Chapter 16
“Speaking for a Special
Occasion”
What are Special Occasions?
Special occasions include weddings, funerals, dedications, award ceremonies, retirement
dinners, and the like. Nearly always they are
occasions for speechmaking. In this chapter we will learn about speeches of introduction,
speeches of presentation, speeches of
acceptance, commemorative speeches, and
after-dinner speeches.
Chapter 16 Objectives
1. Choose & limit a topic, identify purpose, think about an appropriate tone, gather information, and prepare to deliver a special occasion speech
2. Adapt a special occasion speech to an audience
3. Evaluate a special occasion speech
4. Plan and deliver – graduation speech, speech of introduction, speech of presentation, speech of acceptance, commemorative speech, and “after dinner” speech
5. Recognize the rules for extemporaneous and impromptu speeches in a competition
What is a Special Occasion Speech?
We discussed the PURPOSE of speeches in Oral Comm. I –
Inform
Persuade
Entertain
Special Occasion type of speeches –
Sets the tone
Determines the content
These occasions are “rituals” in our society that promote group bonding/social cohesion
Planning Special Occasion Speeches
These are NOT impromptu speeches (like asking the brother of the groom to get up at the wedding and “say some words”)
You get to focus on something very specific which allows you to limit your topic
IDENTIFY YOUR PURPOSE - Helps you decide on the tone and content
WHAT DOES THE OCCASION REQUIRE? What kind of speech is this?
WHAT DOES THE AUDIENCE EXPECT? What format makes the most sense for this occasion?
THINK ABOUT TONE: The content determines the TONE - the feeling a speaker reveals or conveys about his/her topic. What language do you use? Humor OK?
TONE How Tone is Achieved
Formal Tone:
Graduation speech Speech of Introduction Awards
Honoring a Person/Place/Event
• Complete sentences
• An appropriate amount of humor
• No slang or idioms
• Serious ideas
• Often impersonal but can include personal reflections
• Serious attention to the structure of speech Informal Tone:
After dinner speech
Entertainment speeches
• OK to use slang to some degree, idioms, contractions
• Humorous anecdotes
• Other humorous but appropriate comments
• A few sentence fragments
• Often personal, can talk about self
• Structure is not as important, depending on occasion and expectations of group
Planning for Special Occasion Speeches Continued…
GATHERING INFORMATION –
Much of what you need is in your head for these speeches, but some require you to do your research (Speeches of Introduction, Speeches of Presentation, Graduation)
NO matter how brief all speeches must have 3 parts (Introduction/Body/Conclusion)
Idea Starters: Interesting facts, quotations, anecdotes, humorous incidents, personal experiences, personal opinions, beliefs, hopes, wishes,
audiovisuals (photos, music, etc.)
Talk to people: Ask other people to help fill in details
Preparing Your Special Occasion Speech
So far you have…
Identified the purpose
Know who your audience is going to be and what they expect to hear (somewhat)
Have made some notes about what might
be in your speech
Preparing Your Special Occasion Speech
ADAPTING YOUR SPEECH TO YOUR AUDIENCE –
Attention Span: How long is speech? Does the audience want to be there? Are they there by choice?
Keep attention by using the tips we learned about last semester
Voice, volume, dynamics, purposeful pauses
Knowledge, Needs, and Interests – Make each audience member feel as if you are speaking directly to them by including specifics
Specific examples, anecdotes they can relate to, suggestions they can use
Expectations – The audience know what may be said or the tone, the language you would use
1. Each special occasion speech has a specific set of expectation and suggestions on developing it
2. Listen to examples of other people’s speeches for similar occasions
3. Ask for advice from the people involved in the special occasion
Delivering Your Special Occasion Speech
More than any other types of speeches we have learned about or performed in our class during 1st semester, your DELIVERY of a special occasion speech must be
1,000% more sincere than any other type of speech
100% more eye contact than ever – keep those eyes on the people!
Occasional glances at your notes – but the EYES tell the whole story about why you are there.
Your entire body should reflect an EXCITEMENT AND ENTHUSIASM
Your voice must fluctuate with a variety in volume, tone, and emphasis
REHEARSE, REHEARSE, REHEARSE!
Graduation Speeches
When you make a graduation, your job is to express gratitude for your years in the high
school, the teachers, & your experiences. You relay a positive message as you are nostalgic, recalling brief anecdotes, and offer optimistic &
inspirational advice. Your audience will expect
a formal and dignified tone with some humor.
Graduation Speeches
A graduation speech is a formal address made at a commencement ceremony in honor of the occasion.
One of several at a commencement made by students, administrators, other featured speakers
After speeches, students receive diplomas
AUDIENCE – students, family, friends, teachers who are excited, proud, positive but likely restless and eager. Stick to the points and keep talking time to approximately 10 to 20 minutes. However, refer to what your
adviser has told you for your time length.
Graduation Speeches
Content & Tone –
Tell brief anecdotes, not long stories
Include some humor, but avoid silliness & disrespect
Evaluate the school experience without slapstick or anger
Include expected topics: congratulating graduates, acknowledging teachers, looking back, looking ahead
Offer optimistic & inspirational advice
Use formal & dignified language
West Hall High School Graduation Speech
Speeches of Introduction
When you make a speech of introduction, your job is to build enthusiasm for the main speaker and to establish a welcoming climate that will boost his or her credibility and confidence.
Keep your remarks brief, make sure they are
completely accurate, and adapt them to the
audience, the occasion, and the main speaker.
