Lesson 7: Speeches for Special Occasion

On ceremonial occasions, your audience has distinct expectations for what they will hear. This chapter will help you learn the expectations and considerations of six different special occasion speeches.

1. Speeches of welcome

1. Speech of Welcome: a brief ceremonial address that greets and expresses pleasure for the presence of a person or an organization. You will frequently give a welcoming speech as the representative of a group or be asked to serve as master or mistress of ceremonies: an individual designated to set the mood of the program, introduce participants, and keep the program moving

 

1. Expectations – You must be familiar with the group that you are representing and the occasion for the welcoming.

1. Organization
   1. The beginning, you may want to express appreciation of your group for the presence of the person or organization.
   2. Provide a brief description of the group and setting to which he or she is being welcomed.
   3. The conclusion should briefly express your hope for the outcome of the visit, event, or relationship.

 

1. Speeches of introduction

1. Speech 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.

1. Organization
   1. The beginning, quickly establish the nature of the occasion
   2. The body should focus on three or four things about the person being introduced that are critical for the audience to know
   3. The conclusion should mention the speaker by name and briefly identify the speaker’s topic or the title of the speech.

 

1. Speeches of nomination

1. Speech of nomination: a ceremonial presentation that proposes a nominee for an elected office, honor, position or award.

 

1. Expectations – You must highlight the qualities that make this person the most credible candidate

1. Organization
   1. First clarify the importance of the position, honor or award.
   2. List the candidate’s personal and professional qualifications that meet those criteria
   3. Formally place the candidate’s name in nomination, creating a dramatic climax to clinch your speech

1. Speeches of recognition

1. 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 the group.

 

1. Expectations – You need to discuss why the recipient is being recognized, including what the recognition criteria were and how the recipient met them. Refrain from over-praising. In the U.S., it is traditional to shake hands with recipients as awards are received.

1. Organization
   1. Begin by describing what the recognition is for
   2. Then state the criteria for winning or achieving the recognition
   3. Describe how the person being recognized won or achieved the award.

 

1. Speeches of acceptance

1. Speech of acceptance: a ceremonial speech given to acknowledge receipt of an honor or award.

 

1. Expectations – The goal is to convey your appreciation for the honor. This is a brief speech.

1. Organization
   1. Briefly thank the person or group bestowing the honor
   2. Acknowledge the competition
   3. Express feelings about receiving the award
   4. Thank those who contributed to achieving the honor or award

1. Speeches of tribute

1. Speech of tribute: a ceremonial speech that praises or celebrates a person, a group or an event.
   1. A toast is a ceremonial speech offered at the start of a reception or meal that pays tribute to the occasion or to a person. It should be sincere and express a sentiment that is likely to be widely shared by those in attendance.
   2. A roast is an event where family and friends share short speeches that offer good-natured insults or anecdotes, in honor of one person.
   3. A eulogy is a ceremonial speech of tribute during a funeral or memorial service that praises someone’s life and accomplishments.

VII. Other ceremonial speeches

1. Commencement address: a speech of tribute praising graduating students and inspiring them to reach for their goals.

 

1. Commemorative addresses: a ceremonial speech of tribute that celebrates national holidays or anniversaries of important events.

 

1. Keynote address: a ceremonial speech that both sets the tone and generates enthusiasm for the topic of a conference or convention.

 

1. Dedication: a speech of tribute that honors a worthy person or group by naming a structure, monument, or park after them

 

1. Farewell: a ceremonial speech of tribute honoring someone who is leaving an organization

 

1. Speech to entertain: a humorous speech that makes a serious point