55 Ways to Express Gratitude for Being Invited as a Guest Speaker

Being invited to speak at an event is both an honor and a privilege. It shows that others value your expertise, your perspective, and your ability to connect with an audience. Whether you’re addressing a small group of professionals, a classroom full of eager students, or a massive audience at a prestigious conference, the opportunity to share your knowledge is always a significant moment in your career.

But once the event is over, how do you express your appreciation for the opportunity? After all, a simple “thank you” can go a long way in solidifying your professional relationships, reinforcing the value of your contribution, and opening doors for future engagements.

In this article, we’ll explore 55 thoughtful and creative ways to express your gratitude for being invited as a guest speaker. Whether you prefer a quick email or a more personal handwritten note, there’s a method here for every situation.

1. Send a Heartfelt Thank-You Email

A quick but meaningful thank-you email is a great way to express your gratitude. Be sure to mention specific details from the event, like the engagement of the audience or the quality of the event’s organization. This shows that you were genuinely involved and appreciative.

Example: “Thank you for the opportunity to speak at [Event Name]. The audience was incredibly engaged, and it was truly a pleasure to share my insights on [Topic]. I look forward to staying in touch and hope to collaborate again in the future.”

2. Write a Personal Handwritten Note

In the digital age, a handwritten note can make a memorable impact. Take a few minutes to express your appreciation in writing, as it adds a personal touch that shows you went the extra mile. It’s thoughtful, meaningful, and can leave a lasting impression.

Example: “Dear [Organizer’s Name], I’m so grateful for the chance to speak at your event. The experience was incredibly rewarding, and I deeply appreciate the warmth and professionalism with which your team welcomed me. I hope our paths cross again soon.”

3. Acknowledge the Event’s Success

When thanking someone for inviting you to speak, take a moment to acknowledge the success of the event. Mention the specific aspects that stood out to you, such as the high level of audience participation or the organization’s dedication to fostering dialogue.

Example: “Thank you for inviting me to be part of your [Event Name]. The way you facilitated open discussion and created an environment where new ideas could flourish was remarkable. I was truly honored to contribute.”

4. Highlight the Value You Gained

Another powerful way to show gratitude is by acknowledging what you gained from the experience. Whether it was new insights, connections, or personal growth, highlighting what you learned shows that the event impacted you in a meaningful way.

Example: “I’m grateful not only for the opportunity to speak at your event but also for the valuable conversations I had with your attendees. I learned so much from the exchange of ideas, and I’m leaving with fresh perspectives.”

5. Mention Specific People or Teams

If certain individuals or teams made your experience particularly enjoyable, be sure to mention them in your note or message. Recognizing their contributions makes your gratitude even more personal and appreciated.

Example: “I wanted to take a moment to thank [Team Member’s Name] for their excellent coordination and support throughout the event. Their attention to detail made everything go smoothly and allowed me to focus on delivering my message.”

6. Include a Quote or Inspirational Message

Sometimes, a well-placed quote can help convey the depth of your gratitude. A meaningful quote adds a touch of inspiration and shows that you not only appreciate the opportunity but also recognize its significance.

Example: “In the words of Maya Angelou, ‘We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value.’ Thank you for allowing me to be one of those threads.”

7. Express Excitement for Future Collaboration

A great way to express gratitude is by looking ahead to future opportunities. Expressing interest in collaborating again is a positive way to end your thank-you note or message, leaving the door open for future engagements.

Example: “I truly enjoyed speaking at your event and would love to collaborate again in the future. I look forward to continuing our conversation and exploring ways we can work together moving forward.”

8. Share Your Presentation with the Organizers

If you recorded your presentation or have slides to share, send them along to the event organizers as a way to add value after the event. This gesture shows that you’re not only grateful but also willing to help extend the impact of the session.

Example: “I’ve attached the slides from my presentation on [Topic], as I thought it might be helpful for your attendees or future speakers. Thank you again for such a rewarding experience!”

9. Publicly Thank the Organizer on Social Media

A public thank-you on social media gives credit to the organizers and acknowledges their hard work in curating a successful event. A simple post tagging the event or organizer will show your gratitude in a more public, widely visible way.

