A SPEAKER’S GUIDEBOOK
4TH EDITION
CHAPTER 27
Special Occasion Speeches
Functions of Special Occasion Speeches
Entertainment
 Celebration
 Commemoration
 Inspiration
 Social agenda-setting
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Types of Special Occasion Speeches
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Speeches of Introduction
Speeches of Acceptance
Speeches of Presentation
Roasts and Toasts
Eulogies and Tributes
After Dinner Speeches
Speeches of Inspiration
Speeches of Introduction
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Prepare the audience for the occasion
Motivate audience to listen to the speaker
Contains these elements:
 Describes
the speaker’s background
 Briefly previews the speaker’s topic
 Establishes the credibility of the speaker for the occasion
 Requests the audience to welcome the speaker
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Should be acknowledged by the person being
introduced
Guidelines for Introducing Others
1.
2.
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6.
7.
Demonstrate why the speaker is credible or
relevant for the occasion.
Identify the speaker’s title correctly.
Pronounce the speaker’s name correctly.
Contact the speaker in advance to verify personal
details you plan to reveal to the audience.
Mention a few important accomplishments.
Capture the audience’s attention.
Be brief.
Question
When introducing another speaker, you
should ___.
A. Speak for a long time.
B. Outline the speaker’s message in detail.
C. Use personal info gained from rumors.
D. Not mention the speaker’s title at all.
E. Pronounce the speaker’s name correctly.
Speeches of Acceptance
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Are made in response to receiving an
award
Express gratitude toward the giver
Should be prepared in advance if you
know you will, or suspect you may,
receive the award
Should be sincere and humble
Express gratitude toward those who
helped you reach the goals for which
you are being honored
Eulogies and Other Tributes
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A eulogy is usually delivered to commemorate a deceased
friend or family member.
The audience looks to the speaker to see how to deal with
the loss, so contain emotions and speak clearly.
The main purpose of a funeral is to refer to the family of
the deceased and help bring them closure.
The secondary purpose is to focus
on the life of the deceased,
not death.
Mention positive traits about the
person, but be sincere.
Roasts and Toasts
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Both are tributes to a person that celebrate and
recognize his/her achievements.
A roast is a humorous tribute where a series of
speakers poke fun or tell embarrassing stories
about the person being roasted.
A toast is a serious and brief tribute to honor the
person with sincerity.
Consider the personality of the recipient before
planning a roast or toast.
After Dinner & Social Agenda-Setting
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Speeches may occur at any type of
meal or celebration, not just dinner.
Recognize each occasion by not
using a canned speech that may fit
many other events.
Avoid telling jokes with no purpose
or meaning to the event.
Agenda-setting recalls the mission of
the organization in an entertaining
way.
Speeches of Inspiration & Sermons
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Uplift the audience and touch on deep feelings
Use real-life stories and examples to inspire and set
an example for future behavior
Are dynamic and charismatic in delivery style
Follow a distinctive organizational device; such as
an acronym related to, or motto of, the group
Question
Which type of special occasion speech recognizes the
importance of an organization?
A. Tribute
B. Roast
C. Social agenda-setting
D. Eulogy
E. Award presentation
Question
Which type of special occasion speech uses humor to
recognize the accomplishments of an individual?
A. Tribute
B. Roast
C. Social agenda-setting
D. Eulogy
E. Award presentation
Chapter 27 Key Terms for Review
special occasion speech
speech of introduction
speech of acceptance
speech of presentation
roast
toast
eulogy
after-dinner speech
canned speeches
social agenda–setting
sermons
speech of inspiration