Audience: stockholders, members of the press
Message: We’re slowly turning the company around now in a difficult environment.
Tone: formal
Timing: will vary, depending on insertion of financial, managerial, and legal details

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I am (name), president and chief executive officer of (company). With pleasure, I welcome each of you to the company’s (number) annual shareholders’ meeting. Let me first introduce our Board of Directors.

[Introduce members.]

These people have served with dedication, integrity, and indisputable expertise. And as you know, they stand today for re-election to another one-year term.

Our corporate secretary will now take the podium to describe the steps necessary to officially convene today’s meeting and observe our legal requirements. Then I’ll update you on our year’s progress.

[Insert details of opening the meeting, election of board members, and collection of proxy votes for any matters before the shareholders.]

With those details out of the way, let’s review the year. We began in the wake of the biggest downturn in our industry in recent history. To say the least, as management, we were uncertain what the year would bring. Investors were cautious, keeping our shares at $(amount) for almost (number) months. Although we faced a difficult environment, (company) became stronger despite these difficulties. There’s an old saying that “adversity builds character.” Certainly, we built character this year.

Despite the environment and discouraging start, we reached several milestones. We’ve started and finished a solid foundation for our future. Let me get specific about what we’ve done in four areas: international marketing, customer service, new product development, expense cutbacks.

[Insert details in each of these areas.]

To spearhead these efforts I’ve just outlined, we have a superb new management team in place. (Name) and (name) you already know for their past excellent performance: (first name) in the area of (position) and (first name) in the area of (position).

I’m also pleased to introduce some new management team players who’ve joined us this year and already have made some impressive decisions that resulted in dramatic turnaround results.

[Insert names of new management team members.]

This new team is a welcome addition. They are all outstanding professionals with the skills and knowledge to strengthen the areas we identified in past years as strategic to our growth.

But to get specific about these dramatic changes I’m referring to: First, at a time when others in the industry have been forced to cut back on [insert detail], we have expanded our services in the area of [type].

Another of our strategic accomplishments has been to [continue with accomplishment details].

In the area of internal controls, we’ve added to the training plans for our key personnel and gained control of hiring and compensation practices. We’ve attracted many new star performers in key slots and our turnover of staff has fallen sharply—roughly by (number) percent.

In (month), we expanded our participation in [overview program].

In the areas of communication—telephone and data-processing—we have made tremendous strides. You could say we’ve gone from quill and ink to lasers and modems. Thus, our state-of-the-art equipment has provided us with the opportunity to concentrate on customer services and quality,… rather than on shuffling internal paperwork.

Additionally, we think we have put our ear a little lower to the ground to hear what the market is telling us in the area of [type of problem]. During the last six months, we have conducted a market research study with our own staff to learn to what extent [insert details]. The response has given us immediate insight into new ideas for services and products.

[Insert new product and service plans.]

Public awareness is another area we’ve tackled. We found that the public is almost totally ignorant of (number) percent of what we really do here. So, education of the consumer has been a major goal. To improve awareness, we’ve participated in and sponsored several events in the local community and in the larger industry arena.

[Insert details about increasing public and consumer awareness.]

These are just a few of the ways we’ve been working to strengthen our relationship with the (industry) community and local citizens. We plan to continue our promotional efforts by [insert details].

Of course, we will not see positive results of these last promotional efforts until next year.

Turning our attention to management of our finances, we’ve made these areas our priority for investing our reserve cash.

[Insert details about investments.]

Our primary aim is to generate consistent above-average return through traditional forms of investment management. With so many capital needs for personnel, equipment, and marketing, you may be wondering why we didn’t aim for home runs rather than dabbling with singles and doubles. In our opinion, the philosophy of a consistent foundation played a critical role in providing the return we needed for expansion.

In each of these areas I’ve outlined—public awareness and promotion, new product and service ideas, recruiting—we’ve made progress in a difficult environment. Our competitors have seen almost a (number) percent decline in gross revenues. On the other hand, our gross revenues totaled $(amount), with a net income of $(amount). Our share prices have maintained their value at $(amount).

Yes, it’s been a rough year. But these cyclical downturns are nothing new to people in the industry. History has shown that with a game plan in hand, the situation will improve. It is, in fact, turning around. Until that about-face is complete, we have reorganized to survive and even grow in these circumstances.

We’ve pared expenses and increased efficiency.

We’ve added services for our customers and quality to our products.

We’ve changed our management team’s philosophy from “wait and see” to “go and tell.”

We’ve let the community know who we are and have built stronger relationships in the process.

