Require the speaker to fulfill specific functions of the occasion/event Can be either informative or persuasive
Entertain Celebrate Commemorate Inspire Agenda-setting
Celebrate the life of a person Recall an event of significance Commemorate a cause (Speech given to honor someone)
Often emotional and personal Not Eulogies Language is illustrative Language is evocative Does more than “saying” (descriptive) Universal themes Personalized with narratives Allows audience appreciate honoree
Identify who you are commemorating (one person) Determine what qualities are special/unique State elements to audience Identify and describe these vividly Note obstacles and triumphs Personalize with stories Be truthful, genuine, & express sincere appreciation