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Tips for writing, practicing, and delivering your speech with confidence
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- Sample Thank You Speeches
- Composing Your Speech
- Practicing Your Speech
- Delivering Your Speech
- Video
- Q&A
- Tips
- Warnings
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If you need to give a thank you speech, you must be receiving an award or you’re being publicly honored—congratulations! If you’ve never given a speech like this before, you’re probably a bit nervous, but we’re here to help you with that. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to craft the perfect thank you speech for any occasion. We’ll also include tips on how to connect with your audience so your gratitude comes across loud and clear. To get started on writing a speech that will be remembered and cherished, scroll on down!
Things You Should Know
- Begin the speech by expressing your gratitude for being honored and your appreciation for the people who are honoring you.
- List a few people by name who played a crucial role in your success. If you have a brief story or highlight from your experience, share it with the audience.
- End the speech with something inspirational or dedicate the award to someone special if you feel moved to do so.
- Write the speech on a note card and bring it with you if you need to. Be sure to practice your speech ahead of time so you feel confident and prepared.
Sample Thank You Speeches
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1
Start with an expression of gratitude. Right off the bat, you can start by saying thank you for the award or honor you’re receiving. An acknowledgment of why you’re giving the speech is the most natural way to start. Your expression of gratitude will set the tone for the rest of your speech. As you decide exactly what you want to say, take the following factors into account:[1]
- The type of honor you’re receiving. To give thanks for an award or professional honor, say something like «I’m so honored to be here tonight, and grateful to be the recipient of this award.»
- The formality of the event. If it’s a more casual event, like an anniversary party thrown by your friends and family, your expression of thanks can be a bit warmer. For example, you could say «I can’t express how grateful I am to have all of you here with us tonight.»
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Express appreciation for the people honoring you. This allows you to go a little deeper and make the people who are responsible for giving you the award feel good. Whether you’re being honored by your company, another organization, or people you know well, take a few minutes to express your sincere regard for them.[2]
- If you’re being honored by your company, talk about the great work the organization does, and what a pleasure it is to work there.
- If you’re receiving an award from an outside party, like an arts organization awarding you for a film you directed, talk about how honored you are to be recognized by such a great organization.
- If you’re giving a speech to thank friends and family for honoring you, say a few words about what a special group of people you’re lucky to have in your life.
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Tell a funny or poignant story. In a thank you speech, it’s charming to tell an anecdote or two about something that happened leading up to the honor you’re receiving. Since thank you speeches are often given at dinners and festive events, saying something to keep the mood light and bring smiles to people’s faces will be appreciated.[3]
- You could tell a story about a funny mishap that happened during a big project you worked on, or an obstacle you had to overcome to accomplish your goals.
- Try to bring other people into the story, too, instead of just talking about yourself. Talk about something that involves your coworkers, your boss, your kids, or other people in the audience.
- If you want, you can start your speech with this story and build up to your thank yous.
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Mention the names of people who’ve helped you. It’s nice to give credit to the people whose support helped you accomplish something worth honoring. Create a short list of colleagues, friends, and family members without whose help you wouldn’t be receiving this honor.[4]
- You can introduce the list by saying, «I’m especially grateful to a few amazing people whose support is the reason I’m up here right now.» Then recite the list of people who helped you.
- Take the audience into consideration, too. If you know your boss will be sitting in the front row, you might want to make sure you thank them.
- This part of thank you speeches can often get tedious. Don’t leave anyone important off of your list, but don’t list everyone you know, either. Keep it limited to people who actually helped you.
- Watch speeches from award shows like the Oscars or Emmys for inspiration on how to gracefully thank multiple people.
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End it on a high note. When you finish listing people you want to thank, the speech is just about over. End it by saying thanks once more, and repeating how sincerely grateful you are. If you want your speech to be especially memorable, you could consider including an additional flourish. For example,[5]
- Say something inspirational. If you’re accepting an award for achievements you made for the nonprofit you work for, you could say, «Our work is far from over, but what we’ve accomplished together has made a difference in hundreds of people’s lives. Let’s roll up our sleeves and continue this journey with more dedication than ever. If we’ve made this much progress in just one year, think what we can do in three.»
- Dedicate the honor. You can give special appreciation to a loved one or mentor by dedicating your award to that person. Say something like, «And lastly, I want to dedicate this award to my mother. When my teachers told her they thought my dyslexia would prevent me from ever learning to read, she scoffed and told them I’d be a brilliant writer one day. It’s because of her faith in me that I’m up here today accepting my first Pulitzer. I love you, mom.»
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Write out your notes. A thank you speech should be fairly short, and you may be able to memorize it. However, printing note cards will help you make all your main points and remember all the names you want to mention.[6]
- Don’t write out the speech word for word. When you deliver it, you’ll be looking down at the paper the whole time instead of addressing the audience. You’ll come off as nervous and stiff instead of sincerely grateful.
- Alternatively, if there is a phrase or sentiment that you want to make sure you get absolutely right, write out that part in full. Practice this part so that you can say it smoothly.
- Try writing out just the first line of each paragraph you want to say. Then, when you glance down at your card, that first line will jog your memory.
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Time yourself to ensure your speech isn’t too long. If you’re giving the speech at a formal award ceremony, there may be a designated time limit for the acceptance speeches. Ask the organization responsible for giving the awards whether there are any guidelines you should take into account. If you aren’t given a time limit, see if you can find out how long other people who’ve received awards from the organization took for their speeches.[7]
- As a general rule acceptance speeches are very short. Acceptance speeches for Academy Awards, for example, are limited to 45 seconds or less. Going over two or three minutes is going to end up boring people, so no matter what, aim to keep it to the point.
- When you practice your speech, set a timer to see how long it takes. You might want to record yourself so you can listen to the speech and identify parts you can shave off if your speech is too long. The most essential part of the speech is the expression of gratitude; the rest can be lopped if necessary.
