
• Gifts £5 - £10
• Gifts £10 - £15
• Gifts £15 - £20

What to Write In a 21st Birthday Messages - 69 Different Ideas

Turning 21 is a big birthday! It’s one we take very seriously in western cultures, as after an 18th birthday, it’s the next birthday that signifies your arrival to adulthood. When we turn 18, most age restrictions don’t apply to us, but still a few. At 21 the world is your oyster!

Any big birthday, and especially a 21st birthday, deserves a gift and most importantly a birthday greeting card. However, knowing what to write on a 21st birthday isn’t always that easy.

Even a short 21st birthday message needs a bit of consideration. How close are you to the recipient, and what is your relationship with them? Can they see the humour in your card and can they take a joke, or should you stick to being friendly and celebrative? Do they like heartwarming messages, or do they prefer to keep it light?

Luckily for you, we have curated some of the best messages to write in a 21 st Birthday card to take all the pressure off your shoulders.

Funny Things To Write In A 21st Birthday Card

Most 21 year olds will take a joke, and most likely won’t be insulted with a card being humorous about their age. Funny birthday card messages would be perfect from siblings and friends - we can leave the gushing heartwarming messages for the parents and grandparents! Choose one of our funny 21st birthday wishes below, and personalise it where you see fit. Perhaps use some personal details that you and the recipient share, for example a trip that you both went on, or how you both met all those many years ago.

• Enjoy turning 21 today - it’s all downhill from now on!
• By 21, Jane Austen had written Pride and Prejudice. But you’re still doing great!
• By 21, Steve Jobs had founded Apple. But you’re still doing great!
• You’re 21! You are officially an adult… and old.
• 21 years of being a muppet.
• 21 looks good on you.
• Look out world, here you come!
• 21 today! Time to get your sh*t together.
• Happy 21st Birthday! Drink responsibly… don’t spill any of it.
• Time to get drunk and forget you’re getting old. Happy 21st!
• Time to grow up! Happy Birthday.
• Happy 21st Birthday! Don’t grow up… it’s a trap!
• Here’s your annual reminder of how thoughtful I am - Happy 21st Birthday!

Heartwarming Things To Write In A 21st Birthday Card

Perhaps humour isn’t the way to go, but instead a heartfelt and thoughtful message will work. You could use this opportunity to wish them a happy 21st birthday, and let them know how proud you are of them and what they mean to you. This is officially their entrance into adulthood, and that means a lot!

• Have a wonderful day today on your 21st Birthday.
• How time flies - Happy 21st Birthday.
• So proud of who you have become over these 21 years.
• You are such a beautiful person, inside and out. Happy 21st!
• 21 - This is big! So proud of you and all you have accomplished so far.
• So proud of what you have achieved and what you are going to achieve. Happy 21st birthday!
• Life isn’t about finding yourself - it’s about creating yourself. Happy birthday!
• Can’t quite believe you are 21! I remember you running around in nappies.
• 21 and amazing.

Happy 21st Birthday Message for Daughter

Your daughter is turning 21. This is the perfect opportunity to wish them a happy birthday, and explain how proud you are of them and why. This greeting card you send may well become a keepsake card for them, that they will treasure for a number of years after this birthday. Choosing a beautifully designed card and well thought out personal message is a must!

• We are so proud of you - Happy 21st Birthday daughter.
• To the most amazing daughter we could have wished for - Happy 21st Birthday!
• I can’t wait to see what your future holds for you!
• So proud of the woman you have become.
• No matter what, you’ll always be our little girl.
• You’ll always be our princess!
• You make us so proud, each and every single day.
• I know that the path ahead for you is bright – you deserve every success
• You know I’ll always be here for you son, cheering you on, with a shoulder to cry on.
• I can’t believe the little baby girl I held in my arms is turning 21 today.

Happy 21st Birthday Message for Son

So your son is finally turning 21, and where has that time gone! Choosing the perfect message for their birthday card is a great way to let them know how proud you are of who they have become over these 21 years. 

• We are so proud of you - Happy 21st Birthday Son.
• To the most amazing son we could have wished for - Happy 21st Birthday!
• So proud of the man you have become.
• No matter what, you’ll always be our little boy.
• You’ll always be our prince charming!
• You know I’ll always be here for you son, cheering you on, with a listening ear, and doing your ironing.
• I can’t believe the little baby boy I held in my arms is turning 21 today.

Happy 21st Birthday Message for Sister

Happy 21st Birthday Sister - Forever looking up to you!

Happy 21st Birthday Little Sister. I still remember when we used to dress up!

I’m so lucky to have a sister like you.

Forever my partner in crime.

So lucky to have a sister and a best friend in one.

Happy 21st Birthday Message for Brother

Happy 21st Birthday Brother - Forever looking up to you!

Happy 21st Birthday Little Brother. I still remember when we used to wrestle!

I’m so lucky to have a brother like you.

Bro - I can’t believe you’re 21! Happy Birthday.

Inspirational 21st Birthday Message

Using a more inspirational message is always appropriate when you are truly proud and impressed by the recipient, and what they have achieved or overcome in their time. It might be that the recipient has had a tough time up until their 21st birthday, but yet they have persevered and overcome their challenges. It may be that the recipient has achieved a great deal in a relatively short amount of time - this could be related to starting their own business, buying their own home, striving to help others through charitable work etc. 

• I’ve always looked up to you and I’m so proud of the person you have become. It’s a blessing to have you in my life.
• On your 21st birthday, you deserve all of the happiness and joy that life can bring.
• You have always inspired me. With all you’ve been through so far, you persevere and move forward. Stronger than ever on your 21st birthday.
• All you’ve accomplished in your 21 brief years on this earth - it’s astounding!
• You have accomplished so much in such little time! What a role model you are for those that know you. I’m so proud of the grown-up you have become.
• What does life have in store for you? An adulthood filled with joy, happiness and success is my birthday wish for you.
• You’ve so many choices left to make as you turn the corner past 21. Whatever path you take, may it provide all of the happiness and success that you deserve.
• What an impressive person you have become.
• Go now, and do amazing things!

21st Birthday Quotes

Sometimes you can say all you need to say with a quote. Below we have compiled a list of quotes that can be applied to reaching that 21st birthday milestone. Of course, you could always accompany a message along with one of these 21st birthday quotes.

• “Always remember – you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and more loved than you know.” – Christopher Robin, Pooh’s Grand Adventure
• “All the world is a birthday cake, so take a piece, but not too much.” George Harrison
• “21, if truth be told, is partly young and partly old.” Unknown
• “Birthdays are good for you, the more you have the longer you’ll live.” Unknown
• “Don’t just count your years, make your years count.” – George Meredith
• “Whatever with the past has gone, the best is always yet to come.” – Lucy Larcom:
• “Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!” – Doctor Seuss
• “Youth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.” – Franz Kafka

Hopefully the above 21st birthday best wishes have inspired you in some way. Choosing any of the above messages should be a great place to start from in writing the perfect 21st birthday card. The one tip we could give is to personalise the message to a memory or connection you have with the recipient. This will make it a truly personal and unique message that they are sure to love and treasure. If you are stuck on finding the perfect 21st birthday card, then please take a look at our collection of birthday greeting cards. There are a number of designs to choose from.

