Tribute/Commemorative: Speech

What are Tribute Speeches Tribute Speech: a speech that pays tribute to a person, a group of people, an institution, or an idea It will show your respect, admiration, or thanks to a person

Where Do You Find Them? Funerals Weddings Dedications Fourth of July celebrations Memorial Services Anniversaries Reunions Award Ceremonies Retirements

Examples mandela/ /Barack-Obamas-moving-tribute-to- Nelson-Mandela.html

What’s Included in a Tribute Speech? Admiration and Respect A focus on positive qualities: – For example: perseverance, dedication, humility, compassion, honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty, sacrifice, service, kindness, humor... Highlighting accomplishments and the difficulties overcome to achieve them

What’s Included in a Tribute Speech? A reflection on the positive impact and contribution of the person on the lives of others Grateful acknowledgment of what we can learn from their example to take into the future

Who Can I Pick?

Musicians/Bands

Professional Athletes

Historical Figures/ Leaders

Artists/Writers/ Entertainers

Innovators/Inventors

Purpose The purpose is not to inform your listeners, but to inspire them Heighten their appreciation or admiration for the person you are praising Don’t just tell the details of the person’s life Get to the heart of your subject and create a deep sense of respect in your audience

Emotion You want to express feelings and stir up an emotional response

Importance of Language It’s important to your thoughts and emotions into words which are appropriate for the occasion Don’t use clichés Use original language to give your speech dignity, meaning, and honest emotion

Eliminate Clutter Keep your language lively Don’t use several words where one or two will do Do not use repetitive adjectives – Example: She is smart and intelligent

Imagery Imagery: the use of vivid language to create mental images of objects, actions, or ideas Create word pictures that let you “see” the haunted house or “hear” the birds chirping or “taste” the hot chocolate Vivid images pull listeners into the speech

Tribute Speech Outlining Your Tribute Speech

Introduction Attention Grabber: Begin your tribute speech with a statement that grabs the audience’s attention This could be a quote from a famous author, or a bold statement that expresses what the person you’re writing the speech about means to you

Background Information THIS SHOULD BE SHORT – Just a few basic pieces of information explaining why this person would be worthy of tribute Write down the major facts – Is the subject well known or famous? Because of what? What are credible examples of the major accomplishments? Can you mention some valuable community activities, contributions in professional life that are or were important for the honoree. Can you refer to any professional accomplishments?

The Why! This is why you chose this person. Tell about your relationship with this individual or what this individual means to you. This is one part of the heart of the speech. Tell about what this person means to you and the world and how important their impact has been!

The Why Cont’d What are the unique and great qualities of the subject and what do they mean to you Tell a story or refer to an incident that gives more insight in the personality and character of the person Examples of their virtues – Example: tribute speech topics about courage, compassion, kindness, great defender of family values. How did the subject cope with it difficult situations? Give an example that everyone can recognize

Impact What has been learned as a result of their influence? In what ways do they or have they inspired you? What will you and others value and carry forward as a legacy to the person’s life?** Answer this in your final statement This is the other part of the heart!!!

SPEECH Requirements Speech needs to be no more than 5 minutes long but not less than 2.5 I will be grading your speech on – Completeness (did you include all the part required (intro, background, why, impact, final statement) – Verbal Communication: Using Appropriate formal or informal language, Not just informing but inspiring, not using repetitive words – Non-Verbal Communication: Eye Contact, Gestures and Facial expression showing that you are proud of the person or thing you are paying tribute to – Completed Outline (this must be submitted before you record your speech)

DUE DATES Topic Selection: You must comment on our site and tell me who or what you are paying tribute to by tomorrow (Friday September 19 th ) You must read the pp, watch the videos, and complete the outline by Wedenesday (September 24 th ) You must record your speech and submit it to me by the following Monday (September 29 th ) Rock it Out!!!