BASIC STRUCTURE OF SPECIAL OCCASION SPEECHES:
Introducing a speaker:
 Welcome audience to your program
 Be factual and detailed about his/her background
 Don’t be excessive with praise
 Discuss how his/her background relates to the audience
 Discuss how the speaker’s topic relates to the audience
 Formally introduce the speaker/welcome him/her to podium
Speech presenting an award:
 Welcome audience to your program
 Describe the award and what attributes it recognizes
 Read any engraved messages on the award
 Describe in detail with examples how the recipient reflects those attributes
 Announce the winner/welcome him/her to the stage
Speech to commemorate a person:
 Welcome the audience to event (may vary according to the
circumstances)
 Intro: include an AGD, a brief overall description of the person (tailor it
to the event) and list 3 attributes you are recognizing
 Focus then on each of the 3 attributes: give several SPECIFIC
EXAMPLES of each
 Close with the appropriate recognition of person dependent on the event.
Speech to deliver at Commencement:
 Start with an AGD, then give appropriate “opening” remarks
 Discuss the accomplishments of the graduating class:
 sports teams
 drama, music, etc
 academic - (can include college stats: where they will attend)
 Discuss contributions of those who helped the graduates:
 parents, family
 teachers/administration/counselors
 coaches
 others
 BE SPECIFIC – GIVE EXAMPLES OF WHAT THEY DID
 Discuss challenges ahead: THIS IS THE BULK OF THIS SPEECH;
SPEND MOST OF YOUR TIME HERE.
 Close with appropriate wishes to class
Speech to deliver at graduation party:
 Same as commemoration speech but to a close friend/friends
 More informal than commemoration speech
 BE SPECIFIC: TELL STORIES, ENTERTAIN AS WELL