Mastering Special Occasion Speeches: Tips and Techniques for Introductions and Presentations

1. Introduction to Public Speaking Chapter 17

2. Speaking on Special Occasions • Christenings, weddings, funerals, graduations, award ceremonies, inaugurals, retirement dinners, etc.

3. Speeches of Introduction • A speech that introduces the main speaker to the audience • Build enthusiasm for the upcoming speaker • Build enthusiasm for the speakers topic • Establish a welcoming climate that will boost the speaker’s credibility

4. Speeches of Introduction • Be Brief – No more than 3 to 4 minutes long • Make sure remarks are accurate • Check with the speaker before hand for information about him/herself • Adapt your remarks to the occasion • Being formal vs. Being casual

5. Speeches of Introduction • Adapt your remarks to the main speaker • Don’t make the speaker uncomfortable • Over praise (especially for speaking skills) • Embarrassing details about the speakers life • Adapt your remarks to the audience • Establish the speakers Credibility • State main achievements and explain why they are qualified to speak on the subject

6. Speeches of Introduction • Create a sense of anticipation and drama • Save the speakers name until the end of your speech • If the speaker is well known, show them in a different light

7. Speeches of Presentation • A speech that presents someone a gift, an award, or some other form of public recognition • Could be very short (and the winner is…), but no more than 4-5 minutes long • Acknowledge the achievements of the recipient…tell us why they are receiving the award • However, don’t give us the life story…focus on achievements related to the award

8. Speeches of Presentation • If the audience is not familiar with the award, tell them about it!!! • Why is it given, what’s the background, what merits the award? • If there are people who lose the award, be sure to acknowledge them as well.

9. Speeches of Acceptance • A speech that gives thanks for a gift, an award, or some other form of public recognition • Thank the people who are bestowing upon you as well as those who helped you gain it

10. Commemorative Speeches • A speech that pays tribute to a person, a group of people, an institution, or an idea • Includes Eulogies, Forth of July Speeches, testimonial addresses, or dedications • Give information about your subject…why is the subject praiseworthy?

11. Commemorative Speeches • Primary purpose is to inspire people • Heighten the appreciation or admiration of the person, institution, or idea • Don’t want to be a lecturer…you want to stir the emotions of your listeners • Use of language is CRITICAL!!!

12. Commemorative Speeches

13. Commemorative Speeches

14. After Dinner Speeches • A speech to entertain that makes a thoughtful point about its subject in a lighthearted manner • Can be after any meal…not just dinner • Tone of this speech will have an impact on your topic • Heavier topics probably shouldn’t be used for this speech

15. After Dinner Speeches • Can contain information that is new to the audience which can be used to persuade. However, they are primarily used for entertainment value • Despite light hearted tone, speeches still require structure and preparation • Should have a central theme (work, human nature, college life, etc)

16. After Dinner Speeches • Humor can be a big part of these speeches. • Make sure that your jokes are funny!

17. Speech assignment!!!!!