Leave a comment

Comments must be approved before appearing

* Required fields

Added to your cart:

• Birthday Speeches
• By Recipient
• Happy Birthday Poems
• Clever Birthday Poems
• Cool Birthday Poems
• Cute Birthday Poems
• Funny Birthday Poems
• Inspirational Birthday Poems
• Romantic Birthday Poems
• Sentimental Birthday Poems
• Happy Birthday Toasts
• Clever Birthday Toasts
• Cool Birthday Toasts
• Cute Birthday Toasts
• Funny Birthday Toasts
• Inspirational Birthday Toasts
• Romantic Birthday Toasts
• Sentimental Birthday Toasts
• Speech Tips

Speech Samples

Speechwriting Services

Speech Order Form

• Free Birthday eCards
• Birthday Wishes & Quotes
• Birthday Poems
• Birthday Toasts
• Free eCards

Birthday Speeches - Tips

Birthday speeches can be so nerve-wracking, especially when you're stuck for words. Don't know where to start your birthday speech? If you need professional speechwriting tips, you've come to the right place. I've written hundreds of speeches, so I have many insider tips for you.

By Kevin Nishmas   Updated: September 30, 2023

Tips to Make Birthday Speeches Memorable

To get started, take a look at my proven birthday speechwriting tips below and  check out some speech samples right here.

Because your loved one's birthday celebration is important enough to call for a speech from you, it's not enough to just get it right  — you need to make yours memorable.

Go the extra mile with these professional speechwriting tips.

8 things to consider before writing birthday speeches

1. Decide to write a formal or informal speech

• You'll need a formal speech (an average-length speech) for a formal reception
• Give an informal speech (a shorter version) for a casual house party

2. Consider your audience

• Find out who's invited to the birthday celebration.  Only family? Family and friends? Co-workers? The boss? 
• Tailor your speech to give your audience exactly what you think they want, need and/or expect to hear. For example, if your audience is mostly made up of family and friends, get a little personal with your birthday speech.
• Use a presentation style and project a personality that fits your audience.

3. Find out if you're the only speaker

• As the only speaker, you'll need to cover many topics.
• If you're one of many speakers, you may only have to cover one subject.

4. Pick the right tone of voice

• Generally, your tone should be light-hearted, funny, sincere, congratulatory and upbeat.

5. Avoid anything hurtful or embarrassing

• You can be humorous (i.e. tease the birthday boy or girl) but, as I mentioned above, be playful, not mean-spirited.
• Don't use any obscene language, unless the audience calls for it (again, know your room).
• Don't be off-color or pornographic in any way (most people don't enjoy anything too X-rated in mixed company).
• Never delve into any sensitive subject areas, like alcoholism (this will just turn the birthday celebration into a nightmare).

6. Determine how long you should speak

• If you're making an informal speech, make your birthday speech at least three minutes in length (the gold standard).
• Make your birthday speech longer than three minutes (but no longer than six or seven minutes) when it's for a major milestone birthday (40th, 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th, 90th or 100th birthday).
• Generally, use the KISS (Keep it Short and Simple) rule. The shorter the speech, the more memorable it will be.

7. Prepare and practice to stay calm 

• Preparation and practice will help you overcome a chunk of your public speaking fears. 
• Practice your speech until you can deliver it easily (until you have all the phrasing, pauses and timing exactly right).
• How long should you practice? That depends on you. But the rule of thumb is as follows: for every four minutes,you should practice four hours.
• Practice delivering the speech in front of a friend or family member you trust (this is one of the best ways to overcome stage fright).
• For more tips on calming your nerves before making a speech, take a moment to read this great article:  Crushing the Fear of Public Speaking . It's worth your time.   

8. Deliver your speech like a pro

• Scan the audience slowly (not too slow) and look at the birthday boy or girl as you speak. Basically, maintain eye contact with the birthday girl or boy and look just over the heads of the audience.
• Use your normal voice to deliver your speech (let the mic or the room's acoustics do the rest). 
• Write your speech on numbered index cards, which are so much easier to handle as you speak.

To round out your speechwriting knowledge,  check out 10 tips from Forbes magazine . 

To see my speechwriting tips in action, take a moment to  look at my custom-written speech samples.

Use a Time-Tested Outline to Write Birthday Speeches

1. Introduction

• Greeting: Start by welcoming everyone and expressing your pleasure to be speaking on such a special occasion.
• Relationship: Briefly describe your relationship with the birthday person.
• Purpose: Explain the reason for your speech, which is to celebrate the life and achievements of the birthday boy or girl.

2. Background

• Overview: Give a brief summary of the birthday person's life, focusing on the key events and achievements.
• Personal story: Share a personal story about the birthday person. This could be something fun, memorable or inspiring, which can showcase their character.

3. Achievements & Contributions

• Highlight their accomplishments in their personal or professional life or their contributions to the community.
• Describe how they've made a difference or had an impact on the lives of others.

4. Personal Appreciation

• Express your personal appreciation and feelings for the birthday person. What do they mean to you? How have they influenced or affected your life?
• Include any specific qualities or characteristics that you admire about them.

5. Birthday Wishes

• Present your personal birthday wishes to the birthday person. This could include your hopes for their happiness, health and continued success.
• Encourage others to express their wishes as well.
• Propose a toast to the birthday person, celebrating their past, acknowledging their present and looking forward to their future.
• Keep it heartfelt and positive, focusing on their qualities and the joy they bring to people's lives.

7. Closing Remarks

• Conclude with a final birthday wish or sentiment. This could be a quote, a proverb, or a simple expression of goodwill.
• Thank everyone for their attention and participation in the celebration.

Stuck for words?

Hire me to write your speech $95.95 ($399 Value)

Order Speech Here

Conquer Blank Page Syndrome Here

Use these 40 questions to write memorable birthday speeches.

Use the 40 questions below to write your speech. Try to answer each one. The more you answer, the better your speech will be.

• Can you please describe your relationship with the birthday person?
• What memorable experiences have you shared with the birthday person?
• What qualities do you admire most about the birthday person?
• How has the birthday person impacted or influenced your life?
• What personal birthday wishes or sentiments would you like to convey to the birthday person?
• Are there any specific anecdotes, stories or jokes you'd like to share?

About the Birthday Person

• Can you provide a brief summary of the birthday person's background (like where they were born and/or their upbringing)?
• What are some significant milestones or achievements in the birthday person's life? This could be educational, professional or personal.
• Are there any notable contributions the birthday person has made to their community or any significant influences on the lives of others?
• Are there any charities, causes or organizations that the birthday person is passionate about?
• Does the birthday person have any interesting or unusual hobbies, talents, or skills?
• Are there any challenges or obstacles the birthday person has overcome that you'd like to mention?
• What are some of the birthday person's most admirable qualities or characteristics?
• Are there any fun, amusing or interesting quirks about the birthday person that could be mentioned for a lighthearted moment in the speech?
• What are the birthday person's hopes, dreams, or aspirations for the future?
• Are there any significant life experiences or turning points in the birthday person's life that we haven't discussed?
• What are some of the birthday person's favorite things (e.g., music, movies, books, foods, places or activities)?
• How would the birthday person describe their own personality, values or life philosophy?
• Are there any specific cultural, historical or personal events that have had a significant impact on the birthday person's life?
• Can you share any lesser-known or surprising facts about the birthday person?
• Has the birthday person had any mentors, role models or heroes who have influenced their life?
• How would the birthday person like to be remembered, or what legacy would they like to leave?