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Practice in front of someone who makes you nervous. If you’re not feeling confident at first, try giving your speech to a person or group of people who make your stomach erupt with butterflies. Practice giving the speech four or five times, or as many times as it takes to be able to deliver it without your heart beating fast and your breath quickening. That way, when it’s time to give it to your real audience, you’ll be less likely to get stage fright.[8]
- Solicit feedback from the people listening to your speech. Ask them which parts drag on too long, or if there’s anything you didn’t say that should be included.
- Make sure you deliver the speech to at least one person you trust to give you totally honest feedback.
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Replace filler words with pauses. Most people naturally fill in awkward moments with «um,» «uh» or «like.» Train yourself to eliminate these words from your speech. Instead of using a filler word, just pause and be silent for a moment. Your speech will end up sounding poignant and well-rehearsed, rather than thrown together.[9]
- To help yourself eliminate the filler words, listen to a recording of yourself talking. Try to catch the spots where you tend to fill in the blank with «um» or «uh.» Practice saying those lines without filler until you’re able to deliver the whole speech that way.
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Work on looking and sounding natural. Helping your audience feel the depth of your gratitude is the whole point of a thank you speech, and it’s very hard to make that happen if you seem stiff, or worse, arrogant or ungrateful. Practice doing the things you’d normally do during a conversation: gesturing a bit with your hands, smiling, pausing, and laughing. Make sure to inflect your words to convey the emotion you’re feeling.[10]
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Calm your nerves right before the speech. If you tend to get the jitters right before you speak in public, take some time beforehand to calm yourself down. For some people, those nerves don’t go away no matter how many times they have to speak in public. Luckily, there are some tried and true methods you can use to prepare yourself to speak clearly and calmly[11]
:- Try visualizing yourself delivering the speech without stumbling. Imagine the room in as much detail as you can. If you know who will be in the audience, pretend that they are there as you practice. Deliver the whole thing in your head without a hiccup. This technique can help you feel less anxious when it comes to the real thing.
- Some people find it helps to laugh heartily before giving a speech. It puts you in a more relaxed mood.
- If you have the opportunity to do some vigorous exercise before the event, that’s another great way to release nervous energy.
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Make eye contact with audience members. Avoid looking down at your note cards too often. Instead, glance at them now and then to remind yourself of what you want to say. Pick two or three different people in the audience, seated in different areas, and make eye contact with them in rotation as you’re talking.[12]
- Making eye contact will help you deliver the speech with more feeling. You can pretend like you’re giving it to a friend, rather than a faceless crowd of people.
- Rotating between more than one person is important. When you look at more than one spot in the audience, the whole group will feel more included in what you’re saying.
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Keep your speech focused on gratitude. You might be so worried about forgetting part of your speech that you forget the reason why you’re up there giving it. Think about the meaning behind your words as you say them, and deliver your speech with the true emotions you feel about the honor you’re receiving. Think about the hard work you did to earn the award, and all the people who helped you along the way. If you do this, your speech will come off as sincere.[13]
- If it’s possible to look at the people you’re thanking as you say their names, try to do so. For example, if you’re thanking a colleague who’s sitting in the first row, your gratitude will be more apparent if you’re able to focus on her while you’re talking.
- Don’t be embarrassed if you tear up a little. It happens all the time during thank you speeches.
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End your speech with one last “Thank you.” Thank the audience and the organizers of the event. Then smile and graciously leave the podium. If the emcee or another speaker approaches the podium, thank them and shake their hand before leaving the stage.[14]
- When the event is over, people may approach you to say positive things about your speech. Be sure to thank them and give them a few moments of your time.
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Question
How do I thank the confirmation of candidates and persons in charge?
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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Staff Answer
If it’s a small group of people, you can simply mention them by name as you’re expressing your gratitude. If there are too many people to name, you could just say, «I want to say how much I appreciate the candidates here tonight and how grateful I am to the people in charge who made it all happen.»
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Question
How can I express thanks after accepting an award?
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
Say how much you appreciate the recognition from the audience and the entity giving you the award. Mention the names of anyone who played a crucial role in your success and thank them for helping you get here. Reiterate how much the award means to you and smile sincerely at the audience before you leave the stage.
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Question
How can I write a an appreciation speech for an appointment given to me?
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
Start by expressing your gratitude for the opportunity and to the people who are giving you the opportunity. Briefly mention how excited you are about the future and the work you’ll be doing together. Finish up by sincerely thanking everyone involved once again.
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Acknowledge your audience and thank them for being there with you.
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Rehearse your speech until you’re familiar with every word.
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Practice your speech in front of a friend or small audience, then ask for feedback on the content, tone, and delivery (including voice, body language, sincerity, and timing).
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Be cautious when using humor in your speech. Don’t mock or denigrate yourself too much.
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Remember that the organizers of the event have decided to honor you. Avoid questioning their decision, even jokingly, since this could be seen as disrespectful.
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About This Article
Article SummaryX
To give a thank you speech, open with an expression of gratitude, like «I’m so honored to be here tonight.» Then, acknowledge the people that are honoring you by thanking them. To warm up the audience, tell a funny or moving story that’s related to your award or recognition. After that, go on to mention the names of some people that have helped you get to this point, particularly those that are in the audience. Finally, end your speech with something inspirational, like a dedication to a loved one or a call for more work to be done. To learn more, like how to practice your speech before giving it, keep reading the article!
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Last updated:
June 23, 2022
It’s easy to understand why the words thank you are often among the first few words you learn in any language.
A simple thank you is the most basic form of politeness, recognized all over the world.
Often, there are different ways of saying thank you in one language. This is definitely true of the English language.
Today I’ll be showing you many interesting words and phrases you can use for expressing your thanks in English. But before that, let’s look at how you may choose to communicate your thanks.
Contents
- 25 Different Ways to Say “Thank You” in English
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- Thanking someone casually
- When someone has done you a favor
- When someone does something unexpected for you
- When someone has helped you achieve an important goal
- When someone has helped you through tough times
- Thanking someone for something specific
- Thanking someone formally
- How to respond when someone says “thank you”
- How to Best Communicate Your Thanks
Download:
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can take anywhere.
Click here to get a copy. (Download)
25 Different Ways to Say “Thank You” in English
Right, so let’s now look at 25 different ways to say thank you in English. After that, we’ll also look at five ways to respond when someone thanks you. Are you ready?