Example: “Thank you to [Organizer’s Name] and [Event Name] for the amazing opportunity to speak today! It was a pleasure to share my insights with such an engaged and thoughtful audience. #Grateful #SpeakerLife”

10. Offer Your Assistance in the Future

If you’re interested in helping the organization beyond the event you spoke at, offer your assistance in future initiatives. This shows that you’re invested in the organization’s success and are willing to contribute further.

Example: “Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can support any of your future events. I’d be happy to lend a hand or offer additional resources.”

11. Send a Small Token of Appreciation

Consider sending a small gift or token of appreciation to the event organizers. While this gesture may not be necessary, it can be a nice way to further express your gratitude, especially if they went above and beyond to make you feel welcome.

Example: “A small token of appreciation for all of your hard work in organizing such a wonderful event. Thank you again for the opportunity!”

12. Highlight the Impact the Event Had on the Audience

When expressing gratitude, make sure to mention the positive impact the event had on the audience. It shows you’re paying attention to the audience’s response and that you value the role you played in influencing their learning or growth.

Example: “The feedback from the audience was overwhelming, and I’m so glad that the message resonated with them. Your organization’s commitment to [topic] is truly inspiring, and I’m grateful to have contributed to such an important cause.”

13. Show Appreciation for the Event’s Organization

Complimenting the event’s logistics can go a long way in showing your gratitude. Acknowledge the hard work behind the scenes that made the event run smoothly.

Example: “I was so impressed with how well organized everything was at [Event Name]. From the seamless registration to the thoughtful agenda, every detail was taken care of, and it made my experience as a speaker truly enjoyable.”

14. Thank the Audience

If you’re particularly moved by the audience’s engagement, take a moment to thank them as well. Acknowledging the participants shows that you recognize their role in making the event successful.

Example: “I’d like to extend my thanks to the audience for their enthusiasm and insightful questions. It’s always a joy to speak to such a curious and engaged group!”

15. Share Your Personal Experience or Story

People appreciate hearing personal stories, especially when they help humanize a speaker. Share a brief anecdote from the event to express gratitude for the experience.

Example: “During my talk, I shared a story about [personal experience], and it was heartwarming to see how it resonated with the audience. Thank you for creating a space where such personal connections could be made.”

16. Thank Them for the Opportunity to Learn

Being invited to speak at an event is often a two-way street, where you, the speaker, can also learn from the experience. Thank the organizers for the opportunity to learn from the event or from the people you met there.

Example: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to speak, but I also learned a great deal from the discussions that followed. It was an enriching experience that I will carry with me in the future.”

17. Express Appreciation for the Event’s Impact on Your Own Career

If the event helped you professionally or gave you an opportunity for growth, express your gratitude by highlighting its impact on your career.

Example: “Being a part of [Event Name] helped me refine my speaking skills and deepened my passion for [topic]. Thank you for the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.”

18. Send a Follow-Up Message to Individual Attendees

If you had meaningful one-on-one conversations during the event, sending a personalized follow-up message to those individuals can be a great way to show your gratitude.

Example: “Hi [Attendee Name], it was great connecting with you during [Event Name]. Thank you for your thoughtful questions and for making the event even more memorable. I look forward to staying in touch!”

19. Reflect on the Event’s Long-Term Impact

Sometimes, an event’s impact lasts much longer than the day itself. Reflecting on this extended influence in your thank-you message shows that you are considering the event’s broader effect.

Example: “I’ve continued to think about the discussions from [Event Name], and I’m still processing the valuable feedback I received. Thank you for creating an event that will have a lasting impact on me and my work.”

20. Offer Your Perspective on Future Topics

If you’ve been invited to speak at one event, the chances of being asked again in the future are high. Take the opportunity to offer your thoughts on potential future topics or ways you can continue to add value.

Example: “I’d love to continue the conversation on [Topic]. If there’s an opportunity to present on [subtopic] in the future, I’d be more than happy to collaborate with you again!”

21. Express Gratitude for the Event’s Atmosphere

If the atmosphere of the event made you feel comfortable or inspired, be sure to mention this in your thank-you message.

Example: “Your event had such a positive and motivating atmosphere, and it made speaking there a true pleasure. Thank you for fostering such a welcoming and energizing environment.”

