Special Occasion Speaking

Special occasions are very important to the people who take part in them, and they are also nearly always occasion for speechmaking. Special occasions are very important to the people who take part in them, and they are also nearly always occasion for speechmaking. Speeches for special occasions are ritualized-structured in patterns standardized by a group; the emphasis is on ritualized tradition rather than revolutionary change. Speeches for special occasions are ritualized-structured in patterns standardized by a group; the emphasis is on ritualized tradition rather than revolutionary change.

Special Occasion Speaking Very memorable; tie us to specific occasion Very memorable; tie us to specific occasion Speeches are closely focused on a person, event, or object. Speeches are closely focused on a person, event, or object.

Common features Association with a particular context of people, location, and ideas Association with a particular context of people, location, and ideas The occasion gives rise to the message The occasion gives rise to the message Words themselves perform function (help deal with grief) Words themselves perform function (help deal with grief) Logical Content of words usually counts for less than their emotional force. Logical Content of words usually counts for less than their emotional force. Therapeutic aspect of words- help people understand and cope with change Therapeutic aspect of words- help people understand and cope with change

Speech to Present Gift or Award Be brief but memorable Be brief but memorable Overall goal is to give fair tribute (to a person, event) Overall goal is to give fair tribute (to a person, event) Informative, explain the nature of award, describe why the person deserves it Informative, explain the nature of award, describe why the person deserves it If interesting, mention history of award If interesting, mention history of award Criteria for award Criteria for award Give merit to the donor Give merit to the donor When giving the award, call the recipient in short sentence, be friendly and dignified When giving the award, call the recipient in short sentence, be friendly and dignified Talk about how you know the recipient Talk about how you know the recipient Praise any sacrifice by the recipient Praise any sacrifice by the recipient Cite qualities that make the recipient uniquely valued Cite qualities that make the recipient uniquely valued

Speech to Accept Gift or Award Most people find it easier to give praise than to accept it. Most people find it easier to give praise than to accept it. Accept award and give thanks to donors Accept award and give thanks to donors Give appropriate thanks and recognition to those who have contributed to your success Give appropriate thanks and recognition to those who have contributed to your success Be brief Be brief Mention what the award means to you Mention what the award means to you Express affection for organization Express affection for organization Recognize competitors Recognize competitors Let your personality shine through Let your personality shine through Possibly a touch of humor Possibly a touch of humor

Eulogy/Speech of Tribute Pay special honor to significant people, living or dead Pay special honor to significant people, living or dead Structure speech around the character of the person Structure speech around the character of the person Talk about how this person affected others Talk about how this person affected others Mat connect the person to a value, then focus on it Mat connect the person to a value, then focus on it Admit pain of loss Admit pain of loss Emphasize person’s value Emphasize person’s value Remember person’s kindness Remember person’s kindness Possible speak directly to deceased person Possible speak directly to deceased person

Reminisce about early years Reminisce about early years Share an anecdote (choose a story) Share an anecdote (choose a story) Quote the deceased Quote the deceased Give audience a chance to smile Give audience a chance to smile Humanize the person receiving tribute Humanize the person receiving tribute Avoid excessive praise- may be taken as sarcasm Avoid excessive praise- may be taken as sarcasm Express personal feelings, but don’t center speech around them Express personal feelings, but don’t center speech around them Eulogy/Speech of Tribute

You never know when you’ll be asked to give one…no easy way out of it. You never know when you’ll be asked to give one…no easy way out of it. Define marriage Define marriage Wish bride and groom health, happiness and prosperity Wish bride and groom health, happiness and prosperity With them a smooth life With them a smooth life Wish everyone joy Wish everyone joy Toast both sets of parents Toast both sets of parents Pay attention to previous toasts Pay attention to previous toasts Use quotes Use quotes Don’t apologize or give disclaimers Don’t apologize or give disclaimersToasts