1. Special-occasion speaking
Chapter 18
Special-occasion speaking

2. Types of special-occasion speeches: Speech of introduction
The brief “speech before the speech”
prepares audience for “main event by giving context for the upcoming speaker, performer, or event.

3. Types of special-occasion speeches: Speech of presentation
Explains background and significance of an award or honor before it is given

4. Types of special-occasion speeches: Speech of acceptance
A speech of thanks and gratitude for an award by a recipient who acknowledges the award’s significance and the support of others.

5. Types of special-occasion speeches: Speech to memorialize or eulogize
honors the sacrifices and heroism of a group of people, often on a specific day (memorial)
celebrates the life of a deceased person and reflects on events in that person’s life (eulogy).

6. Types of special-occasion speeches: Speech to celebrate
a toast or observance that mark an important event or a ritual such as:
A wedding
A graduation
A child’s birth
A retirement
A birthday

7. Types of special-occasion speeches: After dinner speech
An entertaining, often humorous, speech that lightens the mood before an event that follows a formal dinner

8. General guidelines for special occasions: Appealing to your audience’s emotions
Your audience may be primed with a specific emotional reaction to the special event.
Your job as a speaker is to signal when that specific emotion should surface.

9. General guidelines for special occasions: Matching delivery to mood of occasion
Match demeanor and words to the mood of the special-occasion.
Ensure that what you say and how you say it is appropriate for the occasion.

10. General guidelines for special occasions: Evoking shared values
Your speech should appeal to common values of the audience.
Remind speakers that you and they are connected.

11. General guidelines for special occasions: Respect time constraints
Find out:
when you are supposed to speak
amount of time you have
Adhere to these logistics when delivering your speech, as most special-occasions are carefully planned events.

12. Strategies for each type of special-occasion speech: Speeches of presentation
Adopt the persona of a presenter by speaking respectfully and knowledgeably about the subject.
Explain the significance and background of the award or honor.
Connect the recipient’s background to the award’s criteria.
Be sensitive to cultural differences.

13. Strategies for each type of special-occasion speech: Speeches of acceptance

14. Strategies for each type of special-occasion speech: Speeches to memorialize or eulogize
Review and celebrate the deceased person’s life while consoling listeners and facilitating their public grieving.

15. Strategies for each type of special-occasion speech: Speeches to memorialize or eulogize
Specific tips for delivering eulogies
Focus on honoring the person’s life.
Highlight accomplishments, relationships, and unique qualities.
Tell stories familiar to the listeners to establish common ground.
Use humor judiciously to relieve the sorrow.
It’s okay to show your own emotions if they surface while you are speaking.

16. Strategies for each type of special-occasion speech: Speeches to celebrate
Explain the significance of the occasion, acknowledging the joy that everyone is feeling.
Inspire the audience to participate in the celebration.

17. Strategies for each type of special-occasion speech: Speeches to celebrate
Tips for delivering speeches to celebrate
Aim for brevity.
Use humor appropriately, based on your audience analysis.

18. Strategies for each type of special-occasion speech: After dinner speeches
Humorous anecdotes or witty stories that connect the larger theme are better than jokes or one-liners.
Captivating an audience after they have eaten and drank is difficult, so practice your storytelling and narrative delivery.
Adapt your delivery to your listeners and the occasion so that what you say appears fresh and interesting.

19. Tips for special-occasion speeches
Tip: Be aware of the type of speech your audience will expect and follow the strategies suggested to tailor your speech effectively.
Tip: Be sure to practice your speech so you are comfortable with it and can deliver it extemporaneously.