About the Birthday Person’s Family

• Can you tell me about the birthday person's family? This includes parents, siblings, spouse, and children, if applicable.
• How would you describe the birthday person's relationship with their family?
• Are there any special family traditions or customs that the birthday person particularly cherishes?
• Has the family had any significant influence on the birthday person's life and choices? If so, how?
• Are there any memorable, touching or funny family moments, experiences or anecdotes that should be included in the speech or that the audience might appreciate?
• How have the birthday person's family relationships shaped them as a person?
• What role does the birthday person play in their family (e.g., peacekeeper, organizer, mentor, etc.)?
• Would any family members like to contribute personal messages, wishes, or stories to be included in the speech?
• How has the birthday person influenced their family members, and vice versa?

About the Birthday Person’s Friends

• Can you share some details about the birthday person's close friends?
• How would you describe the birthday person as a friend? What qualities make them a good friend?
• Are there any memorable, humorous, heartwarming anecdotes, experiences or adventures about the birthday person and their friends that would add a personal touch to the speech?
• Have the birthday person's friendships had a significant influence on their life? If so, how?
• What role does the birthday person play in their friend group (e.g., the planner, the listener, the comic, etc.)?
• Are there any humorous or heartwarming anecdotes about the birthday person and their friends that would add a personal touch to the speech?
• How have the birthday person's friendships evolved over the years?
• Do any friends wish to contribute personal messages, stories, or birthday wishes to be included in the speech?
• How have the birthday person's friends influenced them, and vice versa?

I've used these questions over and over again to write speeches for milestone birthdays, for both birthday boys and girls turning 30 to 100 years old. See my speech samples right now.

Quick Links

Speechwriting Tips

Message Guy Creator of this site

Kevin, the "Message Guy" who writes the birthday wishes, quotes, poems, toasts and speeches on BirthdayMessages.net, has been a content writer since 1993. In 2012, Kevin created this site to share the incredible power of words with birthday well-wishers everywhere.

Learn More About Kevin Here

Can't Find What You Need?

SEARCH HERE

Find Any Mistakes?

SUGGEST CORRECTIONS NOW

Home FAQ Message Search Blog

Privacy Policy

Terms of Use

By  Kevin (aka "Message Guy") Copyright © 2012-2024 BirthdayMessages.net. All rights reserved.  All trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. The copyrights of all birthday messages on this website belong to the individual authors.

Site  Powered By Solo Build It (SBI) Build Your Own Website Here

Examples of a 18th/21st Birthday speech

Here two examples of a 18th/21st Birthday speech, from the friend/ family and also from the birthday person.

You could probably use adapt it for your own personal use.

18th/21st Birthday speech

From the friend of the Birthday person

.. .. has asked me to say a few words. So first, on behalf of .. .. I’d like to thank you all for coming.

We all know .. .. for his/her jokes. From all the ones that he/she has told me over the years, I have managed to find a good one, so here goes.

“One day three guys are walking back home from the pub, when they discover a magic lamp at the side of the road. One rubs the side and a Genie pops out, and says “I’ll grant you one wish each, so what shall it be?” The first looks at the Genie and says, “I want to be irresistible to all the women.” The Genie clicks his fingers and instantly the guy had a perfect face and body.

The second looks at the Genie and says, “I want to be smart.” The Genie clicks his fingers and the guy has glasses and a bad haircut, but was really good at maths. The third guy looks at his friend in glasses, then looks at the Genie and says, “ I want to be so smart I never get another thing wrong in my life!” The Genie clicks his fingers, and he became a woman.

No offence to you women out there, but that was his only joke, the best one I could steal from him.

I’ve known .. .. for X amount of years, ever since we were in school/work. And since that day we have been good friends. We have seen each other become who we are today to this point and he/she has helped me to get through some pretty bad times. But on the reverse of that coin, we have had some really great times together: like our trip to .. .., the parties, and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve cried with laughing with them. So .. .. thanks for the great times, and let’s hope tonight and in the future there are many more to come. Cheers.

Now .. .. is going to say a few words. Come on up here.. ..

(here is a possible reply for the birthday person.)

A Possible reply from the Birthday person

Thanks .. .., for the speech. It meant a lot. Ooh, just one thing though, at least one funny joke is better than none.

.. .. is right though, I owe you all a massive thank you. Firstly for coming, secondly to all the people who made tonight such a great night, and thirdly for listening to us all go on for so long.

Just a couple of thank you’s from me. Mum/Dad you have been great, an inspiration to me. You have helped me so much over the years, I know I wouldn’t be who I am today with out you, so thank you. All the people who helped out here tonight making food, or blowing up balloons – thank you. And lastly to the bar staff for keeping the beer flowing, thanks to you guys too.

There’s not really much more for me to say, so have a good night, don’t drink and drive, and I’ll see you all later.

Ryan Marshall , Presentation Magazine

Would you be willing to share your Birthday Speech? Simply add it to the comments box

Recommended Pages

good…but not wat i wanted

thank u u help me so much thats means to me

its not bad its ok

THIS IS NICE WEBSITE

Wow!, so beautiful, u really helped me alot guys thnx, this website rocks

Its good,but not exactly what I was looking for.

Great guidelines!

Lols nice one mhmhm I’m loving it!

gud bt not wat i was expecting

It’s good but not want I’m looking for because I’m looking for a birthday speech introduction

it good but not the way I want it

• All Templates
• Persuasive Speech Topics
• Informative
• Architecture
• Celebration
• Educational
• Engineering
• Food and Drink
• Subtle Waves Template
• Business world map
• Filmstrip with Countdown
• Blue Bubbles
• Corporate 2
• Vector flowers template
• Editable PowerPoint newspapers
• Hands Template
• Red blood cells slide
• Circles Template on white
• Maps of America
• Light Streaks Business Template
• Zen stones template
• Heartbeat Template
• Web icons template

• Style Events
• List Your Venue

21st Birthday Message Ideas: What to Write in a Card or Text

So you have the perfect gift and now you need the perfect message to go into your card. If you’re stuck on writing a special birthday message to the soon to be 21yr old, we are here to help out. Use one of these 21st birthday messages (shh..we won’t tell anyone) or simply just gather inspiration.

A 21st birthday is a significant milestone in a young person’s life, and it is a cause for celebration. This day marks the end of adolescence and the beginning of adulthood. As such, it is essential to make the occasion memorable by sharing meaningful and inspirational messages with the celebrant. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to 21st birthday messages to help you make your loved one’s day truly special.

1. 21st Birthday Message Inspiration

The first message on our list is a classic and timeless one: wishing someone a happy 21st birthday! It’s simple, but it goes a long way in letting the celebrant know that you’re thinking of them and wishing them well on their special day. You can personalize this message by adding the person’s name and a few words of encouragement or love. Here’s an example:

“Happy 21st birthday, [name]! Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and laughter. May this milestone be the start of a new and exciting chapter in your life.”

“Happy 21st birthday! This very special birthday holds the key to your future, and I just want to wish you all the very best for the years ahead.”

2. Congratulations on Reaching this Milestone!

Turning 21 is a big deal, and it’s worth celebrating. Congratulate the celebrant on reaching this milestone and acknowledge their hard work and achievements. This message is especially meaningful if you’ve witnessed their journey and growth over the years. Here’s an example:

“Congratulations on reaching this milestone, [name]! I’m so proud of all that you’ve accomplished and the person you’ve become. May this birthday be a reminder of how far you’ve come and how much more you can achieve in the future.”