Thanking someone casually
The checkout clerk rings up your items at the grocery store. Your friend or co-worker hands you a cup of coffee or a sandwich. A random stranger gives you directions for getting to the nearest train station. What do you say?
Below is the simplest and most basic way of saying thanks. You can’t go wrong with this. It’s suitable for both casual and formal situations.
(1) Thank you.
Below is a shorter, more casual form of thank you that you could use with friends, family and peers.
(2) Thanks!
To emphasize (stress) your thanks, you could say:
(3) Thanks so much.
With close friends and family, you could use this even more casual version:
(4) Thanks a million.
When someone has done you a favor
When someone does you a favor (helps you with something), they’re often not only willing to help but sometimes they may even offer to help without you asking. For example, you might request help with your class project from another student, or your neighbor might offer you a ride to the train station if it’s raining or snowing outside.
Here’s how you can thank them for their kindness and help:
(5) That’s very kind of you.
Or, if they made your day a little less unpleasant and more bearable (by keeping you from getting caught in the rain or snow, for example):
(6) You made my day.
Or, if you want to thank them for being such a wonderful and caring person:
(7) You’re awesome!
When someone does something unexpected for you
Has someone ever done something for you that you didn’t expect? Your brother who never cleans his own room offers to clean your house and do your errands after noticing how busy you are. Your friend drives 100 miles to visit and bring you a housewarming gift after you move to your new job in another city. Surely that would have you both surprised and grateful at the same time.
You could even be so surprised at someone’s thoughtful words or actions that you simply can’t find the words to thank them enough. In that case, you could say:
(8) I don’t know what to say!
Though you may be pleasantly surprised, you may also be feeling a little awkward or shy about someone having gone out of their way to be so thoughtful towards you in their words or actions. Here are a couple ways to express that feeling:
(9) Oh, you shouldn’t have!
(10) How thoughtful of you!
When someone has helped you achieve an important goal
Achieving success or an important goal isn’t always easy. Oftentimes, it’s the encouragement and support of people around you that push you to succeed. Maybe it’s your parents who have cheered you on, your friends who have been there for you or your team members who have put in their time and effort.
Here are some ways to thank those people who have played a part in your success:
(11) I couldn’t have done it without you.
(12) I really want to thank you for your help.
(13) I really appreciate everything you’ve done.
When someone has helped you through tough times
We all know what a relief it is when someone comes to your assistance during tough (bad) times. Whether you lost your job, were hit by a natural disaster (like an earthquake or flood) or had to deal with financial (money) issues, you’re grateful to people who reach out to help.
To tell them how much you value their support, you could say:
(14) I’m really grateful for your help.
(15) This means a lot to me.
(16) Thanks for having my back.
When someone has your back it means that person is there watching out for your well-being and supporting you.
This is the phrase you would use to thank someone you feel indebted to (feel you owe something) and hope to repay someday when you get the chance:
(17) I owe you one.
Thanking someone for something specific
To thank those who have shared their knowledge, wisdom and experience with you, you could say:
(18) Thank you for your guidance.
(19) Thanks for explaining this to me.
To thank someone for visiting your house, office, etc. to see you in person, you could say:
(20) Thank you for stopping by.
If you’re thanking someone for something specific that they’ve done for you, be sure to mention what it is so that they know exactly what you’re thanking them for.
For example, you could say:
(21) Thanks for [finding my dog].
Feel free to adapt this phrase to your needs.
Thanking someone formally
When you’re dealing with companies, businesses or official matters, you may want your message to sound more formal. To thank someone for responding to you, you could say:
(22) Thank you for contacting me.
(23) Thank you for your prompt reply.
You can also use formal words like appreciate and grateful to show your thanks. The word feedback is similar in meaning to “reply” or “response,” and assistance is a more formal word for “help.”
Here are some examples of how you could use those words:
(24) I appreciate your feedback.
(25) I’m grateful for your assistance.
How to respond when someone says “thank you”
Now that you’ve learned many ways to thank someone, what do you say when someone thanks you for something you’ve done for them?
While this is the most formal way to respond, it can also be used in casual situations:
You’re welcome.
In casual and less formal settings such as with friends, family or even strangers, you could say:
Don’t mention it.
No worries.
Not at all.
If someone thanks you for a meal or a service, you could express that you’re pleased that you’ve had the opportunity to dine or work with them by saying:
It’s my pleasure.
How to Best Communicate Your Thanks
Thanking someone face-to-face is often considered the most sincere and personal way of communicating your gratitude (appreciation).
However, it’s not always possible to thank someone in person. Maybe it’s inconvenient to meet, or maybe they’re far away. Not to worry, though, there’s always the phone. While texting is also an option, calling someone to thank them directly will probably appear to be much more personal and sincere.
When dealing with official matters, such as after a job interview or a conversation with a company or business, it’s best to say thanks in writing, either in an email or letter. According to a survey reported in Business News Daily, sending a thank-you email within 24 hours of a job interview could increase your chances of getting the job.
When you receive a gift or invitation from someone, it’s always a nice personal gesture to send them a thank-you card with a hand-written message. The Today.com article “6 right ways to say thank you (in a note)” offers tips on how to write the perfect thank-you note.
Of course, mastering customs like this in a different language is always a little difficult. The best way to learn them properly is to see them used by native speakers in real situations. You can do this by listening to English conversations or watching English videos that show them.
Videos are especially good since they can safely show you how customs and expressions work before you use them in real-life. You can use videos you find on YouTube or the ones on the language learning program, FluentU. All of FluentU’s videos have interactive subtitles, flashcards and quizzes, so you can learn the meanings and usages of “thank you” phrases and other English expressions in context.
As you become more familiar with what to say and how to say it, your thankfulness will seem more honest and heartwarming.
With this long and varied list of English phrases and words in your vocabulary, you can now begin adapting them to your own use.
Whenever you come across other ways of saying thank you, be sure to take note and practice using them.
Thank you for reading this post and learning with me today!
Download:
This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you
can take anywhere.
Click here to get a copy. (Download)
By Ashley Austrew
Is a “thank you” in order?
