Chapter Seventeen

Special Occasion Speeches

Chapter Seventeen

Table of ContentsFunctions of Special Occasion

SpeechesTypes of Special Occasion SpeechesDelivering the Special Occasion

Speech*

Functions of Special Occasion Speeches

EntertainmentCelebrationCommemorationInspirationSocial Agenda Setting*

Functions of Special Occasion Speeches

Special occasion speech- a speech prepared for a specific occasion and for a purpose dictated by that occasion.*

Functions of Special Occasion Speeches:

Entertainment

Speakers whose main purpose is to entertain those in attendance.

Listeners expect a lighthearted speech that amuses them.*

Functions of Special Occasion Speeches:

Celebration

Recognize the person(s) or event being celebrated.

Listeners expect the speaker to praise the subject of celebration and cast him or her in a positive light.*

Functions of Special Occasion Speeches:

Commemoration

To remember by ceremony a notable person, place, or event.

Occur on important anniversaries.*

Functions of Special Occasion Speeches:

Inspiration

Inspire audiences as well as pay homage to the person or event being commemorated.*

Functions of Special Occasion Speeches:

Social Agenda Setting

Establishing or reinforcing the goals and values of the group sponsoring the event.*

Types of Special Occasion Speeches

Speeches of IntroductionSpeeches of AcceptanceSpeeches of PresentationRoasts and ToastsEulogies and Other TributesAfter Dinner SpeechesSpeeches of Inspiration*

Types of Special Occasion Speeches:

Speeches of Introduction

A short story with the two goals of preparing the audience for the speaker and motivating them to listen to what he or she has to say.*

Types of Special Occasion Speeches:

Speeches of Introduction

Describe the Speaker’s BackgroundIdentify the Speaker CorrectlyBriefly Preview the Speaker’s TopicAsk the Audience to Welcome the

SpeakerBe BriefPractice Good Speaking HabitsRespond to Introduction*

Types of Special Occasion Speeches:

Speeches of Acceptance

A speech in which the recipient expresses gratitude for the honor bestowed upon them and acknowledges others who have contributed to their success.*

Types of Special Occasion Speeches:

Speeches of Acceptance

PrepareReact Genuinely and with HumilityThank Those Giving the AwardThank Others who Have Helped YouAccept the Award GracefullyEnd by Expressing Thanks*

Types of Special Occasion Speeches:

Speeches of Presentation

A speech in which the speaker communicates the importance of the award and explains why the recipient is receiving it.*

Types of Special Occasion Speeches:

Speeches of Presentation

Convey the Meaning of the AwardTalk about the Recipient of the

AwardConsider the Physical PresentationConsider Yourself*

Types of Special Occasion Speeches:

Roasts and Toasts

Roasts- a humorous tribute to a person, one in which a series of speakers will jokingly poke fun at him or her.

Toasts- a brief tribute to a person or event being celebrated.*

Types of Special Occasion Speeches:

Roasts and Toasts

PrepareHighlight Remarkable Traits of the

Person Being HonoredBe PositiveBe Brief*

Types of Special Occasion Speeches:

Eulogies and Other Tributes

Eulogy- a tribute to a deceased person one of the most

difficult and challenging speech occasions.*

Types of Special Occasion Speeches:

Eulogies and Other Tributes

Balance Delivery and EmotionsRefer to the Family of the DeceasedCommemorate Life - Not DeathBe Positive But Realistic*

Types of Special Occasion Speeches:

After Dinner Speeches

A lighthearted and entertaining speech delivered before, during, or after a meal.*

Types of Special Occasion Speeches:

After Dinner Speeches

Choose the Right TopicAvoid Stand-Up ComedyRecognize the OccasionThe After Dinner Speech and Social

Agenda Setting*

Types of Special Occasion Speeches:

Speeches of Inspiration

A speech that seeks to uplift the audience and help them see things in a positive light.*

Types of Special Occasion Speeches:

Speeches of Inspiration

Appeal to the Audience’s EmotionsUse Real-Life StoriesBe DynamicMake your Goal ClearUse a Distinctive Organizing DeviceClose with a Dramatic Ending*

Delivering the Special Occasion Speech

When delivering your special occasion speech, always remember to consider the appropriate level of formality for the occasion and adapt your communication style to it.*