Tribute/Commemorative:
Speech
What are Tribute Speeches
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Tribute Speech: a speech that pays tribute to a
person, a group of people, an institution, or an
idea
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It will show your respect,
admiration, or thanks
to a person
Where Do You Find Them?
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Funerals
Weddings
Dedications
Fourth of July celebrations
Memorial Services
Anniversaries
Reunions
Award Ceremonies
Retirements
Examples
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS3DhzzTN-o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNLKPaThYkE
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/nelsonmandela/10508332/Barack-Obamas-moving-tribute-toNelson-Mandela.html
What’s Included in a Tribute Speech?
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Admiration and Respect
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A focus on positive qualities:
–
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For example: perseverance, dedication, humility,
compassion, honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty,
sacrifice, service, kindness, humor ...
Highlighting
accomplishments
and the difficulties
overcome to achieve
them
What’s Included in a Tribute Speech?
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A reflection on the positive impact and
contribution of the person on the lives
of others
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Grateful acknowledgment of what we
can learn from their example
to take into the future
Who Can I Pick?
Musicians/Bands
Professional
Athletes
Historical Figures/
Leaders
Artists/Writers/
Entertainers
Innovators/Inventors
Purpose
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The purpose is not to inform your listeners, but to inspire
them
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Heighten their appreciation or admiration
for the person you are praising
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Don’t just tell the details of the person’s life
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Get to the heart of your subject
and create a deep sense of
respect in your audience
Emotion
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You want to express feelings and stir up an
emotional response
Importance of Language
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It’s important to your thoughts and emotions
into words which are appropriate for the
occasion
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Don’t use clichés
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Use original language to give your speech
dignity, meaning, and honest emotion
Eliminate Clutter
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Keep your language lively
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Don’t use several words where one or two
will do
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Do not use repetitive adjectives
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Example: She is smart and intelligent
Imagery
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Imagery: the use of vivid language to create
mental images of objects, actions, or ideas
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Create word pictures that let you “see” the
haunted house or “hear” the birds chirping or
“taste” the hot chocolate
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Vivid images pull listeners into the speech
Outlining Your
Tribute Speech
Tribute Speech
Introduction
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Attention Grabber: Begin your
tribute speech with a statement
that grabs the audience’s attention
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This could be a quote from a
famous author, or a bold statement
that expresses what the person
you’re writing the speech about
means to you
Background Information
THIS SHOULD BE SHORT – Just a few basic pieces of
information explaining why this person would be worthy of tribute
 Write down the major facts
–
Is the subject well known or famous?
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Because of what?
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What are credible examples of the major accomplishments?
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Can you mention some valuable community activities,
contributions in professional life that are or were important for
the honoree.
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Can you refer to any professional accomplishments?
The Why!
This is why you chose this person. Tell
about your relationship with this
individual or what this individual means
to you.
This is one part of the heart of the
speech. Tell about what this person
means to you and the world and how
important their impact has been!
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The Why Cont’d
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What are the unique and great qualities of the subject and what do
they mean to you
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Tell a story or refer to an incident that gives more insight in the
personality and character of the person
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Examples of their virtues
–
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Example: tribute speech topics about courage, compassion, kindness,
great defender of family values.
How did the subject cope with it difficult situations? Give an example
that everyone can recognize
Impact
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What has been learned as a result of their
influence?
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In what ways do they or have they inspired
you?
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What will you and others value and carry forward as
a legacy to the person’s life?** Answer this in
your final statement
This is the other part of the heart!!!
SPEECH Requirements
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Speech needs to be no more than 5 minutes long but not less than 2.5
I will be grading your speech on
– Completeness (did you include all the part required (intro,
background, why, impact, final statement)
– Verbal Communication: Using Appropriate formal or informal
language, Not just informing but inspiring, not using repetitive
words
– Non-Verbal Communication: Eye Contact, Gestures and Facial
expression showing that you are proud of the person or thing you
are paying tribute to
– Completed Outline (this must be submitted before you record your
speech)
DUE DATES
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Topic Selection: You must comment on our site and tell me who
or what you are paying tribute to by tomorrow (Friday
September 19th)
You must read the pp, watch the videos, and complete the
outline by Wedenesday (September 24th)
You must record your speech and submit it to me by the
following Monday (September 29th)
Rock it Out!!!