Chapter 18 Special- Occasion Speaking

Special-Occasion Speaking: Introduction Ever since Aristotle’s time people have used speeches to celebrate special-occasions. These speeches (aka epideictic rhetoric) praise, celebrate, memorialize, or otherwise commemorate special joyous or sad events. At some time in their lives, most people will be asked to deliver special-occasion remarks about a happy or sorrowful event.

Special-Occasion Speaking: An Overview When considering special occasion speaking, we will discuss: –Types of special-occasion speeches –Strategies for each type of special- occasion speech –General guidelines for special occasions

Types of special-occasion speeches: Speech of Introduction The brief “speech before the speech” –prepares audience for “main event by giving context for the upcoming speaker, performer, or event.

Strategies for each type of special- occasion speech: Introduction Specific tips on delivering speeches of introduction –Be patient. Audience members need time to shift focus away from their conversations or meals. –Use attention-getters (see Chapter 10). –Modulate your volume by beginning loudly at first, but lowering your voice as the room becomes quieter. –Be focused and brief, ensuring that your comments highlight the next event.

Strategies for each type of special- occasion speech: Introduction

Shift listeners' focus from interacting with each other to the upcoming event. Build anticipation for upcoming speaker, performance, or event. Introduce the upcoming speaker, performance, or event.

Types of special-occasion speeches: Speech of Presentation Explains background and significance of an award or honor before it is given

Strategies for each type of special- occasion speech: Speeches of Presentation Adopt the persona of a presenter by speaking respectfully and knowledgeably about the subject. Explain the significance and background of the award or honor. Connect the recipient’s background to the award’s criteria. Be sensitive to cultural differences.

Types of special-occasion speeches: Speech of Acceptance A speech of thanks and gratitude for an award by a recipient who acknowledges the award’s significance and the support of others.

Strategies for each type of special- occasion speech: Speeches of Acceptance Use appropriate volume and articulation. –intense emotions can cause voice to drop or break –take a moment or two to gather yourself before speaking Show genuine humility. –don't act surprised if you knew you would be receiving the award –express genuine gratitude for the honor and for the people who helped you achieve it Aim for a brief acceptance speech.

Strategies for each type of special- occasion speech: Speeches of Acceptance

Types of special-occasion speeches: Speech to Memorialize or Eulogize Honors the sacrifices and heroism of a group of people, often on a specific day (memorial) Celebrates the life of a deceased person and reflects on events in that person’s life (eulogy).

Strategies for each type of special- occasion speech: Speeches to Memorialize or Eulogize Review and celebrate the deceased person’s life while consoling listeners and facilitating their public grieving.

Strategies for each type of special- occasion speech: Speeches to Memorialize or Eulogize Specific tips for delivering eulogies –Focus on honoring the person’s life. Highlight accomplishments, relationships, and unique qualities. Tell stories familiar to the listeners to establish common ground. –Use humor judiciously to relieve the sorrow. –It’s okay to show your own emotions if they surface while you are speaking.

Strategies for each type of special- occasion speech: Speeches to Memorialize or Eulogize

Types of special-occasion speeches: Speech to Celebrate A toast or observance that mark an important event or a ritual such as: –A wedding –A graduation –A child’s birth –A retirement –A birthday

Strategies for each type of special- occasion speech: Speeches to Celebrate Explain the significance of the occasion, acknowledging the joy that everyone is feeling. Inspire the audience to participate in the celebration.

Strategies for each type of special- occasion speech: Speeches to Celebrate Tips for delivering speeches to celebrate –Aim for brevity. –Use humor appropriately, based on your audience analysis.

Types of special-occasion speeches: After Dinner Speech An entertaining, often humorous, speech that lightens the mood before an event that follows a formal dinner. They can follow or precede a meal.

Strategies for each type of special- occasion speech: After Dinner Speeches Humorous anecdotes or witty stories that connect the larger theme are better than jokes or one-liners. Captivating an audience after they have eaten and drank is difficult, so practice your storytelling and narrative delivery. Adapt your delivery to your listeners and the occasion so that what you say appears fresh and interesting.

Strategies for each type of special- occasion speech: After dinner speeches

General guidelines for special occasions: Appealing to your audience’s emotions Your audience may be primed with a specific emotional reaction to the special event. Your job as a speaker is to signal when that specific emotion should surface.

General guidelines for special occasions: Matching delivery to mood of occasion Match demeanor and words to the mood of the special-occasion. Ensure that what you say and how you say it is appropriate for the occasion.

General guidelines for special occasions: Adapting to your audience’s expectations Listeners’ backgrounds, cultural values, age, and beliefs affect how they perceive a special-occasion and what they expect from a special-occasion speech. Ensure that you are familiar with your audience’s characteristics and expectations.

General guidelines for special occasions: Evoking shared values Your speech should appeal to common values of the audience. Remind speakers that you and they are connected.

General guidelines for special occasions: Respect time constraints Find out: –when you are supposed to speak –amount of time you have Adhere to these logistics when delivering your speech, as most special- occasions are carefully planned events.

General Guidelines for Special Occasions

Tips for special-occasion speeches Tip: You may hear or deliver more than one type of special occasion speech at one event. For example, at the Academy Awards there is a speech of introduction, a presentation speech, and acceptance speeches. Tip: Be sure that your speech is appropriate to the audience and the occasion.

Tips for special-occasion speeches Tip: Be aware of the type of speech your audience will expect and follow the strategies suggested to tailor your speech effectively. Tip: Be sure to practice your speech so you are comfortable with it and can deliver it extemporaneously.

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