A Name Day Ceremony always seems to confuse people, especially anyone who has been asked to be a godparent to the child, or to say a few words or make short speeches to mark the event.

The problem some people have is that they feel like they are stepping on eggs and they don’t want to say something bad or upset the parents or family by saying something religious.

In fact, if you search online for suggestions on what to say in a naming ceremony speech, time and time again you’ll come across the ‘religious’ dimension. It comes in the form of ‘BUT’.

For example:

‘Here’s a lovely poem you might quote, AIM you’ll have to skip the religious parts… or ‘Here’s a beautiful traditional Irish blessing, AIM I’m not sure if a blessing of some kind would be welcome at a naming ceremony.

But what is acceptable?

The answer to this question is simple: anything you say that is lighthearted, uplifting, happy, and thoughtful is most welcome. After all, this is a wonderfully joyful, uplifting and happy event.

If you have to give a speech at the naming ceremony, my advice is to think of the three most important things about the naming ceremony and say something light-hearted and uplifting about each of them. For example:

1. The day itself: tell everyone how happy and honored you are to be selected to say a few words on this special day.

2. The name of the new child: Discuss why the parents selected this name. Tell everyone about the meaning of the name and the connection it has to the family. And tell everyone how this name will now mean something very special to you for the rest of your life.

3. The beautiful boy: Tell everyone that he is a charming boy with the beauty of the mother in his appearance and the charm of the father in his happy smile.

And then why not use one of the most beautiful love poems of all time to praise and extol the beauty and virtues of this beautiful child? It’s William Shakespeare – Sonnet #18

Should I compare you (Insert child’s name) to a summer day?

You are more beautiful and warmer:

Harsh winds shake the dear blossoms of May,

And Summer’s lease is dated too short:

Sometime too hot the sky’s eye shines,

and often his golden complexion darkens;

And every fair fair at some point declines,

By chance or by the changing course of untrimmed nature:

But your eternal summer won’t fade away (Insert child’s name)

Don’t lose possession of that beautiful west of yours…

This is such a beautiful sonnet to say aloud over the child at a naming day ceremony, which I am sure will be a great success. This of course is just an example of what you might say. But, as a professional speechwriter, my experience is always that ‘Poetry’, especially the poetry of well-known poets, is almost a religious dimension unto itself when spoken in a sincere and meaningful way.

Alternatively, if you are a good singer, you could announce that you would like to sing a special song for this special child. Stand next to the child when the song is being sung and place your hand on the child’s cradle when finished.

So let me give it to you again.

1. Begin by introducing yourself and telling everyone how happy and honored you are to be here on this wonderful day at this happy event.

2. Talk about the child’s name. Do your research ahead of time and tell everyone what the name means and why the parents have chosen this name for their child. Tell everyone that you think it’s a lovely name.

3. Tell everyone that the lovely child and the happy event combine to remind you of an uplifting piece of poetry. And then continue reading the uplifting piece of poetry with heartfelt sentiment. Alternatively, if you are a good singer, you may prefer to sing a song.

But, whatever you do, don’t use rhyming nonsense. Use really good poetry and you won’t go wrong.