22. Highlight the Professional Relationships You Built

If you were able to connect with other professionals during the event, mention this in your thank-you message. Networking is one of the key benefits of being a guest speaker, and acknowledging the connections you made shows appreciation for the community they’ve built.

Example: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet so many incredible professionals at your event. The networking opportunities were invaluable, and I look forward to continuing those conversations.”

23. Offer Your Resources

If you have resources or materials that could benefit the organization or its members, offer them as a way to continue adding value after your speech.

Example: “If you think any of my resources, such as [book/material], could be useful to your audience, please feel free to reach out. I’d love to support your efforts however I can.”

24. Thank Them for Making You Feel Comfortable

If you were made to feel particularly at ease during your speaking engagement, whether through the event’s organization or the people involved, take a moment to acknowledge this.

Example: “I felt so comfortable and supported throughout the entire event. Your team’s efforts to make me feel at ease allowed me to focus on delivering my best presentation.”

25. Use a Video Message to Show Appreciation

For a more personal touch, consider sending a short video message expressing your gratitude. Video can add a level of sincerity that makes your appreciation feel more real and heartfelt.

Example: “Hi [Organizer’s Name], I just wanted to send a quick video to thank you for such an incredible opportunity. It was truly a pleasure speaking at [Event Name], and I’m grateful for everything.”

26. Share a Follow-Up Blog Post

After your speaking engagement, consider writing a blog post summarizing your key takeaways, insights, or thoughts on the topic you spoke about. Share it with the event organizers, as it might be valuable for their audience and shows you’re actively engaged in extending the value of your presentation.

Example:
“Thank you again for the opportunity to speak at your event! I’ve written a follow-up blog post about [Topic] and thought it might be helpful for your attendees. Here’s the link if you’d like to share it with your network.”

27. Mention the Event in a Podcast or Interview

If you have a podcast or often participate in interviews, mention the event where you spoke. Not only does this show your appreciation, but it also provides further exposure for the event and its organizers.

Example:
“I was recently talking about my experience at [Event Name] during my latest podcast episode. It was such a great event, and I just wanted to give a shout-out to [Organizer’s Name] for their incredible work.”

28. Invite the Organizer to Your Future Events

If you’re hosting an event or speaking at another one in the future, invite the event organizers as a way to reciprocate the favor. It shows your continued appreciation for their role in your professional growth.

Example:
“I’d love to invite you to my upcoming event on [Date] where I’ll be discussing [Topic]. I greatly appreciate the opportunity you gave me to speak at [Event Name], and I’d love for you to join me this time around!”

29. Offer a Discount or Free Resource

If you have a product, course, or service that might be useful to the event organizers or attendees, offer a special discount or provide them access for free as a thank-you gesture.

Example:
“As a token of appreciation for the opportunity to speak at [Event Name], I’d like to offer you a 20% discount on my online course about [Topic]. I hope it proves helpful!”

30. Share Event Highlights on Your Social Media Channels

Instead of just posting a simple thank-you message, share specific moments from the event, such as photos, videos, or quotes from your presentation. This highlights the value of the event and shows you’re actively engaging with the content.

Example:
“Such an inspiring day at [Event Name]! I loved meeting so many passionate people and hearing their insights. Here are a few of my favorite moments from the event.”

31. Provide a Testimonial or Endorsement

If the event had a significant impact on you, provide a testimonial or endorsement for the event organizers. This can be helpful for them when promoting future events and helps you maintain a positive professional relationship.

Example:
“I was truly impressed by the professionalism and attention to detail at [Event Name]. It’s one of the best events I’ve had the pleasure of speaking at, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to engage with like-minded professionals.”

32. Send a Thank-You Card with a Gift

If you’re looking for something a bit more formal, consider sending a thank-you card with a small gift—perhaps something local or meaningful to your region—that shows you appreciate their efforts.

Example:
“Dear [Organizer’s Name], thank you so much for the opportunity to speak at [Event Name]. As a small token of my appreciation, I’ve enclosed a gift from [local shop/region]. I hope you enjoy it!”

33. Offer to Facilitate a Workshop or Follow-Up Session

If you want to extend your contribution to the event even further, offer to host a follow-up workshop or Q&A session for the audience. This is especially valuable if the event sparked interest or left people wanting more.

