“Words have the power to light a fire in the minds of men.”
One of the most critical moments in any school or college event is the transition from the anchor to the guest speaker.
This is called the “Guest Call.” If done correctly, it builds excitement and respect. If done poorly, it can make the guest feel unwelcome and the audience feel bored.
Whether you are hosting a formal seminar, a guest lecture, or a school assembly, the way you invite a guest for their speech sets the tone for their entire session.
Below is a collection of the best anchoring lines and full scripts to help you call your guest on stage with elegance and confidence.
1. Formal Script: Inviting a Chief Guest or Principal
Best for: Annual Days, Seminars, and Official Meetings.
If your event is an Investiture Ceremony, the stage protocol is slightly different — the Chief Guest also pins badges before delivering the address. We have a complete, stage-direction-ready Investiture Ceremony Anchoring Script 2026 that covers exactly how to handle that transition.”
Anchor: “Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached a very significant part of our program. It is said that ‘A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.’ Today, we are privileged to have such a leader among us.”
“Our distinguished guest, [Guest Name], has spent decades in the field of [Field Name], achieving [Mention 1 small achievement]. His/Her insights have inspired thousands, and today, it is our turn to be enlightened.”
The Call: “Without further ado, I humbly request our Honorable Chief Guest, [Name], to please grace the podium and share his/her valuable thoughts with our eager audience. Sir/Ma’am, the stage is all yours.”
2. Short & Energetic Script: For Guest Lectures
Best for: Workshops, Tech Fests, and Classroom Seminars.
Anchor: “Knowledge increases by sharing, but inspiration comes from those who have lived the journey. To talk more about [Topic Name], we have with us an expert who needs no introduction.”
The Call: “Let’s have a big round of applause as we welcome [Guest Name] to the stage to share his/her expertise. Sir/Ma’am, please!”
3. Top 10 Anchoring Lines to Invite Guests (Mix & Match)
- “I now invite our guest of honor to illuminate our minds with their words of wisdom.”
- “To take our program forward, I request [Name] to please address the gathering.”
- “It is an honor to call upon [Name] to the stage. We are all ears for your speech, Sir.”
- “May I now request [Name] to share their vision and insights on today’s theme?”
- “The stage is set, the audience is ready, and we are honored to invite [Name] for the keynote address.”
- “Please put your hands together as we welcome [Name] to the podium.”
- “We are eager to hear from a person of such vast experience. [Name], please grace the stage.”
- “I humbly request [Name] to enlighten us with their thoughts.”
- “Your presence is a blessing, and your words are a gift. Sir/Ma’am, please address us.”
- “Let’s welcome our speaker for the day with a warm round of applause.”
The Director’s Guide: 3 Rules for the Perfect “Guest Call”
1. The “Achievement” Rule
Don’t just say their name. Mention one specific thing they have done recently. It makes the guest feel seen and makes the audience respect them more.
- Bad: “I invite Mr. Sharma to speak.”
- Good: “I invite Mr. Sharma, who recently led the city’s largest green initiative, to speak.”
2. The “Handover” Etiquette
When the guest is walking toward the microphone, do not leave the podium immediately. Stay there, look at them, and wait until they are within 2-3 feet of the mic. Give a slight nod or a small clap, and then move back. Never leave a “dead stage.”
3. Voice Modulation
When you say the guest’s name, your volume should be slightly higher and more energetic than the rest of your speech. It signals to the audience that “The big moment is here.”
Note: Voice modulation is a skill that goes far beyond just sounding loud. If you want to master the complete technique – including pitch control, pause strategy, and volume variation – this detailed guide on voice modulation for public speaking is worth a quick read before your next event.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What should I do if the guest is late reaching the stage?
Ans: Do not stop speaking. Keep the audience engaged with a filler line like: “As our guest makes their way to the stage, let’s keep the energy high with a louder round of applause!”
Q2: Should I read the guest’s entire biography?
Ans: No. Keep the introduction to 45-60 seconds. Highlight 2-3 major points. If you read for 5 minutes, the audience will lose interest before the guest even starts.
Q3: How do I thank the guest after the speech?
Ans: Immediately after they finish, step back to the mic and say: “Thank you, Sir/Ma’am, for those powerful words. You have given us a lot to think about.” Then move to the next segment.
