Lecture 6

1. Lecture 6 Speaking on Special Occasions

2. The aim of speeches on special occasions--- to fit the special needs of a special occasion: • Speeches of Introduction; • Speeches of Presentation; • Speeches of Acceptance; • Commemorative Speeches; • After-dinner Speeches.

3. I. Speeches of Introduction: • 1.  Three goals: • 1) It builds enthusiasm for the upcoming speaker; • 2) It generates interest in the speaker’s topic; • 3) It establishes a welcoming climate that will boost the speaker’s credibility.

4. 1.Guidelines: • 1)Be brief; • 2)Be completely accurate; • 3)Be adapted to the occasion; • 4)Be adapted to the main speaker; • 5)Be adapted to the audience; • 6) Create a sense of anticipation and drama.

5. II. Speeches of Presentation: • Given when someone is receiving publicly a gift, an award, or some other form of public recognition. • The main theme is to acknowledge the achievements & contributions of the recipient; why the recipient is receiving the award.

6. III. Speeches of Acceptance: • To give thanks for a gift or an award; • Major traits: • --- Brevity, humility and graciousness; • Thank the people who are bestowing the gift or award; • Acknowledge the people who helped the recipient win the award.

7. IV. Commemorative Speeches: • Addresses of praise and celebration: • --- pay tribute to a person, a group of people, an institution, or an idea; • The fundamental purpose: • --- to inspire the audience, to heighten their admiration for the person, institution, or idea being praised; • --- to express feelings and arouse sentiments.

8. 1. Two aspects of language use are especially important for commemorative speeches: • 1)Avoid clichés and trite sentiments. • 2) Utilize stylistic devices to enhance the imagery, rhythm, and creativity of the speech.

9. V. After-dinner Speeches: • Developed in England during the early 1800s when it was delivered literally after dinner. • It is lighter in tone than other types of speeches; • Any topic can be appropriate if approached in a lighthearted manner; • Supporting materials are primarily chosen for their entertainment value; • Imaginative, even whimsical, good-natured talk is preferred.

10. Topic: nutrition • 1)Informative speech: to inform my audience of the four basic nutrients in the human diet; • 2)Persuasive speech: to persuade my audience that they should reduce their consumption of red meat in favor of more fish, vegetables, and grains. • 3) After-dinner speech: to entertain my audience by showing them the ridiculous extremes some people go to in following special diets.