On a daily basis, we’re inundated with reasons to thank the people around us. Maybe someone held the elevator for you while you were running late, the barista was kind despite the huge crowd in the coffee shop, or your colleague lets you know they did the legwork to help you get started on a particularly tricky project.
We’re lucky to have so many reasons to say “thanks” every day, but sometimes we need some new words and expressions to adequately express the gratitude we feel. If you’re stuck in a rut of “thank you so much” and “thanks a lot,” here are 25 alternatives that are perfect for sharing your thanks and appreciation in every kind of setting.
1. I’m so grateful.
Thanks is an expression of gratitude, so cut to the chase. Tell someone you’re grateful for whatever way in which they’ve helped you, and go into detail about exactly what they did to personalize your message.
2. I appreciate it.
It’s always nice to feel appreciated. When someone does something to help you out or make your life easier, be sure to say how much it means to you that they went out of their way to help.
3. Thanks for your hard work on this.
Don’t just offer colleagues and collaborators a run-of-the-mill thanks. Letting them know how much you appreciate the specific efforts they’ve made will help them feel seen and create a positive working relationship.
4. I couldn’t have done it without you.
If you couldn’t have made something happen without another person’s help, then they should definitely know that! Don’t hold back in telling them how vital they are.
5. I owe you one.
Sometimes the only way to truly appreciate a favor is by returning it. This “thank you” alternative lets them know you plan to do just that.
6. Much obliged.
Obliged means “appreciative or grateful.” It’s especially handy for a quick but courteous email or text sign-off that still expresses thanks in a meaningful way.
7. Thanks for having my back.
Sometimes the best thing someone else can do for you is be in your corner when you need support. Thanking them for being there is a way to let them know how much it means to you.
8. Please accept my deepest gratitude.
Giving thanks in a more formal setting? This one is perfect for a professional letter, important speech, or in a thank-you note.
Tap into more ways to express your gratitude here.
9. I have to give credit where it’s due.
Let’s be honest: we all love getting credit for the good things we do. Credit is “commendation or honor given for some action, quality, etc.” When we thank someone, we’re giving them their earned credit for something they did, and it’s a gesture we should make often.
10. This has been such a blessing.
We tend to think of a blessing as a favor or gift bestowed by God, but a blessing can also be “a special favor, mercy, or benefit.” Letting someone know their kind gesture or effort was a blessing is a way of letting them know you are thankful for the gift of their time, energy, and thoughtfulness.
11. I can’t thank you enough.
Sometimes a simple “thanks” won’t cut it. In those instances, let them know the words may be inadequate, but the depth of your gratitude is not.
12. Cheers.
Cheers isn’t just something we say when we’re giving a toast. It’s also a unique and quick way of saying “thanks.” Try it next time you’re at a party or other social event where a lighthearted expression of gratitude is needed.
Take up the pen and compose a meaningful thank-you card with these tips.
13. That’s so kind of you.
One way of thanking someone is telling them how their gesture felt to you: kind. By telling someone how kind they’ve been, you let them know you see their favors as coming from the heart.
14. Much appreciated.
If you need to say thanks in a big way but on a small scale, go with “much appreciated.” This one is perfect for a quick email, text, or even a brief conversation.
15. Thank you for taking the time to do this.
When people go out of their way to do something nice or help out, they’re also giving the gift of their time. We only get so much of that, so thank them for using some of their time to make your life easier.
16. Your support means the world.
Support means “to bear or hold up (a load, mass, structure, part, etc.); serve as a foundation for.” The people who do that for us deserve to know how much we appreciate it.
17. Many thanks.
One thanks? We don’t think so. If you’re shooting off a quick email, text, or call to say thank you, let them know your gratitude could be expressed many times over.
18. I’m beyond grateful.
Go big or go home. Grateful means “warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received; thankful.” And sometimes, well, you just feel all of that and beyond.
19. I sincerely applaud you.
A true “thank you” should be sincere. That means “genuine; real.” The best expressions of gratitude are usually the ones that come from the heart.
20. I’m forever indebted.
Sometimes one act of kindness inspires another. Indebted means “obligated for favors or kindness received,” and it’s a way of saying you plan to pay the kind act forward.
21. I stand in recognition.
Giving thanks is about shining a spotlight on someone’s thoughtfulness, kindness, hard work, care, or effort. Carving out space specifically to recognize their efforts is a powerful way of saying thanks.
22. I’m blown away by your kindness.
If you’re blown away by something, that usually means it was unexpectedly inspiring, moving, or touching. Use this one for gestures and acts of kindness that truly make a difference.
Blow others away with your treasury of synonyms for kind by learning them here.
23. It means the world to me.
It’s not always easy to explain how important or valuable someone’s contributions are. Saying “it means the world” to you is a pretty good place to start.
24. I want to acknowledge how much you’ve done.
Sometimes the “thanks” people crave is just knowing that their efforts aren’t going unnoticed. Whether it’s a colleague, a friend, or a partner, acknowledgment is always a welcome expression of gratitude.
25. Thanks in advance.
It’s possible to thank people even before they’ve done you a favor. If someone offers up a future kindness or promises to go out of their way for you, thanking them in advance lets them know they’re appreciated even before they’ve lifted a finger.
Ashley Austrew is a freelance journalist and writer from Omaha, Nebraska. Her work has been published at Cosmopolitan, Scary Mommy, Scholastic, and other outlets. For more by Ashley, read: 10 New Dating Slang Words To Know In 2021 | 8 Tips & Tricks To Ace National Novel Writing Month | How To Write A Great Hook That Grabs Your Audience Hook, Line, And Sinker!| How To Create Atmosphere & Mood In Your Writing To Engage Your Readers
Writing a thank-you note or email message is a lovely gesture to express your appreciation, as well as your gratitude for the support someone has provided you. There are many opportunities to send them, too.
A thank-you note could make the difference between getting the job, the client, or the contract and being passed over in the business world. An interview thank-you note can solidify the impression you left with the interviewer and make you stand out from the competition.
Here are some of the best words and phrases to use to say thank you and show your appreciation to the recipient.
