Special Occasion Speaking
Special Occasion Speaking
• Special occasions are
very important to the
people who take part
in them, and they are
also nearly always
occasion for
speechmaking.
• Speeches for special
occasions are
ritualized-structured
in patterns
standardized by a
group; the emphasis
is on ritualized
tradition rather than
revolutionary change.
Special Occasion Speaking
• Very memorable; tie us to specific
occasion
• Speeches are closely focused on a person,
event, or object.
Common features
• Association with a particular context of people,
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location, and ideas
The occasion gives rise to the message
Words themselves perform function (help deal
with grief)
Logical Content of words usually counts for less
than their emotional force.
Therapeutic aspect of words- help people
understand and cope with change
Speech to Present Gift or Award
• Be brief but memorable
• Overall goal is to give fair tribute (to a person,
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event)
Informative, explain the nature of award,
describe why the person deserves it
If interesting, mention history of award
Criteria for award
Give merit to the donor
When giving the award, call the recipient in
short sentence, be friendly and dignified
Talk about how you know the recipient
Praise any sacrifice by the recipient
Cite qualities that make the recipient uniquely
valued
Speech to Accept Gift or Award
• Most people find it easier to give praise than to
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accept it.
Accept award and give thanks to donors
Give appropriate thanks and recognition to those
who have contributed to your success
Be brief
Mention what the award means to you
Express affection for organization
Recognize competitors
Let your personality shine through
Possibly a touch of humor
Eulogy/Speech of Tribute
• Pay special honor to significant people, living or
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dead
Structure speech around the character of the
person
Talk about how this person affected others
Mat connect the person to a value, then focus
on it
Admit pain of loss
Emphasize person’s value
Remember person’s kindness
Possible speak directly to deceased person
Eulogy/Speech of Tribute
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Reminisce about early years
Share an anecdote (choose a story)
Quote the deceased
Give audience a chance to smile
Humanize the person receiving tribute
Avoid excessive praise- may be taken as
sarcasm
Express personal feelings, but don’t center
speech around them
Toasts
• You never know when you’ll be asked to give
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one…no easy way out of it.
Define marriage
Wish bride and groom health, happiness and
prosperity
With them a smooth life
Wish everyone joy
Toast both sets of parents
Pay attention to previous toasts
Use quotes
Don’t apologize or give disclaimers