Public speaking—especially in formal settings like official events, academic ceremonies, and government functions—demands clarity, correctness, and professionalism. Unfortunately, phrases like “Standing on all existing protocols” and “All protocols duly observed” are commonly used across Africa and other post-colonial regions, particularly by MCs, clergy, and public officials. While they may seem respectful, they are not correct in standard English usage and are not recognized in formal international communication.
Let’s explore why these expressions should be dropped—and what to say instead.
❌ PHRASE 1: “STANDING ON ALL EXISTING PROTOCOLS”
This phrase is meant to save time by skipping the full list of names or titles of dignitaries present. But despite the intention, the phrase is wrong—grammatically and logically.
Why it’s incorrect:
🔴 “Standing on” is a misuse of the verb.
You don’t stand on protocols—neither physically nor metaphorically. It’s a mistranslation of a cultural intent to show respect.
🔴 “All existing protocols” is vague.
Protocols refer to procedures or formal courtesies, not people. Saying you’re “standing on” them doesn’t convey any real meaning in English.
🔴 It’s not recognised in any formal English register.
It’s a localized cliché, not international or standard usage.
🔴 It’s rooted in the imitation of colonial ceremonial habits, but with an incorrect syntax that’s been passed down over time without correction.
🔴 It lacks clarity and could leave a foreign audience confused or unimpressed.
Wrong Example:
> “Standing on all existing protocols, I greet you all.” ❌
Better Alternative:
“I respectfully greet all dignitaries and guests present.” ✅
❌ PHRASE 2: “ALL PROTOCOLS DULY OBSERVED”
At first glance, this sounds formal and polished. But it’s still problematic.
Why it’s incorrect:
🔴 It’s a sentence fragment.
There is no subject and no complete verb, so it doesn’t qualify as a proper sentence.
🔴 It’s vague and overused.
It communicates very little and sounds like a placeholder instead of genuine respect.
🔴 It’s not used in standard British or international English.
Watch speeches by world leaders or UN officials—you’ll almost never hear this phrase used.
🔴 It assumes the audience understands what “protocols” refers to.
But “protocols” are not people—they are formal procedures or hierarchies.
Wrong Example:
> “All protocols duly observed…” ❌
Better Alternative:
“May I extend my warm greetings to all dignitaries and esteemed guests.” ✅
✅ BETTER WAYS TO GREET A DIGNIFIED AUDIENCE
Here are respectful, polished, and grammatically correct alternatives that maintain decorum while sounding natural and professional:
📌 “I respectfully acknowledge all dignitaries present.”
📌 “Permit me to honour and greet all esteemed guests and participants.”
📌 “I recognize the presence of distinguished personalities and warmly welcome you.”
📌 “It is a privilege to address such a distinguished gathering today.”
📌 “With sincere respect to everyone present, I offer my greetings.”
📌 “Allow me to extend my heartfelt greetings to all in attendance.”
📌 “I acknowledge the presence of our respected leaders, officials, and guests.”
📌 “I am honoured to be speaking before such an illustrious audience.”
📌 “Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen—I salute you all.”
🧠 PRO TIP FOR PUBLIC SPEAKERS
To sound and act professionally, take time to research the names, titles, and hierarchy of key dignitaries. If possible, mention them specifically:
📍 “Your Excellency, the Governor of [State]…”
📍 “The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. [Name]…”
📍 “Distinguished Members of the House…”
📍 “Heads of Departments, Ladies and Gentlemen…”
Even if you don’t mention everyone by name, you can still use inclusive, respectful language that reflects intelligence and professionalism.
🎓 FINAL THOUGHT: DITCH THE CLICHÉS, SPEAK WITH CLARITY
Using expressions like “Standing on all protocols” or “All protocols duly observed” might sound respectful within some local contexts, but they are not standard, not logical, and not professional in formal English.
True professionalism in speech comes not from mimicking clichés, but from clear, meaningful, and grammatically correct communication.
📣 Say what you mean.
📣 Mean what you say.
📣 Speak with confidence, clarity, and courtesy.
Upgrade your speech. Respectfully. Professionally. Powerfully.
By Mr. Tope Daramola, (Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer) Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB)
