Speaking on Special Occasions The Art of Public

Speaking on Special Occasions The Art of Public Speaking Chapter 18

Speeches for Special Occasions • Given at weddings, funerals, award presentations, dedications, retirements, graduations, affairs of state • Speeches help make occasions special and memorable • Primary goal neither to inform or persuade, but to meet needs of occasion

Kinds of Special Occasion Speeches • • Speech of Introduction Speech of Presentation Speech of Acceptance Commemorative Speech

Speech of Introduction: GOALS • Build enthusiasm for upcoming speaker • Generate interest in speaker’s topic • Establish welcoming climate that will boost speaker’s credibility.

Speech of Introduction: GUIDELINES • • • Brief Completely accurate Adapt to occasion Adapt to main speaker Adapt to audience Create anticipation and drama

Requirements: Introduction of Persuasive Speaker Assignment • Mention topic/title WITHOUT expressing your opinion. • Explain why audience will be interested. • Give personal information about speaker and his/her credibility. • Announce speaker’s name. • Remain up front until speaker arrives.

Speech of Presentation • Given when someone receives award • Be brief • Explain why recipient is receiving award • Discuss achievements in a way to make them meaningful to audience. • Praise other competitors too, if any.

Acceptance Speech • Gives thanks for gift or award • Should thank people bestowing it • Should acknowledge people who helped recipient win award

Commemorative Speech • Address of praise or celebration • Pays tribute to person, group of people, institution, or idea • Eulogies, July 4 th, testimonial addresses, dedications • Purpose: to inspire audience, heighten admiration for subject

Commemorative Speech, cont. • Presents information about subject, but different from informative speech: – Informative sp. aims to communicate information clearly & accurately, but… – Commemorative aims to express feelings and arouse sentiments

Commemorative Speech, cont • Effectiveness depends above all on creative & subtle use of language – Eloquent language makes them memorable – Two guidelines • Avoid clichés and trite sentiments • Utilize stylistic devices Video Clip Reagan Commemorative Challenger Video Clip Reagan Commemorative Normandy

Extemporaneous Style vs. Manuscript Style Delivery • Video Clip-Speaking Extemporaneously. Elizabeth Dole • Video Clip-Speaking from a Manuscript. Ann Richards