Key Takeaways
- Writing a thank-you note or email is a way to show how much you appreciate the recipient.
- It’s important to write your thank-you notes to fit the circumstances, so you make the best impression.
- Thank-you notes can be handwritten, typed, or emailed, depending on your preference and how quickly you want to relay your appreciation.
Words and Phrases to Use to Say Thank You
What’s the best way to show your appreciation? When you’re writing a thank-you note, choose a phrase that fits the reason you are saying thank you.
If someone has helped you at work, on a project, or with a problem, let them know you appreciate the assistance. If you are sending a job interview thank-you note, thank the interviewer for his or her consideration. When people give you career advice or a tip on a job opening, tell them you appreciate the guidance or the suggestion.
When you’re sending a personal thank-you letter or message, simply stating your thanks and appreciation is often all you need to do—your note does not need to be lengthy.
Note
If you take the time to say thank you, it will always be appreciated, regardless of the circumstances. People like to be thanked, and they remember those who take the time to send a note or email.
General Thank-You Phrases
These general thank-you phrases can be used for all personal and professional communications:
- Thank you so much.
- Thank you very much.
- I appreciate your consideration.
- I appreciate your guidance.
- I appreciate your help.
- I appreciate your time.
- I sincerely appreciate ….
- My sincere appreciation.
- My sincere gratitude.
- My sincere thanks.
- My thanks and appreciation.
- Please accept my deepest thanks.
- Thank you for your assistance.
- Thank you for your consideration.
- Thank you for your encouragement.
- Thank you for your guidance.
- Thank you for your support.
- Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
- Thank you for your time.
Business Thank-You Phrases
Sending a business thank-you note is not only professional, it’s a way to build a relationship with your professional business contacts.
- I appreciate your assistance and look forward to your continuing to work on our account.
- Many thanks for giving me this opportunity.
- Thank you for referring [individual name] to me for [services provided].
- Thank you for referring us to [company name].
- Thanks very much for the assistance you provide my business. I sincerely appreciate it.
Personal Thank-You Phrases
Use these phrases to let someone know how much you appreciate what they have done for you:
- I am grateful for your support.
- I appreciate you.
- I appreciate your taking the time.
- I value the insights and guidance you provide.
- I wanted to thank you as soon as possible.
- I truly appreciate the confidence you showed in me.
- I very much appreciate your help.
- It was very thoughtful of you.
- Thank you for your assistance.
- Thank you for everything you do.
- You are always so helpful.
- You are the best.
- You have been most helpful.
- You have my gratitude.
Professional and Career-Related Thank-Yous
It’s always a good idea to thank everyone who has helped with your job search and your career or provided other professional advice or assistance.
- I am so very thankful for your time.
- I appreciate the information and advice you have shared.
- I sincerely appreciate the assistance.
- Many thanks for your assistance.
- Many thanks for your time.
- Thank you for accepting my connection request.
- Thank you for connecting with me. It’s an honor!
- Thank you for the assistance you have provided me with during my job search.
- Thank you for all the help you have given me with my job search.
- Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. I very much appreciate the time you spent discussing career options with me.
- Thank you for providing me with advice.
- Thank you for sharing your expertise.
- Thank you for speaking with me. Your insights were truly helpful.
- Thank you for spending time with me.
- Thank you for taking time from your schedule to talk to me.
Thank You for Your Consideration
When you’re requesting something from an individual or an organization, be sure to add “thank you for the consideration” or one of the following options to your email or letter:
- Thank you very much for your consideration.
- Thank you for your consideration and forthcoming response.
- Thank you for your consideration and attention to this matter.
- Thank you for considering my request.
- I am very grateful for your consideration.
- I appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing from you.
- I sincerely appreciate your consideration.
Thank You for Your Help and Support
Has someone helped you out? Be sure to take the time to relay your gratitude.
- I appreciate your help.
- I am grateful for your help.
- I am so very grateful for your time.
- I greatly appreciate your help.
- Thank you for such a wonderful contribution.
- Thank you for taking the time.
- Thank you for taking the trouble to help me.
- Thank you for all the help!
- Thank you for your assistance with this matter.
- Thank you so much for the help. Please let me know if I can return the favor.
- I am grateful for your help.
- I very much appreciate your support.
- Thank you for your support.
Thank You for a Job Interview
Thanking the interviewer after a one-on-one interview not only shows your appreciation. It’s also a reminder that you’re a strong candidate for the job.
- I appreciate having the opportunity to speak with you today about the [job title] position at [company name].
- I appreciate the time you and the [company name] team spent interviewing me.
- I appreciate your time and consideration in interviewing me for this position.
- I enjoyed speaking with you about the opportunity to work with your company.
- I greatly appreciate the time you took to interview me.
- I sincerely appreciate the time you took to interview me.
- I sincerely enjoyed meeting with you to discuss the [job title] opening.
- I would like to thank you and your staff for the opportunity to meet with you.
- Many thanks for the opportunity to meet with you.
- Thank you for speaking with me about the [job title] position at [company name].
- Thank you for the courtesy you extended to me during my interview.
Note
When you write a thank-you note after an interview, the gesture shows appreciation for the employer’s interest, time, and attention, reiterates your enthusiasm and interest in the job opening, and reminds the employer about your qualifications and experience.
Thank You for Providing a Reference or Referral
Reference writing can be labor-intensive, and it can also take time to refer someone for a job. Your connections will appreciate receiving a thank-you email or message. Also take the time to let them know when you’ve obtained a new position.
- I appreciate your taking the time to write a reference for me.
- I really appreciate the reference you gave to [company name] on my behalf.
- Thank you for taking the time to provide me with a reference.
- Thank you very much for recommending me for the position.
- Thank you for referring me for the job at [company name].
- Thank you so very much for referring me for the [job title] position at [company name].
- Thank you so much for putting me in touch with [individual name] at [company name].
- Thank you so much; I really appreciate it!
Workplace Thank-You Phrases
Bosses and employees love to be thanked, especially when they do something extra.
- I really appreciate the effort you have contributed to your team’s project.
- I sincerely appreciate your flexibility and willingness to help.
