A SPECIAL OCCASION SPEECH is a prepared speech for a particular event. This speech can be informative, persuasive or a combination of both. The sublime function is to celebrate, encourage, amuse, commemorate or set a social agenda. There are many different types of speeches that could be used on a SPECIAL OCCASION. Here are the different types of speeches:
I. Speeches of Introduction- this type of speech is to “warm up” the audience for the main speaker. A good introduction speech balances four important elements:
A. The speaker’s background- mentions a few but important achievements or credible facts of the speaker.
B. The subject of the speaker’s message- gives the audience a sense of why the subject is of interest. Do not evaluate or comment on the speech. The rule is: Get in and out quickly with a few well-chosen remarks.
C. The salutation- asks the audience to welcome the speaker, “Please welcome John Doe.”
D. The length- the time recommendation of this type of speech, encompassing all elements, is a two-minute maximum.
II. Speeches of Acceptance- this is an acceptance speech of gratitude for the speaker, in response to receiving an award. Here are the important elements:
A. Advance preparation- if the speaker is aware of receiving an award, then decides in advance what to say.
B. Award relevance- let your audience know of the importance that this award has to you with graciousness and humility.
C. Express gratitude- Thank the organization that has given you the award and acknowledge anyone else or organizations that helped you achieve the award.
III. Speeches of Presentation- this type of speech is to describe the meaning of the award and to explain why the recipient is receiving it. Here are the important elements:
A. Importances of the award- explain what the award is about and its representation to the sponsors giving the award.
B. Recipient’s qualification- explains why the recipient was deserving of the award.
C. Physical presentation- decide and practice giving the award before the ceremony to avoid awkwardness, such as which hand will give the award and which hand will be used to shake the recipients hand.
IV. Roasts and Toasts- both of these speeches are short whose goal is to celebrate an individual and his or her achievements. A toast is a humorous tribute to the honoree, in which a number of speakers are poking fun at him or her. A toast is a brief tribute to a person or an event being celebrated. Here are the important elements:
A. Prepare- presentation may appear impromptu, but time should be spent drafting, rehearsing, and practicing. Time the speech too.
B. Highlight remarkable traits of the person being honored- confine your remarks to one or two remarks of the honorees most recognizable or unusual character traits. Convey the qualities that have made him or her worthy of celebrating.
C. Be positive- although a roast is a humorous tribute, keep the tone positive. Remember the purpose is to pay tribute to the honoree.
D. Be brief- both roasts and toasts should be brief. Other speakers will be paying tribute to the honoree as well.
V. Eulogies and Other Tributes- eulogy is a Greek word meaning “to praise.” Speakers are usually close friends or relatives of the deceased. The purpose of a eulogy is to commemorate life not death. Focus on the life of the deceased as opposed to the circumstance of their death. Here are some important elements:
A. Balance delivery and emotions- the audience will focus on the speaker for guidance in dealing with the loss and commemoration of the deceased. Therefore, stay in control and try not to allow emotions to overwhelm the presentation. If the moment becomes too emotional for you, then stop briefly. Take a deep breath and then continue on.
B. Refer to the family of the deceased- families suffer the greatest loss, and a funeral is primarily for their benefit. Show respect for the family, and mention each family member by name.
C. Be positive but realistic- emphasized the deceased’s positive qualities while avoiding excessive praise.
VI. After-Dinner Speeches- in general, an after-dinner speech is expected to be lighthearted and entertaining. At the same time, listeners expect to gain insight into the topic at hand. Here are two important elements:
A. Recognize the occasion- connect the speech with the occasion. Delivering a speech that is unrelated to the event may leave the impression that the speech is canned; one that the speaker uses again and again in different settings.
B. Keep remarks sufficiently low-key to accompany the digestion of the meal- even when charged with addressing a serious topic, keep the tone somewhat low-key.
VII. Speeches of Inspiration- this type of speech seeks to motivate listeners to positively consider, reflect on, and sometimes act on the speaker’s words. Effective speeches of inspiration touch on deep feelings in the audience. Through emotional force, they urge us toward purer motives and harder effort and remind us of a common good. Here are important elements to consider:
A. Appeal to audience members’ emotions- invoke emotions by providing vivid descriptions and emotionally charged words. Transport the audience from a state of mundane to a loftier level.
B. Use real-life stories- few things move us as much as real-life examples and stories, such as that of an ordinary person whose struggles result in triumph over adversity and the realization of a dream.
C. Be dynamic- infuse your speech with enthusiasm. Combining an energetic style with a powerful message spells success in speeches of inspiration.
D. Make your goal clear- inspirational speeches run the risk of being vague, leaving the audience unsure what the message was. Whatever you are trying to motivate your listeners to do let them know.
E. Consider a distinctive organizing device- contemplate using an acronym to deliver your inspirational speech. Such an example is the acronym W-I-N. A football coach may use this acronym to relay his message of work, intensity, and no excuses to the audience.
F. Close with a dramatic ending- use a dramatic ending to inspire your audience to feel or act, such as quotations, stories, rhetorical questions, and a call to action.
For more information click on the following link:
Publicspeakingrules.com
Here is a sample video regarding a special occasion speech:
Preparing a Special Occasion Speech
Here is an example for the objectives of a commemorative speech:
Objectives commemorative speech
For more information click on the following link:
Publicspeakingrules.com
Here is a sample video regarding a special occasion speech:
Preparing a Special Occasion Speech
Here is an example for the objectives of a commemorative speech:
Objectives commemorative speech