Example:
“I’d love to offer a follow-up workshop or Q&A session for your attendees. I think there’s a lot of additional content I could share that would build on what we covered at [Event Name].”

34. Share a Resource You Think They’ll Find Valuable

If you come across an article, book, or resource that you think will be valuable to the organizers or attendees, send it their way with a note explaining why you think it could be helpful.

Example:
“I recently read this book on [Subject], and I thought it might be helpful for you and your team as you continue organizing events. I’ve attached the link, and I hope you find it as insightful as I did!”

35. Give a Shout-Out During Future Speaking Engagements

The next time you’re speaking at another event, mention your previous speaking engagement and give credit to the organizers. This highlights the value of your past experiences and can help bring attention to their future events.

Example:
“I spoke at an incredible event a few months ago, organized by [Organizer’s Name] at [Event Name]. They did an amazing job creating an environment where learning and growth were at the forefront. It’s always a pleasure to collaborate with such dedicated professionals.”

36. Provide Follow-Up Materials or Additional Learning Opportunities

After your presentation, offer follow-up materials that can help attendees continue learning. This could include articles, worksheets, or links to additional resources you recommend, which demonstrates that you’re invested in their ongoing education.

Example:
“Thank you once again for the opportunity to speak. I’ve attached some additional reading materials and resources related to [Topic], which I hope you and your attendees will find valuable.”

37. Acknowledge the Support of Volunteers

If volunteers helped with your presentation, take the time to thank them. While the event organizers may have been the primary planners, volunteers play an essential role in ensuring things go smoothly.

Example:
“I’d like to extend a special thank you to the volunteers who helped during my session. They were incredibly organized and made sure everything ran without a hitch!”

38. Reflect on a Memorable Audience Moment

If something particularly memorable happened during the event, reflect on it in your thank-you message. This shows that you were truly present during the event and valued the interactions you had with the audience.

Example:
“I’ll always remember the moment when [Audience Member] asked that thought-provoking question about [Topic]. It was an excellent point, and it made for a wonderful discussion!”

39. Thank Them for the Opportunity to Share Your Passion

Speaking at an event isn’t just about presenting information—it’s about sharing your passion. Express gratitude for the chance to speak on something you love.

Example:
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my passion for [Topic] with such an engaged audience. It’s a privilege to be able to speak about something that means so much to me.”

40. Highlight the Professionalism of the Event

The professionalism and quality of the event should never go unnoticed. If you were impressed by how everything was handled, be sure to let the organizers know.

Example:
“I was thoroughly impressed by the level of professionalism at [Event Name]. From the communication to the event execution, everything was top-notch, and I feel privileged to have been a part of it.”

41. Offer to Share Your Expertise in Another Format

If you spoke on a specific topic, consider offering to share your expertise in another format, such as a webinar, article, or blog post. This allows you to add continued value in different ways.

Example:
“Since the topic I covered at [Event Name] sparked so many interesting questions, I’d love to offer a webinar or additional resources that dive deeper into this subject. Let me know if this is something that could be useful.”

42. Send a Follow-Up Survey to the Organizers

If you really want to show your gratitude, send a feedback survey to the organizers, thanking them for the opportunity while also offering insights into how the event could be improved in the future. This shows that you care about their continued success.

Example:
“I truly appreciated being part of [Event Name] and would love to offer some feedback to help make the next event even better. Please let me know if you’d be interested in my thoughts!”

43. Give Them Credit in Your Published Work

If you publish articles, books, or papers related to the topic you presented, be sure to give a nod to the event or its organizers in your work. This is a simple but meaningful way to recognize their contribution to your professional journey.

Example:
“I’d like to thank [Organizer’s Name] and [Event Name] for inspiring some of the ideas presented in my latest article/book on [Topic]. Their event truly influenced my thinking.”

44. Offer to Host a Networking Session for Attendees

If you’re interested in helping attendees further, offer to host a networking session where people can meet, share ideas, and discuss the topics covered during the event. This shows that you care about their growth beyond your presentation.

Example:
“I’d love to offer to host a virtual networking session for attendees to continue the conversations we started at [Event Name]. It could be a great way to foster deeper connections!”