- I wanted to express my personal gratitude for the effort and extra time you have contributed.
- Thank you for your confidence and support.
- Thank you for your help. I’m thrilled to have you on our team.
- Thank you for always going above and beyond.
- Thank you for showing what it means to be part of a team.
- Thank you so much for meeting with me yesterday regarding the project I’m working on.
Note
A well-written message of appreciation can show your team or colleagues how highly you regard their hard work or let your boss know that you value their support. Writing a personal thank-you note is a way to show how much you appreciate the recipient.
How to Close Your Message
How you end your message or note is important, too. A professional closing such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “With appreciation” will add a nice finishing touch to your communication.
How and When to Say Thank-You
When you’re job searching, you’ll have many different opportunities to say thank you to those who assist you and to prospective employers. In the workplace, a timely note of appreciation is a good way to recognize those who have taken the time to help you out.
Types of Thank-You Notes
Thank-you notes can be handwritten, typed, or emailed, depending on preference and circumstances. Thanking someone for acting as a reference for you, providing a referral, or for letting you shadow them at their job, for example, doesn’t require the swift delivery that an interview thank-you would for a role where the hiring process is going to move along quickly, requiring you to send your thanks immediately after your interview.
If the job you’re interviewing for isn’t for an immediate hire, a handwritten thank-you note can help you stand out from the competition.
A handwritten note will give the reader a tangible reminder of your appreciation. A small business or a colleague may look kindly on a handwritten note, while a corporate contact will probably expect, and prefer, an emailed note.
A typed letter is a formal way to show your appreciation and a way to document the details of why you’re writing. In the workplace, appreciation letters may be included in an employee’s personnel file.
Note
If time isn’t of the essence, consider sending a handwritten card or note.
When to Send a Thank-You Note
Timing is almost as important as what you say. An email will make an immediate impression. That’s key if you’re in contention for a job, especially at a medium-sized to large company. An interview thank-you note should be sent within 24 hours of the interview.
For other types of thank-you correspondence, you don’t need to write it immediately but don’t wait too long. It’s important to relay your thanks while it’s still relevant to you and the recipient.
Review a Thank-You Note Example
Here’s an example of a thank-you email from a manager thanking an employee for their support.
Thank-You Email Sample
Subject: Thank You
Dear Janine,
Thank you so much for all your assistance as we restructured the marketing team. Your help and insight were greatly appreciated as we stepped through the process.
I’m so glad to have you as a part of this team. In the time you have been here, you have helped to make things run smoothly and made our organization more efficient.
I genuinely appreciate your willingness to contribute wherever needed. This kind of flexibility and dedication will help this company grow to its full potential.
Sincerely,
Carlos Sanchez
Human Resources Manager
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long should a thank-you note be?
An email thank-you message or a written thank-you note doesn’t need to be longer than a few paragraphs. Relay your thanks, specify what you’re thanking the person for, and reiterate your appreciation in the final paragraph.
What’s the best way to send a thank-you note?
Email is the best way to send a time-sensitive thank-you note. When it’s important to reach out immediately, such as after a job interview, send an email. If your message doesn’t need to be received right away, it may be better to send a handwritten card, which can make a more positive impression.
Should you send a thank-you note after a job interview?
It’s always a good idea to say thank you for a job interview. In addition to showing your appreciation for the interviewer’s time, it also gives you an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position. Email is a quick and easy way to relay your thanks to an interviewer.
Saying thank you can be difficult in English.
It’s not the words. (I mean, “thank you” — there. That was easy.)
It’s saying the right thing at the right time.
Today, I want to show you different ways to say thank you in English so you have exactly the phrases you need when you need them.
We’ll look at:
- Different ways to say thank you informally and more generally
- Different ways to show extra appreciation
- How to reply to thank you in English
Then you can thank me.
1. Different Ways to Say Thank You in English
I’ve decided to separate these phrases for “thank you” into two categories:
- The first is “definitely informal,” for when you’re hanging out with your friends in a cafe. Or by the canal. Or wherever you hang out with your friends.
- The second is “could be either formal or informal.” You can use these phrases with friends or even in most business situations.
Informal
Cheers!
“Cheers” actually has a lot of meanings, and one of them is “thanks.”
This is very British. It’s used to say thank you for small things — like when someone passes you the salt.
Example:
“Fancy a rice cake?”
“Oh, yeah. Cheers, pal.”
Ta!
“Ta” is very British. (In fact, you can only really use this one in the UK.) You can use it to thank people for small things — it’s light and friendly.
Example:
“Hey. Here’s your pen back.”
“Ta, mate.”
Thanks a bunch!
This phrase is a little stronger than “Cheers!” and “Ta!”
If you want to show that you’re really thankful, but at the same time you want to keep things light, this is a good one.
Example:
“Wow! You fixed my bike! Thanks a bunch!”
But you can also use this phrase with the opposite meaning.
So, if someone does something that’s caused problems for you, then you can use this phrase sarcastically:
Example:
“What? You gave the kids coffee? Look at them … Thanks a bunch!
Thanks a million!
This is more or less the same as “thanks a bunch.”
You can use it sincerely (but lightly) or sarcastically.
Sincere example:
“You’ll go get me a coffee? Thanks a million! Really. I just don’t have the time!”
Sarcastic example:
“A £75 fine for a bill that’s one day late? Great. Thanks a million.”
Informal / Formal
Thanks so much. / Thank you so much.
Another classic. Like Casablanca. Or Fight Club.
I often add “really” at the beginning to make it stronger.
Examples:
“Oh, and Laurie? Really, thanks so much for covering my shift at work.”
“Hey, Freya! Thank you so much for Alex’s birthday present. I’m sure he’ll love it!”
Thanks a lot.
This is a classic. But the classics are sometimes the best, right? I mean — look at Casablanca. Easily the best film set in World War II Morocco.
Example:
“Hey! Excuse me. You dropped your phone!”
“Oh! Thanks a lot!”
Remember that we can say “thanks a lot” but not “thank you a lot.”
Another important point: You can use all of these with “for + -ing” or “for + noun” if you want to say why you’re thanking someone.