3. Embrace the Adventure Ahead!

At 21, the future is full of endless possibilities and adventures waiting to be had. Encourage the celebrant to embrace the unknown and take risks in their personal and professional life. This message is perfect for someone who’s starting a new chapter in their life, whether it’s starting college, moving to a new city, or starting a new job. Here’s an example:

“Happy 21st birthday, [name]! As you embark on this new chapter in your life, remember to embrace the adventure ahead. Take risks, make mistakes, and never stop learning. I can’t wait to see where life takes you next!”

4. Always Believe in Yourself!

At 21, the future can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to doubt yourself and your abilities. Remind the celebrant that they’re capable of achieving their dreams and that they should always believe in themselves. This message is especially important if you know the person has been struggling with self-doubt or imposter syndrome. Here’s an example:

“Happy 21st birthday, [name]! Always remember that you’re capable of achieving anything you set your mind to. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.”

5. Thank You for Being You!

Last but not least, sometimes the best message is a simple one: thanking the celebrant for being who they are. This message is especially meaningful if you’re close to the person and appreciate their unique qualities and personality. Here’s an example:

“Happy 21st birthday, [name]! I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for being you. Your kindness, humor, and resilience inspire me every day, and I’m lucky to have you in my life. May this birthday be a reminder of how much you’re loved and appreciated.”

6. Welcome to Adulthood!

Turning 21 marks the beginning of adulthood, and it’s a significant milestone worth acknowledging. Congratulate the celebrant on officially becoming an adult and encourage them to embrace their new responsibilities and freedoms. Here’s an example:

“Happy 21st birthday, [name]! Welcome to adulthood! May this birthday be the start of a new and exciting phase in your life, filled with new opportunities and experiences.”

7. Celebrating Your Achievements

At 21, the celebrant has likely accomplished many things worth celebrating. Take a moment to acknowledge their achievements and encourage them to continue pursuing their goals. This message is especially meaningful if you’ve been a witness to their hard work and dedication. Here’s an example:

“Happy 21st birthday, [name]! Today we celebrate all of your amazing achievements and the person you’ve become. Keep striving for greatness and never give up on your dreams. The sky’s the limit!”

8. The Best is Yet to Come

At 21, the future is full of endless possibilities and opportunities waiting to be discovered. Encourage the celebrant to look ahead with optimism and excitement for what’s to come. This message is perfect for someone who’s unsure about their future or feeling a bit lost. Here’s an example:

“Happy 21st birthday, [name]! The best is yet to come. Keep an open mind and a positive attitude, and the future will unfold in ways you never imagined. I can’t wait to see all of the amazing things you’ll accomplish!”

9. Time Flies When You’re Having Fun

At 21, the celebrant has likely experienced many ups and downs, but hopefully, more ups than downs. Take a moment to reflect on the good times and remind them that life is too short to dwell on the negatives. Here’s an example:

“Happy 21st birthday, [name]! Time flies when you’re having fun, and I hope this birthday is one of many happy memories to come. Remember to cherish the good times and let go of the bad. Life’s too short to waste on negativity.”

10. Wishing You Health, Happiness, and Success

Last but not least, a simple and classic message that never gets old is wishing the celebrant health, happiness, and success. This message is perfect for anyone, regardless of their personality or life goals. Here’s an example:

“Happy 21st birthday, [name]! Wishing you health, happiness, and success in all of your endeavors. May this birthday be the start of an amazing year filled with love, laughter, and memorable experiences.”

11. Wishing You an Unforgettable 21st Birthday

A classic and simple message, wishing someone an unforgettable 21st birthday is a great way to let them know you’re thinking of them on their special day. Add a personal touch by mentioning specific memories you’ve shared with the celebrant and express your excitement for the adventures that lie ahead in their 20s.

12. Happy 21st Birthday, Let the Good Times Roll

This message is perfect for someone who loves to have a good time and is always up for an adventure. Encourage the celebrant to make the most of their 21st year and remind them that life is too short to waste on negativity.

13. Cheers to 21 Years of Life

Raise a glass and toast to 21 years of life with this celebratory message. Acknowledge the celebrant’s accomplishments and encourage them to continue striving for greatness in their 20s.

14. May Your 21st Year Be Filled with Love and Laughter

This heartfelt message is perfect for someone who values close relationships and cherishes laughter and joy. Wish them a year filled with love and happiness and express your gratitude for having them in your life.

15. Welcome to Adulthood, Happy 21st Birthday

Turning 21 marks a significant milestone in a person’s life as they officially enter adulthood. Acknowledge this transition with a message that congratulates the celebrant on their achievements and encourages them to embrace their new responsibilities and freedoms.

16. Happy 21st Birthday, Here’s to New Adventures

The 20s are a time for new experiences and adventures, and this message is perfect for someone who’s always up for trying something new. Wish the celebrant a year full of exciting opportunities and encourage them to step out of their comfort zone.

17. A Milestone Worth Celebrating, Happy 21st Birthday

Turning 21 is a big deal and worth celebrating! Acknowledge the celebrant’s hard work and accomplishments and encourage them to continue pursuing their goals and dreams.

18. Happy 21st Birthday, Keep Shining Bright

This message is perfect for someone who radiates positivity and light. Encourage the celebrant to keep shining bright and spreading joy to those around them, and wish them a year filled with endless possibilities.

19. Happy 21st Birthday, Embrace the Unknown

At 21, the future is full of endless possibilities and unknowns waiting to be discovered. Encourage the celebrant to embrace the uncertainty and take risks in their personal and professional life, and remind them that they have the courage and strength to overcome any obstacle.

20. Wishing You Health, Happiness, and Success on Your 21st Birthday

A classic and timeless message, wishing someone health, happiness, and success on their 21st birthday is a great way to express your love and support. Add a personal touch by mentioning specific qualities you admire in the celebrant and expressing your excitement for the amazing things they will accomplish in their 20s.

• 21st Birthday Decoration Ideas
• 21st Invitation Ideas
• 21st Birthday Speech Writing Tips
• 21st Birthday message Inspiration
• 21st birthday party ideas

LATEST POSTS

How to Become an Airbnb Host

30th Birthday Gift Hampers

21st birthday gift hampers.

Our 15 Favourite 60th Birthday Ideas For 2024

The Best Baby Gift Hampers for Every Occasion

Top birthday gift hampers for your loved ones.

Top Wedding Hampers: Luxury Gift Ideas for Newlyweds

List your venue or event, request function kits & pricing, christmas parties, engagement parties, private dining, wedding venues, 21st birthdays, 30th birthdays, 40th birthdays, 50th birthdays.

• Wedding Hampers
• Christmas Hampers
• Anniversary Hampers
• Champagne Hampers
• Corporate Hampers
• 21ST Birthday Hampers
• 30th Birthday Hampers
• 40th Birthday Hampers
• 50th Birthday Hampers
• Wedding Gift Ideas
• Grooms Gift Ideas
• Bridesmaid Gift Ideas
• Birthday Gift Ideas
• Mother's Day Gift Ideas
• Christmas Gift Ideas
• Engagement Gift Ideas

STYLE EVENTS

Tonight We Honor This Person | Birthday Speeches for a Friend

One of the best ways to make a friend’s birthday party shine is to deliver a very powerful speech at the event.

But since coming up with great speeches tends to be easier said than done, we have prepared a list comprising several original birthday speeches to help you celebrate and honor your friend on such an incredibly important day of his/her life.

Table of Contents

Birthday speeches for a friend from old times.

I have known [Friend’s Name] for as long as I can remember. In my eyes, there’s nothing more honorable than standing before you, wonderful folks, to wish my beloved friend a super duper happy birthday.