Without a doubt, our (year) achievements directly reflect the expertise and dedication of our employees, and I want to publicly thank them for their outstanding work.

We have a game plan. We’re committed. We’re stronger. And, I hope, we have your continued confidence and support. The strength we’ve built makes us a tough competitor when it’s our turn to bat.

May I take your questions now?

[Call for questions and answers.]

[Convey the results of any earlier voting.]

In closing, I want to point out that virtually all lasting structures require foundations. And frequently that foundation is the most difficult, time-consuming part of the construction. We have laid the foundation.

We have learned from the past, and the present is our platform for the future. This year we plan to continue and complete the projects that will make us strong. I’m convinced that we have the management and staff, the enthusiasm, the pride, and the skills for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Audience: stockholders, members of the press
Message: Our steady growth continues.
Tone: formal
Timing: will vary greatly, depending on the insertion of financial, managerial, and legal details

It’s my pleasure to welcome you today to our (number) annual meeting of (company) stockholders. Your copy of this year’s annual report should now be in your hands—a report that reviews our (number) years of continued growth.

Last year can certainly be tagged as one of the most turbulent in the history of our industry. Negative impacts ranged from a troubled world economy to declining [insert specific problem faced during the year], to increasing costs for [insert details]. Yet we weathered those challenges. We made substantial progress on a number of fronts.

Although the year started off like a bad joke, the punch line has been this: We achieved sales of $(amount) and revenues of $(amount)—setting a record for the (number) year in a row. Our earnings totaled $(amount), a record surpassed in only (number) years since we opened the doors. We saw new investments of $(amount) in the future growth of the company, our total assets being $(amount). The price of our shares has risen from $(amount) to $(amount) during this past 12 months—a direct reflection of our steady plodding even in troubled times.

Of that total investment, we funded [type] programs. Additionally, we joined other groups in participating in [type] activities.

[Insert details about new product lines and services.]

Our involvement in all these areas looks promising. Specifically, we’re excited about our ongoing research into the field of [type]. Never before have the possibilities been so ripe for plucking.

[Insert research details and practical applications.]

Now that we know what the potential here is, we owe it to the public and to you to continue to move ahead with our quest into this new technology. What’s taking place in our laboratories today will create a healthier, happier, safer world tomorrow.

Congress has made great strides in correcting the problem of [type]. We are encouraged by recent tax legislation to [overview purpose of legislation].

If our timetables are accurate, we should see an impact from these new programs and tax changes in the last quarter of the year. We are resolved to succeed in keeping our rates competitive and accomplishing a smooth transition in current programs.

We want you to know of some current field-testing in the area of [type]. The results of these field-tests should prove valuable in assessing [purpose of the testing].

We are also pleased to report that we have no litigation pending at this time. That’s a welcome change. For the past few years, I’ve listened to our legal staff and the opponents argue versions of the childhood chant: “Did.” “Did not.” “Did.” “Did not.” Thank goodness, we’re now at peace with our neighbors and colleagues. Our patent infringement suit filed against (competitive company) was settled in our favor in (month, year). With the $(amount) we were awarded, we plan to [overview plans for funds].

We do have some discouraging news, however. Our foray into the (type) market has not been promising. We’ve learned several things. First, [insert details]. Second, [insert details]. Our plans to turn this around next year include [insert details].

In the end, all of us understand that it isn’t enough to run every program and then immediately define its success or failure only with the short-term numbers. All I can say is that we’re going to keep it under the microscope.
As you can see, this was a year of steady operation and consistent growth, as well as one of new direction. Our financing program was improved by an additional upgrading of the company’s debt and preferred stock rating: A vote of confidence from the financial community.

The fortunes of the company have improved dramatically since our beginning, (number) years ago. The price of our stock has gone from a (year) low of $(amount) to this year’s high of $(amount), an accumulative return of (number) percent.

Fundamentally, we are a sound company. We have a substantial net worth of more than $(amount). We are a broad-based enterprise with a recognized diversity and world-wide presence.

(Company)’s performance during (year) demonstrated a sound financial foundation and an efficient operation. We expect to continue that situation. And we have every confidence that our (number) years’ experience in the (type) industry and our pioneering spirit will take us in new directions,… at the most appropriate junctures.

So what are our most important goals? Making your corporation more competitive globally. Our primary objective continues to be to enhance the value of your shares over the long-term and maintain or improve your dividend. The (year) actions we’ve planned to meet this objective include

[Insert details of key goals for the upcoming year.]

I’m sure those goals have brought some issues to the forefront of your mind. What questions do you now have?
[Take questions and answers.]