2. Phrases After Thank You – the ‘Thanks’ Extension
A lot of the time, just saying “thank you” isn’t enough.
Sometimes you feel really, really grateful, and you want to show that.
So when you feel particularly happy because of what someone has done for you, you can add an “extension” with one of these phrases. Use it after one of the “thank you” phrases above.
Informal
You rule!
“You rule!” Such a nice thing to hear from someone.
But what do you rule?
Everything!
You’re awesome!
Again — just so nice to hear from someone.
If someone helps you and you call them “awesome,” they’re more likely to help again, right?
You’re the best!
For some people, suggesting that someone is even better than your best friends and closest family might seem a bit too strong.
But don’t worry. This is just a phrase, and no one will think that you like them more than anyone else in the world.
They’ll just feel happy that they helped you!
I owe you one.
Sometimes when someone helps us out, we want them to know that we’re there to help them out, too.
That’s when this phrase will come in handy. It’s basically short for “I owe you a favour.”
(If I know that the person I’m talking to likes to have a drink, I often say, “I owe you a pint,” meaning a beer. This is how a lot of Brits like to show their thanks.)
I’m touched.
OK. This doesn’t literally mean that you were touched by someone or something.
“Touched” as an adjective can often mean “emotionally affected.”
So when someone has done something for you that you really weren’t expecting, and it kind of makes you want to cry, you can go for this one.
Informal / Formal
You made my day.
Obviously you didn’t actually make my day. I mean — how does someone make a day?
This means “You made today fully happy, despite what else has happened today.”
That’s nice to hear, right?
I really appreciate it.
What better way to show your appreciation than by saying so directly?
I can’t thank you enough.
This one sounds quite strong, doesn’t it?
Well, that’s because it is.
Definitely not one to us for small things, like if someone’s just made you some toast.
This is for when you’re really, really, really grateful.
Thank you for taking the trouble to …
You know when someone does something for you, and you want to tell them that you understand that it wasn’t so easy for them, but they did it anyway?
That’s when you can use this phrase!
Remember to say what they took the trouble to do, though:
I don’t know what to say!
Again — this is one of the big ones.
This is similar to “I’m touched.”
Use it when you really are surprised and very, very, very grateful.
Oh, you shouldn’t have!
This is another classic.
Most of the time, we use this phrase when someone gives us a present.
It’s short for “You shouldn’t have bought me a present” — even though we’re usually fine with the present. It’s just a ridiculously indirect way of being polite.
How thoughtful.
Use this one when someone has done something more than they needed to — something that shows that they care.
(Don’t use this for routine tasks or when you’ve asked somebody to do something.)
Example:
“Flowers? For me? How thoughtful!”
I couldn’t have done it without you!
For those situations when you’ve achieved something, and you really want to show that someone’s help got you there.
You’ll hear this one a lot at award ceremonies like the Oscars.
Informal
No worries!
No worries! It’s OK. Everything’s good.
I use this one a lot. I like it because it keeps everything light and informal, which is just what you need sometimes.
No … Thank YOU!
This is like taking the thank you and giving it back to the other person.
I think in some cultures and some situations this might not be the most respectful thing, but in the right (friendly) environment, this can be just perfect.
The pronunciation is key for this.
Click to hear me say it.
Informal / Formal
You’re welcome.
The absolute classic!
You’ve probably been using this one for years now, so you might want to try out some of the other phrases for a while.
This one will still be here when you want to come back to it.
Here are some alternatives:
Don’t mention it.
Not at all!
It’s nothing.
That’s all right.
It’s my pleasure.
This one is a little like the others on this list, but don’t use it for simple things, like when someone thanks you for passing the salt.
Save this one for the bigger favours. Like when someone thanks you for driving them to the station. Or for building them that space ship they’ve always wanted so they can finally go and check out that restaurant on Saturn.
So there we are — 27 different ways to say thank you (and reply to thank you) in English.
In places like the UK, the US and Australia, it’s very, very common to thank people — even for the smallest things. We just like doing it.
In other cultures, it’s not so common, and people only thank each other when they’re especially grateful.
What about where you’re from?
Do people say thank you a lot in your country? Or is it something you only do on special situations?
Let me know in the comments! It’s great to hear about how things work around the world!
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- How to write a thank you speech
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With example speeches and a printable planner
By: Susan Dugdale | Last modified: 04-22-2022
A thank you speech or appreciation speech prepared and given with sincerity means a lot to those you acknowledge.
Dive right in. There’s all the assistance you need on this page to write an excellent speech of thanks.
What you’ll find on this page
- the types of occasions it could be good to have a thank you speech ready to give
- best practice and content suggestions to guide you step by step through writing a short thank you speech
- a sample thank you speech for an award (and a link to an example thank you speech for a 18th birthday party)
- a printable thank you speech planner to download
- links to thank you quotations you may like to use
- notes covering rehearsal and delivery
‘No man is an island’
When we achieve, we usually do so because others have helped. Your speech of appreciation is the gift or acknowledgment you give in return for what was given you.
When is a thank you speech appropriate?
Any time is good to say thank you! However, a more formal speech of thanks could fit any of these occasions.
Thank you:
- for coming to my graduation, farewell, birthday, or retirement party
- for the promotion
- for the award
- for coming to our wedding and your gifts, our engagement party, our 50th wedding anniversary
- for coming to the opening of my new business…
Be prepared! Best practice guidelines
Generally the decision to leap to your feet and give a thank you speech is not spontaneous. You will likely have some forewarning and time to consider exactly what you want to say and who you want to mention.
Deciding on the content
Cover these three content areas and you’ll be fine.
- WHO are you thanking?
Note their names in ranking order- the most important first. - WHAT are you thanking them for?
Be specific rather than general. Naming what you are grateful for gives your thanks more meaning. - WHAT did their gift of time, expertise, encouragement, money…
mean to you?
Again, be specific. This is your chance to publicly give credit where it’s due, to compliment, to praise. Take it.
Writing your speech
When you’ve sorted out who you wish to mention and what for, you are ready to begin writing.
Like any other form of speech you need 3 parts:- an opening, the body or middle where you put all your acknowledgments, and a conclusion.
