Ceremonial Speaking: Speeches for Special Occasions

Speeches for Special Occasions

Master or Mistress of Ceremonies An individual designated to set the mood of the program, introduce participants, and keep the program moving. The Master of Ceremonies is responsible for ensuring that the program/event runs smoothly, runs on time and that all important people at the event are introduced in a complimentary, professional manner. Being a successful Master of Ceremonies requires, preparation, a friendly manner and ability to adjust to/ad lib as necessary to ensure a successful event

Speeches of Welcome A brief, formal ceremonial address that greets and expresses pleasure for the presence of a person or an organization Expectations – you must be familiar with the group that you are representing and the occasion, or do some research so you can accurately describe the group and the circumstances or occasion to the person or people you are welcoming

Typical Welcome

Speeches of Introduction A brief ceremonial speech that establishes a supportive climate for the main speaker, highlights the speaker’s credibility by familiarizing the audience with pertinent biographical information, and generates enthusiasm for listening to the speaker and topic Expectations Provide Education, Background, Experience Establish Nature of Occasion Considerations Do Not Hype or Overpraise Present Accurate and Relevant Information

Speech of Nomination A ceremonial presentation that proposes a nominee for an elected office, honor, position, or award Expectations First clarify the importance of the position, honor, or award by describing the responsibilities involved, related challenges or issues, and the characteristics needed to fulfill. Second, list the candidate’s personal and professional qualifications that meet those criteria. Considerations Do Not Overpraise Shake Hands with Recipient on Presentation

Typical Introduction/Nomination

Speech of Recognition A ceremonial presentation that acknowledges someone and usually presents an award, a prize, or a gift to the individual or a representative of a group Expectations – discuss the nature of the accomplishment or award, including its history, donor, or source, and the conditions under which it is made; then discuss why the recipient deserves it Considerations Do Not Hype or Overpraise Present Accurate and Relevant Information

Typical Recognition

Speech of Acceptance A ceremonial speech given to acknowledge receipt of an honor or award Expectations – briefly thank the person or group bestowing the honor, acknowledge the competition, express feelings about receiving the award, and thank those who contributed to achieving the honor or award Considerations Be Brief Don’t Advocate a Cause Acknowledge Help Express Feelings about Recognition

Speech of Acceptance

Typical Acceptance

Speeches of Tribute A ceremonial speech that praises or celebrates a person, a group, or an event Toasts – pays tribute to the occasion or to a person Roasts – an event in honor of one person, in which short speeches offering good-natured insults or anecdotes are made in turn by guests Eulogy – a ceremonial speech of tribute during a funeral or memorial service that praises someone’s life and accomplishments

Toasts

Typical Toast

Tributes and Eulogies

Tributes and Eulogies

Other Ceremonial Speeches Commencement address – tribute praising graduating students and inspiring them to reach for their goals Commemorative address – tribute that celebrates national holidays or anniversaries of important events Keynote address – both sets the tone and generates enthusiasm for the topic of a conference or convention

Other Ceremonial Speeches (cont.) Dedication – honors a worthy person or group by naming a structure such as a building, monument, or park after the honoree Farewell – speech of tribute honoring someone who is leaving an organization Speech to entertain – a humorous speech that makes a serious point

Typical Ceremonial Speeches

Websites http://www.nvcc.edu/home/npeck/spd100/occasion.htm http://www.speech-topics-help.com/how-to-write-a-eulogy.html http://textcommons.org/node/89 http://www.speech-topics-help.com/special-occasion-speech-topics.html