Speaking on Special Occasions
The Art of Public Speaking, 6th Ed
Chapter 17
Speeches for Special Occasions
• Given at weddings, funerals, award
presentations, dedications, retirements,
graduations, affairs of state
• Speeches help make occasions special
and memorable
• Primary goal neither to inform or persuade, but to meet needs of occasion
Kinds of Special
Occasion Speeches
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Speech of Introduction
Speech of Presentation
Acceptance Speech
Commemorative Speech
After-dinner Speech
Speech of Introduction:
GOALS
• Build enthusiasm for
upcoming speaker
• Generate interest in
speaker’s topic
• Establish welcoming climate that
will boost speaker’s credibility.
Speech of Introduction:
GUIDELINES
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Brief
Completely accurate
Adapt to occasion
Adapt to main speaker
Adapt to audience
Create anticipation and drama
Requirements: Introduction of
Persuasive Speaker Assignment
• Mention topic/title WITHOUT expressing your opinion.
• Explain why audience will be interested.
• Give personal information about
speaker and his/her credibility.
• Announce speaker’s name.
• Remain up front until speaker arrives.
Speech of Presentation
• Given when someone receives award
• Be brief
• Explain why recipient
is receiving award
• Discuss achievements in a way to
make them meaningful to audience.
• Praise other competitors too, if any.
Acceptance Speech
• Gives thanks for gift or award
• Should thank people bestowing it
• Should acknowledge people who
helped recipient win award
Commemorative Speech
• Address of praise or celebration
• Pays tribute to person, group of
people, institution, or idea
• Eulogies, July 4th, testimonial
addresses, dedications
• Purpose: to inspire audience,
heighten admiration for subject
Commemorative Speech, cont.
• Presents information about subject,
but different from informative speech:
– Informative sp. aims to communicate
information clearly & accurately, but…
– Commemorative aims to express
feelings and arouse sentiments
Commemorative Speech, cont
• Effectiveness depends above all on
creative & subtle use of language
– Eloquent language makes them
memorable
– Two guidelines
• Avoid clichés and trite sentiments
• Utilize stylistic devices (see ch. 11)
Video Clip Reagan Commemorative Challenger
Video Clip Reagan Commemorative Normandy
After-Dinner Speech
• General Purpose: to entertain
• Should
– Be light in tone
– NOT be too technical or argumentative
– Choose supporting materials for
entertainment value
– Be fun & imaginative
Video Clip-Barbara Bush Humor
Wellesley College, June 1, 1990
After-Dinner Speech, cont.
• Require careful preparation
– Organize around a central theme
– Practice for maximum audience
impact
• Usually utilize humor, but NOT
just a stand-up comic routine
• Some contain no humor, but deal
with topic & language creatively
Extemporaneous Style vs.
Manuscript Style Delivery
• Video Clip-Speaking
ExtemporaneouslyElizabeth Dole
• Video Clip-Speaking
from a ManuscriptAnn Richards
THE END