1. Introduction/opening
In your introduction or opening give the reason for the occasion and why it is you’re going to thank everyone. What you say, and how you say it, will set the tone for the remainder of the speech.
Depending on the number of people on your ‘thank you/appreciation’ list and the amount of time you have, consider including a small story about the lead-up making this event possible. A well-chosen personal anecdote will always go down well because it lets those listening share your experience more deeply.
Check out this page on story telling in speeches for more information.
2. Body
In the body of your speech, start at the top of your list of people to thank and work your way through it. Take care to give the most important people the most time.
For those whom you want to mention but don’t have enough time to make individual acknowledgments
consider grouping them according to function.
Example: «To Alex, Mary, Judy and Sam, thank you for making me remember to laugh. You helped me keep my sanity and perspective when the going was tough.»
3. Conclusion
In the conclusion, summarize your main points and finish.
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Sample thank you speech for receiving an award
Here’s a short sample thank you speech for you to see how it could be done. There are many ways covering the required content. This is one.
The person giving this speech is thanking an organization for giving him an award.
It is 374 words long. When spoken it will take approximately 2 minutes + to deliver. That’s about the right length. It’s brief and covers everything needed.
As you read it through imagine hearing it out loud.
Speech text
«Who’s considered the incredible power of thank you? Those two words express gratitude, humility,
understanding, as well as acknowledgement.
I am here with you: my
family, many of my friends and colleagues because I need to say all
of that, and then some more.
Thank you for coming to share my being given the Fred Smith Award
for Community Service. It’s very humbling.
There’s a phrase I’m sure you know: it takes a village to
raise a child. In this case it’s not a child that’s been raised but awareness and a long needed community resource — the Parksville Community Literacy Center. The village behind it and me, is you.
In particular thank you to my wife Marlene who has always
understood and shared my conviction that communities are healthiest
when its resources are equally shared, and that the ability to read
underpins long term social and economic well being.
I know the hours I spent after work helping to establish our new Center tested her, especially when I was home
late, again.
Remarkably she continues to support, and love me. For that I will always be grateful.
Mary Hill, Catherine Beech and Matthew Fall from the Fred Smith
Foundation – thank you for sharing the vision of an integrated
community and for being so incredibly supportive. You understood
what we were trying to achieve and helped make it possible. Your
generous gifts of time, expertise and funds are deeply appreciated.
This award may have my name on it, but in truth it belongs to
everybody who has worked to make the center a reality. Have you got
a spare day or two? If I called out all those people we’d be here for
quite some time! Instead, I’ll simply say thank you. You know who
you are.
The time and effort you’ve given ensures that the Parksville
people who want it will have access to effective literacy programs
and resources. That is a priceless gift. As Nobel Peace Prize
winner former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan said “Literacy
is a bridge from misery to hope.”
Thank
you for the award and thank you on behalf of all those who will cross
that bridge to a brighter future.»
Here’s another example. This one is a thank you speech for a birthday. The speaker is thanking his parents and guests for the celebration in honor of his 18th birthday.
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Thanks but NO thanks!
What I really need is a Thanksgiving Speech!
And it’s here.
Choose a theme. Complete the template.
And give your Thanksgiving Speech with confidence.
Get a printable thank you speech planner
Regardless of whether you are preparing a thank you speech for the guests who came to your wedding, engagement, retirement, farewell, graduation or birthday party, the steps are the same.
This printable planner will guide you through the four needed. Each one is fully explained with an example.
Completing it will make writing your speech so much easier.
Either click the link or the image below to: download a printable thank you speech planner.
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Use a quotation to help show your gratitude
Before you finalize the content, check out these ‘thank you quotations’.
They offer different ways of expressing your gratitude. You could find just what you need to spark your creativity and provide the thread/theme to unite your speech. It can be so much more than a long string of thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you …
Tips to help you get your thank you speech right
Rehearsal, practice and feedback
Many people make the assumption that once they’ve got the words of their speech sorted, they’re set to go.
That’s not true! Practice completes the process.
Giving yourself several rehearsals, firstly by yourself and then in front of friends or family, will help enormously. Click the link for detailed information about how to rehearse effectively.
For the condensed and shortened version covering good rehearsal practice follow the points below.
1. Content check
Before investing too much time and energy into rehearsing your speech say it through in front of a few trusted friends or colleagues. It is much, much easier to change text prior to practicing it than after you’ve begun working with it. Ask them to listen:
- to make sure you’ve included everyone you should, in the right order and thanked them for the right things.
- for tone. Does the vocabulary fit the occasion? Are the stories right? Is the speech positive? Is it inclusive?
Edit as needed, and then have your test audience listen again.
2. Timing
Getting the timing right is an essential part of making it a success. Go on too long and people stop listening. Be too brief and there’s a danger you’ve missed things out.
The only way to find out how long your speech is, is to time yourself as you say it out loud at a normal speaking rate.
If it’s too long, look for areas you can cut. Maybe you need to group a few more people together or perhaps you need to shorten some of the specific examples about why it is you’re thanking someone.
If it’s too short, add more detail. Repeat until you get the length right.
If you’d like to check the number of words you have in your speech against how many minutes it will take to say them go to: how many words per minute are there in a speech.
3. Use cue cards
If you’re at all worried about forgetting things, losing your place or muddling what you want to say, use cue cards. They’ll take the anxiety away.
Write the main points of your thank you speech on cue cards. Good notes will keep you on track while ensuring you cover everything you want to like, for instance, the name of every person you want to thank and why.
(Click the link if you don’t know about using or how to make cue cards . Cue cards are preferable to reading your speech.
However sometimes you just have to read because…for all sorts of reasons. If that’s you, do it well. Find out how to read a speech effectively.)
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*About The Speech Builder — this is an app that «builds» personalized speeches. If you’re needing a speech to say thank you for an award of any sort; academic, sporting, civic, or artistic, the speech builder can help.
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Are you sweating over a business thank you speech?
One thanking your colleagues for a job well done?
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Here’s a good one to use as a template. It’s utterly adaptable. Takes bits out, flick bits in… until you have it just as you want it. |
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