Tribute Speech What are Tribute Speeches l Tribute

Tribute Speech

What are Tribute Speeches l Tribute Speech: a speech that pays tribute to a person, a group of people, an institution, or an idea l It will show your respect, admiration, or thanks to a person

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

What’s Included in a Tribute Speech? l Admiration and Respect l A focus on positive qualities: – l For example: perseverance, dedication, humility, compassion, honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty, sacrifice, service, kindness, humor. . . Highlighting accomplishments and the difficulties overcome to achieve them

What’s Included in a Tribute Speech? l A reflection on the positive impact and contribution of the person on the lives of others l Grateful acknowledgment of what we can learn from their example to take into the future

Who Can I Pick?

Musicians/Bands

Professional Athletes

Historical Figures/ Leaders

Artists/Writers/ Entertainers

Innovators/Inventors

Purpose l The purpose is not to inform your listeners, but to inspire them l Heighten their appreciation or admiration for the person you are praising l Don’t just tell the details of the person’s life l Get to the heart of your subject and create a deep sense of respect in your audience

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

Importance of Language l It’s important to your thoughts and emotions into words which are appropriate for the occasion l Don’t use clichés l Use original language to give your speech dignity, meaning, and honest emotion

Eliminate Clutter l Keep your language lively l Don’t use several words where one or two will do l Do not use repetitive adjectives – Example: She is smart and intelligent

Imagery l Imagery: the use of vivid language to create mental images of objects, actions, or ideas l Create word pictures that let you “see” the haunted house or “hear” the birds chirping or “taste” the hot chocolate l Vivid images pull listeners into the speech

Outlining Your Tribute Speech

Introduction l Attention Grabber: Begin your tribute speech with a statement that grabs the audience’s attention l 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

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

Preview l 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

Background Information l Write down the major facts – Is the subject well known or famous? l Because of what? l What are credible examples of the major accomplishments? l Can you mention some valuable community activities, contributions in professional life that are or were important for the honoree. l Can you refer to any professional accomplishments? l His or her personal values?

Relationship l What are the unique and great qualities of the subject and what do they mean to you l Tell a story or refer to an incident that gives more insight in the personality and character of the person l Examples of their virtues – l 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

Impact l What has been learned as a result of their influence? l In what ways do they or have they inspired you? l What will you and others value and carry forward?

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