[Friend’s Name], I deem it an absolutely great honor to be part of this gathering here honoring and celebrating your life. For me, your birthday gives me a great opportunity to thank the almighty God for your life. It also gives me a fine opportunity to tell you how much of a blessing you have been to me all these years.

After so many years of knowing you, I can confidently say three things about you: You are a kind, supportive and a truly amazing friend. I doubt that this life would be half as interesting as it is without you.

Folks, thank you very much for coming in your numbers to grace this occasion of my friend and making it a memorable one. Now join me in toasting to our dear [Friend’s Name].

[Looking at your friend]

Indeed today is a perfect excuse to deliberately celebrate the kindness, whit, empathy, and elegance that your beautiful life has brought to your family and friends. Keep up your great work, buddy!

Not only are you my longtime friend but you are also a very special friend to me. I’ve always said that your stay on earth is a blessing to everyone who knows you. Thank you for giving us love, care, and support. You inspire me in no small way to be better. Happy birthday, and more grease to your elbows!

[Turning back to look at your friend]

[Friend’s Name], for all those who know and love you, you are a priceless treasure. May your birthday bless you with everything that puts a gigantic smile on your face and a heart that never stops bursting at its seams with endless happiness. Thank you for decorating our lives. Love you so much.

Birthday Speeches For a Best Friend

Friends, loved ones and family members of [Friend’s Name], thank you for making out time to be here today to celebrate this special day of the life of my best friend in the whole wide world.

I hope you have an incredibly amazing birthday and life because you’ve been an incredibly amazing friend to me all my life. May your earthly journey be accompanied by everything that brings peace, contentment and bliss into your life. You deserve all these and many more, for you are an absolutely wonderful person who makes this world a truly beautiful place. God bless you…today, tomorrow and all the days after tomorrow until the end of time.

Once again I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone gathered here for being part of this very wonderful occasion. Now everyone, enjoy your drinks and let’s set this party on fire!

Standing here, I must confess that I never thought there would come a day when I’d be paying my last respects to the youth of my dear [Friend’s Name], but I guess that day has finally arrived! [Pause slightly as the audience laugh at the joke].

All jokes aside, [Friend’s Name], you are a remarkably beautiful individual, inside and out. God really bestowed a grand blessing my way the day he made our paths cross. My dear, on your special day, I need you to know that you are not just my friend but also my brother/sister and my ultimate inspiration in life. May you keep moving from glory to glory and soaring skywards.

Lovely ones, at this juncture, I would like you to kindly raise up your glasses to join me in a toast to the phenomenal man/woman whose birthday we gather here to joyfully celebrate.

Funny Birthday Speech for a Friend

I can stand up here and tell many hilarious stories from your past, like the time you got too drunk that you thought that mannequin was an actual woman. See, look at the way he’s smiling – he didn’t even know I knew about that one. But that’s what friends are for. Friends are there to pick you up when you’re down. Friends are there to visit you in the hospital when everyone else has written you off. Friends are there to steal your car keys when you’re so inebriated that the chances of you making it home in one piece is about as successful as a box of hot French friends. And these are all favors that he has selflessly done for me. So please I implore, indeed beg you all – eat to your heart’s content and drink your gluttonous fill. I mean it’s not like I’m paying for it. But in all seriousness, it is my pleasure to spend this special day with you. And I think it is safe to say that the sentiment of every one in here, including myself, is that you continue down the merry path to a long, wonderful life.

Friendship Quotes | The Value of Friends

What Friends Are For | The Best Birthday Messages for a Buddy

Related Posts

Best 30+ 18th birthday messages for a friend, 9 amazing 40th birthday speeches for your best friend, birthday wishes for my best girl friend | happy birthday, amiga, the best birthday greetings for a friend – with images, happy bday, amigo | 80 birthday quotes for a friend, milestone birthday speeches for friends and loved ones, 99 funny birthday wishes for my best friend, 31 happy birthday quotes for a friend who’s far away, 30th birthday speeches for my best friend, friends for life : 80 birthday wishes for my best friend, birthday wishes for an older friend, best 35 irthday wishes for a friend’s wife.

A letter to my daughter on her 21st Birthday

As I wake early on this particular day, my heart is bursting with pride. My gorgeous daughter i s now 21! You make me proud in many ways, and I love watching you grow into the beautiful, strong young lady you have become. I say it every year, but I can not believe my baby girl is now a young adult! Another lap around the sun, another year older and another year of loving you.

It feels like yesterday when we found out I was pregnant and the joy in your father’s eye when we were told the baby moving around on the screen was, in fact, a girl. I knew at that moment that you would always be daddy’s little girl. Things haven’t changed much since then, you will always be the apple in his eye, and even when you have children of your own, you will always be daddy’s little girl.

For me, you have always been exceptional; from the first time I laid eyes on you, I knew I had fallen in love, and I knew I felt I needed to protect you forever, even if you and when you no longer need it.

As years have passed, you have developed into a kind-hearted, loyal, considerate friend, caring sister, and loving daughter. You stand up for what you believe in and never shy from competition . Your strong-minded beliefs and passionate energy makes me realise how lucky I am to call you my daughter.

Your huge smile lights up a room, and your infectious laugh ensures everyone around you is along for the ride. So don’t change for anyone! Just keep being you.

Although we may not always see eye to eye, you will always have my support in all that you do. I believe in you, and I look forward to seeing where this journey will take you. So keep reaching for those stars because someday, I know you will get there because you deserve everything that comes your way.

If I could give you three things today, it would be the courage to face all that comes your way, the confidence to love yourself during all stages of your life and the wisdom to understand how much we love you.

So happy 21st birthday to my beautiful, talented, warm-hearted daughter. May today and every day moving forward be full of love and laughter surrounded by those who love you the most.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

Other things you need to know

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I/we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my/our  full disclosure   for further information.

Check out my  Instagram page  or join the Truly Expat   Facebook group. 

Pin it for later!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

2 thoughts on “A letter to my daughter on her 21st Birthday”

Gorgeous words Paula. Sounds like you’re very lucky to have each other!

Wishing you both all the best for a Happy Birthday celebration together.

Thanks, Cat, it is very special to be together during this milestone (as you are well aware). Things we once took for granted are now things we cherish more than ever x

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Copyright © 2022 

Site Ending Soon

Site will be ending soon and the new website addresses are

90th Birthday Speech

• Celebration
• Share this post

Home » 90th Birthday Speech

(*Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out all the different ways the Speechy team can help you write & deliver a great speech. Or check out our new AI-powered team member, SpeechyAI .)

Turning 90 is a big deal and a birthday speech is a great way to add love and laughter to the party. As professional speechwriters we know how to sum up those decades within a witty and meaningful toast.

What To Include In a Birthday Speech?

• Welcome guests and get people laughing with an icebreaker
• Set up the theme of your speech
• Include humorous anecdotes
• A more poignant summary of a life well-lived
• Thank the important friends and family who have supported you / the birthday boy or girl
• Call back to the theme of the speech and final toast

There’s no strict etiquette when it comes to writing a birthday speech, but the basic aim is to unite the party guests in a feel-good moment. It doesn’t matter if there’s only a handful of guests or a full room full, a speech shows you care.  

If it’s your birthday, give an insight into how you feel about turning ninety. Feel free to include a bit of humour but remember getting old is a privilege!  

Your speech is also an opportunity to thank the special friends and family who have contributed to your life over the years. Give the younger folk an insight into you past and how much has changed for both you and the world over the years. Teenagers won’t be able to imagine how you survived your childhood without access to a smartphone!

