1. Professor: Celso.Bósquez Second Semester. 2009 Special Occasion Speeches

2.  The Invocation.  The commencement speech.  The award or tribute speech. Guidelines About Speeches:

3. Special Occasion Speeches How to introduce a speaker. How to give an impromptu speech. How to organize a panel presentation. How to handle a question and answer session. Some Specialized Speaking Skills:

4. The Invocation The fewer words, the better prayer. Martin Luther Could you come up with an invocation that´s appropriate for a mixed business gathering – a gathering that might include Catholic, Jews, Protestants and others. Avoid prayers that represent a specific religious preference.

5. The Invocation In a business setting, it´s appropriate to:  Give thanks for all blessings.  Pray for peace.  Ask for wisdom and courage and strength to deal with your problems.

6. The Commencement Speech Proclaim not all thou knowest. Benjamin Franklin It´s safest to speak for between ten and fifteen minutes. If you go on longer, the audience may get dangerously restless.

7. Presenting an Award “Tis an old maxim in the schools, that flattery´s the food of fools; yet now and then your men of wit. Will condescend to take a bit. Jonathan Swift A person who retires after forty years of service. An employee who contributes a money – saving idea to the company. A telephone installer who saves a customer´s life. All of these people deserve some special recognition.

8. Presenting an Award These five guidelines should help: Be Generous with the Praise. Be Specific. Be Personal. Be Sincere. Be Inspirational.

9. Introducing a Speaker Just call the speaker and ask for a written introduction – not a resume or a vita, but a completely written introduction that you can deliver.

10. Introducing a Speaker A good introduction should be brief – certanly no more than four minutes. Just a minute or two. It should include: Several mentions of the speaker´s name. The speaker´s qualifications to talk about the topic. The title of the speech.

11. Introducing a Speaker Introduction Dos: Be sure to pronounce the speaker´s name correctly. Repeat the speaker´s name several times during the introduction so the audience can catch it. At the end of the introduction, face the audience and announce the speaker´s name. Then turn to the speaker and smile.

12. Introducing a Speaker Introduction Dos: In formal situations, applaud until the speaker reaches your side, shake hands, and return to your place. In informal situations, sit down as soon as the speaker rises and starts toward the lectern. Pay close attention to the speaker´s opening. Plan these movements carefully.

13. Introducing a Speaker Introduction Don´ts: Don´t upstage the speaker by making your introduction too funny. Don´t try to present a capsule summary of the speaker´s speech. Don´t steal the speaker´s material. Don´t rely on memory.

14. Introducing a Speaker Introduction Don´ts: Don´t ad - lib. Don´t draw attention to any negative conditions. Don´t put pressure on the speaker by saying. Don´t try to con the audience by saying things such as, “ this is the funniest speaker you´ll ever hear.”.

15. Introducing a Speaker Seven Cliches That Never Work in an Introduction. 1.“Ladies and gentlemen, here is a speaker who needs no introduction.” 2.“We are truly honored to have with us today.” 3.“Without further ado.” 4.“It is indeed a high privilege.” 5.“On this most memorable and ceremonial occasion.” 6.“Ladies and gentlemen, heeeere´s.” 7.“We are a lucky audience because we have none other than.”

16. The Impromptu Speech Make notes about the topic you thing will come up. Practice some impromptus until you are comfortable and convincing. Be sure to practice aloud. Your thoughts can´t count until they´re spoken – and heard. Not necessarily. If you have poise, your audience will forgive you almost anything. Keep your head high, your back straight, your shoulders relaxed, your eyes alert, your voice strong, your pitch moderate.

17. The Impromptu Speech How to Organize an Impromptu Speech.  Decide what you want to talk about – fast!  Open with a generalization to stall for time, if necessary.  Feel free to pause for a few seconds to collect your thoughts.  Commit yourself to that approach.

18. The Impromptu Speech How to Organize an Impromptu Speech.  Wrap up your impromptu speech with a firm conclusion – a punch line that people can focus on.  Present just two or three points of evidence.  Or, repeat the question to stall for extra time.  Do not ramble.

19. Panel Presentations  Seat the panelists three or four minutes in advance just long enough to allow them to get thir papers in order.  Make sure they have glasses of water, with exra pichers on the table.  Use large name cards to identify the panelists.  Start the presentation on time.  Introduce yourself right away.

20. Panel Presentations  Make sure the audience is comfortable.  As you introduce the panelists, use their names two or three times.  Give the panelists a thirty – second signal so they can wrap up their presentation.  close the presentation on schedule with a few words of thanks to the panelists and to the audience.  Tell the purpose of the panel presentation..  Explain how the panel will work.

21. Panel Presentations How to Be Panelists Be prepared for the worst. If the moderator forgot name cards or didn´t pronounce your name properly, start by saying, “Hello I´m (name).” If the moderator didn´t give you an adequate introduction, briefly give your credentials and explain why you´re there. If you are the last speaker and the time has rum out, know how to give a shortened presentation. If another panelist refuses to stop speaking and the moderador can´t control the situation, you may be forced to assert yourself.

22. Question and Answer Sessions There aren´t any embarrassing question – just embarrassing answer. Ambassador Carl T. Rowan, Jr A question and answer session can make or break your speech.

23. Question and Answer Sessions  Take questions from all parts of the audience.  Listen carefully to each question  Pay attention to your posture and body language.  Treat every questioner as an equal.  Repeat all positive question.

24. Question and Answer Sessions  Paraphrase the negative question.  Look first at the person who asked the question.  Respond simply and directly  Don´t extend your answers.  Don´t limit yourself by saying, “This will be our last question.”

25. Special Occasion Speeches The Invocation The Commencement Speech Presenting an Award

26. Special Occasion Speeches Introducing a Speaker The Impromptu Speech Panel Presentations Question and Answer Sessions