Thank you for coming today. It’s been very pleasant for me to be here among new and former friends. And, I might add, it’s also been nice to report to you on our continuing successes and our optimistic future.

I’ve done my best to use this time to give you a detailed snapshot of how I see our company. An impressive picture, we think. And our research reflects great things to come. We plan to continue our growth and repay your initial and ongoing confidence.

In short, we plan to rekindle your excitement.

Audience: employees, community and press representatives
Message: We are celebrating our expansion.
Tone: formal
Timing: 6-7 minutes, depending on insertion of details about the facility design

Today is the (number) chapter in the ongoing saga of (corporation). I say (number) chapter because this is our (number) such facility in the United States. The first was opened in (city) over (number) years ago with no less fanfare than this.

But I must say that the celebrations certainly get larger as we grow. We have a proud heritage of excellence and a future that knows no bounds.

I want to define “state of the art” as it applies here today:

[Insert details of the facility’s construction and layout.]

Anyone who tours these grounds and sees firsthand the design details and investigates the thought processes behind those details can’t help but be impressed. More important than the striking appearance of this building is what goes on inside.

We are here to dedicate a symbol of the present and a promise for the future. Our present reads like this: With over (number) employees, we have become the leader in the (type) industry. Our products span the shelves of your local stores. To mention a few:

[Insert product names, particularly those that may not be well known to the general public.]

As you can now see, we help you put food on your table, maintain your physical fitness, travel from place to place, and entertain yourselves.

This building and these products result in a higher quality of life. We can now produce them in a shorter lead time with lower production dollars.

This facility replicates our past image of a growing, innovative, customer-oriented company. That’s the past.

Now about that promising future I mentioned earlier. Within (number) months, we plan to have hired (number) people to fill jobs here. There will be both hourly and salaried groups of people who will help us maintain our traditions of quality.

And it goes without saying that we are committed to being a good corporate citizen. We want to join your organizations, shop in your city, attend your churches and synagogues. We plan to put down roots and become family.

How big a job has it been to move us—this (corporation) family—into town? A tremendous one. From day one, (name) has been at the helm of this ship. He has seen our ship come in. In fact, he launched it. This effort and final facility involved the culmination of (number) months of planning and coordination.

Under his leadership have been several first mates who’ve racked up a few planning hours themselves. (Name)…. (Name)…. (Name).

But of what value would all this planning be without the workers here?

People power—of that we have plenty. It will be the creativity, commitment, and integrity of these people who will make a contribution to the community and to the industry.

By their hard work, energy, and enthusiasm, they have been, and will continue to be, a winning team. They—our people—will as always write the last chapter to our story. This is an important day for these people as they set the pace for the complex world we compete in.

Yes, we are proud of our past and make a promise to the future in this city. This spirit—on display in this new facility—will lead us into the next century. Thank you for celebrating with us.

Audience: employees, members of the community and the press
Message: We are proud of this new facility. It will benefit our workers and our community.
Tone: formal
Timing: 6-7 minutes, depending on insertion of details about facility design

We are dedicating a new (type) facility here, our (name of plant). Planning such a move is just like planning a new product or a new service—it’s expensive and it’s risky. But it’s also exciting and challenging.

Why the excitement over a building? It represents our industry leadership and our focus on technical excellence. We intend to continue to build the quality in—not add it on.

The quality has been built into the design. We have the latest technology in our computer systems and in our

[Insert details about state-of-the-art technology in the facility.]

And you’ve heard much lately about quality customer service. We’ve also built that into the design. The building layout invites customer interaction. You noticed when you arrived today that the parking lot is not one big expanse of parking slots, but a group of slots near each of our (number) entrances. You also noticed the reserved signs—not for our management, but for our customers.

Inside, our idea was the same. As you tour the building, you’ll see the various seating areas that encourage our representatives to visit with our customers in comfort and still retain the convenience of a desk and office equipment within reach of their fingertips.

Not only will our customers like the design—so will our employees. Their safety and comfort has also been uppermost in the minds of our planners.

[Insert details about safety and other features that add to a pleasant working environment for employees.]

In short, the environment is designed to encourage customers to tell us what they want, and to encourage employees to think innovatively in producing those products and providing those services. We want to help our employees work smarter and gain a sense of satisfaction in knowing that we care about the atmosphere and quality of their work life.

For the community, this facility means another corporate neighbor is on the doorstep. We’ve worked diligently with city planners to lay out the grounds and entrances and exits to improve, rather than hinder, the traffic flow.

We hope the community will also appreciate the increased tax base—significant dollars for its schools, parks, and other projects. New jobs also are a part of the picture as we expand.

