Tribute Speech

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

Where Do You Find Them?

Funerals Weddings Dedications Fourth of July celebrations Memorial Services Anniversaries Reunions Award Ceremonies Retirements

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

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

Who Can I Pick?

Musicians/Bands

ProfessionalAthletes

Historical Figures/Leaders

Artists/Writers/Entertainers

Innovators/Inventors

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 subjectand create a deep sense of respect in your audience

Emotion

You want to express feelings and stir up an emotional response

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

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

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

Tribute Speech

Outlining Your

Tribute Speech

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

Credibility

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

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

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?

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

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?

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