If you’re delivering a tribute to someone special on their birthday your aim is to make them feel loved. It’s a chance to reminiscence about happy times together and run through some of their life’s achievements and milestones. Pay a tribute to their character and what having them in your life has meant to you.  

How To Begin Writing Your Speech

A birthday speech is about two things..

• The birthday person and what a great character they are
• The passage of time and the things that give our lives meaning  

Write a list of what you might want to include in your speech. Consider…

• Your most cherished memories
• Lessons learnt from life
• Major themes of life – love, hard work, loyalty, the importance of humour – what are the stand out qualities or subjects that have kept recurring through the last ninety years
• The special people who had added love and support over the years

Once you’ve identified all your favourite anecdotes and insights, try to identify a theme that links the content. Ideally, you want your speech to tell a story and have a narrative thread rather than simply a random list of anecdotes and ideas.

If you need help finding at speech structure, then our birthday templates have three options for you to consider. We have a template for people delivering a speech at their own birthday , and another template for people who are paying tribute to a loved one .

How Long Should Your Speech Be?

No celebration speech should be longer than ten minutes. Any more and guests zone out, no matter how great you think the content is.

Generally, a birthday tribute should be between 750 and 1,300 words.

Once you write your first draft, make sure you give it a brutal edit. Even if it falls within the recommendation duration, cutting it down will make it punchier and better.

Cut the cliches and platitudes. Make every line distinctive and original.

How To Start The Speech

Firstly, welcome any guests for making the effort to celebrate with you.

If you’re delivering a tribute to the birthday girl/boy then you may need to introduce yourself to the wider audience.

Try to include some light humour in the first few lines. It will immediately bond everyone and you will relax once you’ve received your first laugh.

Try to avoid any generic birthday gags and, instead, focus your attention on the characters you’re surrounded by. Remember the adage, “It’s funny because it’s true”.

Birthday Speech Humour

Our favourite brand of comedy is based on observation. It’s also the easiest to master.

The adage ‘It’s funny because it’s true’ makes sense.  

Comedians have a skilled eye when it comes to noticing the strange things in life that we take for granted but it’s often just about taking the time to look.

Consider your or the birthday person’s character. Everyone in this world is unique so find the things that make ‘you’ you or them ‘them’.

And because this is a ninetieth birthday speech, you can also consider having fun with how times have changed so dramatically over the years. And maybe also the surprisingly things that remain a fact of life.

Poignant Lines

If we’re lucky, aging happens to us all and we all have something to learn from a speech that talks about the passing of time.

Sure, it’s hard to sum up a lifetime into a ten minute speech but a few well written sentences can have a huge impact.

• “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter” – Hayao Miyazaki
• “It’s not how old you are, it’s how you are old” – Jules Renard
• “You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.” ―  George Bernard Shaw
• “And the beauty of a woman, with passing years only grows!” ―  Audrey Hepburn

Just like a wedding speech, you’re aiming for lots of laughter and a few tears from your audience. And if you can impart a new idea or thought about aging & the meaning of life, well, all the better.

Check out some quotes from clever people about growing old to inspire you.

Deliver Your Speech Like A Pro

As well as helping people write great speeches, we help clients present them like pros too.

Check out our advice on how to deliver your speech on the day. The advice focuses on wedding speeches but equally applies to your celebration speech.

Birthday Speech Do’s and Don’ts

• Ask friends and family for stories –  It’s not cheating, it’s research 
• Start writing early  – ideas will keep popping in your head once you get going
• Cut your first draft in half  – having three average jokes does not add up to one big laugh
• Read it out loud  – you’ll work out your pacing and hear what works and what doesn’t
• Get advice  – Read it to a trusted mate. If you have to explain a joke it ain’t working
• Feel you need to include every random funny anecdote in the speech  – some just won’t add to the overall story you’re telling
• Resort to Googling jokes   – if you found that quip then others will have seen it to
• Forget to leave room for the laughs on the day  – don’t spend months worrying about the speech and then swallow up the laughter by delivering your speech too quickly
• Drink too much before you deliver your speech – sadly ‘Dutch courage’ is a myth. Alcohol increases nerves so don’t go overboard too early.

The Speechwriting Experts

The Speechy team  are TV-trained scriptwriters/comedians by trade & we’ve helped 1,000s of speakers around the world deliver their dream speech.

Our advice has been quoted everywhere from  The New York Times  to  Grazia  and from Forbes to The Observer . Our founder has also featured on the  BBC Sounds’ Best Men podcast with Jason Manford and written ‘ The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’ , published by Little, Brown.

How can we help you?

Delivery coaching, £ 150, celebration speech edit service, £ 245, bespoke celebration speech, £ 495, birthday speech template, birthday speech for a loved one template, or check out our range of speech templates from just £ 29 :, we’re rated ‘excellent' on trustpilot for a reason....

We do mic-drops not name-drops but here's just a few places we've been featured...

Choose a Speech Service

Choose a speech template, not sure where to start, products & services, speechy help, let's help you get started..., speech edit service, discover our services, speech templates, bespoke speech writing service, not sure let's find the right service for you..., we use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. if you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it., yes, i'm cool with this, privacy policy.

40 Fun 21st Birthday Party Ideas to Make Your Day Extra Special

Make turning 21 fun and memorable at home or out with friends with these unique and creative ideas.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Most of the time, when you think of your 21st birthday, you think of drinking-related fun or alcohol-themed activities. That said, there are many more ways to celebrate turning 21 than hanging out at a bar or making delicious birthday cocktails with friends. While those are great birthday party ideas, our roundup of the best 21st birthday party ideas shows that you don't need to involve alcohol to have a good time. Whether you want to keep it lowkey and pamper yourself with at-home spa gifts and host a small game night or prefer to treat yourself to stylish heels and go out with your best friends, there's something for every kind of person — even those who don't like celebrating their birthday in the first place. If you're the person planning the 21st birthday bash, remember to write something extra special in their birthday card , make them their favorite dessert , and pick up an epic 21st birthday gift that they'll treasure for years to come — after all, you only turn 21 once.

Traditional Ideas

Go on a bar crawl.

Now that you're finally of age to enjoy some drinks at the local watering holes, it's time to enjoy experiencing them. And why hit up one bar when you can make your way to a few of the local hotspots for a cocktail or beer? Although there are no hard-and-fast rules on how to do this right, it's best to map out which bars you want to hit ahead of time to make your bar crawl a true success.

Sing karaoke

What's better than belting out (often off-key) your favorite hits with your friends? Nothing! Find a karaoke bar and spend the night singing your heart out to current hits as well as songs from your childhood — because let's face it, you still remember those lyrics better than any lesson you learned back in elementary school. Let the birthday girl cue up the song list for the night, or have the group choose which songs everyone else has to sing.

Go to a concert

It's one thing to listen to your favorite songs on your phone, but it's another to see your favorite musicians and bands perform them live. Splurge on tickets for your birthday and take a friend or partner and finally get to see your favorite performers in person.

Have a sleepover

Why did sleepovers stop being a thing as we got older? They were so much fun! Don't just have a bunch of friends spend the night. Plan a night full of all the things you used to do at slumber parties growing up. Set up a DIY mani-pedi station with stacks of old teen magazines for reading, pick up some snacks from Costco , do makeovers, share stories from when you were younger, stay up late watching movies, have a dance party — do whatever you want! That said, be warned you probably won't be getting too much sleep.