All this—the better environment for our employees,… the inducement for our customers to speak their minds to us,… and the involvement and contribution to the community—is both exciting and challenging.

We have numerous people to thank. (Name) and (name) have been responsible for [insert specific details].

Our thanks also go to (name) and (group) for their involvement and forward thinking with regard to [insert specific details].

It takes special people to launch any new undertaking such as this. These are special people, as are many of you in the audience who will show up at these doors next (day) morning to give your best.

This is our day of celebration—our exciting challenge to maintain our innovation and leadership. Thank you for coming to be a part of it.

Audience: family, members of the community and the press
Message: We remember his leadership.
Tone: formal
Timing: 4-5 minutes, depending on the insertion of details about the upcoming artistic performances

A traveler met three stonecutters along a road and asked each what he was doing. The first man responded that he was cutting stone. The second said that he was shaping a cornerstone. But the third proudly smiled and said: “I’m building a cathedral.”

(Name) lived his life to build cathedrals. Whether it was the (name of project) or the (name of project), he always saw the big picture. It’s been said that a manager thinks about today and tomorrow. A leader thinks about the day after tomorrow. And to his credit, (name) was a man who thought about the future—in both his business and his civic roles—and could communicate that vision to others.

We have gathered here to rename this building in his honor. Although it’s not a cathedral, what goes on inside will change the lives of those who enter. Their horizons and their appreciation of the arts will bring them to a better understanding of life itself—our roots and man’s longings from earliest time.

This museum and performing arts theater will also bring new life to our present-day city.

Attention and commitment to the arts, such as this building represents, increase our city’s competitive edge as a destination for new industry, new businesses, and new families.

Such commitment to art isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. The image of a city is tied to its citizens’ and its neighbors’ perceptions of its leadership. (Name), whom we honor today, was the instigator of that image. Through his untiring efforts over the past few years, he led (number) local businesses to contribute $(amount) to see that this center was established.

But his efforts did not stop with construction. He also shared his vision of attracting some of the top artists in the country to perform here. By stimulating a partnership between the arts and the corporate community, he has fostered the image that our city is emerging as a cosmopolitan, international center.

Over the next year, we have scheduled these upcoming events in this center:

[Insert details of upcoming programs and events.]

We encourage you as corporations to purchase season tickets and make them available to your employees and clients as your further contribution to the city and to the arts.

What has been good for the city as a whole has also been good for the individual citizen. As a result of (name)’s leadership, we have a place for our children and our grandchildren to visit and to enrich their understanding of the world. To be specific, their understanding of themselves.

As a cathedral builder, (name) created that vision and communicated that vision. “Monuments are the grappling-irons that bind one generation to another,” said the French moralist Joseph Joubert. We are pleased to dedicate this building to (name)’s memory—to bind his efforts to this symbol of our appreciation of the arts.

Audience: employees, civic associates, and the press
Message: I don’t feel so smart, but I’m honored to receive this award.
Tone: informal
Timing: 2-3 minutes

I’m very honored to receive this award naming me Manager of the Year. The arduous screening process that your committee went through—just described by (name)—adds an extra dimension to the honor. That is, that the selection was made by many of you, my peers, flatters me and makes it especially meaningful.

Receiving an award, however, always makes you a little more thoughtful and deliberate about your future actions. For example, if my peers seem to think I’m a good manager and role model, then what have I been doing right?
So I began to think about all the recent decisions we’ve made at (company): The acquisition of (company name)…. The introduction of our new product line, the (name)…. Our involvement in the community’s (cause) fund drive.

Of course, none of these management decisions was made without excellent advisors—both personal friends and admired employees who have worked almost around the clock for months on some of these projects at (company). (Name), (name), and many others who’ve been involved know how very much I’ve appreciated their contributions to my career and the growth of (company).

Nevertheless, you notified me that I’d been selected for this honor. And I was and am flattered.

In fact, I became so enamored of my wisdom in these business decisions that I started to pontificate with my two teenagers at home. I figured they should get a head start in the business world, so I began to outline some of my theories of management to them. And in their naive but straightforward way, they were quite capable of spotting some flaws in my arguments. If you’ve ever tried to explain the welfare mess, our national debt, or some of our trade agreements to your own kids, then you understand. All in all, explaining my management decisions to my kids was not a process without some pain.

And what all this says, of course, is that I’m glad you didn’t scrutinize my record as thoroughly as do my children. I’m more than pleased to trust your judgment.

This is a prestigious award from a prestigious organization. I thank you sincerely.