Speaking on Special Occasions The Art of Public Speaking Chapter 18

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 per-suade, but to meet needs of occasion

Kinds of Special Occasion Speeches Speech of Introduction Speech of Presentation Speech of Acceptance Commemorative 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 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 expres-sing 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 Video Clip Reagan Commemorative Challenger Video Clip Reagan Commemorative Normandy

Extemporaneous Style vs. Manuscript Style Delivery Video Clip-Speaking Extemporaneously-Elizabeth Dole Video Clip-Speaking from a Manuscript-Ann Richards