A 40th birthday speech is one speech that you should feel honored to be asked to give! It means that the person turning 40 has a special place in their heart for you and having you speak at this special occasion means a great deal to them.
The speech below is an example of a birthday speech a parent might give for a child when she/he turns 40.
You can use this sample speech to create one of your own by amending it to include personal stories and writing from your heart. A thoughtful writer can quickly turn this special occasion expression into a speech given by a husband to a wife, a brother to a sister or a best friend to a best friend.
Robert Frost once said, "A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman's birthday but never remembers her age." Well, I am no diplomat! Welcome all, to Samantha's 40th Birthday Party! Her mother and I feel honored that you have come to share this day with us.
I remember
the day Samantha was born - she was as bald as I am now! In reality, she
was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. The moment I took her in
my arms, she looked into my eyes and wrapped her tiny fingers around one
of mine. That was the day I knew my life would never be the same.
Those baby and toddler years flew by. It was time for Samantha to start kindergarten before we knew it. She and I were driving home from her first day of school. We were talking about her likes and dislikes concerning her school, class, and teacher. She looked at me with those wide eyes and said "Dad, I like my teacher, but she is kind of old. She is like 40." Well, sweetie, I guess you are officially an old lady now!
She did have some sweet moments though. We enjoyed watching movies on the couch every Sunday night. She had to have the popcorn in her lap. Wrapped around her finger, you bet! She could swing at the playground for hours saying "daddy higher."
Our favorite time was reading a story at night. I can still remember her asking to read Owl at Home over and over until the book cover was worn thin. She has always loved reading and learning.
Oh boy, then the teen years hit hard! Friends, the phone, and dating become way more important to her than this old man!
I'm sure her first boyfriend was surprised to meet with my interrogation that first day he walked through the door. I guess I've always been a little bit overprotective.
Seriously though, even when Samantha was a teenager, she would make time for her family. Our trip to New York City for her 16th birthday will always be a good memory for me. She also made sure still to make school a priority.
At the beginning of each school year, we took a picture of Samantha before she left for her first day. Seeing each photo lined up still amazes me as I see how much she has grown and matured throughout those years.
To see her today, a teacher, wife, and mother of two, brings me the greatest joy! Happy Birthday, Samantha, to me you will always be my baby!
This example of a 40th birthday speech from a father to his daughter should make the birthday girl feel special and loved. Clearly, the type of feeling you want to convey will depend on the person for whom you are giving the speech. If you're writing a speech for your oldest and dearest friend, your presentation might contain more colorful and risque stories. If you're giving a 40th birthday speech for your boss, the tone of the speech will be completely different. Use your best judgment on whether the expression should be touching, funny or solemn! |