Throw a house party

There's something quite classic about a house party. It's a fairly simple idea (at least out of the ones on this list) that's still lots of fun for everyone. You're more than welcome to prep for it on your own, but a good way to cut down on work is to create your own party crew among your friends and delegate who is in charge of drinks. dips, decor and more. Don't forget a killer playlist and games to keep you giggling all night long.

Have a girls' night out (or in)

Technically, you could do anything on this list for a girls' night out, or you could just go to a local bar, grab a few rounds and catch up with your best gals. You can also do the same right at home for a more casual affair, sipping wine in cozy clothes and slippers, face masks and undereye patches are optional. The choice is up to you!

Travel Ideas

Hit up a theme park.

Rollercoasters, Ferris wheels and funnel cake, oh my! Who doesn't want to enjoy a day riding the Tilt-a-Whirl, winning the top prizes at game booths and eating sweet and savory treats? Spend the day taking photos with your friend and riding coasters that make your stomach drop with a nostalgic day that makes you fondly remember all the fun trips to theme parks you got to enjoy when you were younger.

Take a road trip

Pack up the car and get going. You've always talked about doing a road trip , and now you've finally got your chance. Make a special playlist, grab the snacks and get ready for a road trip full of giggles, off-key karaoke and lots of memories while taking in the sights with your besties.

Go camping (or glamping)

Get out and enjoy some fresh air with a camping trip and some outdoor activities. Spend the days hiking and swimming and the nights sleeping under the stars among the fireflies. And if getting down and dirty with nature isn't really you, there's always the more elevated version called "glamping," where amenities like air conditioning, internet, electricity and modern-day accommodations are available that make "roughing it" a bit easier.

Rent an Airbnb for the weekend

Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery. Rent an Airbnb for the weekend with friends in a place the group has always wanted to go, or simply stay in your own city as a staycation and chill by yourself or with a partner. It doesn't have to be an extravagant, out-of-this-world cool Airbnb, either. Simply getting a few days away in another house makes it a much more exciting endeavor.

Hit up a music festival

Looking to listen to more than one artist? A music festival is the perfect opportunity! Since music festivals have multiple performances occurring back-to-back over the course of a few days, you'll get the chance to see a bunch of your favorite musicians (even if you only go for one day!). With so many music festivals, both big and small, you're bound to find one within reasonable travel distance.

Unique Ideas

Do one thing that scares you.

Milestone birthdays are the perfect opportunity to do things that get your heart racing. Whether that's pushing yourself to go sky-diving or simply going to get your driver's license, use your big 2-1 to do something that challenges you and takes you outside of your comfort zone.

Hire a private chef

If you and your friends don't consider yourself skilled enough to make a meal yourselves, you could always hire a private chef to whip up the delicious meal of your dreams. Just keep in mind that a private chef can start on average around $100, so be prepared and budget accordingly.

Try an escape room

Think you and your friends can solve a series of puzzles to get out of a locked room? Well, now you have the chance to prove it. Pick from a variety of themed rooms, from an underwater submarine adventure to a haunted mansion or bank heist, and work together to see how fast you can get out. Those with a competitive streak beware!

Host a field day

Remember how exciting Field Day was? Getting divided into teams and competing against one another through obstacle courses and physical challenges to get points? We do — and we want a chance to redeem ourselves. Set up your own backyard version, complete with old favorites like relay races and tug-of-war, as well as some 21+ drinking games like flip cup and beer pong. Make sure you have a few prizes for the winning team.

Host a murder mystery dinner

An excuse to dress up in costume and play a game? Count us in! Murder mystery dinners and parties allow all your guests to take on the persona of another person for the night and add an element of mystery by staging a murder — where every attendee but the victim is the suspect. With the help of a murder mystery game kit from Amazon , you get everything you need to stage a crime of your own. Your quest? Use clues, courtesy of the kit, and interact with other partygoers to learn more in hopes of being the one to solve the murder and identify the killer.

Play laser tag

It was fun to play in middle school and it seems it's even more fun to play it now. Divide your friends into teams and watch how quickly the competition heats up.

Go on a food tour

We've covered a bar crawl, but what about a food crawl? Maybe you know of a place that makes the most amazing dumplings, or your friend can't stop raving about this small cafe that does decadent desserts. Plan a food tour to local hotspots and favorites you and your friends love so you can indulge in all your cravings. Use the food tour as a chance to try a bunch of new restaurants or as an opportunity to revisit your favorites.

Set up a scavenger hunt

An opportunity for some fun competition that will also let you see which of your friends and loved ones truly know you best. Find scavenger hunt ideas and create a scavenger hunt personalized to you, with clues that lead participants to places where memorable milestones happened or that refer to your favorite things.

Have a throwback party

Birthdays can be about looking ahead at another new year, or they can be a chance to throw it back. Whether you want to pay homage to the popular styles, music and trends from the year you were born, or simply refer back to a time when you were younger growing up (like the 2000s), a throwback party is a chance to dress up and reminisce about the earlier years (even if you were too young to remember them all)!

Make a bucket list (and do everything on it)

Birthdays are the perfect push to encourage you to do new things. Make a list of things you want to do and see how many you can check off your list before your birthday is over or that you want to accomplish before your next birthday. Some examples of things you could include on your list? Reach out to someone you haven't talked to in a while, sign up for a class you've always wanted to take and try a new food — you can even add a few of these party ideas onto your list for a bit more fun.

At-Home Ideas

Host a dinner party.

Gather your friends and host a dinner party , complete with multiple courses, light bites and cocktails. Set the table nicely with dishes, table clothes, candles, flowers and more that all complement one another so it really makes it special. If you want to make it a little more manageable, make it a potluck dinner party where everyone brings a dish to share so that the cooking doesn't fall on one person.

Have a staycation

No need to take a trip or rent a house or hotel room somewhere else, when you can create the ultimate oasis right at home. In fact, make it so none of your activities or plans involve leaving the house at all. Shop for your favorite snacks and drinks ahead of time, and plan your ideal staycation itinerary, which can be anything from spending a day by the pool or a weekend where the only thing you plan to do is binge-watch movies with your partner. The best part is? There really are no rules on how to have a "proper" staycation, so the fun is left entirely up to you!

Host or attend a trivia night

This one could go two ways depending on which sounds more appealing. You and a bunch of friends could attend a local trivia night and show off your competitive side while enjoying a few drinks, or you could create your own trivia night with questions about the birthday boy or girl. Honestly, both options sound like a blast!

Have an adult tea party

There was something so fun as a kid playing dress up and serving tea and imaginary sandwiches with our dolls, why not attempt a more modern take on it? Request that guests come dressed to the nines in their fanciest clothes for tea, and serve finger foods, like small sandwiches and petit fours, as well as other treats. You can always host a tea party at home or see if a local cafe or hotel offers tea time.

Plan a game night

And speaking of games, if cards aren't your forte, there are a bunch of board games to go around that are fun to play with a big group of people. Break out classics like Uno , Clue , Chutes and Ladders and Connect Four and set up a tournament where small teams play against one another for prizes.

Have a bonfire

There's something about the smell of a bonfire that we just love, and it's even better when you have the ingredients for s'mores and a good playlist thrown into the mix. Although you can certainly host a bonfire any time of the year, for fall birthdays it's the perfect way to appreciate the increasing chill in the air while getting to snuggle up in blankets surrounded by crisp falling leaves.