Speeches of Introduction
A speech of introduction is a formal speech for the
purpose of gaining the audience’s attention and setting the stage for the speaker or program that follows.
PURPOSES –
Inform audience about the speaker & topic to make them interested and curious
the speaker is worth listening to
Make the speaker feel welcome
Speeches of Introduction
AUDIENCE –
Wide range of attention spans
Keep it very brief! No longer than 2 minutes
CONTENT & TONE – Who is the speaker? What will the speaker talk about? Why should I listen?
Make your speech brief
Pronounce the speaker’s name and official title correctly
Use the title the speaker wants you to use – Dr. Janice Goodstein, Professor of Anthropology at UC Berkeley, Dr. William Foster
Include accurate facts about the speaker’s qualifications & experience, but avoid too many details and too much personal information
Adopt and formal, respectful tone
End your introduction with a formal welcome and the name of the speaker “I’d like to welcome Dr. Janice Goodstein to our psychology club meeting
Speeches of Introduction
Jim Carrey speaks at MUM Graduation
Ellen DeGeneres speaks at Tulane
Steve Jobs speaks at Stanford
How about Speeches of Presentation?
Speeches of presentation are given when someone is
publicly receiving a gift or an award. The main theme of such a speech is to acknowledge the achievements of the recipient. The purpose of an acceptance speech is to give thanks for a gift or an award. When delivering such a speech, you should thank the people who are
bestowing the award and recognize the contributions of
people who helped you gain it. Be brief, humble, and
gracious.
Speeches of Presentation
A speech of presentation is given to present an honor, award, or gift and to honor the person being recognized.
AUDIENCE –
Usually people who know and care about the person receiving the award – friends, family, colleagues
Interested in hearing about the person’s accomplishments
Eager to see the person receive the award or gift
Excited audience expects a very brief presentation – 5 minutes or LESS
Billy Crystal & Robin Williams Presenting the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film 2004
Speeches of Introduction
CONTENT & TONE –
Explain why award or gift is given, who gives the award, & how the person’s qualities or achievements led to the honor
Tell a brief anecdote to illustrate the recipient’s actions or personal qualities
Read aloud the inscription on a plaque or trophy to satisfy the audience’s curiosity
Adopt respectful tone but also consider using a warm and personal tone,
depending on the award itself and on how well you & the audience know the recipient
What is the purpose of Acceptance Speeches?
Acceptance speeches are speeches are speeches to
acknowledge the people who have given the award or gift.
Your aim in such a speech is to be gracious and humble as
your accept the gift with a sense of pride and honor. Your
audience expects you to express a sincere message with a
personal and warm tone.
Acceptance Speeches
A speech of acceptance is one given by a person who has received an honor, an award, or a gift.
AUDIENCE –
Like the speech of presentation, usually people who know recipient – friends, family members, & colleagues
Interested in speaker’s thank-you remarks
Keep length brief 2-3 minutes
Leonardo DiCaprio wins his 1st Oscar
Acceptance Speeches
CONTENT & TONE –
Convey a simple, direct thank you
Include a brief anecdote to entertain listeners & strengthen connection with audience
Mention what you think the honor might mean to you in the future
Accept with a sense of pride & honor, not false modesty &
embarrassment
Adopt a warm, personal tone
What is the purpose of Commemorative Speeches?
Commemorative speeches are speeches of praise or
celebration. Your aim in such a speech is to pay tribute to a person, a group of people, an event, an institution, or an idea.
When making a commemorative speech you want to inspire your audience—to arouse and heighten their appreciation of
and admiration for the subject. Your success will depend largely on how well you put into language the thoughts and feelings
appropriate to the occasion.
Commemorative Speeches
A commemorative speech is given to mark an important event or to honor a person.
A commemorative speech that honors a living person is called a testimonial speech.
A commemorative speech that honors a person who has died recently is called a eulogy.
AUDIENCE –
Has a vital interest in the event or the person being honored
Audience wants to hear the speaker
Still be brief – may be other speakers; depends on the occasion
Commemorative Speeches
CONTENT & TONE –
These occasions range in tone from joyful to sad
Discuss the significance of the event or person being honored
Include brief anecdotes to illustrate your points: Eulogy – light anecdotes to illustrate the person’s best qualities
Include details & ideas that honor the person or the event
Adopt a respectful tone. Depending on the specific occasion – adopt a warm &
personal tone. Avoid slang & informal language
What do we do After Dinner?
After-dinner speeches are best thought of as a kind of speech to entertain, and they usually have a lighter tone than
informative or persuasive speeches. Neither technical nor argumentative, they seek to stimulate the imagination by approaching the topic in a novel or unexpected way.
Although humor can be an important part of after-dinner
speeches, it is not essential. If you do use humor, it should grow
naturally out of the speech materials and provide insight into
the topic.
After-Dinner Speeches
An “after-dinner” speech is the featured entertainment at a meeting or at a special occasion, such as an awards banquet.
AUDIENCE –
May know each other & share a common experience or interest
Been sitting and eating
May sit patiently for a while but may become restless before long
Purpose is primarily to entertain but still brief 5 to 10 minutes
After-Dinner Speeches
CONTENT & TONE –
Choose topics of entertainment that relate and appeal to your audience’s interests & concerns
Include an introduction that captures your audience’s interest &
communicates that your speech is intended to be amusing
In the body use a series of brief stories & examples related to your topic
Convey a light & amusing tone by using somewhat informal language
