1. Chapter 25: Speaking on Special Occasions

2. Whip Around
What are some of the most noteworthy aspects of special occasion speeches that you have heard?
Do poorly constructed and delivered special occasion speeches do more harm than good?

3. Functions of Special Occasion Speeches
Speech to entertain
Lighthearted, amusing speech
Offer a certain degree of insight
Speech to celebrate (person, place, event)
Praise the subject of the celebration
Offer a degree of ceremony

4. Purposes of Special Occasion Speeches (cont.)
Speech to commemorate (event or person)
Offer remembrance and tribute
Speech to inspire
Motivate by examples of achievement/heroism
Speech that sets a social agenda
Articulate/reinforce group’s goals and values

5. Types of Special Occasion Speeches
Speech of Introduction
Speech of Acceptance
Speech of Presentation
Roasts and Toasts
Eulogies and Other Tributes
After-Dinner Speech
Speech of Inspiration

6. Speeches of Introduction
Made to prepare the audience for the main speaker
Describe the speaker’s background and qualifications.
Briefly preview the speaker’s topic.
Invite the audience to welcome the speaker.
Be brief.

7. Speeches of Acceptance
Made when receiving an award
Prepare in advance when possible.
Express what the award means to you.
Express gratitude.
Be brief (usually three to five minutes).

8. Speeches of Presentation
Delivered when an award is given
Communicate the meaning of the award.
Explain why the recipient is receiving it.
May be given at an award ceremony, banquet, business meeting, or retreat.

9. Roasts and Toasts Roast Toast
Humorous tribute to a person
Series of speakers jokingly poke fun
Toast
Brief tribute to a person or event
Both call for short celebratory speeches.

10. Roasts and Toasts (cont.)
Prepare.
As you practice, time the speech.
Highlight remarkable tributes of the honoree.
Stand when you offer a roast or toast.
Be positive and be brief.

11. Eulogies and Other Tributes
Eulogies commemorate and console.
Balance delivery and emotions.
Refer to the deceased’s family.
Be positive but realistic.

12. After-Dinner Speeches
Lighthearted, entertaining speech
Listeners may expect
To gain insight into the topic.
To learn of the group’s priorities/goals.

13. After-Dinner Speeches (cont.)
Recognize the occasion.
Do not deliver a canned speech.
Keep remarks sufficiently low-key.
Listeners are digesting the meal.

14. Speeches of Inspiration
Seek to uplift audience members
Common examples:
Sermons
Commencement addresses
“Pep talks”
Nomination speeches

15. Speeches of Inspiration (cont.)
Appeal to audience members’ emotions.
Use real-life stories.
Be dynamic.

16. Speeches of Inspiration (cont.)
Make your goal clear.
Consider a distinctive organization device.
Close with a dramatic ending.

17. Sample Special Occasion Speech

18. Summary Questions
What is a special occasion speech? What are its five broad functions?
What are the different types of special occasion speeches?