Host a movie night

As much as we love going to the movie theater, we love being able to curl up in a cozy pair of sweatpants or our pajamas to watch something at home — and who could blame us? Cue up your favorite romantic movies (or psychological thrillers , if that's more your vibe) and have your friends bring their favorite snacks and refreshments to share. Popcorn to be provided, of course.

Plan a pool party

Take advantage of a summer birthday and throw a pool party to end all pool parties, with floats, food fresh off the grill and a whole lot of fun. Cue up the perfect poolside playlist, grab a bunch of inflatables from a dollar store and add a special touch like a taco bar or a snow cone station and beat the heat with some backyard fun.

Host a BYOC (bring your own cocktail) party

If you were a cocktail, what would you be? Now, you can finally answer that question, and so can your friend! Have all the guests bring a cocktail that best represents them, enough so that they can make everyone at the party that cocktail to try themselves. It's a great way to see what creative concoctions everyone comes up with, plus try a few new drinks to see what you like now that you're officially able to order any of them when you go out.

Invite friends over for a roast

Have a group of friends and family that simply can't resist making jokes on other people's behalf? Well now, it's your time to shine (or, be the butt of the joke). After reminding everyone that there's a fine line between roasting and simply being mean, have your guests write their five or 10 best roasts and see which of them absolutely nails it.

Fun Ideas for Going Out

Make reservations for bottomless brunch.

There's nothing quite like a bottomless brunch to celebrate another year around the sun. Indulge in bagels, brioche french toast, eggs, home fries and more alongside specialty mimosas that just keep coming. Many brunch places offer a flat price for unlimited mimosas or bellinis, so take advantage of the deal and raise a glass with your friends. Went out the night before? Nothing helps you wind down after a night out than a hearty breakfast with your friends.

Enjoy a spa day

You don't have to go out and drink to enjoy your 21st birthday. Spend your special day relaxing at the local spa. Get massages, facials and other skin treatments while enjoying amenities like the sauna, hot tub or pools many spas have. Take a few friends to enjoy the experience with you or go solo and make it the ultimate pampering treatment for one.

Go to a winery

Depending on the time of year, a winery can be a lovely outdoor adventure with stunning views to take in while you sip and savor wine. Take in the sun and fresh air while enjoying local vinos from the area.

Attend a booze cruise

Although more of an option for late spring and summer birthdays, a booze cruise is a great way to enjoy the lovely scenery and a few drinks, often for a lower cost or flat fee, as well as food and music. Usually starting anywhere from 90 minutes to longer, some booze cruises have themes or special times that they set sail, like sunset, so you can watch the sky turn shades of red, orange and pink while you sip on something refreshing.

Rent a party bus

It's not the destination, it's the journey. That certainly holds true if there's a party bus involved. Although a bit expensive with most party buses costing around $300 to $400 per hour on average, they give you an opportunity to keep the party going wherever you are, plus the added benefit of a designated driver so that everyone can partake in the festivities if they want. Plus, often you can bring your own drinks and food to enjoy. Some party buses offer hop-on hop-off services, so you can choose where and when you go to certain places or add additional stops to the ride.

Go on a shopping spree

If there's any day to splurge on yourself, it's your birthday! Go on a shopping spree, hit up your favorite stores and pick up some products that have been on your wishlist for quite a while. Just consider it buying some birthday gifts for yourself!

Go to a sporting event

We all know those people who'd do anything for their sports teams, so it's not surprising they'd want to spend their 21st sipping on a frosty beer in the stands watching their favorite football team score a touchdown or their favorite player hit a home run. Get the celebration started even before the players hit the field by throwing a birthday tailgate, and gear up for the game with drinks, music and food in the parking lot of the stadium before heading in to enjoy the real action.

Try a mixology class

Now that you're officially legal, it might be time you learn how to make a proper cocktail. Mixology classes are a fun way to learn how to make classic cocktails that look and taste like they came from a high-level bartender since they're usually hosted by a master mixologist. Some even come right to your home to teach you, and gift you your own bartending kit with the essentials so you can recreate what you've learned.

Hit the casinos

On your birthday, it's a sure thing that you're feeling pretty lucky, so why not try your hand at some classic casino games? Get all dressed up and hit the town for dinner before heading to the nearest casino to see if you can put that luck to the test.

Annie O’Sullivan (she/her) covers holiday, gift guide, travel, and lifestyle content at Good Housekeeping . She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and previously reported for Runner’s World , NBC New York/NY 4 and Woman’s Day . Annie also has experience writing entertainment news and celebrity-focused content.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Fun Birthday Party Ideas

22 Festive and Fun Halloween Birthday Party Ideas

10 Memorable Kids' Birthday Party Ideas

12 Best 50th Birthday Party Ideas

How to Throw a Fitness Fun Party

How to Throw a Paintball Party

How to Throw a Ballroom Bonanza Party

How to Throw a House of Rock Party

How to Throw a Firehouse Fun Party

How to Throw a Fashion Exchange Party

How to Throw an Arcade Day Party

How to Throw a Pirate Party

Advertisement

Supported by

His Trilogy Explored the Nazi Era. Now He Looks at the People Behind It.

In “Hitler’s People,” the renowned historian Richard J. Evans takes a biographical approach to the Third Reich.

• Share full article

By Jennifer Szalai

• Apple Books
• Barnes and Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Bookshop.org

When you purchase an independently reviewed book through our site, we earn an affiliate commission.

HITLER’S PEOPLE: The Faces of the Third Reich, by Richard J. Evans

“Who Goes Nazi?” is an old essay by Dorothy Thompson that has been making the rounds over the last several years. Writing for Harper’s Magazine in 1941, Thompson suggested playing a “macabre parlor game” to figure out who would sign on to fascism “in a showdown.” (This was before the Wannsee Conference of January 1942, where Hitler’s underlings planned the “final solution.”) Decades later, Thompson’s proposal resonated with Americans who were seeking any glimmer of insight into how far-right extremism — once the marginal purview of dedicated fanatics — had gathered startling levels of popular support.

For Thompson (one of the first American journalists to be kicked out of Germany, in 1934), the crucial factor distinguishing potential fascists from those who would “never go Nazi” was not “race, color, creed or social condition.” Rather, she argued, it was “something in them.”

Such a fixation on individual character would probably irritate the eminent historian Richard J. Evans, but the question he poses in his kaleidoscopic new book, “Hitler’s People,” isn’t so different from the one that preoccupied Thompson. “Who were the Nazis?” he asks in the first sentence of his preface. Were they criminals? Psychopaths? Ordinary Germans? How did seemingly respectable citizens go from rejecting the democracy of the Weimar Republic to countenancing genocide?

Evans, whose trilogy on the Third Reich has been justifiably lauded for its elegance and its scope, previously shied away from a biographical approach to his subject. For a half-century after World War II, focusing on individual personalities was deemed “unfashionable,” he writes, an unseemly reprise of Nazi Germany’s cult of personality, which pinned so much on Hitler that it risked letting “the great mass of Germans” off the hook. But the availability of new documents, as well as the “emergence in our own time of a class of unscrupulous populist politicians,” prompted Evans to revisit a history he already knew well.

The result is a fascinating exploration of individual agency that never loses sight of the larger context. “Hitler’s People” is divided into four parts, beginning with a long section on Hitler himself, before turning to his immediate circle (the “Paladins”), the “enablers and executors” they relied on (the “Enforcers”) and, finally, the “lower-level perpetrators,” or “Instruments,” who served the regime.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .