First of all, the question arises of who should give the speech. Normally, the hostess takes on this task but one or another of the close friends or relatives can do this, too. The mommy-to-be normally also gives a short speech of thanks for all the people that have given her something, too.
This type of speech is, mercifully, kept very short since the baby shower is not a formal occasion. The best thing to remember is that you shouldn't use words that you normally wouldn't use. You have to sound like yourself to feel comfortable and to let your emotions come across.
If you're the hostess, you know that you'll be asked to give a speech. It's best to write down a few thoughts of what you want to say in case your mind goes blank at that particular time. You could also make it an extemporaneous speech if you like. The main points that you have to put in your speech would be to thank everyone for coming, thank the people that helped you out, and say a few thoughts on how you felt when you heard the mommy-to-be was pregnant. You could also talk a little bit of an experience you both shared regarding children.
When you're the mommy-to-be giving your baby shower speech, a few words of thanks would be very appropriate. The guests should be thanked for their support and gifts, and the hostess(es) definitely deserve a few public words of thanks. You could share a little bit of how you are feeling, and maybe a hope or two you have for your baby.
A great and painless way to give a public speech is by borrowing a few words from a prominent author or poet. You could also use a quote or two on childhood or parenthood and base your speech on that. For example, you could use these words by Diane Loomans from “If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again:
“I came across these words from Diane Loomans and I hope I remember them well when the time comes to spend time with my baby:
“If I had my child to raise all over again,
“I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
“I'd finger-paint more and point the finger less.
“I would do less correcting and more connecting.
“I'd take my eyes off my watch and watch with my eyes.
“I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
“I'd stop playing serious and seriously play
“I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
“I'd do more hugging and less tugging.”
“I hope I can be this type of parent and I think I can rely
on all of you to remind me! Thank you, everyone, for all the care
that you've shown towards our family today. It's appreciated more
than you'll all ever know.”