45. Celebrate the Event’s Milestones

If the event has achieved a significant milestone—such as an anniversary or record-breaking attendance—acknowledge it and celebrate it in your thank-you message.

Example:
“Congratulations on the milestone success of [Event Name]! Being a part of such a landmark event made it even more special. I’m proud to have been invited to speak on such a meaningful occasion.”

46. Invite Them to Join Your Professional Network

If you haven’t already, invite the event organizers to connect with you on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. This is a practical way to keep in touch and show that you value your professional relationship.

Example:
“I’d love to connect with you on LinkedIn to keep in touch and explore potential opportunities to collaborate again in the future.”

47. Make a Donation to the Event’s Cause

If the event was supporting a particular charity or cause, consider making a donation in the organizer’s name as a thank-you gesture. This adds an extra layer of goodwill and support.

Example:
“As a small thank you for the opportunity to speak at your event, I’ve made a donation to [Cause/Charity]. I hope it helps further the work you’re doing!”

48. Provide Recommendations for Future Speakers

If you know of other speakers who would be a great fit for future events, offer recommendations to the organizers. This shows that you care about their continued success and are looking to help them build future lineups.

Example:
“I’ve worked with some fantastic speakers who I believe would be a great fit for your future events, such as [Speaker Name]. Let me know if you’d like any recommendations!”

49. Offer to Mentor Young Speakers or Attendees

If the event inspired some young or new professionals, offer to mentor them or provide guidance. This is a unique way to show gratitude while also giving back to the next generation.

Example:
“If any of your attendees are interested in learning more about public speaking or advancing in their careers, I’d be happy to offer mentorship or guidance.”

50. Acknowledge the Event’s Positive Impact on the Community

If the event benefited a particular community, thank the organizers for the opportunity to contribute to such a positive initiative.

Example:
“I’m so glad to have been a part of an event that had such a positive impact on [community]. It’s heartening to see organizations like yours foster growth and connection.”

51. Express Appreciation for Their Vision

If the organizers have a clear vision or purpose behind their event, be sure to recognize it. This shows that you not only appreciate their work but also believe in the mission behind the event.

Example:
“I admire the clear vision behind [Event Name] and how it brought together so many people to share knowledge and inspire change. It was an honor to contribute to your cause.”

52. Make Your Gratitude Public in Interviews or Media

If you do interviews or media appearances related to your work, mention the event and thank the organizers in those public forums. This can help amplify their reach and show your support in a wider context.

Example:
“In my recent interview with [Media Outlet], I mentioned how much I appreciated being part of [Event Name] and the opportunity to connect with such an incredible audience. Thank you for the chance!”

53. Give a Gift to Show Appreciation for Their Efforts

If you’ve had a particularly positive experience with the event organizers, consider giving a thoughtful gift as a sign of your appreciation. This could be something personal or useful for their professional endeavors.

Example:
“As a token of my appreciation for your hard work in organizing such a wonderful event, I’ve sent along a small gift. I hope you enjoy it!”

54. Acknowledge the Event’s Contribution to Your Own Growth

Sometimes, guest speaking at an event can help you grow personally and professionally. Be sure to acknowledge this growth as part of your gratitude.

Example:
“Speaking at your event has helped me grow as a professional and reinforced my passion for [Topic]. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to learn from the experience.”

55. Share Your Appreciation with the Team

If you interacted with a team of people to make the event happen, send a thank-you note to the entire team. Acknowledge everyone’s efforts in making the event a success.

Example:
“I wanted to send a special thank-you to the entire team who worked behind the scenes to make [Event Name] such a success. Your collective effort made the event seamless and impactful, and I’m so grateful to have been part of it!”

Final Words

No matter how you choose to express your gratitude, the key is sincerity. A thoughtful thank-you not only shows your appreciation but also strengthens professional relationships and sets the stage for future opportunities. Whether it’s a quick thank-you email, a public shout-out on social media, or a handwritten note, your words can leave a lasting impression and ensure that the experience remains positive for both you and the event organizers.

By making gratitude a priority, you’re also contributing to an atmosphere of respect, collaboration, and mutual growth in the professional world. And who knows? It might just be the first step toward more exciting speaking engagements to come!