Speeches to Entertain Part ONE

Speeches to Entertain Designed to be entertaining and ceremonial Entertaining doesn’t mean it’s humorous Make the audience feel an emotion or have an emotional connection LIFE: club meetings, dinners, parties, graduations, awards ceremonies, holiday, ribbon cuttings, etc. Most common: Introductory Speech, Master of Ceremonies, Toasts Key element in public and personal life

Characteristics Usually much shorter than informative or persuasive speeches More personal Creative use of language (figurative language) Must play to the audience Audience, Occasion, Purpose

Develop a Clear Theme Main purpose is to entertain Optimistic Uncomplicated Anecdotes Have one serious idea Too much fluff Anchors the theme

Point and Proof Method Your speech is made up of a central idea supported by a series of examples, anecdotes, or amusing stories Makes it easy for your audience to remember 1. Open with an anecdote 2. Explain the point of the anecdote 3. Illustrate your point with additional anecdotes 4. Close by restating your central point and a last story

Gathering Material Supporting material adds glitter to a solid frame! Anecdotes, details, examples, jokes, current events, pop culture, etc. Brainstorming What do you share with the audience or guest of honor? Common events or experiences Your own experiences (wedding, awards, etc.)

You-Attitude “You Attitude” means look at events from the audience’s perspective What would you like to hear? What would you not want to hear? Don’t make the speech about you! Focus on the theme

Emotional Appeal (Pathos!) Audiences identify with emotion Common emotion creates unity Make it short and sweet

Specific Entertaining Speeches Part TWO

Introducing a Speaker 2-3 minutes DO: Title of the speech that the speaker will give Why the speaker is qualified to speak on the topic The speaker’s name (multiple times) DON’T: Summarize the speaker’s presentation Improve – be prepared! Apologize for the room, audience, speaker, etc. Embarrass the speaker

Commencement -- Graduation Speech minutes DO: Keep the good mood! Be memorable Thank the superintendent, principal, parents, etc. DON’T: Go too long – Graduation is long enough! Get too specific with issues Inside jokes

Presenting an Award 2-3 minutes DO: Keep it factual and straightforward Explain the award Congratulate the honoree Shake hands to present award DON’T: Pretend you know the honoree Get distracted while holding the award

Keynote Speech – entire convention is based around speech minutes (or longer) DO: Consider the mood of the convention Remember that people usually paid to listen Be original DON’T: Be egotistical

Toast – drink in honor of someone 1-2 minutes DO: Make general statement about the theme of gathering Invite the guests to join in a toast DON’T: Go too long – multiple toasts Inside jokes

Wedding Toasts 1. Thank the couple 2. Praise the couple 3. Have a theme or main idea (loyalty, friendship, etc.) 4. Illustrate the theme 5. Wish the couple well in their new life together DON’T: Be offensive Poke fun at the new spouse Make it about you

Your Turn! Try writing your own Special Occasion Speech to entertain! 1-3 minutes Identify: 1. Occasion (Brother’s wedding) 2. Audience (200 people, mix of intimate friends and family) 3. Environment (large banquet hall) Point and Proof Method or try a specific SOS format If needed, pretend – Make up an event