1. Tribute Speech

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Who Can I Pick?

7. Musicians/Bands

8. Professional Athletes

9. Historical Figures/ Leaders

10. Artists/Writers/ Entertainers

11. Innovators/Inventors

12. 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

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. Outlining Your
Tribute Speech
Tribute Speech

18. 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

19. Credibility
Your credibility will be how you know of and how long you’ve known about this person and what they mean to you

20. Preview Tell the audience who and what your speech is about
For example: “Today I’m going to speak about Taylor Swift…and how her music helped me to become the person that I am today”
This part is the backbone of your speech. All parts of your speech should be centered on this main idea

21. Background Information
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?
His or her personal values?

22. Relationship
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

23. 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?

24. Conclusion
Wrap up your speech with a conclusion that ties everything together and
relates directly to your main
idea
Summarize why you do truly
respect the honoree
Your conclusion should be concise and clear, leaving your audience with a sense of completeness regarding your speech